Communications is a broad field with numerous career options across industries. Earning a degree with a focus on communications prepares students to pursue a career in the field that best suits their interests and aspirations.
Students in the Arkansas State University (A-State) online Bachelor of General Studies program choose two subject area emphases from several options, including an emphasis in communications. This education pathway allows individuals to create a multidisciplinary degree program including in-depth communications coursework and studies in other disciplines. Working adults can pursue an online Bachelor of General Studies to boost their career or move into a specialized, communications-related position.
Job Options for Communications Graduates
Individuals interested in a career in communications can work in mass media, marketing, journalism or public relations. Examples of professional positions in communications include writer, public relations specialist, social media manager, brand strategist, editor, content marketing manager, reporter or marketing and advertising manager.
Many of these positions require at least a bachelor’s degree. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the typical entry-level education required to be a public relations specialist is a bachelor’s degree in an area of study like communications. The median 2022 salary for these professionals was $67,440.
Interestingly, a bachelor’s degree is also the typical education requirement for upper-level positions in fields like public relations — combined with five or more years of experience. Given this, students who earn a Bachelor of General Studies with an emphasis in communications can advance their employment opportunities and work toward becoming public relations managers — a job that offers substantial compensation. BLS reports that public relations managers made an impressive median annual salary of $129,430 in 2022.
Communication Courses in a General Studies Program
Communications courses in A-State’s online Bachelor of General Studies program focus on how to craft messaging for targeted purposes and audiences. Creating meaningful interactions is the overarching goal of such messaging. Coursework covers communications theory and strategy, including practices like promotional writing for radio, TV, social media and other web content.
Coursework in A-State’s communications emphasis also focuses on developing the interpersonal skills crucial for effective professional — and personal — communication. For example, the Conflict Resolution course explores interpersonal communication among groups (two or more people) when conflict is a variable. Further interpersonal communication focuses on developing openness, sensitivity and intercultural communication skills.
Online Classes Are Available
A-State’s online Bachelor of General Studies program can be completed entirely online, wherever and whenever works for the student’s schedule. This allows adults with obligations besides education to earn a degree while fulfilling other commitments. Online degrees are flexible and convenient. This feature is especially valuable to individuals with work or family responsibilities.
General Studies Emphasizing Communications Create New Professional Opportunities
A Bachelor of General Studies degree emphasizing communications coursework can be helpful when pursuing a career in communications. Several professional paths are available for career-minded people looking to break into communications. Job opportunities include writing, public relations and marketing.
Completing the studies online is extremely convenient, especially when considered within the context of work and family obligations. Working adults with families and careers can complete their degree and pursue career advancement in communications by earning a Bachelor of General Studies degree online.
Learn more about the A-State online Bachelor of General Studies program.