What can you do with a Communication Design degree?

First, some facts. Of the Communication Design 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 110 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 78%, Communication Design graduates have a much higher likelihood (+11%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 78%
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 11% 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 Design graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Communication Design graduate 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 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Fine Arts - BFA in Communication Design. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
UX/UI Intern
KDG
Mar 2019 - May 2019
The role of UX/UI Intern at KDG directly utilizes skills and knowledge related to communication design, particularly in user experience and interface design, making it highly relevant to the Bachelor's degree.

Associate UX/UI Designer
KDG
May 2019 - Nov 2022
As an Associate UX/UI Designer at KDG, the job requires a strong application of principles learned in communication design, such as visual communication and user-centered design, which are fundamental to this role.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Communication Design degree?

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


When looking at LinkedIn profiles of people who graduated with a degree in Communication Design, it’s clear that many have ventured into various roles. The most common job types identified include Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Marketing roles, and positions such as Art Director or Creative Director. Most graduates find themselves in Graphic Design roles that closely align with their training, utilizing skills like visual communication, layout design, and branding. Other positions, such as UX/UI Designers, leverage design principles that focus more on user-centered practices but still resonate with the Communication Design curriculum. Interestingly, while many hold jobs directly related to graphic design, a significant portion has taken paths less relevant to their degrees, winding up in roles like administrative assistant positions or marketing that don't strongly utilize design skills.

Overall, while the trend shows that many graduates of Communication Design do secure jobs directly related to their studies—especially in graphic design and art direction—there remains a notable crossover into roles that have little to do with the principles taught during their degree. For instance, positions in retail management or administrative roles may involve some basic communication skills but hardly tap into the comprehensive design expertise crafted throughout their university education. As a result, while it’s great that many find jobs within their field, others might face a struggle aligning their careers with the specific skill set garnered from their Communication Design degrees, which seems a bit disappointing if you’re looking for direct application of what you’ve learned in school.

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

What kind of career trajectories do Communication Design 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 Design, there’s quite a mix of paths taken. Initially, right after graduation, many students kick off their careers in various entry-level design roles, internships, or freelance gigs. This is pretty standard because, let’s face it, getting that first job can be tricky. For example, graduates from schools like Texas State University often start as graphic designers or even as front-end developers if they have a tech edge, and companies in industries ranging from marketing to real estate seem to be popular first jobs. These roles generally allow new grads to get some real-world experience under their belts and start building a portfolio, which is super important in the design field.

Fast forward five to ten years down the road, and things start to get more interesting—or sometimes a bit concerning. Many of those who were in design roles have either moved up the ladder to senior designer or managerial positions, while others pivot into related fields such as UX design or marketing management. Some graduates even launch their own studios or become freelancers, allowing them to be more independent and creative. On the flip side, there are others whose paths take unexpected turns; for some, they find themselves in roles that are far removed from design… like property management or even teaching. This suggests that while many Communication Design graduates do manage to find fulfilling careers directly tied to their field, there’s also a significant number who either struggle to stay in design or choose paths that don’t fully utilize their creative skills. It’s definitely a mixed bag, and it shows that while a degree in Communication Design can open doors, it doesn’t guarantee a straight shot to a dream job in the field.

How hard is a Communication Design degree?

Hey there! So, when it comes to a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design, it really varies from person to person. Some folks find it pretty manageable because it blends creativity with some technical skills, while others might struggle a bit since you'll be working on projects that require a good mix of design, theory, and software proficiency. Honestly, it can be a bit challenging, especially if you're not used to thinking outside the box or handling constructive criticism, but if you enjoy design and are willing to put in the effort, it can be a fun experience. Overall, I’d say it’s about on par with average degrees in terms of difficulty—some parts might feel easier while others can be a real grind!

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 Design.

Do Communication Design graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these Communication Design graduates, there's a mixed bag when it comes to financial success. Some, like those who landed roles as Senior Designers or Art Directors at notable companies, seem to be doing well, especially with titles that indicate they’re in management roles. Those who have remained in entry-level or freelance positions for longer periods, however, might not have the financial stability they desire. In fields like graphic design and UI/UX, the pay can vary widely based on experience and industry, which means some might be making good money while others might be scraping by, especially if they’re starting out or working freelance.

Additionally, timing matters; recent graduates or those who switched careers may still be in the early stages of building up their earning potential. It's worth noting that while some have impressive trajectories, leading to higher salaries, not everyone progresses at the same rate, and certain positions may not reflect a comfortable income. Overall, if you're pursuing a degree in this field, it’s definitely possible to make decent money, but it can take time and experience to reach that point.

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

What are the best colleges for Communication Design?

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

College Score Count
Texas State University 71 10