What can you do with a Communication degree?

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:

These are estimates based on AI analysis of 8247 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 60%, Communication graduates have a lower likelihood (-7%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

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Also, after graduating, only 26% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Communication graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

• What jobs can you get with a Communication degree?
• What do Communication graduates do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Communication degree? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Communication degree?
• What are the best colleges for Communication?

View a random Communication graduate and our analysis:

Relevance score: 46% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2016 from University at Albany, SUNY with a Bachelor's degree in Communication. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Care Coordinator Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Jun 2016 - Jun 2017 The role of Care Coordinator may involve some communication skills developed during the bachelor's degree, but it primarily focuses on healthcare management rather than core communication principles. Care Coordinator II Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Jun 2017 - Apr 2019 Similar to Job #0, the Care Coordinator II position requires communication skills, but it is still more centered on healthcare coordination rather than direct application of communication studies. Team Lead Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Apr 2019 - Mar 2021 As a Team Lead, while there may be elements of communication needed for leadership, the position's core qualifications lean more towards management in a healthcare setting than on the foundational principles of communication. Assistant Manager,Outpatient Operations Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Mar 2021 - Feb 2024 The role of Assistant Manager, Outpatient Operations likely requires effective communication, but it primarily centers on operational management and does not directly apply communication studies in a substantial way. Outpatient Operations Manager Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Jan 2024 - Present The Outpatient Operations Manager position focuses more on healthcare management and operational tasks, which do not directly utilize the skills and knowledge obtained from a bachelor's degree in communication. ABOUT No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Communication degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Intern
• Administrative Assistant
• Account Manager
• Account Executive
• Marketing Coordinator
• Production Assistant
• Sales Associate
• Project Manager
• Customer Service Representative

The analysis of various LinkedIn profiles of graduates with degrees in Communication reveals a diverse range of job experiences. However, it becomes clear that many of these roles do not directly connect with the core competencies of a Communication degree. Instead, there is a notable trend where graduates often find themselves in positions that prioritize skills and knowledge outside of pure communication expertise. While some individuals indeed pursued careers in fields such as public relations, marketing, and media production, a significant portion of these graduates ended up in roles that primarily emphasize sales, customer service, or administrative duties, which may only partially draw on their formal communication training.

Furthermore, the most common jobs held by these graduates tend to be either indirectly related or completely unrelated to their studies. Positions such as sales representatives, administrative assistants, and even technical roles often overshadow the practical application of communication theories and methodologies that graduates spent years studying. Although skills such as interpersonal communication and basic customer service may cross over into some of these roles, they often do not require the in-depth knowledge or critical thinking abilities that are hallmarks of a Communication degree. In practice, this suggests a mismatch between educational preparation and job market realities, where graduates may struggle to find roles that leverage their full skill set in communication.

On the flip side, there are countless examples of graduates successfully utilizing their communication skills in creative and influential positions, such as speech-language pathologists, media producers, and marketing coordinators, which demonstrates the versatile applicability of their degree. Nevertheless, the overarching takeaway is that while many Communication graduates land jobs that may utilize some relevant skills, there is a substantial segment of the workforce where communication principles are not the focal point of their day-to-day responsibilities. This reflects broader career trends where relevant knowledge might not coincide perfectly with job title expectations.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Communication graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Communication graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When looking at the career trajectories of Communication graduates, it's clear that there's a mixed bag of outcomes. Right after graduation, many of these individuals seem to start in entry-level positions, often taking roles in internships, administrative positions, or event planning. For instance, a graduate from the University of Arkansas became a social media marketing strategist at DaySpring Cards shortly after finishing school, while a University of Minnesota graduate started as a personal vehicle delivery driver before transitioning to a more career-aligned role in marketing. This pattern reflects a common trend among recent graduates who may initially take on jobs that aren’t directly connected to their degree but provide foundational experience and professional development.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the career paths start to diversify significantly. Some graduates manage to align themselves more closely with their Communication degrees and take on roles such as marketing managers, public relations specialists, or speech-language pathologists. For instance, a University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee alum has progressed to a senior administrative assistant at a medical college, while a Penn State graduate transitioned from a role in financial consulting to the position of senior account executive at an advertising agency. However, there are also many graduates who find themselves in seemingly unrelated fields or less desirable positions, like working in retail or as technicians, suggesting that the transition might not always be smooth for everyone. This variation paints a picture where dedication and early career choices can significantly influence long-term success.

To sum it up, Communication graduates initially grapple with finding relevant work—many start in positions that may not directly align with their studies. However, with perseverance, professional development, and perhaps a bit of luck, many find their way into fulfilling careers related to Communication within a few years. Unfortunately, others may struggle and find themselves in less gratifying positions long after graduation. Overall, the trajectory depends heavily on personal choices, networking opportunities, and the evolving job market.

How hard is a Communication degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Communication can be a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. For some, it might feel easier than average because a lot of the coursework involves writing, speaking, and teamwork, which can be fun and engaging if you enjoy those things. That said, it also requires a good amount of critical thinking, analysis of media, and understanding of theories, so it’s not just all presentations and discussions. You’ll definitely have projects and papers to juggle, but if you’re passionate about the subject, you might find it more manageable compared to more technical degrees. Overall, it strikes a balance between challenging and enjoyable, depending on your interests and strengths.

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication.

Do Communication graduates tend to make good money?

Wow, that's a lot of LinkedIn profiles to sift through! When you look at these communication graduates, it's clear they are all on different financial paths based on the roles they've taken. Some have landed pretty decent gigs early in their careers, like those who moved into managerial or specialized roles at companies like Amazon or JPMorgan Chase fairly quickly. Others appear to be taking a slower approach, with many starting in internships or entry-level positions before finding their footing in the communications or media industries.

It’s tough to say definitively if they are making "decent money" without specific salary info. Generally, positions like "Digital Marketing Manager" or “Account Executive” can pay quite well as they gain experience, while roles in entry-level positions like "Sales Associate" or "Office Assistant" might not be as lucrative. Overall, it looks like while there's a mix of financial success among these graduates, many are working towards better compensation as they build their careers. Just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint!

What buzzwords do Communication graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Communication. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Communication?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Communication (ordered by the average relevance score of their Communication graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College	Score	Count
New York University	82	14
Western Carolina University	81	10
Boston University	80	15
University of Florida	78	15
La Salle University	77	10
Moody Bible Institute	77	11
Virginia Commonwealth University	76	16
University of Wisconsin-Madison	75	22
Longwood University	75	10
University of Southern California	74	37
Utah Valley University	74	18
Wichita State University	74	10
Louisiana State University	73	40
Queens College	73	17
Gonzaga University	73	10
Penn State University	72	62
Southern New Hampshire University	72	25
Auburn University	72	34
Brigham Young University	71	25
University of Missouri-Columbia	71	29
Georgia Southern University	71	12
University of Alabama at Birmingham	71	10
Southeastern Louisiana University	71	14
Pace University	71	20
Florida International University	70	38
The University of Alabama	70	12
Northeastern University	70	19
California State University-Northridge	70	22
The University of Memphis	70	10
University of California, San Diego	70	11
University of Hawaii at Manoa	70	15
UC San Diego	70	13
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point	70	14
Stockton University	70	16
Biola University	70	12
The University of Texas at Austin	69	18
University of California, Berkeley	69	22
Cornell University	69	13
Missouri State University	69	11
Southern Connecticut State University	69	16
Salisbury University	69	14
University of Denver	69	14
Worcester State University	69	18
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College	69	10
Florida State University	68	46
Purdue University	68	13
University of North Texas	68	15
The University of Georgia	68	11
University of Arkansas	68	39
Azusa Pacific University	68	15
Santa Clara University	68	11
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	67	16
George Mason University	67	17
University of Maryland	67	19
University of Maine	67	11
Loyola Marymount University	67	20
Tulane University	67	11
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville	67	10
University of Arizona	66	28
Central Michigan University	66	18
California State University, Northridge	66	44
University of Virginia	66	14
University of Utah	66	29
Northern Illinois University	66	12
University of San Diego	66	23
Texas A&M University	65	56
University of Houston	65	18
DePaul University	65	15
California State University-Fullerton	65	18
University of California, Santa Barbara	65	26
University at Albany, SUNY	65	17
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse	65	11
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania	65	14
Eastern Illinois University	65	15
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi	65	12
Valdosta State University	65	18
Marymount Manhattan College	65	11
James Madison University	64	31
California State University, Fullerton	64	39
University of Kentucky	64	29
Appalachian State University	64	24
University of Massachusetts Amherst	64	22
Wake Forest University	64	12
University of South Florida	63	74
Towson University	63	39
East Carolina University	63	27
Clemson University	63	17
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	63	35
University of Connecticut	63	30
Sam Houston State University	63	33
Baylor University	63	12
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale	63	11
California State University-San Bernardino	63	19
Utah State University	63	11
Fordham University	63	22
University of Tennessee-Knoxville	63	14
University of North Carolina Wilmington	63	13
State University of New York College at Cortland	63	11
University of Montevallo	63	10
Brigham Young University - Idaho	62	29
The University of Texas at San Antonio	62	29
Bowling Green State University	62	20
University of Rhode Island	62	38
San Diego State University-California State University	62	13
Western Kentucky University	62	10
University of Massachusetts, Amherst	62	23
Coastal Carolina University	62	25
The College of New Jersey	62	12
Radford University	62	20
Hunter College	62	11
University of Illinois Springfield	62	11
Texas State University	61	35
Grand Canyon University	61	26
University of Colorado Boulder	61	29
California State University-Sacramento	61	40
University of Pittsburgh	61	22
West Chester University of Pennsylvania	61	30
Northwestern University	61	14
St. Cloud State University	61	19
University of West Georgia	61	21
Saint Joseph's University	61	12
University of Houston-Clear Lake	61	10
Arizona State University	60	123
North Carolina State University	60	24
Ohio University	60	56
University of Oklahoma	60	24
University of Maryland College Park	60	25
UC Santa Barbara	60	37
California State University, Fresno	60	17
California State University-Los Angeles	60	11
Curry College	60	12
University of Washington	59	67
University of California, Los Angeles	59	32
University of Michigan	59	20
Florida Atlantic University	59	25
University of Delaware	59	17
University of North Carolina at Charlotte	59	25
Boston College	59	16
California State University San Marcos	59	36
The University of New Mexico	59	13
Wright State University	59	15
University of Northern Iowa	59	10
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania	59	20
Fairfield University	59	10
Wittenberg University	59	10
Texas A&M International University	59	10
University of Central Florida	58	49
University of Cincinnati	58	46
Kennesaw State University	58	25
Portland State University	58	17
California State University, Long Beach	58	30
California State University, Chico	58	16
Saint Louis University	58	11
University of San Francisco	58	15
Christopher Newport University	58	22
Temple University	57	42
Illinois State University	57	25
Northern Arizona University	57	12
Eastern Michigan University	57	20
Rutgers University	57	12
Boise State University	57	31
University of Louisville	57	30
Florida Gulf Coast University	57	25
Texas Christian University	57	15
Cleveland State University	57	13
East Tennessee State University	57	14
Bridgewater State University	57	24
Bowie State University	57	14
Michigan State University	56	45
Old Dominion University	56	30
St. John's University	56	14
Villanova University	56	16
Southeast Missouri State University	56	11
Tennessee State University	56	12
University of Phoenix	55	32
Liberty University	55	16
San Jose State University	55	47
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee	55	27
University of North Florida	55	23
University of New Hampshire	55	21
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)	55	11
Stephen F. Austin State University	55	13
Northern Kentucky University	55	15
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	55	13
California State University-Dominguez Hills	55	13
Sonoma State University	55	18
Prairie View A&M University	55	13
Indiana University Bloomington	54	10
Texas Tech University	54	21
Iowa State University	54	13
Kent State University	54	25
Washington State University	54	11
College of Charleston	54	37
Indiana University of Pennsylvania	54	13
University of Colorado Denver	54	13
Virginia State University	54	13
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign	53	30
Western Washington University	53	30
University at Buffalo	53	31
Eastern Kentucky University	53	11
Millersville University of Pennsylvania	53	12
Winston-Salem State University	53	11
State University of New York College at Oneonta	53	10
San Diego State University	52	29
University of Iowa	52	33
University of Tennessee, Knoxville	52	29
University of Mississippi	52	10
Oakland University	52	37
Wayne State University	52	13
University of Maryland University College	52	11
Minnesota State University, Mankato	52	23
Southern Utah University	52	10
San Francisco State University	51	59
California State University-Long Beach	51	33
University of Nevada-Las Vegas	51	12
University of North Carolina at Greensboro	51	29
Kean University	51	22
Eastern Connecticut State University	51	19
University of California, Davis	50	28
University of North Carolina at Wilmington	50	16
University of Missouri-Saint Louis	50	17
Western Illinois University	49	13
The Ohio State University	48	18
The University of Akron	48	10
University of Maryland Baltimore County	48	11
University of Tampa	48	21
University of Washington Tacoma	48	10
Clark Atlanta University	48	15
Colorado State University	47	30
West Virginia University	47	19
Delaware State University	47	12
State University of New York at Fredonia	45	10
University of Colorado Colorado Springs	44	13
Rowan University	43	19
SUNY Oneonta	43	19
Grand Valley State University	42	16
Mississippi State University	42	10
Southern Oregon University	30	10