All You Need to Know About Being a Communications Major

[Reyed Mia (Apprentice, DIU)]

All You Need to Know About Being a Communications Major

About This Major
The communications major involves the study of the way in which humans create information and share it with one another both on an interpersonal and on an organizational level. Students graduate with the ability to present and exchange information—whether it is written, visual or oral—in an appropriate manner for the audience and context.

Communications is a versatile major that may lead graduates down a variety of career paths.


It encompasses areas of specialization such as journalism; interpersonal communication; mass communication including television, radio and film; strategic communication including health, public relations and advertising; games and interactive media design; visual communication; and sports communication. While communications majors at some schools study all of these topics, some allow, or even require, their students to have a concentration in one.

Students can earn associate, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degrees in communications. Most associate degree programs are designed for students who plan to transfer to bachelor-level programs but there are some that offer a terminal degree in communications. Master's degree programs focus on teaching communication theory, research methodology and practice, therefore preparing students for academia or the workplace. Doctoral programs emphasize original research and students are expected to develop an area of specialization.

Earning a PhD prepares students for academic careers or for managerial or consulting positions that draw upon an individual's area of expertise.

Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take
Bachelor's Degree Courses (Some of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs)

Introduction to Communication Studies

History of Television
Principles of Persuasion and Influence
Rhetorical Criticism
Mass Media and Society
Techniques of Speaking
Principles of Public Relations
Public Relations Campaigns
Media Writing
Audio Production
Storytelling for Communications
Interpersonal Communication
Digital Design in Communication
History of Journalism
Communication Law and Ethics
Master's Degree Courses

Rhetorical Theory
Intercultural Communication
Research and Writing Methods
Communication in Practice
Media Policy and Regulation
Race and Media
Organizational Strategy and Leadership
Strategic Writing
The Role of Communication in Conflict Negotiation
Media Relations
Digital Media Production
Public Relations Management
Designing and Evaluating Effective Communications for the Web
Writing for Multimedia
New Communication Technologies
PhD Courses (some coursework depends on area of concentration)

Media Theory
Philosophical Foundations of Communication
Technical Writing
Ethics for Science and Technical Communication
Methods of Communication Research
Information Needs, Seeking and Use
Communication Research Design
Special Topics in Cultural and Visual Studies
New Media Research Studio
Career Options With Your Degree
Bachelor's Degree (entry-level or one to two years of experience): Public Relations Specialist, Media Communications Manager, Marketing Assistant, Marketing Communications Specialist, Technical Writer, Event Marketing Specialist, Customer Communications Specialist, Content Marketing Campaign Manager, Marketing Specialist, Media Specialist (Traditional and Emerging Media), Social Media and Communications Coordinator, Public Affairs Specialist, Communications Coordinator,


Master's Degree: Senior Communications Specialist, Public Relations Manager,  Senior Manager of Communications, Community College Communications Instructor

Doctoral Degree: Professor, Consultant

*This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in communications. It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in communications only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline.

Typical Work Settings
Strong communication skills are invaluable in many occupations which gives those who major in this subject a wide range of choices. In addition to the more obvious choices listed above, including jobs in media, marketing and public relations, communications majors can take some alternative routes. They typically work in offices but may find themselves in jobs that involve interacting with people in a variety of settings.

How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major
If you are a high school student who is thinking about studying communications in college, take classes in writing, speech, journalism and theater.

What Else You Need to Know
This major may also be called communication studies, mass communications, strategic communications or communication and media studies.

Some undergraduate programs are accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism & Mass Communications (ACEJMC).

A bachelor's degree in communications isn't necessarily a requirement for acceptance into a master's degree program. Undergraduate students may major in other subjects.

Some doctoral programs require a master's degree in communications or a related field for admission, while others require only a bachelor's degree.

Doctoral candidates must write a dissertation.

It can take from four and six years to earn a PhD.

Some master's degree programs require students to write a thesis.

Universities require, or at least encourage, students to get practical experience by doing internships.

Professional Organizations and Other Resources
Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)
The American Communication Association (ACA)
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
National Communication Association (NCA)
NCA Doctoral Program Guide

Source: https://www.thebalance.com/communications-major-525370