What can you do with a Strategic Communication degree?

First, some facts. Of the Strategic Communication 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 140 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Strategic Communication graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 63%
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 22% 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 Strategic Communication graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Strategic Communication graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 34%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2019 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Strategic Communication. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Substitute Teacher
Grove City Christian School
Oct 2019 - Apr 2023
Being a Substitute Teacher at Grove City Christian School does not require specific skills or knowledge in Strategic Communication, as it primarily focuses on classroom management and teaching rather than communication strategies.

Nanny
The Schwegman Family
Jan 2021 - May 2023
The role of a Nanny may involve some communication skills to interact effectively with children and families, but it does not substantially utilize the strategic communication knowledge from the degree.

Administrative Assistant
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
May 2023 - Present
The position as an Administrative Assistant at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center likely involves significant communication tasks, requiring skills related to strategic communication in organizing and disseminating information effectively.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Strategic Communication degree?

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


As I looked through the various job roles held by individuals who've graduated with a degree in Strategic Communication, exciting patterns emerged. Many graduates tend to engage in careers where communication remains a cornerstone, but the connection to their degree varies significantly. The majority of the jobs seem to filter into two categories: those that heavily lean into marketing and public relations and those that touch on more administrative or operational roles where the connection to strategic communication is less direct.

The most prevalent job titles among these graduates revolve around public relations, marketing, and social media management. Positions like Account Executive, Marketing Coordinator, and Social Media Strategist not only leverage the communication skills taught in their programs but also employ strategies for engaging diverse audiences and crafting compelling narratives, which are crucial elements of strategic communication. For example, Account Executives in public relations agencies typically negotiate and manage client expectations, necessitating a depth of communication skills and strategic thinking learned throughout their degree. Similarly, roles such as Marketing Communications Coordinator distinctly utilize skill sets from their studies, focusing on developing engaging marketing strategies and managing communication across various platforms.

However, not every job that's listed maximizes the benefits of a Strategic Communication degree. Numerous individuals have transitioned into roles like customer service representatives, administrative assistants, or insurance agents where the relevance of their academic training seems minimal. While these roles do require some communication skills, they typically hinge more on operational tasks than on strategic communication measures. Positions such as these often involve a significant disconnect from what students specifically learned in their respective programs, leading to a sense of underutilization of their degrees.

Overall, while individuals who've pursued a degree in Strategic Communication have found themselves in various roles, the ones that directly employ the knowledge and skills derived from their education are heavily concentrated in areas of public relations and marketing. Unfortunately, a notable number have also moved into jobs that require limited application of their specialized strategic communication skills, primarily rooted in management or customer service. This disparity raises intriguing questions about how academic training translates into practical employment and whether graduates feel their degrees prepare them for the job market as successfully as intended.

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

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

When it comes to graduates in Strategic Communication, there's definitely a mixed bag in terms of career trajectories. For many, the first job after graduation seems to reflect a solid entry-level role relevant to their field, especially in public relations, marketing, and communications. However, a good number of these graduates eventually find themselves in positions that may not directly tie back to their studies, showcasing a broader trend where alumni deviate into various sectors over the years.

For instance, some graduates from Ohio State University have landed roles like Financial Aid Officers or Customer Care Representatives right after finishing their degrees. There's not a particularly glamorous start for them, and while working in financial aid could be considered a relevant position, it's not the same as landing your dream job in a buzzing PR firm or top marketing company. In contrast, some of the younger grads from schools like the University of Kansas and Temple University quickly jumped into more dynamic roles such as Executive Assistants and Digital Marketing Coordinators, reflecting a more relevant path right after graduation.

Fast forward five to ten years, and the disparity becomes more pronounced. Many graduates find themselves in roles that aren’t directly related to Strategic Communication, like licensed insurance agents or retail positions. This might speak to the reality of the job market where not every job aligns perfectly with one's degree, and graduates from this field are clearly utilitarian in their approach, adapting to roles outside their initial scope. However, there are also shining examples where graduates have graduated to significant positions such as Vice Presidents in communication firms, leading agency strategies, or holding key management roles in public relations. It's a rollercoaster of experiences, reflecting resilience as they navigate their way through these dynamic career paths.

In summary, while many Strategic Communication graduates do kick-start their careers in relevant fields, there is a noticeable trend of graduates shifting toward varying industries over time. It's essential for current students to keep in mind that while a degree opens doors, it's the adaptability and willingness to forge their own path that will ultimately help them create meaningful careers.

How hard is a Strategic Communication degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty, but honestly, it’s usually on the easier side compared to some other majors like engineering or physics. You'll definitely have to do some writing and research, which can be a bit of a hassle, but if you enjoy working with people and crafting messages, it might not feel too tough. Plus, a lot of the courses are designed to be practical and relatable, which can make the material more engaging. Overall, if you stay organized and don’t procrastinate too much, you should be able to handle it without too much stress!

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 Strategic Communication.

Do Strategic Communication graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these graduates, it seems like financial success varies quite a bit! For instance, a couple of those who graduated from universities like Texas Christian University and the University of Missouri-Columbia have secured high-paying roles in PR and marketing where they likely make decent money. However, some recent graduates starting in entry-level jobs, like the one from The University of Kansas or the recent grads from Oklahoma State University, may still be on the lower end in terms of salary while they build up experience. So, unless you're landing one of those VP or high-level positions right off the bat, many of these folks may not be rolling in cash right away.

Also, it's interesting to note that while many graduates have moved on to roles that seem pretty solid in terms of pay, others remain in more entry-level or variable-pay positions like those in retail or as administrative assistants. In contrast, some in technical fields, or those focusing on financial roles, seem to have greater earning potential. Overall, it looks like the path to making good money can really depend on the industry, location, and how quickly they’re able to climb the ladder after graduation.

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

What are the best colleges for Strategic Communication?

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

College Score Count
University of Missouri-Columbia 73 17
Texas Christian University 67 12
University of Utah 54 10
The Ohio State University 47 21