Earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication

Communication, a seemingly simple concept, actually encompasses a wide spectrum of activities. Spoken word, printed text, images and body motions are all different methods of communicating with others. For each method to be effective, however, you have to develop an understanding of its use and meanings. One way to do this is to purse a bachelor’s degree in communication.
 

Benefits of a Communication Degree

A bachelor of communication degree provides you with the necessary tools for becoming proficient in personal, professional and occupational communication. Whether you desire to work in a communications field or you want to further your current media-related career, a bachelor's degree in communication may be perfect for you.

Coursework

Students pursuing a bachelor of science in communication will take communication classes that cover aspects such as:
  • communication contexts
  • communication formats
  • communication theories
  • ethics of communication.
Not only will the classes teach you how to be a better communicator, they will also show you how to better interpret for the messages being sent to you.

Career Opportunities

If you are still looking for a career path, a bachelor’s degree in communication can open up many exciting opportunities in media. Opportunities for careers with a bachelor of communications can arise in any of the following industries:
  • journalism: A career in journalism encompasses both broadcast and print media. Broadcast journalists collect, write, produce and publicize information through television and radio broadcasts. Print journalists report news and features through newspapers, magazines and online publications.
  • public relations: Public relations officials use media to help get their messages to the public. They often rely heavily on journalists and producers to help them effectively transmit their message to the public.
  • television production: Television producers work with journalists and other writers to create, edit, direct and televise audiovisual productions. This can include a variety of shows, from news broadcasts to weekly features.

Along with the above, communications students can also pursue a number of different career paths, including:

  • advertising
  • graphic design
  • human resources
  • marketing
  • Web development.

Obtaining Your Degree

As with most bachelor’s degrees, a communication degree can be obtained at an accredited university within two to four years. Both online and on-campus universities will typically offer communications programs as part of their degree options. Remember, however, that, with a bachelor's of communication, online programs may not provide all of the face-to-face communication experience that you will want (and need) when earning this degree.
 
Within the subject of communications, other, more specific types of degrees can be earned. Some examples of specialized types of communication degrees are a bachelor of communication in advertising and a bachelor of media communication.
 
You can expect to pay around $30,000 for tuition and expenses by the time you’ve completed your education. If cost is an issue, keep in mind that online classes are often slightly less expensive than traditional courses taught on campus.
 
Resources
 
East Carolina University (2008). Bachelor of Science in Communication. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the ECU.edu Web site: www.ecu.edu/cs-cfac/comm/bs/index.cfm.
 
University of Phoenix (2008). Bachelor of Science in Communication Version 001. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the University of Phoenix Web site: www.uopxonline.com/BS_Communications.asp.