Communications: The Programs, Careers, and Lifestyle
Listed below are colleges and universities with online communications degrees.
All Eyes Are On You
A pipe from your company’s oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico just blew up, and thousands of tons of oil are spewing into the ocean. Your company is being attacked and many of your bosses are either quitting or being fired. The company turns to you for answers to help save the company’s image, and everything will collapse if you don’t.
Sound fun? Then a communications career, specifically the field of public relations, may be the thing for you, even though this case is a little dramatic. Those working in the field of communication, which includes such careers as journalism, public relations, public speaking, and the many careers revolving around the spread of media, use a variety of mediums to get messages across to certain audiences. Television, books, radio, newspapers, magazines, the internet, and blogs are just a few of their tools.
Salary and Career Outlook Summary
Median annual wages of reporters and correspondents were $34,800 in 2008, and jobs in this area are expected to fall in number, due to significant changes in the industry.
Public relations specialists, however, have a bright future, with jobs in this field expected to increase 24 percent by 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual wage for public relations specialists were just over $51,000 in 2008.
Those who specialize in speech writing or oration are found in so many industries that it’s hard to know how much they really make. Editors tend to make a little less than public relations professionals
Personality Profile
Every communications professional must be aware of their audience, because your audience determines the way you present any message. Those entering this field should have a good sense of timing, and should be good at controlling their language.
Also, most communications professionals will have to deal with deadlines, so be able to work under pressure.
Probably most important is that you have a love for communicating, and a strong passion for the skills of persuasion, clarity, and rhetoric. The role of communications professionals can be vital, as they can inform the public about important issues, save a business from collapse, and inspire change.
Career Outlook for Communications Majors
Are communications professionals in high demand? It depends on the industry. But, regardless of industry, media professionals are looking for innovative ways to communicate important messages to a broader audience. In many areas of the communications field, the system for communicating is broken, and people are scrambling to find a new way to approach things, using many forms of media.
Here are some ways communications workers can earn more money and make themselves more marketable:
Learn how to use many types of media
Since news and the spread of information is changing, communications experts need to understand things like social media and how to attract web visitors. This is true for both public relations professionals and journalists.
Learn how to write freelance
Many journalists earn significant income through freelance writing, meaning they will contact specific publications about story ideas and then get paid per article they write.
Have a finely tuned ability to express yourself in clarity.
It may be a given that in communications you should be able to 'communicate,' but what people don't realize is that it isn't an understatement. You should be confident in your ability to say the right thing at the right time on a consistent basis. You will be representing many different companies and clients that have more than high expectations as to how you present them to the public
Get a graduate degree:
Some writers go on to get a master’s degree in editing or some communication specialty, and therefore make themselves more marketable.
Click here to request more information on becoming a communications professional.
Salary Forecast for Communications Majors
Many public relations professionals work in the management of a company or enterprise, and this specific field tends to bring higher salaries than the average salary for a public relations specialist. Other well-paid public relations employees will work in politics, or for a public relations agency. Local government and universities also hire public relations’ teams to handle important communication. Average salaries for all these professions are at or above $50,000 a year.
Many news organizations are cutting back their staff and are finding new business models to meet the changes in the news industry. Since more and more people are getting quick news through online and social media sources, traditional news sources are in the middle of adapting. News jobs are expected to decline over the next ten years.
Median annual wages of reporters and correspondents were $34,800 in 2008. The lowest ten percent earned barely $20,000 a year. Editors of magazines and newspapers can expect to earn significantly more, but also are generally required to have advanced education. Broadcast news analysts, the ones who appear on TV and on radio, earn significantly more on average, with a yearly average salary of $51,000.
Education Requirements for Careers in Communications
Most universities offer degrees in journalism, public relations, or a general communications major. Some universities will offer a mass communications major, or maybe even a multi-media communications major. Employers will expect you to have a bachelor’s degree in these subjects.
In 2008 there were nearly 70,000 reporters and correspondents in the United States. With this number expected to fall, communications students wanting to enter the news industry should try to get as much experience as possible in college and at internships, so employers will have a reason to hire them. Train yourself so that you aren’t the person who writes the headline “Missippi raises literacy levels,” or the person who burps while delivering the news to a live audience (both of these happened).
Those entering any communication field need to constantly work to develop their skills of expression, in word and in writing. They must also have excellent grammar and editing skills, which is especially difficult considering how often writing style guides change.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with Communications programs
University of Phoenix
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AA - Communications
Students enrolled in the Associate of Arts in Communications degree program will develop a foundation for understanding and practicing the effective exchange of information, ranging from interpersonal and small group communications, to public speaking and mass media. Courses include "win-win" communications processes, problem-solving information strategies, and news presentations for print, web and broadcast delivery.
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B.S. in Communication/Communication and Technology
This degree focuses on the enhancement of communication through technology, and offers the student an opportunity to explore creative communication solutions through websites, electronic publishing, image editing and multimedia development.
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B.S. in Communication/Culture and Communication
The concentration in Culture and Communication is designed to prepare students with a well-rounded view of diversity in American society. Students will focus on the experiences of people from different cultures and how communication differs by race and gender. In addition, students will gain a global perspective on race, ethnicity and class in the United States. Students will compare cultural topics such as Asian American, African American, Hispanic American, gender, and their differences.
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B.S. in Communication/Marketing and Sales Communication
This concentration focuses on the science of humanistic interaction in marketing and sales. Emphasis is placed on understanding the psychology of behavior, and the impact that it has on marketing communication tools and strategies. The ethical responsibility associated with customer message management is also emphasized throughout the program.
Ashford University
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BA/Journalism and Mass Communication
Search for truth when you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication degree online from Ashford University. With the advancement of electronic media has come increasing demand for responsible journalists – professionals with the skills and knowledge to use new media and to broadcast timely information to the public.
In this program, you will learn the rights, and responsibilities of news media professionals in a democracy. You will create an electronic portfolio of work to showcase your professional journalistic skills. Your courses include a wide range of topics, from composition and editing to research and analysis. Contribute to a free society with your Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication.
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BA/Communication Studies
Extend your reach with your Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies earned online from Ashford University. A Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies makes a good fit if you are interested in pursuing a potential career in human resources, business and communications management, public policy and administration, journalism, or the media. Your Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree will demonstrate your proficiency and competence as a professional in today's business world. Upon graduation, you will be well acquainted with modern communications, be highly trained in multicultural communications and conflict resolution, and exhibit advanced persuasion skills. Stretch your skills while enhancing your understanding of modern communications with your Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
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BA/Public Relations and Marketing - International Management
Explore the many ways in which public relations and marketing influence virtually every aspect of your life when you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing degree online from Ashford University. You'll find public relations and marketing are the foundation of every successful business and organization. Discover stimulating and creative areas of study that encompass such topics as communication, consumer behavior, advertising and promotion, research, and strategy. Find out how the best marketing professionals succeed in capturing potential customers' attention, addressing their needs, and securing their business.
Broaden your Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing with a specialization in International Management. You will prepare to exercise leadership in a diverse array of international and multicultural scenarios.
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BA/Health Marketing and Communications
Inform the public on vital health issues. Pursue your Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication degree online from Ashford University.
As the health care industry continues to grow, there are a variety of careers for health communicators. If you dream of designing health interventions and campaigns, this degree is for you. This degree demonstrates your ability to deliver information that protects the health of diverse populations. Your courses draw from marketing, public relations, and health science to give you a broad perspective on public health information. You will explore community health issues, advertising, and social media. Promote well-being – earn your Bachelor of Arts in Health Marketing and Communication.
Walden University
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication - Self-Designed
Explore strategies and techniques for using traditional media and emerging technologies to more effectively communicate in today's constantly connected world. Choose from career-focused concentrations—including marketing, public relations, and new media—designed to help you gain the insight and expertise today's employers are seeking. Whether you are looking to launch a new career or advance in your current field, the skills learned through Walden's B.S. in Communication can be applied across a broad range of fields.
Concentrations
- Marketing Communication
- New Media
- Online Work and Communities
- Organizational Communication
- Public Relations
- Self-Designed
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication - Marketing Communication
Explore strategies and techniques for using traditional media and emerging technologies to more effectively communicate in today's constantly connected world. Choose from career-focused concentrations—including marketing, public relations, and new media—designed to help you gain the insight and expertise today's employers are seeking. Whether you are looking to launch a new career or advance in your current field, the skills learned through Walden's B.S. in Communication can be applied across a broad range of fields.
Concentrations
- Marketing Communication
- New Media
- Online Work and Communities
- Organizational Communication
- Public Relations
- Self-Designed
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication - New Media
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Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication - Public Relations
Explore strategies and techniques for using traditional media and emerging technologies to more effectively communicate in today's constantly connected world. Choose from career-focused concentrations—including marketing, public relations, and new media—designed to help you gain the insight and expertise today's employers are seeking. Whether you are looking to launch a new career or advance in your current field, the skills learned through Walden's B.S. in Communication can be applied across a broad range of fields.
Concentrations
- Marketing Communication
- New Media
- Online Work and Communities
- Organizational Communication
- Public Relations
- Self-Designed
Kaplan University
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BS in Communication
An online Bachelor of Science in Communication from Kaplan University could prepare you to become an effective creator and conveyer of ideas, concepts, and information in today's competitive global workplace. The program combines theory and application, and is designed to help you improve your writing and speaking skills and develop a deeper understanding of social issues and new media. These abilities, together with proficiency in research and knowledge of social change, could prepare you to pursue career opportunities in public administration, advertising, public relations, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, ministry, social services, technical writing, opinion and market research, fundraising, civil service, international business, management, marketing, and publishing.*
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.
Grand Canyon University
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B.A. in Communications
The Bachelor of Arts in Communications program develops leaders in the fields of human communication and media. The program is built on a values-based liberal arts foundation. Students develop the knowledge, creativity and intermodal communication skills necessary to design and deliver compelling messages. Video production, website design and social media proficiency are included in their skill base. Graduates go on to careers in public relations, marketing, advertising, media relations and internal communication departments within companies and organizations.
Prospective students should have some previous college experience.
Full Sail University
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Creative Writing (Master of Fine Arts)
If you want to learn how to craft the compelling stories behind film, television, games, and other entertainment media — and gain the skills to effectively market your work — Full Sail University's online Creative Writing Master of Fine Arts Degree Program can give you the tools you need. You'll explore concepts including visual storytelling, character development, screenwriting and storyboarding for a variety of media — building a diverse portfolio and the business know-how to pursue your dream career.
Course Highlights Include:
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Film Screenwriting and Storyboarding
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The Art of Visual Storytelling
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Editing for Film, Game, and Animation Scripts
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Writing for Games
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Script Analysis and Criticism
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Character Creation and Development
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Creative Writing for Entertainment (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
Creative writers are in high demand within the entertainment industry and Full Sail University's Online Creative Writing for Entertainment Bachelor's Degree Program will provide you with a challenging curriculum to help perfect your writing and editorial skills by emphasizing visual storytelling, narrative structures, character development, scriptwriting, and storyboarding. Students write and workshop their writing in a variety of formats and genres including horror, science fiction, mystery, comedy and suspense. Whether the final delivery is a movie theater, TV screen, computer monitor, game console, website, or mobile device, it all begins with a well-crafted and captivating story.
Course Highlights:
- Story Development
- Storyboarding, Animation & Comics
- Visual Thinking and Writing
- Literary Techniques
- Symbolic Communications & Cartography
- Scriptwriting Techniques
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Sports Marketing and Media (Bachelor of Science)
American InterContinental University Online
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Associate (AA) in Visual Communication
The Associate of Arts degree in Visual Communication is designed to educate and develop artistic and imaginative students for careers as creative professionals in commercial art and design. The program emphasizes the development of a student's creative process and their problem solving abilities. Students will have a strong foundation in traditional methods and learn to apply those techniques to modern digital methods and processes. Graduates of the program should be able to function as successful creative professionals in a variety of art and design markets.
