Online Colleges for Communications & Media

Education in the communications and media field opens up many possibilities for a long-term, successful career. The ability to share a message effectively has great value in the workplace, as companies and government entities vie for positive attention in a media market no longer solely dominated by newspaper and television. A talented public relations specialist, for example, is a key part of the strategy of any for-profit corporation, nonprofit or governmental agency. Photographers and writers create the look and feel of books, magazines, brochures and, increasingly, social media presences. And video producers and talent, while continuing to find employment in television and traditional media, are also making the transition to online production. The explosion in technology and social media has created the need for more sophisticated professionals who stay on top of developments in the field.

Communications and Media Online Colleges

Degrees, including those from online communications and media programs, should be accompanied by internships or other work experience to be most beneficial, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Degrees can be found in communications and marketing, journalism and public relations. Online communications and media programs are available at a variety of degree levels. Examples include an Associate of Arts degree in Communications, an Associate of Science degree in Marketing, a Bachelor's of Science degree in Communications and a Master's degree in marketing or New Media Journalism. In any of these degree fields, you could take courses related to business, finance, media ethics and political science. Both the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators offer accreditation for communications professionals.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a number of possible occupations for communications majors. One to consider is the public relations specialist--sometimes also known as a communications specialist or media specialist in the private sector and a press secretary when in a government role. The BLS notes that a college degree is a significant plus for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the field. Public relations specialists should see significant growth--24 percent between 2008 and 2018. Mean earned wages for those working in the field were $59,150, according to 2010 BLS data.