The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is an essential skill in nearly any career. Communication majors draw on a specialized skill set to devise and implement innovative strategies for conveying messages. From covering breaking news to crafting press releases and editing technical manuscripts, the day-to-day activities in jobs for communications arts graduates vary; however, all positions require skills such as attention to detail, awareness of diverse audiences and viewpoints, and superior command of language or a digital medium.

A Drexel degree in communication exposes students to a variety of written forms within four concentrations for a career in communication. Students learn to write and edit for different audiences, gaining technical knowledge and facility with the media landscape. While a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for most communication studies jobs, students who desire a deeper understanding of communication theory, as well as more time to develop technical and research skills, may benefit from a master’s degree in communication.

AVERAGE SALARY RANGES

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects media and communication occupations will grow 6% from 2016 – 2026. Though the types of jobs for communication majors vary, graduates can expect strong demand for their skills and specialized knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay in 2017 was $70,930 for technical writers, $61,820 for writers and authors, and $59,300 for public relations specialists.

By mid-career, the average pay for communication major jobs increase significantly. According to PayScale, some of the highest earning communication degree jobs at mid-career include:

• Executive Producer: $107,000
• Social Media Director: $104,000
• Director of Public Relations: $99,900
• Marketing Communications Director: $94,400
• Director of Communications: $92,200

What can you do with a degree in communication?

What you can do with a degree in communication is as broad as your interests; a communication degree is flexible enough to be adapted to many specialized career paths. Experiential learning is a useful way to gain on-the-job training and the skills to succeed in fields related to communication. Some of the most common fields for communication major jobs are marketing, media, public relations, human resources and journalism. Common examples of communication degree job titles include:

• Marketing Communications Specialist
• Journalist
• Editorial Assistant
• Internal Communications Manager
• Community Affairs Liaison
• Copywriter
• Content Writer
• Author
• Political Campaign Coordinator

Real World Outcomes

Graduates with a degree in communication from Drexel have gone on to careers at Comcast, CBS Radio, the U.S. State Department, Tierney, Estée Lauder, Urban Outfitters and many more. Discover the opportunities that await at Drexel’s Department of Communication — from skills-intensive courses to research opportunities and student-run literary magazines.

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