Online Communications and Media Degrees

It goes without saying that the ideal communications & media student are able to express themselves well, either in print or in speech. Excellent communications skills are just the beginning, however: Students must be solid researchers, team players and creative thinkers. Depending on the job, it often helps to have a knack with technology, especially word processing or graphic design software and photo or video equipment.

Communications & media programs provide students with the skills necessary to earn a living relaying information to various audiences, but the medium of this information varies tremendously. Some students focus on written media, while others study speech or graphic communications. Whatever their specialty, students should expect to become masters in research and grammar.

According to the College Board, the following are among some of the most popular communications and media courses:

• Communication theory
• Freedom of speech
• Mass communication
• Rhetorical criticism
• Argumentation and debate
• Copyediting and design
• Public relations

Communications & media degrees come in all shapes and sizes, from entry-level certificates to advanced doctoral degrees. According to the College Board, however, most communications majors earn bachelor's degrees. A bachelor's degree is an excellent bridge to a variety of entry-level careers, but those who want to land managerial or teaching positions should consider earning master's degrees or beyond.

The field of communications & media has been revolutionized by the rise of the Internet. Successful communications professionals today need to be comfortable writing or speaking to an online audience, navigating new social media networks and creating interactive modes of communication. Online degrees in communications & media immerse students in these new technologies and require them to become adept communicators in a virtual world through exercises such as creating a website or maintaining a blog, identifying online markets for new products and experimenting with a variety of online media from Twitter to YouTube.

Because their skills are suitable for virtually any type of industry, there are a number of careers for which communications & media grads can qualify. Here are a few of the most common career options:

• Journalist, news analyst. Journalists and news analysts include print, online and broadcast reporters who collect, analyze and relay the news to mass audiences.
• Public relations specialist. Public relations workers serve as liaisons between companies and the public, managing outgoing communications and responding to journalistic inquiries.
• Advertising, marketing specialist. Advertising and marketing specialists design print or broadcast communications, direct marketing campaigns and similar projects with the intention of attracting or retaining customers.
• Corporate communications specialist. Closely tied to public relations specialists, corporate communications workers primarily manage communications between organizations and their employees or business partners.
• Speechwriter. As the name suggests, speech writers prepare speeches for politicians, celebrities, top executives and other high-profile clients.

The ability for organizations and individuals to communicate ideas and information effectively is essential for their success, making communications experts a valuable commodity.

• Salary range for middle 50 percent: $30,930 to $61,720 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010)
• Key skills: writing, speaking, critical thinking, technology, people skills
• Growing industries: New media, international public relations, online advertising