When people attend college, they select a field of study they prioritize. Their major determines what courses they take, the skills they acquire, and the career opportunities they enjoy after graduation.
Some individuals have varied interests they want to pursue, so they opt for a double major. Whether you choose to earn a communications degree or combine your focus on communications with another subject, there are multiple career options you can consider after graduation. Earning a communications degree can be advantageous in the occupations explored here.
1. You could pursue a mental health profession.
Mental health professionals include psychologists, psychiatrists, and counselors. Therapists use various types of therapy to help clients identify issues and triggers and develop strategies to manage their mental health issues. Licensed therapists may offer individual therapy, group therapy, and online therapy. These professionals may also lead support groups for people struggling with similar issues.
Individuals can turn to expert resources, such as the Therapy Group of DC, to locate a licensed therapist who’s accepting new clients. The Therapy Group of DC uses a data-driven approach to provide personalized therapy customized to each client’s needs. Clients may be struggling with anxiety, depression, body image issues, or other challenges. They can use the Therapy Group’s website to connect with a mental health professional who provides a safe environment to receive support.
Counseling involves communication, so therapists benefit from refining their communication skills. Individuals interested in a career in the mental health field may opt to earn a double major in communications and psychology or pursue a master’s degree in psychology after earning a bachelor’s degree in communications.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates marriage and family therapists should see job opportunities increase by 16 percent between 2020 and 2030, which is double the expected average job growth rate for all occupations during this period. The BLS also reports the median annual salary for these therapists was $51,340 in 2020.
2. Teachers benefit from earning a communications degree.
Teachers are educators who instruct students who are in specific grades or studying specific subjects. Elementary school teachers benefit from earning a communications degree. Teachers need excellent communication skills to relay information to students effectively, and focusing on communications studies ensures they’re aware of how to use verbal and nonverbal communication to inform students.
While pursuing an online communications degree, communications students must complete 45 credit hours of communications courses. An introduction to effective speaking course prepares students to use technology to support speech and helps them hone their active listening skills. They’ll also learn to organize information and choose appropriate language, preparing them to develop and deliver lesson plans. Communications students can also take courses such as intercultural communication, introduction to interpersonal communication, and communication in problem-solving groups to prepare for their careers.
The BLS reports that kindergarten and elementary school teachers earned median annual incomes of $60,660 in 2020. The BLS projects these teachers will see jobs increase by 7 percent between 2020 and 2030, comparable to the national average job growth rate for all occupations during this period.
3. Public relations specialists benefit from earning a communications degree.
According to the BLS, public relations specialists earned median annual salaries of $62,810 in 2020 and should see jobs grow by 11 percent between 2020 and 2030. Public relations specialists need a bachelor’s degree and strong communication skills.
PR specialists also benefit from strong problem-solving skills because they must identify public perception issues and develop strategies to alter public perception. They shape the public image of companies, celebrities, organizations, and politicians by creating press releases and delivering public statements. They also prepare their clients to communicate with the media and the public.
Earning a communications degree can equip you with critical skills you’ll utilize in multiple occupations. Earning a communications degree could prepare you to become a therapist, teacher, or public relations specialist.