About Degrees Colleges Colleges About About
Degrees
Degrees
Colleges
Colleges
About
About

What can you do with a Communication degree from Penn State University?

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from Penn State University 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 62 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 72%, Communication graduates from Penn State University have a slightly higher likelihood (+5%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 72%
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 33% 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:

View a random Communication graduate from Penn State University and our analysis:

Relevance score: 100%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2019 from Penn State University with a Bachelors in Communication. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Communications and Events Intern
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area
Jan 2019 - Apr 2019
The Communications and Events Intern role at Habitat for Humanity directly applies communication skills and knowledge developed during the Bachelor's in Communication, focusing on event coordination and public outreach.

Continuing Education and Convention Coordinator
Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association
Apr 2019 - May 2021
As the Continuing Education and Convention Coordinator, this job relies heavily on communication skills and event planning, closely aligned with the expertise cultivated in a Bachelor's in Communication.

Corporate Event Planner
ManpowerGroup
Jul 2021 - Jan 2023
The position of Corporate Event Planner involves significant responsibilities in communication and event management, directly utilizing the skills gained from the Bachelor's in Communication.

Meetings & Events Planner
CWT Meetings & Events
Apr 2023 - Present
The Meetings & Events Planner role centers on organizing and communicating effectively within events, making it directly relevant to the skills developed in a Bachelor's in Communication.

ABOUT

Experienced Meeting & Event Planner with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit and corporate Events Services. Skilled in Communication, Public Speaking, Writing, and Teamwork. Strong education professional with a Bachelors in Communications from The Pennsylvania State University.

What jobs can you get with a Communication degree from Penn State University?

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

When looking at the career paths of graduates from Penn State University's Communication program, a clear trend emerges. Many of these individuals have pursued positions in fields that, while sometimes tangentially connected, don’t always seem to directly apply the core principles of communication studies. For instance, roles like Operations Manager, Dispatcher, and various administrative positions dominate the landscape, and while they may require some form of communication skills, they often focus more on operational tasks or management rather than on the direct application of communication theories and practices that students learn in their degree program. This suggests that many graduates might not be utilizing their education to its fullest extent in their professional lives.

However, there is a notable group of graduates who have successfully landed jobs that are highly relevant to their degrees. Positions such as Speech Language Pathologist, Public Relations Coordinator, and Social Media Manager directly utilize skills acquired during their studies, aligning well with the qualifications provided by a B.A. in Communication. These roles demand a deep understanding of communication principles, whether through therapy, media relations, or managing public perceptions. They demonstrate how effective communication can be pivotal in various industries, especially within educational, medical, and public relations contexts.

Overall, while some graduates are indeed applying their degree in meaningful ways, many are in roles that don’t capitalize on their communication training as fully as one might hope. This variation highlights a broad spectrum of career possibilities post-graduation, indicating that not all paths will lead directly back to the heart of communication studies. It's a reminder that one's degree can open doors, but those doors may lead to very different rooms, depending on the career choices made along the way.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Communication graduates (this is across all Communication graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Penn State University):

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

When you look at the career trajectories of Communication graduates from Penn State University, you can see some interesting patterns emerging. Many of these graduates started off in entry-level positions, and while a good number have remained in fields relevant to their degree, others have drifted into careers that, quite frankly, might not have much to do with communication. Let’s break it down based on their early careers and what they’re doing five to ten years later.

For many grads, the first job after graduation seems to vary widely. You have some who ventured into specific communication-related roles, like public relations, marketing, and even healthcare communication, which makes sense considering their studies. For instance, you might find recent grads working as interns or in marketing roles for various companies. However, there are also a notable number who started in positions that aren't directly tied to their major—like restaurant management or operations roles—which could suggest that they were either exploring their options or perhaps facing stiff competition in more traditional communication fields. These first jobs often reflect a "take what you can get" mentality, typical for recent grads trying to find their footing in a challenging job market.

Fast forward five to ten years, and you'll notice a mixed bag of outcomes among these graduates. Many who started in communication-related fields tend to progress into more senior positions, like account executives, speech-language pathologists, or even managers in their respective areas. This is a positive indicator that a degree in Communication can lead to relevant and rewarding careers in fields like public relations, marketing, and healthcare, where effective communication is crucial. However, there are also plenty of examples where graduates ended up in roles unrelated to their degree. Some moved into areas like real estate or hospitality, which shows a different path that diverges from their communication studies. This could either be a personal choice or a necessity dictated by the job market at the time.

Overall, it’s pretty clear that Penn State Communication graduates have a range of experiences post-graduation. Some have thrived in their chosen field, while others have taken a more circuitous route, sometimes leading them to careers that don't directly utilize their skills in communication. If you’re pondering whether to pursue a degree in Communication, it’s worthwhile to think about your personal career aspirations and how you envision utilizing that degree after hitting the job market. Just keep in mind that while communication skills are invaluable, the job you land might not always be closely tied to what you studied, especially at the start.

How hard is a Communication degree from Penn State University?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at Penn State isn’t usually a walk in the park, but it's not the hardest thing either. You’ll definitely have your share of challenges, especially with writing assignments, presentations, and figuring out how to analyze various types of media effectively. However, if you enjoy engaging with others, digging into current events, and being creative, it can be pretty manageable. Plus, there’s a lot of flexibility in the coursework, so you can tailor your studies to your interests. Overall, it’s a good balance – challenging, but not overwhelmingly difficult if you stay on top of your work and participate in class.

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 from Penn State University tend to make good money?

So, looking at the roles of these Penn State Communication graduates, we can make some pretty fair guesses about their earning potential. Many of the jobs they took on initially, especially in operations, marketing, and various managerial positions, suggest a decent salary range, generally starting from the mid-30s to mid-50k after a few years of experience. For example, the Operations Manager and Operations Supervisor roles usually mean they’re likely earning above average compared to entry-level positions. As they progress, especially in specialized areas like speech-language pathology or management roles, their salaries would definitely climb, often hitting the 70k to 100k mark within a few years, especially with titles like Director and Manager. It’s a solid upward path toward financial stability, especially if you stick with it and gain experience.

On the other hand, some roles, like those in restaurant management or certain entry-level jobs, might not pay as well right away. While restaurant managers can make a decent salary, it's often tied to specific locations and conditions. For those that have moved into fields like speech therapy or even public relations, the income can be significantly better, especially as these professions have high demand. The later graduates, especially those getting into management or specialized areas, seem to be on a good track toward earning a decent salary early in their careers. Overall, it looks like a lot of these grads are doing pretty well for themselves financially and are moving in the right direction!

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 is across all Communication graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Penn State University). 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