B.A. in Communication and Media: What It Is and How It Can Advance Your Career
Communication skills are consistently ranked among the most in-demand competencies by employers, and this degree is designed to develop them formally and broadly, rather than through a narrower discipline such as journalism or marketing alone. Several universities offer a B.A. in Communication and Media, including the Undergraduate College at National Louis University.
What Is a B.A. in Communication and Media?
A typical communication and media program will combine theoretical material with practical skills. Students will study various communication theories and media studies. They will also learn to write, speak in public, manage social media, and make videos and podcasts. Because of the wide variety of possible careers in communication, students can choose to take a range of electives, minor in another field, or even focus on a specific area of study for their concentration.
The B.A. in Communication and Media at National Louis University is an 180-quarter-hour degree program that requires students to complete 60 quarter hours of General Education coursework in addition to the major requirements. All major courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Students in the major take coursework that prepares them to function as verbal, written, and visual communicators. Community Relations, Organizational Communications, Professional Writing, Conflict Management, and Public Relations are among the topics explored. Students also learn about social media, podcasting, and video production. Marketing is a very popular minor for students in the Communication and Media major. The program is designed to prepare students for graduate school in Communication, Media Studies, Marketing, Public Relations, and Business, among other programs.
Why Pursue a B.A. in Communication and Media?
Most students in the Communication and Media program choose to earn a B.A. in Communication and Media because it provides the best possible preparation for a variety of careers. The Communication and Media major provides students with a broad base of skills that will enable them to be competitive candidates for a variety of jobs. Many of the students in the program enjoy writing, storytelling, and public speaking, but have not yet decided on a specific career path that will utilize their skills in these areas, such as in public relations, social media, corporate communications, or journalism.
Many programs today focus on preparing the future generation of communicators to function in a digitized world, and so the major focuses on enabling its students to function effectively in a world where mass communication and instant information are available.
A major draw for Communication & Media majors is that, because of the nature of the work, these graduates can go into almost any industry and have a strong career, which is perfect for the type of student who is not yet 100% sure what type of work they will want to be doing once they graduate.
Key Questions About This Degree
What career paths does this degree typically prepare students for?
Typical graduate careers include Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Social Media, Content Creation/Marketing, and Video/Podcast Production. Because the degree is so broad, most graduates choose a specialty upon gaining employment, where they can then apply their strong communication skills to perform well in that setting.
Is this the same as a journalism degree?
No. This B.A. degree in Communication and Media is not the same as a B.A. degree in Journalism, even though writing for different audiences is a component of the Communication and Media major. While Journalism programs teach students how to be news reporters, writers, and editors in a variety of news reporting venues, Communication and Media programs of study explore the many aspects of human communication within a wide array of situations including within organizational settings, by way of public relations, within the realms of corporate communications, through various media such as print, audio, video, and electronic, and via the Internet.
Can I pair this degree with a specific minor?
Yes, the communication and media major can be paired with almost any minor, including but not limited to: Marketing (which is a very popular minor for Communication and Media majors, because it overlaps a lot with Communication and Media, in terms of skills needed for class, for example: audience analysis, content strategy, etc., as well as brand messaging).
Does this degree prepare students for graduate study?
Communication and Media is an excellent degree that allows students to continue their education in graduate school, especially for those looking to pursue a Master’s degree in areas such as Communication, Media Studies, Marketing, and Public Relations, or even an MBA. Students can further develop the research, writing, and analytical skills they acquire in undergraduate studies.
Career Outcomes
As a graduate of the B.A. in Communication and Media program, you will qualify for work as a public relations specialist, social media manager or coordinator, corporate communications specialist, content marketing manager, marketing coordinator, and video producer or podcast producer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of public relations specialists will grow faster than the average for all occupations over the coming decade. (BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Public Relations Specialists. Current projections and wage data are available through the BLS)
Occupational Outlook Handbook, Public Relations Specialists.
Of course, most Communication and Media graduates find work in the Communications field within companies and organizations (and in the Media as well). However, Communication and Media majors also find work in healthcare, Education, Government, and non-profit organizations, as well as in marketing and Sales departments. Many large and mid-sized corporations have their own Communications Departments.
It’s often said that many qualified candidates are vying for entry-level communication positions. Because of the broad set of skills typically required of individuals in these roles, many applicants have similar qualifications. This is why, in addition to completing coursework, students in the major need to build a portfolio that showcases their ability to write, manage social media, and produce videos or podcasts, among other things. This can be done through internships, student media, and other avenues.
B.A. in Communication and Media at National Louis University
The B.A. in Communication and Media program at National Louis University’s Undergraduate College consists of a total of 180 quarter hours of study. The curriculum for this degree program includes Community Relations, Organizational Communication, Professional Writing, Conflict Management, Public Relations, Social Media, Podcasting, and Video Production, among others. This degree program can be paired with a minor, such as marketing. It helps prepare students for careers in a variety of fields as well as for graduate studies.
