Associates Degree in Communications

The demand for communication and media occupations is expected to increase as there is a growing need to create, translate, edit, and share information through a wide variety of platforms. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecasted that the employment growth in this field is expected to increase by 4% from 2018 to 2028. Students who have majored in Communication Studies can expect to find employment at media based firms, public relations and advertising firms, and government institutions.

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If you want to kick-start a lucrative career in this field, then obtaining an Associate’s Degree in Communications would be a great idea. This detailed article will list the career prospects, employment growth statistics, and salary data of professionals working in this field, in order to help you make an informed decision about your career.

The Field of Communication

Communication is the process that involves exchanging or imparting information by writing, speaking, or using some other medium.

Communication majors learn how to analyze and research information and how to clearly communicate topics through speaking and writing. Communication degrees usually teach students courses related to public speaking, research strategies, journalism, and writing.

What Can You Do with an Associate’s Degree in Communications?

The Associate’s degree in Communication helps open up doors to a wide range of career fields – from journalism and media, to marketing and business, to politics and government. After graduating from the program, individuals can work as Public Relations Assistants, Advertising Executives, Public Address Announcers, Event Planners, Communication Consultants, Speech Writers, Media News Writers, Public Information Officers, or Corporate Communications Coordinators.

The next section will discuss the salary potential of the professionals working in this dynamic and vibrant field. The data presented below has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Announcers

These professionals present sports, news, and music, and may provide commentary. They are required to have good interpersonal, speaking, writing, and research skills.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has further categorized Announcers into two segments: (1) Radio and Television Announcers, and (2) Public Address System and Other Announcers. The employment figures of Public Address System and Other Announcers is given below:

Proof Readers and Copy Markers

These professionals read transcripts to identify and mark any compositional, typographical, or grammatical errors. They are required to have a solid understanding of spelling and grammar along with a strong reading comprehension.

Customer Service Representatives

These professionals interact with customers to answer queries, process orders and handle complaints. They are required to have good communication, interpersonal and listening skills.

What to Expect from an Associate’s Degree in Communications?

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Communication Studies takes around two years to complete. The program usually requires completion of 60 credits and covers a range of modules such as Theories of Communication, Introduction to Mass Media, Communication Design, Media Design, Communication Ethics, Writing & Inquiry, Public Speaking, Non-verbal Communication, Intercultural Communication, and Organizational Communication. This program prepares students for a four-year degree in the field of Communications or Liberal Arts.

How to Choose an Associate’s Degree in Communications?

Before choosing an Associate’s Degree in Communications, you should consider a range of factors. Some of these are listed below:

• Specialization Options
• Program Curriculum
• Accreditation Status
• Duration of the Program
• Cost of the Program
• Reputation of the faculty teaching the course
• Distance learning options
• Placement rates of graduates
• Availability of financial aid

Admission Requirements for the Associate’s Degree in Communications

Since each college has its own set of admission requirements, therefore you should research extensively before applying. Generally, students have to meet the following admission criteria:

• Candidates should have a minimum of a high school diploma or an equivalent.
• Candidates might be required to pay an application processing fee at the time of application submission, therefore you should check with the college of your choice to see what their fee charges are.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Associate Degree in Communications?

Many schools in the United States, such as the Franklin University, the Community College of Denver, the Glendale Community College and the Colorado Christian University are offering an Associate of Arts (A.A) in Communication Studies. This program can be completed in less than two years. It can open doors to a wide variety of fields, including journalism, media, marketing, business, politics, and government.

What Are the Requirements to Complete an Associate Degree in Communications?

In order to obtain an Associate of Arts (A.A) in Communication Studies, program participants have to complete approximately 60 credits. They have to study modules like Introduction to Communication Theory, Communication Ethics, Communication in Groups and Teams, Organizational Communication, Gender and Communication, Oral Communication and Intercultural Communication. This program prepares students to for a Bachelor’s degree in Communication.

How Much Can I Make after Completing an Associate Degree in Communications?

An associate's degree in Communication can help you improve your career prospects as a Communication Planner, Social Media Communications Associate, Public Relations Specialist, or a Technical Writer. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay of Public Relation Specialists was $60,000 in 2018. The number of jobs available in this field in 2018 was 270,000. Moreover, the employment in this field is expected to shoot up by 6% from 2018-2028, which is as fast as the average for all other professions.