What can you do with a Communication Arts degree?

First, some facts. Of the Communication Arts 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 67 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Communication Arts graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 64%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

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

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 16% 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 Arts graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Communication Arts graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 94%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2012 from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communication Arts. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Aide
City of Minneapolis
May 2013 - Dec 2015
The role of Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Aide may involve some communication and advocacy skills that are transferable from a Communication Arts degree, but it primarily focuses on urban planning and transportation rather than direct communication tasks.

Video Producer and Production Assistant
Freelance Video Producer and Production Assistant
Aug 2012 - Present
As a Video Producer and Production Assistant, the individual utilizes specific communication and media production skills that align directly with their degree in Communication Arts, making this job highly relevant.

Event and Program Director
Our Streets Minneapolis
May 2016 - Present
The position of Event and Program Director requires strong communication skills and organizational abilities that are substantially supported by the knowledge gained in a Communication Arts degree, indicating high relevance.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Communication Arts degree?

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


After reviewing a variety of LinkedIn profiles from individuals with degrees in Communication Arts, it seems that many have taken on roles that are not necessarily aligned with their degree. The most common job types include positions in marketing, event coordination, customer service, and administration. While some of these positions do involve communication skills, they do not always tap into the deeper, more specific knowledge and skills that a Communication Arts degree typically provides.

In many cases, roles such as Retail Associate, Telephone Service Representative, and various administrative positions highlight a focus on customer service and logistics rather than the rich communication strategies and media principles associated with their studies. On the flip side, there are positive examples where graduates have landed roles like Marketing Communications Manager, Multimedia Producer, and News Producer, where the alignment with their Communication Arts training is much clearer and more impactful. These positions leverage critical skills like messaging, audience engagement, and storytelling, which are central to any Communication Arts curriculum.

While it's great to see some graduates flourishing in roles that directly apply their education, there's a significant number whose jobs either rely more on general skills or divert entirely from the core focus of their major. In essence, while graduates are certainly capable of excelling in various jobs, the alignment with their degree varies widely, leading to an interesting mix of relevance and disconnect in the professional pathways of Communication Arts alumni.

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

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

When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Communication Arts, a variety of paths emerge, showcasing both successes and some challenges. Initially, many graduates seem to dip their toes into entry-level roles that might not be strictly aligned with their degree. For instance, some started as retail associates or administrative clerks, which, while providing valuable skills and experiences, may not directly relate to communication arts. However, quite a few soon transition into positions more relevant to their studies, like marketing coordinators, social media managers, or development officers, reflecting a common trend of evolving towards more specialized roles in the communication field over time.

Fast forward five to ten years, and we see a more diverse picture. Some graduates have built impressive careers, particularly in fields like digital marketing, public relations, and media production. They’ve managed to climb the corporate ladder, often into roles with substantial responsibility like marketing managers or content directors. Others, though, have found themselves in less relevant positions, some not utilizing their degrees to their fullest potential. For example, various graduates shifted into positions outside traditional communication roles—like park rangers or clerical jobs—suggesting that not everyone found a direct path after graduation. Thus, while many Communication Arts graduates are clearly thriving in their fields, some appear to have taken winding paths, leading to careers that might not fully leverage their degree.

Overall, the trajectory of Communication Arts graduates seems to underline that while there are ample opportunities available in communication, media, and marketing, the journey can greatly vary based on initial positions taken, networking opportunities, and personal career aspirations. Success often requires perseverance and adaptability, especially in a landscape where traditional roles are constantly evolving. For high school students considering this path, it’s important to stay open-minded and proactive about gaining experience in relevant fields as early as possible. It may not be a straight line to success, but with determination, graduates can find their niche in the communication landscape.

How hard is a Communication Arts degree?

Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts can be pretty manageable for most students, especially if you have a knack for writing, speaking, or creative projects. It's not typically considered one of the hardest majors, but that doesn't mean it’s a walk in the park either. You’ll definitely find yourself working on group projects, presentations, and essays, which can be a breeze or a bit of a headache depending on your team and time management skills. Overall, if you’re into storytelling, media, and expressing ideas, you might find it to be more on the enjoyable side, making it feel a bit easier than some other degrees out there. Just be ready to put in some effort, like any degree, and you’ll do fine!

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 Arts.

Do Communication Arts graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these Communication Arts graduates, it's a mixed bag when it comes to their earning potential. Some have climbed into solid roles in established organizations, like the graduates from Marywood University and Virginia Commonwealth University, who are now in senior or managerial positions that likely pay well. Others have a series of jobs that seem more entry-level or inconsistent, which might mean they aren't making that great of a salary, at least early on in their careers. Overall, while some individuals are clearly on a good financial path, others might still be finding their footing and may not yet be raking in the big bucks.

In general, it seems that those who are able to transition into more stable careers or hold managerial roles could be making decent money, especially in fields like marketing and media. On the flip side, there are definitely some people whose job history suggests they might be in lower-paying roles, which could make it tough to build wealth. So, it's really about how each individual capitalizes on their education and experience—some are definitely thriving while others might still be waiting for their break.

What buzzwords do Communication Arts 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 Arts. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Communication Arts?

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

College Score Count