Careers: digital marketing specialist, marketing manager, public relations specialist, graphic designer, and writer. Majors: Marketing, Communications, Public Relations and Advertising, Journalism, and Digital Media and Film Production.
College majors for marketing and communications
Marketing
Studies how organizations understand customers and promote products and services.
Communications
Studies how people create, share and interpret messages in person and through media.
Public Relations and Advertising
Studies how organizations build their reputation and persuade audiences.
Journalism
Teaches you to report, write and produce news across print, broadcast and digital media.
Digital Media and Film Production
Teaches you to create video, audio, animation and interactive media.
Graphic Design
Teaches you to communicate visually through layout, typography, images and digital media.
Web Design and Development
Teaches you to design and build websites and web applications.
English and Professional Writing
Studies literature and language and builds strong writing and analysis skills.
Careers in marketing and communications
Digital Marketing Specialist
Grow businesses online with search, ads, social media, email and analytics.
- Typical training: 6 months to 4 years
Marketing Manager
Plan campaigns and strategies that grow brands and bring in customers.
- Typical training: 4 years plus 5+ years of experience
Public Relations Specialist
Shape and protect the public image of organizations and people.
- Typical training: 4 years
Graphic Designer
Create logos, layouts and visuals that communicate ideas and build brands.
- Typical training: 4 years or portfolio-based training
Writer
Write books, scripts, ads and articles for readers and audiences.
- Typical training: Years of practice
Editor
Plan, review and improve writing for publications, websites and books.
- Typical training: Writing experience plus on-the-job learning
Technical Writer
Explain complex products and processes in clear, usable documentation.
- Typical training: 4 years or technical background plus writing training
Advertising Sales Agent
Sell advertising space and campaigns to businesses.
- Typical training: 1–6 months
Skills these careers use
- Writing
- Editing
- SEO
- Paid search and social advertising
- Google Analytics 4
- Email marketing
Minors that fit this interest
- Communications: Strengthens writing, speaking and presentation skills.
- Digital Media: Adds video, audio, photography and social media production skills.
- Graphic Design: Adds visual design, layout and design software skills.
- Marketing: Adds knowledge of customers, branding, promotion and digital marketing.
- Professional Writing: Builds clear, practical writing for work.
- Public Relations: Adds skills in reputation, media relations and persuasive communication.
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what digital marketing specialists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: SEO, paid search and social advertising, and google Analytics 4
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Marketing and Communications
A self-paced online course on what marketing managers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: marketing strategy, digital marketing, and budget management
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Marketing and Communications
A self-paced online course on what public relations specialists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: writing, media relations, and crisis communication
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Marketing and Communications
Marketing and Communications: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in marketing and communications?
Careers connected to marketing and communications include digital marketing specialist, marketing manager, public relations specialist, graphic designer, writer, editor, technical writer, and advertising sales agent.
What should I major in if I am interested in marketing and communications?
Majors connected to marketing and communications include Marketing, Communications, Public Relations and Advertising, Journalism, Digital Media and Film Production, and Graphic Design. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What marketing and communications careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include advertising sales agent. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which marketing and communications careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include digital marketing specialist, marketing manager, public relations specialist, graphic designer, writer, and editor. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in marketing and communications?
Skills that come up often in these careers include writing, editing, SEO, paid search and social advertising, google Analytics 4, and email marketing, along with communication and problem solving.
What minors fit an interest in marketing and communications?
Minors connected to marketing and communications include Communications, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Marketing, and Professional Writing.
How do I start a career in marketing and communications?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore marketing and communications careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in marketing and communications involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to marketing and communications?
Yes. Related online trainings include Digital Marketing Specialist Training, Marketing Manager Training, and Public Relations Specialist Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to marketing and communications?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.