Written By
GCE Editorial Team
A communications degree from GCU can open doors to careers in marketing, PR, journalism, HR and more while equipping students with versatile skills like writing, speaking and strategy.
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Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences on Feb. 5, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
Communication is a valuable skill that relates to all aspects of life, and it is especially valuable in the workplace. Whether it be for selling a product, building relationships with customers or leading organizations, effective communicators are needed in every industry.
What can you do with a communications degree, specifically? There are a variety of career options to choose from. Consider where your other strengths and passions lie and find an industry and occupation that suits you.
Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences offers a variety of language and communication degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, available online or on campus. Or, continue your studies with a Master of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Education. To learn more about pursuing an education at GCU, complete the form on this page to connect with a university counselor.
There is a diverse range of jobs you can get with a communications degree. Indeed, communications majors are taught a variety of highly transferable skills that may serve them well across industries and sectors. Here’s a look at some of the career options you might pursue.
A person with a communications degree may be valuable in the field of marketing. They can use their verbal and written skills to communicate effectively with customers, coworkers and clients. This is often done through press releases, advertisements, company presentations and other marketing campaigns.
There are many possible career options within the marketing field, including:
Marketing professionals may work at an in-house marketing department within a corporation. Alternatively, they may work for a marketing agency, where they contribute to the marketing efforts of a range of client companies. Some marketing professionals are self-employed.1
Salary expectations can vary depending on the specific occupation, years of experience and other factors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), advertising, promotions and marketing managers had a median annual wage of $156,580 as of May 2023.2 It is important to note these are not entry level positions.
The media field is incredibly broad and diverse, which means there are many potential communications-related careers. This field encompasses everything from journalism and broadcasting (both TV and radio) to print media, digital media and publishing, as well as cinema. New media, or digital media, in particular, has transformed modern life in a way that fuels global communications in real time.
Depending on which particular niche in media you choose, your primary purpose may be to either inform or entertain the audience. Here’s a look at some of the career possibilities within the media field:
Salary expectations can depend on many factors, including the specific type of occupation a person pursues within the media field. According to the BLS, news analysts, reporters and journalists had a median annual wage of $57,500 as of May 2023.3
Another potential route for a communications major is to work in public relations. The primary responsibility of a PR specialist is to portray the client or organization in a positive light. To that end, a PR specialist might do anything from writing press releases to arranging press conferences to preparing a client to excel in a televised interview. PR specialists must maintain strong working relationships with members of the media and maintain a positive relationship between a business and its clients.
A communications major can be a candidate for a PR position because this degree program teaches written and oral communication skills. Aspiring PR specialists should also have good interpersonal and organizational skills.4
According to the BLS, public relations specialists had a median annual wage of $66,750 as of May 2023.5
Another field a communications major might consider is human resources (HR). The HR department in any business is important in promoting professional development in the workplace, as well as ensuring employees are performing well and have access to resources.
For example, an HR specialist recruits, interviews and hires job candidates and answers any employee questions concerning company policies and benefits. A communications degree may help prepare you for an HR career, as it teaches interpersonal skills and organizational communication.6
According to the BLS, human resources specialists had a median annual wage of $66,750 as of May 2023.7
With a communications degree, graduates can be prepared to pursue additional professional training, licensure or further academic qualifications. This may qualify them to position themselves to apply to high-level and specialized positions.
For instance, a communications major might have their sights set on law school. The ability to speak clearly and write effectively are essential skills for aspiring lawyers. Not only must lawyers clearly present their cases in the courtroom, they must also collaborate with clients and co-workers.8 According to the BLS, lawyers had a median annual wage of $145,760 as of May 2023.9
Another career possibility within the legal field for communications majors is the role of victim advocate. These professionals provide a range of support services to victims of crimes, including counseling, crisis intervention and assistance navigating the criminal justice system. They stand with victims during court proceedings, help them secure community resources and sometimes even provide transportation, such as when a domestic violence victim needs help getting to a shelter. Keep in mind that victim advocates typically require licensure, as they are also considered social workers.
In addition to potentially opening doors to a variety of career opportunities, a communications degree can provide a great foundation to build upon for those wanting to further their education. For example, a communications major may earn their master’s degree to position themselves for possible career advancement.
The knowledge taught in a communications degree program can be applied to a variety of settings, which may give graduates the opportunity to try their hand at various types of jobs throughout their lifetime. In addition, communications skills are needed across sectors — from public to private to nonprofit.
