Associate Degree Programs in Communication

Build on your communication skills and take control of your career's future with an accredited online associate degree in communication arts. Online associate degrees add flexibility to your study, making it easier for you to reach your goals.

Explore communication arts degree programs

Coursework in a typical communication arts associate degree program often requires you to complete core classes in liberal arts, along with courses designed to teach you the essentials of visual, written and digital communication. Unlike a focused career training program, versatile communication arts degrees allow you to take courses the liberal arts and business.

Common courses for communications' majors generally include the following:

• Speech
• Business writing
• Journalism and mass communications
• Marketing and public relations

Good communicators are valued in a range of industries. Improve your skills and boost your resume with a degree designed to broaden your options.

Careers for communication arts degree graduates

At the associate degree level, you add formal education to your resume and qualify for a number of entry-level jobs. Take a look at just a few of the careers you can begin working towards with a communication arts degree, with salary information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Human resources assistants work within companies to maintain employee records, solve disputes, help train new hires and keep the company running smoothly. May 2009, mean annual salary for human resources assistants: $37,840.

News reporters work to bring local and national stories to the public through television, radio and print. While some hiring managers prefer a bachelor's degree, managers in smaller markets may accept an associate degree with related experience. May 2009, mean annual salary for news reporters: $43,270.

Public relations specialists make it their duty to craft an image for their clients. Another career in which a bachelor's degree is sometimes preferred, working as an assistant first could get your foot in the door. May 2009, mean annual salary for public relations specialists: $59,370.

An associate degree in communication arts is a smart first step toward any of the careers above. Communication arts training can give you the confidence and interpersonal skills you need to impress prospective employers during that all-important interview. While no degree program can guarantee a particular career or salary, formal training is often preferred by hiring managers, and an associate degree demonstrates your commitment to the communication arts field.

Benefits of online associate degrees in communication arts

Online associate degrees come with benefits over campus-based degree programs. Logging on from anywhere to complete your study means having the freedom to keep family commitments and travel when you need to. Many students even hold full-time jobs while pursuing a degree online.

The associate degree in communication arts is a versatile degree, and online education is a versatile way to earn that degree. Learn more about Majors in Communications or the related Major in Marketing to discover what opportunities await in these exciting fields.

• Online Associate Programs