What can you do with a master's in communication?

Wondering what you can do with a master's in communication? Many graduates of communication master's programs qualify for roles in fields like public relations, sales, advertising, and writing.

Employers may consider graduate experience when evaluating job applicants, so professionals with a master's degree often qualify for senior roles.

What jobs can you get with an online master's in communication?

An online master's in communication program allows students to work with experienced professors and develop skills like persuasive messaging, conflict resolution, and product promotion.

Depending on the exact role, communication professionals often use social media, corporate communications software, and customer relationship management systems.

Organizations often employ graduates with a background in communication to develop public relations or advertising messaging, manage internal communications, and maintain client relationships. Continue reading to learn more about roles that you can pursue with a master's in communication, including salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Public relations manager

Public relations managers shape and maintain an organization's image by developing promotional strategies, organizing press releases, and coordinating staff to interface effectively with the media. Successful professionals have a strong grasp of effective communication strategies.

A master's degree in communication can give you the chance to build data analysis and audience engagement skills, which can prepare you for a career as a public relations manager. Additionally, some communication programs may allow you to specialize in public relations.

Median annual salary (May 2023):$130,480

Projected new job openings (2023–33): 8,900

Sales manager

Sales managers create effective marketing strategies according to an organization's customer base. They also develop strategies to resolve disputes, maintain customer relationships, and retain clients.

Graduates with a master's degree in communication can make great candidates for sales manager roles. A master's in communication program can help you gain key skills in market research, conflict resolution, and persuasion, which can prepare you for sales management roles.

Median annual salary (May 2023):$135,160

Projected new job openings (2023–33): 48,600

Marketing manager

Professionals working in advertising and promotions seek to attract and retain new customers through persuasive ads. Marketing managers conduct research and analyze data in order to design effective marketing campaigns. They often work with partners in television, radio, and social media to reach their target audience.

Those with an academic background in communication may be well-positioned to succeed as marketing managers. A master's in communication can give you the chance to cultivate key skills such as market research and strategic thinking.

Median annual salary (May 2023):$157,620

Projected new job openings (2023–33): 36,600

Technical writer

Technical writers create how-to guides, manuals, and software documentation to help customers use a given product. They boil down complex ideas into concise language for non-specialists and update materials based on feedback.

A master's in communication could prepare you for a career in technical writing. Graduates can learn best practices for effective writing and visual presentation, as well as how to distribute their writing to users through social media, videos, and traditional writing.

Median annual salary (May 2023):$80,050

Projected new job openings (2023–33): 4,100

What is the salary range with a master's in communication?

Wondering about the value of a master's in communication? The pay for communication positions can vary based on location and industry.

According to the BLS, public relations specialists earned an annual median wage of $66,750 in 2023. However, with a master's degree, graduates may qualify for more advanced and high-paying roles.

For example, the BLS reports that sales managers earned a 2023 median wage of $135,160. Additionally, marketing managers earned a median of $157,620 over the same period.

Employers often consider a master's degree equivalent to significant professional experience, which may give master's graduates an advantage in the job market.

Opportunities for advancement with a master's in communication

After earning a master's degree in communication, you can continue to gain credentials like certifications or even a doctoral degree.

You can find many certification opportunities to enhance your résumé. For example, the Global Communication Certification Council offers programs for generalists as well as advanced professionals.

Some certifications require prerequisite professional experience, so graduates may need a few years in the industry before applying.

Graduates passionate about original research and sharing knowledge may want to teach communication at the college level.

Doctoral programs can provide you with an opportunity to learn advanced theoretical concepts and conduct advanced research. After successfully defending a dissertation, graduates of a doctoral program can apply for full-time teaching positions at universities.