Communications at WGU
Are You Looking to Get a Communications Degree?
With communication ranked as the number one skill hiring managers are looking for, a communication degree can prepare you for a variety of jobs in a range of industries. However, it’s just one way to enter the business world. It’s important to consider other specialized degree options that can set you up for a communications career and also give you a broader skill set to work with.
While WGU doesn’t currently offer a communications degree, this guide will explore how the knowledge and skills learned in other bachelor’s or master’s degree programs can be applied to a multitude of communications jobs.
Pathways to a Communications Career
Every organization can benefit from having skilled communicators on their team, which is why so many specialized degree programs (such as business management, HR, and marketing) include communications courses. This means you gain the valuable communications skills you need, plus specific knowledge in the industry that interests you.
LinkedIn shows more than 700,000 communications jobs specifically requiring business, marketing, and public relations skills—all of which you’ll learn in a business or marketing degree program. So, while a communications degree can be a good option for some, you may be able to broaden your career options by completing other degree programs.
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
If you’re interested in a job that requires communication and leadership skills, a business management degree could be the right path for you. You’ll learn things like innovative and strategic thinking, best practices in scheduling and budgeting, as well as concepts in marketing, sales, and finance—all of which can be applied to jobs in a variety of fields that are focused on communication.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
The great thing about a marketing degree is its versatility. It will give you a solid foundation in marketing that can lead to communications-focused jobs in advertising, sales, and public relations—or give you the skills you need to become a copywriter, marketing manager, public relations specialist, or content marketing specialist.
Bachelor of Science in Human Resources
With a bachelor's degree in human resources, you’ll be prepared for a career focused on connecting with employees, giving them resources they need, and communicating company guidelines. The curriculum will give you a solid understanding of communication techniques, how businesses function, employee relations, recruitment, and more interpersonal skills related to HR professionals. For many people hoping to pursue a career focused on communication, a career in HR can be a perfect fit.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The courses you’ll take in an MBA program will help you advance your career in communications and broaden your business acumen. You’ll gain advanced knowledge and skills in communication, marketing, management, decision making, and more—all of which can prepare you for jobs as a CEO, business owner, executive director, and more. Instead of a degree focused just on communication, an MBA can give you additional insight and skills in leadership in business.
Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSML)
Confident leadership and solid communication management is needed at every successful organization. If you’re ready to develop the comprehensive managerial skills you need to create organizational change, communicate strategic initiatives, and lead high-performance teams—this degree program could be the right move for you. Some of the titles you can pursue with a master of business in leadership and management include: president, vice president, branch chief, director or operations, and executive director.
Master of Science in Marketing
If your goal is to gain skills more specific to marketing—such as social media, SEO, market research, analytics, etc.—consider the marketing master’s. This program is offered with two specialization options: Digital Marketing (MSMK) and Marketing Analytics (MSMKA). These specializations provide industry-relevant courses in top in-demand areas that have distinct skill sets, along with shared foundational courses that cover general business and marketing content. Your career goals will ultimately help you decide which route is right for you.
$65,356
is the average salary for those with a marketing degree versus $48,961 for those with a communications degree.
Careers Related to Communications
Based on where you want to go with your career, a degree in marketing, HR, or business management could be a better fit and give you a broader skill set to work with. To help you better understand your options, here are some jobs you can potentially land with the degree programs mentioned above.
What Does a Communications Manager Do?
These professionals work to propel a brand's image through consistent messaging and strategy. They do everything from overseeing the development of brand collateral to developing internal and external communications and marketing strategies.
What Does a Marketing Manager Do?
A marketing manager oversees the promotion and positioning of a brand or the products and services it sells. Their goal is to attract more customers to buy from the company and to raise brand awareness through the creation of marketing campaigns.
What Does a Human Resources Specialist Do?
Communication skills are key for HR specialists because their job is about understanding and interacting with employees to improve their work environment. Their main responsibility is to assist in an organization’s recruiting process, which can involve everything from initial applicant screenings to interviews.
What Does a PR Specialist Do?
PR specialists help to create and maintain a positive public image for the person or company they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organization and increase awareness of its work and goals.
What Does a Social Media Manager Do?
Social media managers can wear a variety of hats. They help create brand promotions, marketing campaigns, and day-to-day content creation for their company across several different social media networks. They also monitor social media analytics and respond to questions and comments according to the company’s voice and guidelines.
What Does a Journalist Do?
Journalism careers are focused on observing and recording newsworthy events and reporting them to the public. They research, write, and report news stories covering everything from social issues and entertainment to sports and politics.
4%
is the amount of projected growth that jobs in media and communication will have from now until 2029, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Does an Event Planner Do?
Event planners coordinate all aspects of events, parties, and meetings. They often choose venues, arrange transportation, and coordinate many other details.
What Does a Brand Manager Do?
A brand manager is responsible for developing and executing brand strategies using customer and trend research. They also have input in the design of any brand assets, including packaging, displays, ads, etc.
What Does a Copywriter Do?
A copywriter writes marketing and advertising messages for use on websites, in digital formats, and in printed materials. They often collaborate with designers, creative directors, and marketing directors.
What Does a Content Marketing Manager Do?
The job of a content marketer is to connect with a target audience to increase brand awareness. They plan and manage day-to-day content creation, editing and promotion, and report on the results of each content marketing initiative.
What Does a Brand Strategist Do?
A marketing manager oversees the promotion and positioning of a brand or the products and services it sells. Their goal is to attract more customers to buy from the company and to raise brand awareness through the creation of marketing campaigns.
What Does a Managing Editor Do?
The main role of a managing editor is to create content strategies and implement them. They typically manage a team of writers, editors, and designers to track their progress and make sure they follow style guides.
Why Choose WGU?
There are several reasons WGU’s online degree programs are a great fit for students:
- It’s affordable. Our low, flat-rate tuition is charged per six-month term and covers as many courses as you complete in that time.
- It’s career focused. WGU’s degree programs are designed with your future employment and success in mind, so the skills you learn will translate directly to your career.
- It’s accessible. Along with our already-low tuition, our scholarships and financial aid make college even more affordable.
- It’s at your pace. Thanks to our competency-based education, you can pass courses by proving what you know, meaning you can speed up your program and potentially graduate faster.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Business
Marketing – B.S. Business Administration
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:...
For those who want to lead brands and steer consumer markets:
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 19 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Communication
- Marketing
- Sales
- Management
- Project Management
- Product Management
Marketing is a creative and exciting field—and one where an undergraduate degree will open better opportunities.
Business
Business Management – B.S. Business Administration
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:...
Hone your business acumen and garner added respect:
- Time: 61% of graduates finish within 19 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé this program will teach you include:
- Business communication
- Product development
- Decision making models
- Project management strategies
- Budgeting for business
This online degree program is an excellent choice for kick-starting your organizational management career.
Business
Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:
- Time: 65% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Agile project management
- Employment and labor laws
- Recruiting strategies
- HR technology
- DE&I understanding
Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 60% of graduates can finish in 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that this program will teach you:
- Leadership
- Management
- Coordinating
- Communications
- Performance Management
- Planning
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
