A bachelor of communication degree can prepare you for a number of careers which emphasize the importance of communication skills, such as public relations, marketing, and journalism. To get this type of degree, you must apply and be accepted to an undergraduate communication program at an accredited college or university. You must then complete the coursework required by that program, which will likely involve classes covering many aspects of communication. Depending on your program, you may be required to focus your studies on one or more of these aspects. Some programs also require a mandatory internship, which can give you valuable hands-on experience in the field of communication.
The first step in earning a bachelor of communication degree is getting accepted to an undergraduate communication program at an accredited college or university. When researching potential programs, you may wish to consider whether a particular school’s location will provide access to internship or part-time work opportunities in your area of interest. For instance, if you wish to eventually pursue a career in marketing, you may find it advantageous to complete your studies in a city with many marketing firms.
Keep in mind that admission to many bachelor of communication programs is competitive. In addition to showing evidence of a strong academic record when you apply, you may also be required to provide a personal statement explaining your desire to enter the field of communication. A history of participation in relevant extracurricular activities, such as the debate club or the school paper, can strengthen your application.
Once you have been admitted to a bachelor of communication program, you will be required to complete coursework which will educate you in many aspects of communication. Most full-time bachelor of communication programs take four years to complete, while part-time programs can take longer. Much of this time will likely be spent attending classes, which can take the shape of large or small lectures or even online seminars. In most cases, you will also spend a significant amount of time reading class texts, completing essays, and preparing for periodic examinations.
Exact class content varies from program to program, but you will likely take core courses which address many different facets of communication. For instance, you might study the history of communication, communication across cultures, communication ethics, or theories of communication. In addition, you may be required to complete a certain number of course credits in one or two particular facets of communication, such as public relations techniques or the psychology of marketing.
Along with classroom-based coursework, some bachelor of communication programs require third- or fourth-year students to complete an internship in a relevant area. For example, if you wish to parlay your communication background into a career in broadcast media, you might spend a summer working at a local television station. An internship will not only add weight to your resume by giving you hands-on experience, but can also provide you with valuable contacts after graduation.
