Communications Major: Ideal for Creative Personalities
Students who choose a communications major have so many career paths to choose from, that it can be difficult to decide which one to take. A number of exciting opportunities await the communications graduate at organizations such as:
- Hospitals
- Wire services
- Magazine and newspaper publishers
- Book publishers
- Television and radio stations
- Nonprofit organizations
- Professional, charitable, and religious organizations
- Government agencies
- Market research firms
- Media firms
- Advertising firms
- Public relations firms
- Labor unions
- Theater and motion pictures
With so many employment opportunities, you can easily imagine that there is a long list of possible jobs that people who have earned a communications degree would be eligible for. Some of them include:
- Director
- Media Manager
- Script Writer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Political Aide
- Radio or Television Announcer
- Customer Service Representative
- Actor
- Restaurant Manager
- Museum Director
- Event Planner
- Talent Scout
- Fundraiser
- Public Information Officer
- Flight Attendant
In the communications major, students learn to deliver a message persuasively and effectively, using the appropriate medium. If you have strong verbal and writing skills, then communications just may be the specialty for you. It also helps if you tend to be curious, possess a desire to help others, and naturally exude a caring attitude.
In many ways, a communications major will follow the same educational path as a student who is majoring in journalism, public relations, business management, and marketing. These are all related areas, and therefore each major share some subjects in common.
The communications student will also take courses in unrelated areas like economics, mathematics, health, sociology, and business management to round out their educational path. Most of these general education requirements are intended to introduce the student to a broader educational path than they would otherwise encounter within their major.
As a communications student, you will encounter a variety of fascinating subjects. Among them are:
- Mass Communications in Modern Society
- Communications Law
- History and Philosophy of American Communications
- Global Media Systems
- Minorities and the Media
- Communications Technology
- Persuasive Techniques
In some communications programs, you will be required to select a concentration within the major. Depending upon your school, you may be able to focus in areas like:
- Entertainment Studies
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Photo Communications
- Journalism
In some programs, students are not required to select a concentration within the major. It this case, their communications education will maintain a more general path. However, they will likely have several electives from which to choose, meaning they can informally concentrate in a specific subject area if they choose.
The communications major will find that they have many options for pursuing a degree. They can choose to complete a two year Associate in Applied Science Degree, or opt to earn a four year Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. Many institutions also provide a post-graduate Master’s Degree in Communications that is designed to prepare the student to take on more complex, perhaps supervisory, roles.
A communications major is a perfect choice for people who have naturally strong communication skills. The pursuit of a communications degree will assist them to refine the speaking and writing skills, and teach them how to turn these skills into a career. Communications is an excellent choice for lively, imaginative people who hold a host of differing ambitions.

