For many prospective students, some questions that might need to be answered when making decisions on pursuing a career in communications often include, “Can I get a communications degree online?” Online degree programs offer opportunities for students who are unable to attend a traditional, on-campus program to complete educational goals, and the communications field opens up opportunities in various industries.
Communications Degree Curriculum
Communications students work to complete a number of courses in general education, including science and math courses. Additionally, communications degree students will complete several courses in computers, social sciences, business, and fine arts. The focus of most communications degree curriculums will be on composition and writing, public speaking, linguistics, and interpersonal communications.
Major course work in a communications curriculum varies widely by institution, but there are common courses that students will complete in the department. Requirements often include group communication basics, principles of interviewing, communication technology, rhetoric and thought, communication theory, argumentation and debate, technical professional communication, communication theories, and rhetorical criticisms.
Specializations in Online Communications Degree Programs
In addition to completing communications and general education requirements, students in many online programs have the opportunity to focus their educations on one specific area of the field. For students who are interested in pursuing a career in business, for instance, organizational communication, public relations, and interpersonal communication are concentrations that can help prepare for careers in human resources, sales, and other areas of business operations.
Students considering careers in education might opt to focus on a concentration in mass communication, communication theory, or linguistics. For students interested in writing or editing careers, media production, journalism, or technical writing are possible concentrations to tailor an education for future career positions. Additional concentrations include digital, political, health, and non-profit communication.
Many undergraduate online programs in communications also offer additional opportunities for students to gain experience and knowledge in the field. Online schools often partner with corporations and community groups to offer options for co-operative work and internship opportunities.
Graduate Programs in Communications
In addition to online undergraduate degrees, students interested in managerial positions or careers in education might also be interested in online graduate degree programs in communications. In these programs, students will advance the knowledge gained in an undergraduate degree program. Some typical courses include persuasion, research in communications, effects of the media, research and writing, and applied communications research. Graduate communications students also complete a thesis or master’s project.
Careers in Communications
An online degree in communications prepares graduates for a number of possible career paths. Some career opportunities include positions as an editor, writer, broadcast analyst, media specialist, and technical writer. Other positions could include opportunities to work in human resources, marketing, sales, community health or outreach programs, education, and television or film. Additional information on career possibilities in communications can be reviewed at The National Communication Association website.
Prospective students have a number of options for where and what programs to pursue in education to begin or advance in a career. When considering the answer to the question “can I get a communications degree online,” future graduates have many options for what school to attend, what format to choose, and specializations to complete within the degree curriculum.