Communications, Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, Digital Media and Film Production, and English and Professional Writing. Each major below links to what it includes, the skills you build, career paths, suggested minors and how many colleges report awarding it.
| Major | Typical degrees | Career paths | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications | Associate, bachelor's and master's degrees | Public Relations Specialist, Technical Writer, Editor | 1,264 |
| Journalism | Bachelor's and master's degrees | Journalist, Editor, Writer | 416 |
| Public Relations and Advertising | Bachelor's and master's degrees | Public Relations Specialist, Public Relations Manager, Marketing Manager | 480 |
| Digital Media and Film Production | Certificate, associate and bachelor's degrees | Video Editor, Camera Operator, Producer and Director | 630 |
| English and Professional Writing | Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees | Writer, Editor, Technical Writer | 1,501 |
Colleges: active, degree-granting U.S. schools that reported awarding at least one degree or certificate in the field, IPEDS completions, awards conferred July 2023 to June 2024 (C2024_A).
Communications
Studies how people create, share and interpret messages in person and through media. Communications majors study interpersonal, organizational, mass and digital communication, public speaking, writing and media.
Skills: Writing, Public speaking, Media production, and Audience analysis. Pairs well with: Marketing, Digital Media, Business.
Journalism
Teaches you to report, write and produce news across print, broadcast and digital media. Journalism majors learn reporting, news writing, editing, media law and ethics, and multimedia storytelling.
Skills: Interviewing, Writing on deadline, Fact-checking, and Video and audio editing. Pairs well with: Political Science, Data Analytics, Digital Media.
Public Relations and Advertising
Studies how organizations build their reputation and persuade audiences. Public relations and advertising majors learn media relations, campaign planning, copywriting, crisis communication and social media strategy.
Skills: Persuasive writing, Campaign planning, Media relations, and Social media. Pairs well with: Marketing, Graphic Design, Political Science.
Digital Media and Film Production
Teaches you to create video, audio, animation and interactive media. Digital media and film programs cover video and audio production, editing, motion graphics, storytelling and media technology.
Skills: Camera operation, Video and audio editing software, Storytelling, and Collaboration. Pairs well with: Marketing, Professional Writing, Business.
English and Professional Writing
Studies literature and language and builds strong writing and analysis skills. English and writing majors study literature, rhetoric, composition, creative and professional writing.
Skills: Writing, Editing, Critical reading, and Research. Pairs well with: Marketing, Education, Legal Studies.
Practical training for communications and media careers
These Career Education Institute courses connect to the careers above. Each is a short, self-paced online course about one job.
A self-paced online course on what editors do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: line editing, copyediting, and fact-checking
Why it fits: Connected to your Communications major
A self-paced online course on what writers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: writing, research, and storytelling
Why it fits: Connected to your Communications major
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: Connected to your Communications major
A self-paced online course on what technical writers do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: technical writing, information architecture, and editing
Why it fits: Connected to your Communications major
A self-paced online course on what journalists do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: news writing, interviewing, and fact-checking
Why it fits: Connected to your Journalism major
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: Connected to your Communications major
Why consider career training alongside college?
Your college major gives you an academic foundation. Short career training can add practical knowledge of a specific job: what the work involves day to day, its vocabulary, common tasks, tools and safety rules. You do not have to wait until graduation: many students take a short course to test a career before choosing a major, to prepare for an internship or a part-time job, or to show employers they understand the work.
Communications and Media majors: frequently asked questions
What are the best communications and media majors?
The best major depends on the career you want. Common choices include Communications, Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, Digital Media and Film Production, and English and Professional Writing. Compare the careers, coursework and skills for each.
How many communications and media majors are there?
This guide covers 5 majors in communications and media: Communications, Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising, Digital Media and Film Production, and English and Professional Writing. Colleges may use different names for similar programs.
What careers can you get with a communications and media major?
Careers connected to these majors include public relations specialist, technical writer, journalist, editor, public relations manager, video editor, camera operator, and writer. Some require a degree and a license, while others start with a certificate or on-the-job training.
Which communications and media majors are offered at the most colleges?
English and Professional Writing (1,501 colleges), Communications (1,264 colleges), Digital Media and Film Production (630 colleges), and Public Relations and Advertising (480 colleges), based on IPEDS completions data.
Which communications and media programs can you start with a certificate or associate degree?
Communications and Digital Media and Film Production are commonly offered as certificates or associate degrees, as well as at higher levels at some schools.
What skills do communications and media majors build?
Common skills include writing, public speaking, interviewing, writing on deadline, persuasive writing, campaign planning, camera operation, and video and audio editing software.
Can I study communications and media online?
Many colleges that offer these majors also report offering fully online programs. Use the college search with a major selected and “Offers fully online programs”, then confirm with each school which programs are online.
Can I start training for a communications and media career before I finish college?
Yes. Short online career training can help you learn what a specific job involves and build practical knowledge while you study. It does not replace a degree or a required license.