Considering majoring in communications? You should be aware of the different specializations available in online bachelor’s degree programs in communication. Choosing an in-demand concentration can allow you to focus your education. You can develop the skills that will help you find a job in your field of interest. Different schools and communications programs offer different options for specialization, so be sure to choose a program that meets your interests and career goals.
The Most Popular Communications Concentrations
Communications degree programs often require students to complete a breadth of core courses in subjects such as:
- media writing
- public speaking
- digital media
- research methods
- persuasion
- intercultural communication
- organizational communication
- ethics
Many programs also offer you the chance to develop an academic concentration or specialization by taking a cluster of courses centered on a subject area. Not every school will offer the same options for specialization. Some may not offer the chance to to specialize at all. But it’s important that you consider your opportunities both before choosing a school and while working toward a degree. According to U.S. News & World Report, some of the most commonly offered specializations available in online communication bachelor’s degree programs include:
- business and organizational communication
- emerging media
- journalism
- marketing
- public relations
Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list. Some of the best online bachelor’s in communications degree programs in the United States offer alternative specializations and concentrations, including academic tracks in:
- multimedia communication
- mass media
- sports media and communication
- interpersonal and public communication
You might be surprised how much of your curriculum is affected by the specializations available in online bachelor’s degree programs in communication. Students in one concentration may take several completely different classes compared to students in another concentration, even at the same school. A student specializing in emerging media takes courses in multimedia development and web design. A public relations student might instead study crisis communication and campaign planning.
Why Specializing Helps Graduates of Communications Programs
There’s a purpose in making a variety of specializations available in online bachelor’s degree programs in communication. It allows students to develop depth in a subject area of interest as well as a breadth of knowledge in the field of communications. The versatility of the skills you develop studying communications is part of what makes the major so popular. It is possible for your education to be too general to appeal to potential employers. Allowing you to specialize gives you the best of both worlds. It gives you a general grasp of a variety of communication skills, theories and techniques. It gives you a deeper understanding of the communications niche in which you want to build a career. You can also look for an internship or extracurricular activity in the field to help you make connections and build real-world skills outside the classroom. At many excellent schools, there are lots of different specializations available in online bachelor’s degree programs in communication. This means you have plenty of choices when determining which concentration best fits your needs.
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