A mass communication degree is a bachelor’s or master’s program that explores the ways that media affects the daily lives of world citizens. Studies within this field are typically a synthesis of theory about the way humans communication and applied practical knowledge in this realm. Read on to learn more about the coursework involved in a mass communications degree and the career paths you can undertake with this field of study.
Courses for Mass Communications Degree
A bachelor’s program in mass communications is typically a four-year liberal arts program that strives to orient you to the various media through which mass communications take place and the methods by which professionals use that media to spread messages. Typical course offerings include classes in advertising, journalism, communication ethics and law, design, public relations, psychology, sociology, media literacy and communications history. You may also find art classes helpful if you’re interested in the creative side of mass communications.
Choosing a School for Mass Communications
The college or university you choose for your mass communications degree can make a big difference in your future career prospects. First and foremost, you should make sure to choose a degree program that’s accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (ACEJMC). You should also make sure to select a program that has extensive and varied internship opportunities; that has courses and electives in the area of communication in which you’d like to specialize; has related extracurricular activities, such as a newspaper or radio station; and offers other opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning.
Careers with a Mass Communication Degree
The beauty of a mass communications degree is that it prepares you for a wide variety of careers in the industry. Some potential paths for communications graduates include broadcast news, public relations, advertising, social media and web communications, journalism, publishing, photography, and more. Often, communications majors will choose to further specialize by going on to earn a graduate degree in their field of choice. In addition, a degree in mass communications offers a solid background for almost any career field you’re interested in.
Salaries for Mass Communications Graduates
Because job options for communications graduates widely vary, salaries for those with this degree vary as well. However, according to a 2013 study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) published in Forbes magazine, communications majors make an average annual salary of $43,000, which is among the top ten for starting salaries among all majors.
If you’re interested in learning more about mass communications, consider visiting the National Communication Association online at https://www.natcom.org/. This professional organization, which allows mass communications students to join, provides job information, resources, and learning opportunities for those interested in this exciting career field. If you’re a mass communications student, your undergraduate institution may sponsor a student chapter of the NCA. This is a great place to start if you’re interested in learning more about a mass communications degree and the opportunities it can afford you.
