Communication Studies: Study Resource & Degree Program Information

General Information About Communication Studies Degree Programs

Communication studies is a popular major for high school students entering undergraduate institutions for the first time and looking for a flexible course of study. Continuing education students may also find communication studies an appealing option. Those interested in 'communication studies can obtain an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree or a doctorate in the discipline, either at a traditional college or university or online.

Communication Studies Degree Study Options

Communication students who pursue an associate degree or bachelor's degree in the discipline will undergo two to four years of concentrated study on how individuals and groups communicate with one another. When studying at an accredited institution approved by the NCA, they will receive a balanced portfolio of communications theory, research and practice. Those who earn a communication studies degree will have the basic skills required for verbal communication positions such as acting or public speaking, communication through production of documentaries, television shows or radio programs and communication through writing, as in the case of a journalist or professional blogger.

Advanced Communication Studies Degrees

Many students who choose to pursue an advanced degree in communication studies will choose to specialize in a specific area of communication studies such as public relations, broadcast journalism or advertising. Master's degrees in communication studies are available coast to coast, from Columbia University to San Diego State. They can also be obtained over the Internet. These degrees usually take about two years to complete.

Master Of Arts Degree In Communication Studies

Students who earn a Master of Arts in Journalism will be prepared for work as a reporter on a newspaper or online newsmagazine. Those who opt for a Master of Arts in Broadcast Journalism will be prepared for newscasting on television. A Master of Arts in Strategic Communication or Public Relations can prepare one for a career in politics.

Further Education In Communication Studies

Doctoral programs are also available in communication studies at a wide variety of colleges and universities. The most popular doctoral specializations in communication studies are communications theory and research, rhetoric, critical-cultural media, organizational communications, applied communications and interpersonal communications.

Choosing A Degree In Communication Studies

Anyone who excels in the social arena will probably do well with a course of study in communication studies. Students who are able to communicate well and want to refine these skills and put them to work for themselves will do well to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in some area of this discipline.

Career Opportunities In Communication Studies

A communications degree can provide the groundwork for any number of occupations, from actor to journalist to politician. Some famous people who hold communications degrees include Spike Lee, Bob Costas, James Gandolfini and Walter Cronkite. Other communications majors may become involved in the education system, as teachers, speech therapists and public speaking coaches.

Earning Potential For Communication Studies Careers

Due to the huge number of options open to communication studies majors, the earning potential is unlimited. Many politicians and individuals in the political arena make healthy six figure salaries and some actors and producers make in the millions.

Getting Your Communication Studies Degree Online

You can use the National Communication Association’s portal to online communication courses to find a list of accrediting institution and accredited online communication studies programs. An accredited distance learning communication studies program can help busy people and continuing education students earn their communication degree as quickly or more quickly as students who attend a traditional college or university for their education. A top accredited online institution can provide everything you need to start down the path to a career in communications.

Getting Your Communication Studies Degree Offline

Finding the best communication studies program for you shouldn’t be difficult with a little research. Hundreds of undergraduate institutions all over the country provide communication studies courses and a perusal of the course catalog should give you an idea which one has the curriculum that you are looking for. As a budding communications expert, you may wish to contact the head of the communication studies department at each school that you are considering and let them tell you about their program and why you should prefer it to other options. If you have in mind where you will go with your communication studies degree, be it journalism, radio, politics or some other area, this may also inform your choice.

If you already have a bachelor's degree in communication studies, there are many fine brick-and-mortar institutions with master's or doctoral programs in the discipline as well. College guides and the National Communication Association website can help you narrow down your search for the best graduate communication studies options for you to continue your work in this potentially highly lucrative field.