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

First, some facts. Of the Communication graduates from San Francisco 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 59 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 51%, Communication graduates from San Francisco State University have a much lower likelihood (-16%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 51%
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 20% 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 San Francisco State University and our analysis:


Relevance score: 50%

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

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2022 from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Communication. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Junior E-Commerce Merchandiser
Bob's Watches
May 2022 - Jan 2023
While the role of Junior E-Commerce Merchandiser at Bob's Watches involves some communication skills for product descriptions and marketing, the core qualifications primarily revolve around e-commerce strategies and product management rather than the specific knowledge from a Communication degree.

ABOUT

As a communications major, I have acquired extensive experience in diverse fields such as marketing, research, healthcare, quality control, and customer service. I bring a unique blend of skills to the table, including creative problem-solving and exceptional interpersonal abilities, which position me as a valuable asset to any results-driven organization!

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

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


After analyzing the various job paths taken by graduates of the Communication program at San Francisco State University (SFSU), it’s pretty clear that there’s a wide range of careers these individuals have pursued. However, what stands out the most is how some of these roles relate to the skills and knowledge they would’ve gained in their courses. Many graduates have found themselves in fields like education, counseling, marketing, and media production, where effective communication is crucial. Others, however, are working in roles that don’t directly leverage their degree, like administrative positions and customer service roles, which mostly focus on tasks other than communication theory or principles.

From the data, it’s evident that jobs in education, counseling, and media are highly relevant to the skills acquired in the Communication degree. For instance, being a teacher, school counselor, or audio engineer requires a deep understanding of communication dynamics and effective interpretation and presentation of information. On the flip side, jobs like sales associates, administrative assistants, or roles focused mainly on technical tasks don’t engage the core competencies taught in the Communication program as effectively. While these positions do require some level of communication, they often don't necessitate the nuanced understanding of communication theories or practices. This creates a mixed bag for graduates when assessing how relevant their degree has been in their career trajectories.

In conclusion, while a notable number of SFSU Communication graduates have successfully landed in fields that align well with their studies, there’s a significant portion that seem to be in roles not fully utilizing their education. This suggests that while a Communication degree can offer a solid foundation for many jobs, graduates may need to actively seek out positions that truly leverage their skills or consider additional training to align more closely with their career aspirations. So, if you’re planning on pursuing a Communication degree, it’s worth exploring how your interests align with potential career paths that can fully utilize what you’ve learned!

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 Francisco State University):

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

When you look at the career paths of graduates from the Communication program at San Francisco State University, there seems to be a mixed bag of outcomes. Right after graduation, many of these folks kick things off in jobs that might not perfectly align with their degrees but still leverage some communication skills. For instance, some started out in roles like sales representatives, administrative assistants, or even as courtesy clerks. While those positions aren't directly related to Communication, they do involve customer interactions and pulling those communication skills into play.

Fast forward five to ten years later, and you can see some interesting trends. A number of grads start finding roles that are much more connected to their Communication backgrounds. Many have moved on from entry-level jobs and have landed in fields like marketing, counseling, event planning, or human resources—areas that really call for solid communication skills. Some have even established themselves in more creative roles, like copywriting or managing events. It’s pretty clear that while the initial jobs might not scream "Communication major," over time, many have navigated toward careers that utilize their degree more effectively.

However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There are also quite a few who seem to have struggled a bit after graduating. You notice some have taken a longer route or ended up in somewhat unrelated fields, like administrative roles or positions in retail. While these jobs can provide valuable experience, they might not feel as fulfilling for someone who was all about pursuing a Communication degree. Ultimately, the overall picture can feel a bit uneven: some graduates thrive and find their niche in Communication-related careers, while others might still be on the hunt for their true calling.

In summary, if you’re thinking about studying Communication, know that it can lead to a variety of paths. You might find yourself starting out in roles that don’t completely align with your aspirations, but with time and experience, many graduates eventually move toward careers that resonate more with their education. It’s a journey, and there’s no single roadmap, but there are plenty of avenues to explore along the way!

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

Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Communication can be a mixed bag when it comes to difficulty, and San Francisco State University is no exception. Some students find it pretty manageable because a lot of the coursework includes group projects, presentations, and creative assignments, which can be more fun than traditional exams. However, there are definitely challenging classes where you'll need to dig deep into theory and analysis. Overall, it’s probably around average in terms of difficulty—if you stay organized and engaged, you should be able to handle it without too much stress. Just keep in mind that it can be as easy or as hard as you make it, depending on how much effort you put in!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Communication.

Do Communication graduates from San Francisco State University tend to make good money?

When you look at the job paths for these Communication graduates from San Francisco State University, it’s a bit of a mixed bag regarding salaries. Some of them have climbed up the career ladder into pretty decent positions with solid salary potential, especially those in tech and management roles, like program managers at big companies, which can bring in good six-figure salaries. Others, though, seem to be stuck in more entry-level or part-time jobs, like administrative assistants and sales associates, which probably won’t pay much better than minimum wage to start with. Those careers might not lead to big bucks immediately, especially in high-cost areas like San Francisco.

Overall, it seems like while some may have found their way into lucrative fields, others are still navigating through basic roles. It all really depends on the industry and the individual's ambition after college. It’s great to see some graduates making decent money, but understand that the journey can vary widely from one person to the next. So, if you're considering a Communication degree, keep in mind that networking and gaining the right experience can really impact your earning potential as you start your career!

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 Francisco 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