A Communications degree can open a world of possibilities, allowing communication professionals to explore various methods of communication, understanding the theory and methodology behind addressing a message. Communication can range from advertising to journalism and everything in between. Communications can open up a range of career options with varied and changing possibilities.
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What Is a Communications Degree?
The communications field examines the way people interact with one another. It is a social science that focuses on the audience, transmission, and methodology behind the message. Everything from an advertisement to a newspaper article relies on communication methods. By studying communications you will understand how humans interact with one another, allowing you to sharpen your communication skills. Communications can be an all encompassing degree which allows students to better narrow down their studies by selecting one of several communication concentrations.
What Are the Benefits?
As a social science, a Communications degree is an excellent opportunity for students to get a better understanding of the theory behind communication between human beings. The various methodologies to deliver effective communication allows students to explore technological fields as well as traditional fields, such as journalism. In today’s world, many different companies are actively looking to hire communication professionals, leading to a range of potential employment opportunities and possible quick career growth.
What is the Outlook and Salary?
Because there is such a range of employment opportunities for Communication majors, there is a wide range of career potentials and salaries. Careers in communications can include event planning, social media marketing, human resource specialist, media planner, or a health educator. Because of the range of possible careers, salary expectations can vary widely. Common salaries for graduating students with a Communications degree can range from $57,000 to $71,000 per year on average.
Rank | School | Location |
---|---|---|
1 | University of Minnesota – Crookston (38 Points) | Crookston, Minnesota |
2 | Bellevue University (36 Points) | Bellevue, Nebraska |
3 | Mississippi College (34 Points) | Clinton, Mississippi |
4 | Saint Anselm College (31 Points) | Manchester, New Hampshire |
5 | University of North Dakota (30 Points) | Grand Forks, North Dakota |
The Best Schools for a Communications Degree
There are several possible career paths for those who wish to pursue a Communications degree, opening a world of possibilities. It can be difficult choosing the best college to match your goals, but luckily we are here to help. We have put together a list of the top 20 schools for a Communications degree making it easier for you to sort through the available schools and colleges offering this sought-after degree. You can even check out the completely online communications degrees.
University of Minnesota – Crookston (38 Points)
The University of Minnesota – Crookston offers a Bachelor degree in Communications. This degree features three main focus areas for students. These areas include Social Media, Communication Studies, and Organizational Communication/Media Relations. Students have the ability to select from a wide-ranging course catalog including courses in Event Planning, Writing, Editing, and Social Media.
This university also offers students the chance to earn a minor degree in Communications. This requires students to complete 18 or 19 credits from the available Communications course catalog. The University of Minnesota – Crookston offers affordable tuition with small class sizes, making it a great option for students wishing to pursue a degree in Communications.
School Overview
Bellevue University (36 Points)
The Communications program available at Bellevue University is very career-driven, allowing students to pursue courses that will closely align with high demand careers. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Corporate and Organizational Organization, Technical Communication, Journalism and Public Relations, and Mass Communication.
In addition to the core course material required for successful graduation, students must focus their attention on one of two career paths for a Communications degree. Students have the option of choosing between a Mass Media or an Organizational Strategic Communication concentration. The goal of the Communications program at Bellevue University is to prepare students with the tools to understand how to effectively communicate in varied formats in the professional world.
School Overview
Mississippi College (34 Points)
Mississippi College offers affordable tuition and a small class size for students looking to pursue a degree in Communications. Students can choose between a Communications minor, Bachelor degree, or a graduate program in Communications. This program gives students access to various labs so that they can have experience working with modern communication technology and software programs.
With several concentration choices, Mississippi College offers a wide range of courses for guests. Students can choose between Digital Media Production, Interpersonal and Public Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Sports Media. Students may also earn a minor in Theater.
School Overview
Saint Anselm College (31 Points)
The Communications degree offered from Saint Anselm College focuses on both verbal and nonverbal communication between people. The degree wants students to understand the theory and practice of the way communications are able to shape the world. This degree works well if paired with a degree offered by the Department of English.
Students will have a number of core and elective courses to choose from when completing this degree. This includes a mix of writing-intensive courses as well as elective options.
School Overview
University of North Dakota (30 Points)
The University of North Dakota offers small class sizes with affordable tuition for students looking to pursue a degree in Communications. The university allows students to complete their degree either in person attending class or in an online format. This gives flexible class options for students to live off-campus, or to work while still completing a degree.
There are a variety of courses available to the Communications students which include classes in Media Production, Social Media, Persuasion, Journalism, and Advertising. There are several elective possibilities for students to achieve a well rounded and varied Communications degree. This school offers a Bachelor of Arts degree or the option for students to pursue a PhD in Communications.
School Overview
Fairfield University (27 Points)
Completing a Communications degree at Fairfield University means that students will have the ability to learn more about the way people connect with one another. The degree focuses on the way communication is able to form and shape relationships between social groups, families, and politics. The Communication degree offers a range of possible courses allowing students to focus on their particular area of interest.
This university does allow students to pursue additional education outside of the classroom with plenty of internship for credit options available. This can be helpful for students looking to pursue a career in their interest following graduation.
School Overview
San Jose State University (22 Points)
San Jose State University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. This degree focuses on both the theoretical application of communication, as well as the practical application and research methods associated with effective communication practices. There is a wealth of course options to take for both core courses and electives in the Communications department. This school features classes with both non-verbal and verbal communication skills, writing-intensive workshops, and work in the communications laboratory.
The Communications degree at San Jose State University is available as a Bachelor’s degree and as a minor. Courses also have an engagement component associated with them with an estimated 45 hours per week of engagement activity required per each four-credit class.
School Overview
Villanova University (20 Points)
The Communications degree at Villanova University begins with a core selection of classes in arts and sciences. Students who believe that they are interested in pursuing a communications related major should take two to three classes focused in a Communications based elective. From there, students are able to custom create their own major, mixing together the required amount of course credits from varying levels of Communication electives.
This school does have the option to pursue a simultaneous Bachelor and Master’s degree. The program allows students to take both undergraduate and graduate level courses throughout the year. Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA in their studies, and a 3.2 GPA in their major to be eligible for a Master’s degree following successful graduation.
School Overview
University of Delaware (20 Points)
The University of Delaware offers an exciting major in Communications for students. This degree is heavily focused on a career-driven outcome, with many students learning the much-needed information to land a successful career. Students can be prepared for a career as a teacher, editor, sports director, social media manager, and everything in between.
The school focuses on three main areas of study to prepare students which include Media Communications, Interpersonal Communications, and Public Relations. This university also offers graduate degree options for students who want to further their education.
School Overview
Colorado State University (18 Points)
The Communications degree from Colorado State University offers students the opportunity to learn what it means to connect with one another. The degree focuses on finding and using human interaction to be able to communicate and share relevant information with one another. This degree highlights the impact of communities, families, and relationships and how they are essential to life.
The program highlights three major areas of Communications including Film and Media Studies, Relational and Organizational Communications, and Rhetoric and Civic Engagement. Students have the chance to explore both the verbal and non-verbal aspects of these various concentrations.
School Overview
Southern Methodist University (18 Points)
Southern Methodist University offers two different Bachelor’s degrees in Communications. The first-degree option focuses on Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, while the second-degree option focuses on Public Relations and Strategic Communication. There is also the option to obtain a minor in Communications.
Students are presented with a range of courses to select from which include public speaking, creative production, and intensive writing courses. In order to graduate with a successful degree, students must maintain a 3.0 GAP in their field of study.
School Overview
Northeastern University (17 Points)
If you are pursuing a Communications degree, Northeastern University offers a comprehensive program that explores the many aspects of communication including effective communication, and communication in both theory and practice. Students enrolled in this program are expected to demonstrate the ability to exhibit various communication styles in one area of interest or concentration.
Northeastern University offers a broad range of course offerings and concentrations for students including Digital Communication and Social Media, Media Production, Argumentation and Advocacy, and Organization and Health Communication. Students may select one concentration area, or add elective courses to augment a Communications degree. If you are pursuing a Communications degree, Northeastern University offers a comprehensive program that explores the many aspects of communication including effective communication, and communication in both theory and practice. Students enrolled in this program are expected to demonstrate the ability to exhibit various communication styles in one area of interest or concentration.
Northeastern University offers a broad range of course offerings and concentrations for students including Digital Communication and Social Media, Media Production, Argumentation and Advocacy, and Organization and Health Communication. Students may select one concentration area, or add elective courses to augment a Communications degree.
School Overview
Fordham University (17 Points)
The Communications degree offered at Fordham University focuses on the way communication methods have changed with evolving technology. This school aims to prepare students for the most updated technology possible to allow them to pursue their careers in communication-related fields.
The school focuses on four main subject matters as they related to communications. This includes Communication and Culture, Film and Television, Digital Technologies and Emerging Media, and Journalism.
School Overview
University of Florida (16 Points)
Consistently ranked in the top ten universities in the country when it comes to a Communications degree, the University of Florida offers comprehensive and competitive communication and a journalism degree. This program prepares students for a career in journalism and communications, setting students up with a range of courses available to pursue individual interests.
The program focuses on four major departments including Journalism, Public Relations, Telecommunications, and Advertising. This allows students to better focus their attention and studies toward the career path they are most interested in. This school makes it possible to add an additional year of study which allows students to complete a Bachelor’s degree and Mater’s degree simultaneously.
School Overview
University of Central Florida (16 Points)
Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida has several different Communications degree options allowing students to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the communication fields. Offering a wide range of programs under the Communications umbrella, students have the option to pursue a degree in Journalism, Human Communication, Radio-Television, Digital Media, or Advertising/Public Relations.
The Communications department spans a wide range of topics and interests and offers programs that promise growth and career potential for graduates. The school offers the option for students to take academic internship opportunities for credit, giving students real-life experience as they work toward successful completion of a Communications degree.
School Overview
Boston College (14 Points)
The Communications program at Boston College gives students the opportunity to explore the theory and practice of varied communication arts. This program focuses on the power of relationships and the way in which humans must communicate with one another. As a social science, the Communications major at Boston College is centered around the development of analytical and creative communication skills.
To graduate with a Communications degree, students must complete 33 credits. Courses vary and include subject matter involving public speaking, social media, journalism, and persuasion. Students must select two writing-intensive courses and one course in communication theory to satisfy graduation requirements.
School Overview
University of California – Berkeley (14 Points)
Listed as Media Studies, the Communications degree from the University of California – Berkley is an all-encompassing degree that highlights the history of Communications. The program looks at the way communication has changed economics, politics, global relations, and culture throughout societies.
Unfortunately, there is no minor available in Communications at the University of California -Berkley, however students who maintain a 3.5 GPA will have the option to enroll in the Honors College.
School Overview
Cornell University (12 Points)
Cornell University focuses its Communications program toward teaching students how to effectively communicate through various methods, including the use of technology. The program wants students to understand how to shape messages in order to deliver an appropriate message to a wide range of audiences. In this social science, students will not only learn the theory behind various forms of communication but will learn the methodology required to effectively communicate.
The program is available as both a major and a minor for undergraduate students. There is a wide course selection available including the opportunity for academic internships and participation in an interactive lab, exposing students to modern technology and tools commonly used in communication careers.
School Overview
University of Michigan (11 Points)
The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor’s Communication program looks at the ways in which communication has influenced the world, and studies its evolution over time. The Communications degree is focused on mass media, and the way messages are transmitted from one person to another.
Students electing to pursue a Communications degree from the University of Michigan are encouraged to select a concentration and particular area of study. The university offers several different concentrations including Gender and the Media, Global Communications, and Media Effects on Society. There are career days for students to explore career potential as well as shadowship opportunities for students.
School Overview
University of Pennsylvania (9 Points)
Based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the University of Pennsylvania has an immersive and comprehensive Communications degree option for undergraduate students. This program examines the way communication has influenced politics, economics, and social constructs around the world. Crossing into many disciplines, such as psychology, history, anthropology, and law, the Communications degree at the University of Pennsylvania gives students a well-rounded education, understanding how communications fit into a broader context.
Students have several opportunities to study abroad or conducting their own research at the University of Pennsylvania laboratory. This can help students up for a future in academia, pursuing higher education degrees.
School Overview
Methodology
The methodology used to rank the above schools and their Communications programs is based off of a points system. To accumulate points, schools were assessed on two different metrics. The first scoring metric was the cost of tuition. Many schools report a yearly tuition cost for undergraduate study. This amount was divided by two semesters, and then further divided accounting for an average of 12 credits per semester. Schools with a lower per credit tuition cost were given a more favorable ranking.
The second scoring metric used to determine the overall ranking system was based off of total enrollment for students. Schools that had a lower total enrollment amount received a more favorable ranking. This is assuming that classes will be smaller, and thus attention more individualized. The two scorning metrics were assessed on an individual point system, which was then added together. Schools with a higher amount of points received a more favorable ranking in our list. Out masters of communications degrees is on a separate list.
If your school has been listed as one of our best schools for a Communications degree, we’d love to hear from you. If you notice that the information we have listed is not accurate, or policies and programs have changed, please let us know. We always want to offer the most up to date information for our perspective students.