Associate Degrees in Communication

Career Options with This Degree

An associate’s degree in communication prepares students to work in a number of fields. Traditional forms of media, such as television, radio, and newspapers, all hire workers with communication degrees, but students can also look to new media such as social networking and web video for jobs. Companies also hire public relations specialists and customer service teams to serve in a communication role between the company and the general public.

Students tasks in this career field depend largely on their job title, but with an associate’s degree, they can expect to work as part of a team or reporting to a communications director.

Average Salary of Degree Holders

With an associate’s degree in communication, students can expect to make $52,550, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. As with any career, the more responsibility students have in their job, the more they make. Salary also depends on the employer. Some of the highest paid positions are in the government and working for major corporations, while non-profits typically pay much less, as they have lower overall budgets.

Students make more money as they work in this field, especially if they stick with one employer and advance within a company. Students can also make more money by going back to school to get their bachelor’s degree or even master’s degree in communication. Many employers even help students go back to school by providing tuition assistance programs.

Coursework Required to Obtain This Degree

In order to earn an associate’s degree in communication, students go through courses such as public speaking, journalism, and business. Most associate’s degree programs include a number of 101-level courses to allow students to get a feel for a wide variety of fields within the communications industry. Students may also take more general math, science, and art/music courses to give them a well-round education.

Journalism Schools and Degrees

MS in New Media Journalism	Full Sail University — The MS in new media journalism from Full Sail University allows journalists to keep their skills sharp all while meeting the demands required by today's media consumers. The degree program combines traditional methods of journalism with emerging technology. You'll learn how to produce multimedia content, use social media to engage audiences and promote your work, and publish and distribute content across digital delivery platforms. Read more about Full Sail University.
MA in Communication MA in Communication: PR MA in Communication: New Media	Southern New Hampshire University — Southern New Hampshire University offers a MA degree in communication that combines courses in communication with a solid foundation in the liberal arts. Graduates of this program will be prepared to enter careers in advertising, business writing, corporate communications, journalism, and more. Read more about Southern New Hampshire University.
MS in Communication	Walden University — Walden University offers a Master of Science degree in communication that combines communication theory with practical skills. This particular degree focuses on journalistic aspects of new media, including Web publishing, online video, podcasts, Web conferencing, and more. Assignments consist of exercises reflecting the material and interaction with other students taking the same course.
BA in Communications	Grand Canyon University — For the aspiring journalist, Grand Canyon University offers a BA in communications degree with three different specializations: digital film production, graphic design, and public relations. Students of the communications program are prepared to become leaders in the fields of media and communications.