If you’re considering a communications degree, you may be wondering where it can lead.
Through Degree Forward’s partnership with Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), working adults can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communications while receiving personalized coaching and support from Degree Forward.
Unlike some degree programs that prepare students for a single profession, a communications degree helps students develop skills that can be applied across many industries and career paths.
Whether you’re interested in marketing, public relations, nonprofit work, customer engagement or leadership roles, strong communication skills can open doors in a wide variety of professional settings.
That’s one reason communications remains one of Degree Forward’s most popular degree programs.
According to Dr. Raylynn Henry, Executive Director of Degree Forward, communication skills are valuable no matter where your career takes you.
“You need to know how to communicate with people,” she said.
How one graduate put a communications degree to work
Beth Deane already had a passion for helping others through community health and wellness. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Communications in one term while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
Shortly after graduating, she stepped into a new role as a Health and Wellness Advocate at Scheurer Health, where she plans community wellness programs, leads health education initiatives and partners with schools and local organizations to promote healthier lifestyles.
Her role blends communication, community outreach, public health education and program coordination to help people live healthier lives.
"Degree Forward has been life-changing," Deane said. "It allowed me to balance my personal and professional life while pursuing my dreams."
Every organization relies on communication.
Businesses need professionals who can explain ideas clearly. Nonprofits need people who can tell compelling stories. Healthcare organizations need employees who can communicate effectively with patients, families and staff. Schools, government agencies and community organizations all depend on strong communication as well.
Because communication touches every aspect of professional life, employers consistently value candidates who can write clearly, speak confidently and build relationships.
A communications degree helps students strengthen those abilities while preparing them to adapt to different industries and opportunities.
Communications graduates may pursue opportunities in a variety of fields, including:
Deane's role demonstrates that a communications degree can prepare graduates for meaningful careers beyond traditional marketing or media. Her work combines community outreach, public health education, event planning, program coordination and motivational coaching — responsibilities that rely on strong communication every day.
Because communication skills transfer across industries, many graduates are able to explore different career paths throughout their professional lives.
Some students discover opportunities in industries they never initially considered.
Communication is one of the most important leadership skills.
Whether you’re managing a team, presenting ideas, resolving challenges or building relationships, effective communication often plays a major role in professional success.
Many working adults pursue communications degrees not because they want to work in communications specifically, but because they want to strengthen skills that can support future leadership opportunities.
Strong communication skills are also valuable for professionals who hope to lead nonprofit organizations, manage community initiatives, supervise teams or move into leadership positions within their organizations.
Strong communicators are often better equipped to motivate teams, build trust and guide organizations toward their goals.
Communications students typically strengthen skills such as:
At Degree Forward, students apply these skills through project-based learning experiences designed to mirror real-world situations.
Rather than simply learning communication concepts, students practice using them in ways that reflect professional environments.
Not at all.
One of the biggest misconceptions about communications degrees is that they only lead to marketing, advertising or social media careers.
In reality, communication skills are needed in nearly every profession.
Organizations need employees who can collaborate with colleagues, communicate with customers, engage stakeholders and represent their mission effectively.
That’s why communications graduates can be found in business, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, government agencies and many other sectors.
Through Degree Forward and SNHU, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications may be a strong fit for working adults who:
It can also be a good choice for students who aren’t ready to commit to one narrowly defined career path but still want a degree with strong real-world applications.
For working adults, communications can be an especially attractive degree because the skills are immediately useful.
Whether you’re interacting with customers, collaborating with coworkers, presenting ideas or leading projects, communication plays a role in everyday work.
Beth's experience shows how a communications degree can help working adults turn the experience they already have into new career opportunities. Whether you're hoping to move into leadership, community engagement, marketing or another communications-focused role, a Bachelor of Arts in Communications can help you prepare for what's next.
Many working adults choose communications because the skills can be applied immediately in their current roles while also supporting future career growth.
Communications graduates work in business, healthcare, education, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, marketing, public relations and many other fields.
Strong communication skills are valuable in leadership roles because managers regularly communicate with employees, customers and stakeholders.
No. Communications graduates may pursue opportunities in public relations, customer engagement, nonprofit communications, corporate communications, community outreach and many other areas.
Yes. Many working adults use a communications degree to build on the experience they already have while preparing for new responsibilities, leadership opportunities or career changes. Beth Deane, for example, completed her bachelor's degree while working and went on to become a Health and Wellness Advocate, a role that combines community outreach, health education and program coordination.
Learn more:
How flexibility and support can help you earn your degree
Discover the power of project-based learning for degree completion
Find out how adults can manage career and family while earning their degree
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Can a Business Degree Help You Advance Even If You're Already Employed?
Start your degree completion journey with Degree Forward and discover a pathway designed to fit your life.