Why Major in Communication? Useful Skills You Can Gain

By Dr. Alison Slade  |  03/04/2025

Communication plays a key role in every occupation. So why specifically should you choose to seek out a communication degree?

There are several reasons to major in communication. They are:

• Versatility – The skills and knowledge gained from this type of degree can apply to a wide range of career paths in the communication field.
• A firm communications foundation – Strong communication is a basic business skill.
• Media literacy – A communication degree prepares you to craft effective messages and to critically think about the messages that others create.
• Digital media literacy – Communication skills in the fast-paced world of digital media are vital.
• The opportunity to pursue leadership roles – Most leaders have well-developed communication skills.

The Versatility of a Communication Degree

As a college student, I attended a career fair as a communication major. Two separate companies refused to talk to me and other communication majors about potential employment, which was shocking to me since these positions involved sales and communicating directly with clients.

However, this incident was 25 years ago, and the world has definitely changed for communication majors. Due to today's media-saturated world where billions of messages go out daily for either personal or professional reasons, communication majors are more likely to have potential employment opportunities in a variety of different fields.

This situation is due largely to the versatility of a communication degree program and the transferable skills that communications majors acquire during their college career. Communication majors have a wide array of potential career paths that they can pursue, such as:

• Media relations
• Journalism
• Social media management
• Marketing campaigns management
• Advertising
• Public relations

For instance, a graduate with a communication degree might choose to become:

• A social media manager
• A public relations specialist
• A marketing manager
• A marketing writer
• A journalist
• A public information officer
• A sportswriter
• A technical writer
• An advertising campaigns manager

Creating a Firm Foundation in Communication Skills

Every single industry requires employees and leaders to have foundational and important skills such as strong communication and interpersonal relations skills. Learning these valuable skills during your educational journey can be extremely helpful.

Employer surveys consistently list oral and written communication as the top skill sets for new employees. For instance, a study by the Association of American College and Universities (AAC&U) found that 54% of employers find it important for employees to be able to communicate through their writing skills.

A communication degree enables you to explore different approaches to sharing information and learn a wide variety of communication skills, such as:

• Storytelling
• Media relations
• Public speaking
• Writing

In addition, the knowledge gained by communication majors can be applied to all facets of life, not just the workplace. For instance, communication majors have the chance to learn interpersonal skills and active listening skills, as well as problem-solving, digital marketing, and decision-making skills, which are particularly useful for media and communication occupations.

Communication Majors and Developing Media Literacy 

Encyclopedia Britannica defines media literacy as "the ability to apply critical thinking skills to the messages, signs, and symbols transmitted through mass media." A major in communications will provide you with the knowledge to become not only an expert crafter of messages but also a critical media consumer. For students who want to become good communicators, this type of knowledge is essential to understanding the needs of clients, target audiences, organizations, and communications in general.

Communication Studies and Acquiring Digital Media Literacy

Emily Wing, a talent growth specialist and recruiter, defines digital media literacy as "the ability to use digital tools and technologies effectively." Digital media literacy is a skill that can often be acquired in a communication program.

Bernard Marr of Forbes notes that digital media literacy is a popular skill sought by many employers, who are on the lookout for future communications graduates with highly developed soft skills, including communication, listening, and attention to detail. Both media and digital literacy in the workplace foster informed decision-making and collaboration.

The Link between Leadership and Communication

Leadership and communications are closely linked in the corporate world. Companies and employers rely upon strong leadership for the future of their business, and a skill that is needed by many future leaders is the ability to know how to communicate effectively to peers and subordinates.

According to Anna Barnhill of the Forbes Coaches Council, “Effective communication is the cornerstone of leadership effectiveness. It builds relationships, inspires trust, and fosters a shared vision.”

Have you ever noted that the best teammates at work are often also the best leaders, especially in communication occupations? The ability to communicate effectively to a team and to followers is essential in a workplace environment.

Communication Degrees at American Military University

For adult students interested in studying communications, American Military University (AMU) offers two communication degrees:

• An online Associate of Arts in Communication
• An online Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Courses in these programs are taught by expert faculty members and include an introduction to communication, public speaking, and social media and society. Other courses for students include intercultural communication, mass communication, digital tools and media in communication, and interpersonal communications.

Also, students taking courses for the bachelor’s degree in communication have the option of choosing between two concentrations:

• Digital Communication and Media Design
• Strategic Communication

For more information on AMU’s communication degrees, visit AMU’s arts and humanities program page.