The field of communications works to refine the way we convey meaning across culture and media. If you earn a communications degree online, you'll learn how to effectively express and spread information and be prepared for rewarding careers in journalism, radio, film, television, broadcasting, marketing, advertising, and public relations. While the job market can be competitive, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment outlook for careers in communications is expected to grow by roughly 4% through 2024.The skills you develop as you earn your communications degrees will vary depending on your chosen career path. If you want to pursue public relations, human resources, or marketing, you will use social media, development tools, and other web platforms to promote brands and facilitate communication between other parties. If you are interested in a career in journalism, broadcasting, or entertainment, you will hone your craft in writing, storytelling, and tracking sources, among other technical skills.Online communications programs are a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar college. Read on to find out more about how earning a communications degree online can help you launch your career.
Meet Our Expert: Manuel Romero
Executive Director of Public Affairs; Borough of Manhattan Community College
LinkedInOnline Communications Degree Overview
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $11,317 | 15.9% | 2 years | Not reported | Not reported | 8.2% |
| Bachelor's | $19,400 | 9.4% | 4 years | $34,000 | $63,000 | 5.6% |
| Master's | $20,017 | 6.7% | 1+ years | $52,000 | $75,000 | 4.5% |
While employment prospects are slightly greater for candidates with bachelor's or master's communications degrees under their belt, associate degrees earned through online communications programs will still prepare you for several job opportunities. In a two-year program, you will focus on your writing skills, computer literacy, and general speaking skills. Research-oriented positions are likely to require, at the very least, an associate degree. Some students may pursue two-year online communications programs with the intent of eventually earning their four-year bachelor's in communications online.
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Online Communications Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $56,770 | 6% | 240700 |
| Advertising Sales | $48,490 | -3% | 167900 |
| Promotions Manager | $124,850 | 9% | 225200 |
| Event Planner | $46,840 | 10% | 100000 |
| Writer/Author | $60,250 | 2% | 136500 |
Online Communications Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Manuel Romero
Executive Director of Public Affairs; Borough of Manhattan Community CollegeBefore joining BMCC as Executive Director of Public Affairs, Manuel Romero served as Director of Public Relations at Baruch College, where he developed and oversaw the college's communications and public relations strategies, as well as its initiatives to secure regional and national media coverage. His earlier roles included serving as Director of Communications and Marketing at Marymount Manhattan College, and as Associate Executive Director of NYC's contemporary dance company, Parsons Dance. Romero also worked as a public relations manager at the law firm Snell & Wilmer, and was Director of Hispanic Media at Arizona State University, where he earned a master's degree in Mass Communication. He's a product of the public community college system, having earned an associate degree at Mesa Community College in Mesa, Arizona and soon after he earned a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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