Communication Studies and the 21st Century Career

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Michael Gravison, Graduate Student in Communication Studies at the University of Rhode Island Feinstein Providence Campus

The field of Communications, today, has grown thanks to 24-hour news networks, the rapid expansion of social media, and the rising popularity of smart phones that bring information from around the world to the palm of our hands.  In fact, the Pew Research Center reports that 90% of American adults have a cell phone, and 58% own a smart phone (63% of cell phone owners use it to go online). Pew also reports that 74% of online adults use some form of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. 

Communications both as a college major and as a professional career path have increased in popularity and compensation according to recent reports. According to Forbes Magazine, a non-profit group called the National Association of College and Employers (NACE) released a finding based on data retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, and independent surveys. NACE found that the national average salary for Communications majors jumped 10% from 2013 to 2014 making it the second largest career field jump when compared to other broad categories such as Computer Sciences, Business, Engineering and others. 

And students are seeing the relevance in the field.

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A newly released American Academy of Arts & Sciences Humanities Indicator assessment states that there has been a strong growth in Communication Studies undergraduate enrollment at universities all over the country. An article in the Huffington Post argues that because students are becoming more careerist in their choice of major, they find that a Communication Studies degree paired with a second major or minor such as Finance offers more flexibility and adaptability when searching for a career after graduation. The growing world of computer-related communication when it comes to overall business strategy is proving that there is a place for communication-centered degrees in the career marketplace. 

In any career field the need for an education and proper communication skills is invaluable. No one knows this better than The University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein Providence Campus. With a body of returning students who have been in the workforce and are looking to advance their careers, finish a degree they already started, or are seeking a change in their lives, a communication-centered degree can be an important part of their journey and ultimate success. 

For more information on the Communication Studies program at The University of Rhode Island’s Feinstein Providence Campus CLICK HERE or call (401) 277-5162. URI Providence is located at 80 Washington St. Providence, RI 02903.

This article was written By Michael Gravison; Graduate Student in Communication Studies at the University of Rhode Island Feinstein Providence Campus. This column is part of an ongoing sponsored content series with The University of Rhode Island Feinstein Providence Campus.

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