Communications studies deal with the role of communication in daily life, such as careers, education, and interpersonal exchange. By tracing the history and path of communication as it evolves in society, students are able to build effective communications strategies that can be applied to every facet of human interaction as well as analyze the impact communication has on the professional world. Communications studies graduates typically go on to careers in marketing, promotions, advertising, and journalism as reporters and editors of newspapers. They may also apply their education toward graduate studies in a variety of other disciplines.
If you’ve ever watched a TV commercial, listened to a political speech, read a newspaper online, or looked at a public health flyer, chances are you’ve benefited from the work of communications studies majors. A degree in communications studies is one of the most versatile choices possible. Students go on to careers in broadcast journalism, public relations, print media, digital communication, advertising, speech writing, and a host of other occupations. Even in fields where communication itself isn’t the primary focus (law, health care, social services, and politics, for example) a communications studies degree can be excellent preparation for many jobs.
Students who wish to obtain an online communications studies degree should first consider which communications subfield they are interested in, and seek programs that fit their needs. For example, a student who is interested in print media publications will have a different focus than one who is interested in speechwriting. It is also beneficial to speak with professionals in the field of interest in order to find out which classes or programs might be most useful professionally.
According to the American Communication Association, the study of communication focuses on the use of messages to convey meaning “across various contexts, cultures, channels and media.” A communications studies major learns about techniques for effective communication as well as ethical communication practices. Depending on the program and individual interests, students might take classes in subjects such as mass media, legal issues in journalism, business writing, film, rhetoric, interpersonal communication, electronic media, intercultural communication, public relations, radio broadcasting, and drama.
Since careers based on communications studies vary widely, so does the expected job growth and salaries for graduates in this field. For example, the median salary for a T.V. reporter in 2006 was $38,050, while advertising managers had a median salary of $78,250. Most of the potential occupations for communications studies majors are quite competitive. Writers, public relations specialists, and newscasters are all example of positions where competition is fierce. Students who can obtain significant hands-on experience, and/or graduate degrees in communications studies will be at an advantage when it comes to their job search.
Those interested in the interaction between language, visual media, and society will do well in this field, as will those who desire to learn how to express ideas effectively to diverse audiences. Effective communication is a powerful tool to educate, persuade, and inspire. Students who will do well in this area should have a strong grasp of written language; enjoy sharing their ideas with others; possess an ability to think critically; be technologically savvy; be able to analyze visual cues; demonstrate creativity; and have good interpersonal skills. Communications studies demands social and cultural awareness as well as much as it demands the ability to write well or give an engaging speech.
In this age of information, conveying messages effectively is more important than ever. Businesses, advertisers, political figures, public safety campaigns, and traditional media all benefit from the expertise of communications professionals, as does the general public. Although it’s a competitive field, those who choose it thrive on the knowledge that their work helps people stay informed and make positive decisions on a daily basis.
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