What Can You Do With a Strategic Communication Degree in 2025?

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What specializations are offered by strategic communication degree programs?

Strategic communication degree programs, including online strategic communication degree programs, offer several areas of concentration. Depending on the academic institution and the degree level, specializations may include the following:

• Public Relations (PR): PR focuses on building and maintaining a positive image for organizations through media relations, event planning, and targeted messaging strategies.
• Corporate Communication: Corporate communication prepares students to manage internal and external communication in businesses. Individuals specializing in this area ensures consistent brand messaging and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Crisis Communication: Crisis communication trains students to handle unexpected events and protect an organization’s reputation by developing rapid-response strategies and transparent messaging.
• Marketing Communication: Marketing communication integrates advertising, branding, and promotional strategies to effectively position products, services, or causes in competitive markets.
• Digital Media and Social Media Strategy: This concentration emphasizes creating, managing, and analyzing content for online platforms to reach and engage audiences in the digital space. Graduates who pursue this track often explore careers in social media, ranging from content strategist to community manager, where they apply both creative and analytical skills to drive brand growth.

What jobs can I get with a strategic communication degree?

A strategic communication degree prepares students for various roles, including the following:

Advertising Sales Agents

Advertising sales agents work with businesses to sell advertising space or time. They use persuasive communication to connect clients with their target audiences. In May 2024, advertising sales agents in the US had a median annual wage of $61,460 (US BLS, 2025).

Market Research Analysts

These professionals gather and interpret data to help organizations understand consumer behavior, market trends, and competitive landscapes, guiding effective messaging and campaign strategies. In May 2024, market research analysts employed in the US had a median annual wage of $76,950 (US BLS, 2025).

Public Relations (PR) Specialists

PR specialists build and maintain positive public images for clients or organizations through media outreach, press releases, and event coordination. In May 2024, PR specialists in the US had a median annual wage of $69,780 (US BLS, 2025).

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

These professionals use relationship-building and product knowledge to sell goods to businesses. This ensures clear and compelling presentations of product benefits. In May 2024, these sales representatives had a median annual wage of $74,100 (US BLS, 2025).

Writers and Authors

Writers and authors create engaging content for various platforms, from corporate communications to creative works, translating ideas into impactful messages. In May 2024, writers and authors working in the US had a median annual wage of $72,270 (US BLS, 2025).

The chart below provides a visualization of the employment levels of strategic communications jobs in the US in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

How much can I earn with a strategic communication degree?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication can help you land several entry-level roles in various industries. These occupations can provide you with decent income potential, with median annual wages that are higher than the $49,500 median annual wage of all US occupations in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025).

Explore the following relevant roles and their May 2024 median annual wages (US BLS, 2025). These positions may be available to you after completing your undergraduate strategic communication degree:

• Market Research Analysts: $76,950
• Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives: $74,100
• Writers and Authors: $72,270
• Public Relations (PR) Specialists: $69,780
• Advertising Sales Agents: $61,460

In the same period, the highest 10% of market research analysts employed in the US earned more than $144,610 annually, while that of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives earned over $134,470. The highest 10% of writers and authors were paid more than $133,680 annually, and that of PR specialists earned over $129,480. Lastly, the highest 10% of advertising sales agents working across the country earned more than $133,540 per year (US BLS, 2025).

Notably, the lowest 10% of market research analysts in the US earned less than $42,070 annually, while that of wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives were paid less than $37,860. The lowest 10% of writers and authors in the country earned below $41,080 yearly, while that of PR specialists earned less than $40,750. Lastly, the lowest 10% of advertising sales agents employed across the country were paid less than $33,480 annually (US BLS, 2025).

These figures highlight the importance of advanced training, such as pursuing the fastest online business communication degree, to improve job prospects and earning potential.

How does a strategic communication degree increase my earning potential?

Advanced strategic communication degree programs, such as the shortest online master of communication management, can prepare you for higher-level roles with better compensation. Graduate degrees enable communications professionals to zero in on areas of specialization that align with their professional interests and their company’s business goals. Higher-level positions you can be qualified for as a master’s degree holder include the following:

Marketing Manager

A marketing manager oversees marketing strategies, campaigns, and budgets to promote products or services. They analyze market trends, identify target audiences, and develop innovative approaches to improve brand visibility. In May 2024, marketing managers in the US had a median annual wage of $161,030 (US BLS, 2025).

Public Relations (PR) Manager

A PR manager takes care of an organization’s reputation by building positive media relationships, crafting press releases, and overseeing communication strategies. They handle crisis communication and ensure consistent messaging. In May 2024, PR managers had a median annual wage of $138,520 (US BLS, 2025).

Advertising and Promotions Manager

An advertising and promotions manager plans and directs advertising campaigns to attract consumers. They work with creative teams, sales departments, and media outlets to design impactful promotional strategies that drive engagement and sales. In May 2024, these professionals had a median annual wage of $126,960 (US BLS, 2025).

Which industries have a demand for professionals with a strategic communication degree?

Communications professionals are hired by organizations from diverse industries to build strong client relationships, relevant branding, and positive reputations. In 2023, 308,000 public relations (PR) specialists were employed in the US. The following industries employed the largest shares of these professionals in the same year (US BLS, 2025).

• Educational Services (State, Local, and Private): 13%
• Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services: 13%
• Government: 9%
• Healthcare and Social Assistance: 7%
• Grantmaking and Giving Services and Social Advocacy Organizations: 7%

Moreover, 903,400 market research analysts worked in the US in 2023. The following industries employed the largest shares of these professionals during the same year (US BLS, 2025):

• Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: 10%
• Finance and Insurance: 9%
• Information: 9%
• Wholesale Trade: 8%
• Management of Companies and Enterprises: 7%

The chart below provides a visualization of the US industries that employed the largest shares of public relations specialists in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What skills learned in strategic communication degree programs are essential for my job search?

The following are essential skills that students can learn from strategic communication degree programs and benefit from in their job search:

• Effective Writing and Messaging: Students learn to create clear, persuasive, and impactful content targeted at different audiences and communication platforms.
• Research Skills: Graduates gain the ability to interpret data, analyze market trends, and develop evidence-based communication strategies.
• Public Speaking Skills: Programs teach students to confidently present ideas, engage audiences, and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Digital Media Literacy: Students become skilled at managing social media, online campaigns, and adapting to new communication technologies.
• Critical Thinking: Students develop the ability to address different challenges, such as crisis communication and brand management, through creative, strategic solutions.

Many of these same competencies overlap with related fields, and understanding what can you do with a technical communication degree can also provide perspective. Just like strategic communication, technical communication emphasizes clarity, precision, and adapting complex information for diverse audiences—skills that employers in business, technology, and media value highly.

What certifications can I pursue with a strategic communication degree?

Professionals with a strategic communication degree can enhance their expertise and career prospects by pursuing certifications. The following certifications can help validate specialized skills, boost credibility, and open advanced opportunities in the field:

• GCCC’s Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP®): The Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC) offers the SCMP® credential to skilled professionals specializing in strategic-communication counseling to business leaders. The credential is a Personnel Certification Program accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR): The APR credential enables PR professionals to demonstrate their competence as an expert as well as your commitment and passion for the PR field.
• AMA’s Professional Certified Marketer® (PCM®): The American Marketing Association (AMA) offers the PCM® credentials such as in content marketing, digital marketing, and marketing management. Each professional certification provides individuals with hours of self-paced online learning that covers essential topics in each subfield.

What is the job outlook for communications professionals?

From 2023 to 2033, the career outlook for communications professionals varies in the US. For instance, employment for public relations (PR) specialists across the country is expected to increase by 6% over the decade, which is faster than the average job growth rate for all US occupations. In contrast, advertising sales agents have a negative job growth rate, with -7% (US BLS, 2025).

Despite the projected decline for advertising sales agents, both professional roles have been predicted to offer thousands of job openings from 2023 to 2033. An average of around 10,300 job openings are expected for aspiring advertising sales agents yearly, while aspiring PR specialists can expect an average of about 27,100 job openings annually (US BLS, 2025).

Notably, the employment outlook for advertising and promotions managers is also expected to drop, with a -3% job growth rate from 2023 to 2033. Fortunately, jobs for marketing managers (8%) and PR managers (7%) are expected to grow faster than the average job growth rate for all occupations in the country.

Graduates of the top online media communication programs may find themselves well-positioned to take advantage of these growing opportunities.

What are the alternative career paths available to graduates of strategic communication degree programs?

Graduates of strategic communication degree programs can venture into creative and media-focused industries, where their skills in messaging and storytelling are highly valuable. Alternative occupations include the following:

• Photographers: Photographers use visual storytelling to capture images for media outlets, businesses, or individual clients. Strategic communication graduates bring an understanding of audience engagement and branding to enhance their work. In fact, those who pursue digital photography careers can apply their communication expertise to specialize in areas such as advertising, fashion, or corporate media, where strong visual and strategic messaging intersect.
• News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists: These media practitioners investigate and report on current events through print, broadcast, or digital platforms. Their communication training equips them to craft accurate and compelling stories that inform and influence public perception. Those who pursue a journalism degree online may also find similar career paths.
• Human Resources (HR) Specialists: HR specialists handle recruitment, employee relations, and benefits administration. They ensure compliance with labor laws and support workforce development. They also maintain the relationship between employees and management to boost organizational efficiency and employee satisfaction.

The chart below provides a visualization of the 2024 median annual wages of alternative career paths available to graduates of strategic communication degree programs, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What alternative degrees can I take up instead of a strategic communication degree?

Individuals interested in a career in communications have several degree options available to them. These degrees equip students with similar skills and opportunities and include the following:

• Journalism: This field focuses on reporting, writing, and multimedia storytelling. It prepares students to work in news, media, and digital platforms. Journalism emphasizes research, fact-checking, and the delivery of accurate information to diverse audiences. An accelerated bachelor's degree in journalism online can also help students enter the field more quickly while gaining the same essential skills.
• Marketing: This major teaches students how to develop skills in consumer behavior, branding, and campaign development. This degree emphasizes creating strategies to promote products, services, or ideas.
• Public Relations (PR): This field specializes in managing organizational image and reputation through media relations, event planning, and crisis management. Students gain strong communication skills applicable to corporate, nonprofit, and government settings.

In addition, exploring related fields such as speech-language pathology or audiology highlights the career opportunities for a degree in communication disorders, which can lead to roles in healthcare, education, and research. While not identical to strategic communication, these paths show how communication-focused training can be applied across a wide spectrum of professional environments.

Here’s What Professionals with a Strategic Communication Degree Say About Their Careers

Other Things You Should Know About Getting a Strategic Communication Degree

Why would I want to work in strategic communications?

Working in strategic communications lets you shape narratives, influence public perception, and drive organizational goals. Communications professionals achieve these goals by blending creativity, analytical thinking, and relationship-building to create impactful, meaningful messages.

What degree is best for a job in communications?

Aspiring communications professionals may find a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing suitable. These degrees can help individuals develop key skills and gain the knowledge necessary in writing, media, and strategy to excel in diverse communication roles.

Is strategic communications in demand?

The field of strategic communications provides job seekers with various career opportunities. Organizations seek skilled professionals to shape messaging, manage crises, and align public perception with their business goals. For instance, an average of about 27,100 job openings are expected annually for public relations specialists in the US from 2023 to 2033 (US BLS, 2025).

What is the highest-paying job in communications?

One of the highest-paying occupations in the field of communications in the US is marketing manager. In May 2024, marketing managers across the country had a median annual wage of $161,030 (US BLS, 2025).