With ever-increasing advances in technology driving new forms of communication, pursuing an education in communications that focuses on new media may be a worthwhile endeavor. The field of communications: new media explores the basics of mass communication and new media, and the cultural significance of innovations affecting the way we communicate in the modern age. An online communications degree involves curriculum in new media communications and culture, as well as core public relations, interpersonal, and marketing skills. Among the broad range of options for those seeking a career involving new media communications, an online bachelor’s degree is the most widely-accepted education requirement for many jobs in online marketing, social media, and copywriting, just to name a few.
Why a Bachelor’s Degree?
Although there are a wide variety of fields that incorporate new media communications, an online bachelor’s degree could be regarded as the qualifying standard for this profession. Candidates who have successfully completed a four-year bachelor’s degree program are typically eligible for careers as online marketing specialists, social media managers, Web coordinators, and copywriters, among others. With the training gained from an online bachelor’s degree in communications: new media, candidates may be qualified to become bloggers, or salaried writers for an online organization or website. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), traditionally-educated writers and authors who are also well-versed in graphic design and multimedia software may have an advantage over other candidates vying for innovative new media jobs.
Getting Into a Bachelor’s Degree Program
Admission into a bachelor’s degree program typically requires only minimal prerequisites. Though specifications vary from school to school, a basic checklist can be applied:
- Minimum age or minimum transferable college credits (varies by school)
- Minimum GPA (varies by school)
- Application including statement of intent and/or application fees (as applicable, according to school)
Inside a Bachelor’s Degree Program
The bachelors degree in communications: new media can be completed in four years. Bachelor’s students receive a general overview of journalism, public relations, marketing, and advertising, however students focused on new media concepts receive additional training in the tools, trends, and techniques used to support emerging media. Those studying at the bachelor’s level may also hone professional development skills. Common courses include introduction to mass communication, writing for the digital age, communicating through media and technology, emerging media and mass communication, and emerging media design.
Online communications degree programs offer a flexible alternative to limited classroom learning. As this subject is centered on communicating through new media and innovative technologies, it is fitting that students pursuing this degree online have the benefit of using a specially-designed e-learning platform to communicate with teachers and fellow students. In fact, students use fully integrated technology to conduct online research, retrieve assignments, and search additional educational resources. Online students who emerge from this program looking to find work in new media will be experienced in using the latest interactive programs and education software.
What’s Next for Communications: New Media Bachelor’s Degree Holders?
Students holding a bachelor’s degree in communications: new media have a wide variety of job prospects. Graduates of this subject are highly qualified for jobs in digital marketing, writing or blogging, social media management, and Web-related consulting work. While opportunities may vary based on qualifications and experience, jobs involving new media communications are generally expected to provide longevity for years to come. Public relations managers and specialists, for example, may see an increase in job growth of 21% by the year 2020, due in part to the integration of social media into the world of mass communication and PR, according to the BLS.
p>Though a bachelor’s degree is acceptable for most jobs in this field, an online master’s degree is available through select schools. Those looking to improve their current professional standing or potentially become vocational or technical educators may be well-suited to the pursuit of a higher degree in this subject. With a master’s degree in communications, as well as additional experience, graduates may go on to a top career in public relations management or administration, marketing, or advertising, among others.