What Can I Do with a Communication Degree?

By: Emily Dexter & Jake Hreha

When choosing which college degree to pursue, one of the most important questions you can ask is what options that degree will give you down the road. What doors will this degree open for you? What kinds of jobs will it qualify you to apply for?

You might work in a variety of industries over the course of your career – especially since Americans have been switching jobs more frequently in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Industries such as social media, public relations, and marketing have a large number of media and communication occupations. Choosing a degree like communication that qualifies you to work in a variety of fields can be a great option. With a communications major, you’ll learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills, while improving your public speaking and writing abilities.

A communications degree is valuable to many jobs because communication skills are so important. Whether you are communicating on social media platforms, using verbal communication skills, writing press releases, or creating strategies for digital marketing campaigns, communications skills are needed. There are lots of options when it comes to finding the right job with communication degree skills.

Here are five common career fields that communication majors enter, along with data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1. Public Relations

Public relations specialists play a critical role in building and maintaining positive relationships between the public and individuals or organizations. A public relations specialist may spend time conversing with media outlets, drafting press releases, problem-solving, and analyzing market trends.

Median Salary for Public Relations Specialists, 2021 | $62,800

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) | 8% (faster than average)

2. Human Resources

Human resources specialists are an integral part of many successful companies. Their responsibilities include recruiting and interviewing job applicants, settling new hires in jobs, and managing internal affairs such as employee benefits, compensation, and training.

Median Salary for Human Resources Specialists, 2021 | $62,290

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) | 8% (faster than average)

3. Marketing and Advertising

Marketing and advertising specialists are essential to developing brand identity and connecting with customers. These professionals often analyze market trends, develop messaging campaigns, and create content for consumers.

Median Salary for Marketing, Advertising, and Promotions Managers, 2021 | $133,380

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) | 10% (faster than average)

4. Event Planning

Event planners work to turn their visions for meetings, conferences, and other events into realities. They often travel to events and meeting sites to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Median Salary for Meeting, Convention and Event Planners, 2021 | $49,470

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) | 18% (much faster than average)

5. Writing and Editing

With the proliferation of online content, there are more opportunities than ever for writers to showcase their work. Writing and editing is a broad field, ranging from technical writing to jobs in the publishing industry. To gain an advantage in this field, you might consider earning a certification from the Society for Technical Communication or the American Medical Writers Association.

Median Salary for Technical Writers/Editors, 2021 | $78,060

Projected Job Growth (2021-2031) | 6% (about average)

A communication degree can set you up for success in these career fields and many more. A few more career options not listed above are social media specialists, communications director, and sales representatives. These are all jobs that require the skills learned in a communications degree.

Communications majors bring skills and knowledge needed throughout the world. Indiana Wesleyan University offers a fully online B.S. Communication program, as well as an online certificate in communication. If you’re ready to invest in your future, visit our program pages and explore your options today.

Emily Dexter

Copywriting and Marketing Assistant, IWU-National and Global

Emily Dexter is currently a senior at Indiana Wesleyan University, where she majors in English and writing. She is passionate about all things literary, and in her free time enjoys reading good books, attempting new art projects, and exploring the natural world.

Jake Hreha

SEO Copywriter, IWU

Jake Hreha is a graduate of Ball State University, where he majored in advertising with a concentration in media presentation and design. He is passionate about design, and in his free time he enjoys cycling, traveling, and reading.