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Strategic Communication Outcomes & Career Options

People with degrees in communication work in a wide range of occupations: advertising, education, healthcare, human resources, marketing, organizational consulting, motivational speaking, performing arts/drama, public relations, newspaper, radio, television, film, sports promotion, politics, campaign management, and pharmaceutical sales. Recent La Sierra University graduates have entered graduate programs in Communication, Family and Marriage Therapy, Law, and Journalism. In addition to a broad education and outstanding communication skills, knowledge about a specific subject is often important. Depending on the occupation, we encourage students to combine Communication with a second major to prepare for careers in areas such as law, politics, science, education, business, management, and marketing.

Educational Qualifications

Employers in the field of journalism generally prefer workers who have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications and have experience from an internship or from working on a college newspaper. Public relations specialists typically need a bachelor’s degree with coursework in public relations, journalism, communications, English, and business. For public relations management positions, a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communication, or journalism is generally required. In addition, some employers prefer a master’s degree in public relations or journalism. In 2010, one-fourth of public relations managers held a master’s degree. 

Job Outlook

Employment of reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts is projected to decline 9 percent from 2014 to 2024. Employment of reporters and correspondents is projected to decline 8 percent, while employment of broadcast news analysts is projected to decline 13 percent from 2014 to 2024. Declining advertising revenue in radio, newspapers, and television will negatively impact the employment growth for these occupations. Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2014 to 2024, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Organizations will continue to emphasize community outreach and customer relations as a way to maintain and enhance their reputation and visibility

Entering Salary

Sources:

Career information adapted from:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17, on the Internet at  https://www.bls.gov/ooh (visited May 20, 2016).

Contact and Location

communication@lasierra.edu
(951) 785-2666
Gladwyn Hall, Room 113

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