If you’re thinking about majoring in communication, you probably understand the value it may bring, but also may have encountered the misconceptions and stereotypes people have while researching the major. We’ve all heard it before “communication is not a real major” or “you can’t do anything with a degree in communication.” Your friends and family might even think it's not a bold choice to pursue this major. However, having a degree in communication opens up many career opportunities. 

These assumptions are not only false, but they mischaracterize one of the most useful and versatile majors in academia! Continue reading to learn three common misconceptions people have about pursuing a communication major.

Misconception #1: Students studying a degree in communication have it easy and don’t learn anything.

One misconception you’ve probably heard is communication majors have it easy or don’t learn anything. This is not true at all! Communication majors are like many others in college. You’ll have tests, quizzes, essays and assignments. The workload might look different, but you’ll still be challenged. What many people don’t know is there are theories and concepts unique to the communication field, so pursuing this major will expose you to a new form of knowledge.

When studying communication, you’ll learn how to interact with the public. Many people forget that most media professionals have a background in communication and the media is all around us! Pursuing a communication major can give you the tools needed to become an expert in all things media related or any job dealing with people (which is every job).  

Misconception #2: Communication majors can’t find jobs after graduation.

Finding a job after graduation is just as important as the major we choose. Contrary to popular belief, as a communication major, there are several jobs to choose from. This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions people have about communication majors, but surprisingly, the employment outlook for media and/or communication occupations is projected to grow six percent from 2016-2026[1]. That’s about as fast as the average for all occupations!

That alone will result in 43,200 jobs, making the job prospects after graduation highly diverse. You're probably wondering where the increase in employment stems from? There is an increase in the need to create, edit, translate and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms. This is where having a background in communication comes into play. Students have a high chance of finding a job - especially if they completed an internship(s) which will open up even more doors of opportunity.

Misconception #3: Student’s won’t make much money.

If you’ve read this far, you’re probably wondering how much money a communication major can make? If money has been a concern for you wanting to pursue this major, we have good news! Although many people think a major in communication leads to low paying salaries, many of the career paths in communication can lead to a lucrative and sustainable career. Below are just a few careers in which communication majors have been known to excel.

• Editors - Editors are like the bread and butter to any organization and media firm. Their essential job duties are to plan, review and revise content for publication. In 2018, the median annual wage for editors was $59,480 with employment projected to show little to no change from 2016 to 2026[2] Although competition for jobs with established newspapers and magazines will be particularly strong, editors are highly marketable with opportunities to work remotely and from the comfort of your home as online publications continue to rise.
  
  
• Public Relations Specialists - Majoring in communication is a great way to become a public relations specialist. Creating and maintaining a favorable public image for the organization or individual you represent is essential for public relations specialists. Communication majors are well suited for this kind of role because you have to have an awareness of how to craft media and information that shapes the public’s eye. The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $60,000 in 2018 and employment is projected to grow nine percent from 2016-2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.[3]
  
  
• Writers and Authors - Writers and authors don’t just prepare novels; they develop written content for various types of media including advertisements, social media, magazines, movies, television scripts and more! [4] Majoring in communication helps prepare you to know how to communicate through the written word for various fields such as these. The median annual wage for writers and authors in 2018 was $62,170, and employment is projected to grow eight percent from 2016-2026. Because the job prospects for writers and authors are high in demand, having a communications background will put you in an excellent position to grow.

Although these are just a few median salaries and career opportunities for communication majors, it reveals quite a lot. The misconceptions about communication majors not making enough money or having low job prospects are false. Communication remains one of the most marketable disciplines, and those who major in it are well-placed to succeed in a plethora of careers- often with boundless opportunities for advancement!

Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at Ashland University: 

At Ashland University, the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication prepares students for a broad range of careers by providing a strong communication foundation involving public speaking, listening, writing, organizational, leadership and conflict negotiation skills as they apply to a variety of institutional and relational contexts. Ashland’s online communication program gives students the opportunity to study at their own pace. Some highlights of what you will do in AU’s communication program:

●     Lead small or large group communication

●     Build diverse communication campaigns

●     Strategize using the governing principles of public relations

●     Negotiate conflict

When you major in communication, you’ll learn the skills needed for a variety of career paths. The classes offered will teach you the importance and foundational aspects of communication in workplace organizations, human relations and more!

Click the link for more information regarding
Ashland Universities Communication Degree!

[1] bls. gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm?view_full
[2] bls. gov/ooh/media-and-communication/editors.htm
[3] bls. gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm
[4] bls. gov/ooh/media-and-communication/writers-and-authors.htm