How to Get an Online Associate’s Degree in Communications
Are you stumped on what you want to do in the long run as a career? Want to go to college but don’t know what to study? If you’re looking for a “safe major,” communications is one of them. Pursuing a communications associate’s degree is a great choice for those who are still unsure because it is a very versatile major that will allow you to keep your options open. This major will allow you to learn about how media and cultures communicate, and how that communication is interpreted both locally and around the world.
Communication is so important in pretty much any field you get into. If you think about it, everyone communicates at home with their families, and at work with employees. Being able to communicate effectively can not only help foster relationships, but also help us get things done efficiently. Businesses need advertising, letters, and websites written well to convey their messages clearly and effectively. With an associate’s degree in communications, you will get a glimpse of how to do this. After graduating, you’ll have a solid foundation of the field to transition you into a job in a wide variety of fields.
This degree typically takes two years of full-time study to complete. However, if you choose to earn your credential online, you may be able to complete it earlier. Depending on how many classes you can take per quarter/semester, you may be able to finish a lot quicker.
If you are busy but looking to go to school while still attending to your personal obligations, pursuing an associate’s degree in communications online could be a great option. Distance learning can work really well for those who are motivated and independent learners. It is important to make sure that the college you choose is accredited so that the credits you earn can be easily transferred to a four-year college should you decide to continue your education. By virtually attending classes online, you will have access to all course materials and participate in class discussions just like you would normally in a traditional classroom setting. The main difference is that you would be able to log into the classroom portal from anywhere and anytime to complete required coursework and exams. Students can easily communicate with other students and their professors via chat platforms and email.
Common Associate’s in Communications Curriculum
By enrolling in an associate’s degree program in the field of communications, you can expect to learn a variety of things, such as:
- Advertising
- Media writing
- Television
- Radio
- Music production
- Public relations
- International business
- Copywriting
- Social media marketing
- Public speaking
Of course, coursework will vary depending on the school you attend, but the associate’s degree is designed to give students a strong foundation in the basics of communications. For example, you will learn how to write and deliver speeches. You might even get to write a magazine feature. You will learn some journalism, scriptwriting, advertising techniques, and conduct interviews. Because you will be writing a lot, you will also really get to hone your writing skills, which come in really handy in any business environment.
In addition to communications-related courses, students will also have general education requirements and electives to complete, which will vary from college to college. These classes will help you develop a well-rounded foundation of knowledge that will be useful in understanding real-life situations and succeeding in whatever career you choose to be in. For example, you might take introductory classes in art, math, science, history, language, and more. Many of these general education course requirements can be waived if you took AP classes and passed their respective exams in high school. If this sounds like it might be you, we recommend checking with your college counselor to see which classes you might not have to retake.
Associate’s in Communications Careers
The careers available to those with an associate’s in communications is countless. There are so many available for you to choose from and the salary can range anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 a year. It all depends on what you do with your degree, and how far you want to go.
With a communication’s degree, you can look into careers involving:
- Marketing
- Copywriting
- Public relations
- Television and media
- Social media
- Blogging
- Teaching
- Proofreading & editing
- Consulting
The list goes on, but this gives you an idea of the many different career paths you could consider! Employers are always looking for employees with strong communication skills. So, with that said, regardless of which occupation you end up choosing, you will have a greater advantage over your competition when you are searching for your dream job.
Because we live in a growing self-made society, many graduates in the communication field are also starting their own businesses in their desired field. Creating your own business from scratch is no easy task. However, with proper communication skills, you will most likely be able to handle a lot of the things yourself and communicate with your employees when you get to the point of hiring them. Working for yourself has major perks such as being able to work from home during hours that you are most productive.