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

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from San Diego 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 29 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, Communication graduates from San Diego State University have a much lower likelihood (-15%) 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 13% 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 from San Diego State University?
• What do Communication graduates from San Diego State University do 1, 5 or 10 years out?
• How hard is a Communication degree from San Diego State University? How long does it take?
• How much money can you make with a Communication degree from San Diego State University?
• What are the best colleges for Communication?

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

Relevance score: 85% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree. DEGREE INFO Graduated in 2014 from San Diego State University with a Bachelors in Communication. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION Credentialing Specialist Aya Healthcare Oct 2014 - Apr 2016 The role of Credentialing Specialist may utilize some communication skills, but it does not require a comprehensive understanding of communication theories or practices as core qualifications. Workers Compensation Professional Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Apr 2016 - Oct 2016 The position of Workers Compensation Professional primarily requires legal and insurance knowledge rather than communication skills, making it unrelated to the Bachelor's degree in Communication. Communication Specialist Marsh McLennan Agency - West Nov 2016 - Sep 2021 As a Communication Specialist at Marsh McLennan Agency - West, the job directly utilizes the knowledge and skills from the Bachelor's program focused on communication strategies and practices. Communications Specialist C3 Risk & Insurance Services Feb 2023 - Nov 2023 The role of Communications Specialist at C3 Risk & Insurance Services heavily relies on communication skills and strategies taught in the Bachelor's degree, making it directly relevant. Communications Specialist Nava Benefits Nov 2023 - Present In the position of Communications Specialist at Nava Benefits, the job requires expertise in communication that is directly aligned with the skills learned in the Bachelor's program, ensuring high relevance. ABOUT As a communications guru with a solid ops background, I enjoy offering strategic counsel and solutions to enhance organizational dynamics and drive success. I believe that people are the heartbeat of any organization. That's why my main focus is being a reliable ally to my colleagues and creating an atmosphere that's down-to-earth and inclusive, where we're all about supporting, empowering, and keeping the motivation flowing.

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

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

• Executive Assistant
• Receptionist
• Server
• Dance Instructor
• Communications Specialist
• Shift Manager
• Quality Specialist
• Conductor
• Graduate Teaching Associate
• Agency Coordinator/Team Lead

When looking at the jobs held by San Diego State University graduates with a degree in Communication, you’ll see a wide variety of roles, but many seem to stray from the core focus of their studies. The most common positions noted include roles like recruiters, analysts, and communication specialists. For example, jobs like 'Recruiter Lead' and 'Communication Specialist' tap directly into communication skills, using life's lessons in effective messaging and connection. However, positions like 'Deputy Sheriff' and 'Quality Specialist' skew towards other domains, underlining how much the degree's principles don’t always apply on the job front. It's a mix of jobs that request communication expertise and those that barely scratch the surface of the key concepts learned in the program.

Overall, while some graduates find themselves in roles that genuinely require the skills they honed during their degree, many others end up in jobs where communication plays a secondary role or only comes into play occasionally. For instance, working in customer service or as an event manager might involve some foundational communication skills, but these roles often emphasize operational tasks over communication theory and practice. So, while some graduates get lucky with positions tightly linked to their degree, a significant number navigate careers that don't fully utilize their communication training, leading to a mixed bag of relevance across the board.

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 San Diego State University):

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

Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from San Diego State University with a Communication degree, it’s clear that many of them start off in roles that are a mix of related and unrelated fields. For those who graduated in the early 2010s, it seems like the first jobs often involve recruitment, analyst roles, or positions in law enforcement—activities that may draw on their communication skills but aren't strictly in the realm of marketing or media. As time went on, some of these graduates moved into more specialized communication roles. For example, many transitioned into communication specialists, marketing managers, and social media strategists, showcasing a shift toward roles that leverage their Communication background more effectively. This trend indicates that while the initial jobs may not always align perfectly with their degree, there is often room for growth into roles that are more relevant over the years.

Fast forward five to ten years, and you can see a more promising trajectory for many graduates. A significant number have secured positions that are firmly rooted in communication, marketing, and media. Graduates are working as communication specialists, social media managers, and account executives—positions that not only utilize their degree but also suggest career advancement and specialization. However, it’s worth noting that some graduates found themselves in jobs that seem disconnected from their studies, especially in earlier years, such as customer service or administrative roles. Nonetheless, it looks like the longer they are out in the workforce, the more they tend to align their careers with their degree in Communication, suggesting that while the path may be winding at first, graduates often find their way to fulfilling careers that capitalize on their educational background. Overall, if you're considering a Communication degree at SDSU, it looks like there's a mix of available career paths, with a good chance of landing in relevant roles as you build your experience.

How hard is a Communication degree from San Diego State University?

Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Communication at San Diego State University, or really at most places, can be pretty manageable if you stay organized and engaged. The coursework usually involves a mix of writing, presentations, and group projects, which can be a bit daunting, but if you're good with people and enjoy discussing ideas, you'll likely find it pretty enjoyable. It's not typically considered one of the hardest degrees out there, so if you're proactive and participate in class, you should be able to handle it without too much stress. Just be ready to put in some effort, especially if you want to really dive into the topics and make the most of your time there!

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 San Diego State University tend to make good money?

Looking at these Communication grads from San Diego State University, it seems like they’ve landed a mixed bag when it comes to cash flow. Some, like the graduates who became police officers or moved into solid financial roles in banking and tech, are likely bringing in decent salaries—especially those in leadership positions or specialized roles like fraud analysis and account management. Others, however, have taken on more entry-level or freelance gigs, which might not pay as well and can feel a bit unstable. Overall, a few have clearly done well, but there are definitely some who might be scraping by or still figuring things out in their careers.

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 San Diego 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