Mass communication involves the creation, purpose and process of relaying a message via print, digital media, radio, television or social media. It is a broad, multi-disciplinary field that intersects various domains such as journalism, marketing, politics, healthcare, broadcasting and more. Professionals in this field use their strategic knowledge to develop and share effective messages to targeted audiences.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online program offers flexibility and a diverse range of skills to begin or propel your career in communications.
Careers with an MS in Mass Communications
Professionals with a master’s degree in mass communications are qualified to work in several different fields that require communication experts. Earning an advanced degree in mass communications prepares graduates for careers in journalism, mass media, academia, politics, broadcasting, corporate communications and more. Graduates use their degree to advance in their current careers or change careers based on their professional goals.
Some specific fields to explore with an M.S. in Mass Communications include:
- Journalism: The world of journalism is constantly transforming and working with other categories of media. Journalists bring the news to a mass audience by way of print journalism, television, radio or digital media. Some journalists can be highly specialized in specific fields such as politics, sports or entertainment, whereas others cover a broad range of topics. According to the S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a master’s degree in communications prepares those with a bachelor’s degree in another subject to succeed in the world of journalism.
- Public Relations: Public relations professionals maintain the image of their client, be it an individual or a corporation. As the voice of the person or company they represent, these professionals uphold brand image maintained through press releases, interviews and public events. About 25% of publicists and PR specialists hold a master’s degree in communications.
- Politics: Knowing how to effectively reach the public is an important part of politics. Career options in politics with an M.S. in Mass Communications include press secretary, campaign manager, communications expert and media relations specialist — which all play an important role in delivering messages to the public or any other large audience.
- Brand Management: Brand managers utilize communication skills to develop successful branding strategies and promotion as well as analyze brand performance and competitiveness. Over 50% of brand managers have graduate degrees — a common one being a master’s in mass communication.
Additional mass communication jobs can include marketing officer, media planner, social media manager, communications planner or technical writer. Communications professionals are needed in almost every industry — business, advertising, government, media, political science, healthcare, law, education, marketing and academia — so you can use your skills in most any field that interests you.
How Much Money Do Master’s in Mass Communications Graduates Make?
The average U.S. salary for people with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications is $61,215 annually, and holders of a master’s degree average $67,311. The average yearly income for master’s-prepared communications professionals is $69,000 for marketing managers, $71,000 for communication managers, and $94,000 for marketing directors. The salary information is from PayScale (February 2021).
Salary ranges can vary greatly depending on education, certification, years of experience and additional skills such as written and oral communication, writing, editing, research, content creation, visual and graphic communication and more.
Flexibility, Affordability and Rigor
The affordable online Master of Science in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations program will prepare you for PR responsibilities in a number of fields with its strong foundation in mass media and focus on law, advertising, culture and race, ethics and strategy.
Given the many industries utilizing mass communications strategy and a positive career outlook for the field, there is no better time to pursue an advanced degree in mass communications.
Learn more about Murray State University’s M.S. in Mass Communications with a concentration in Public Relations online program.
Sources:
Best Marketing Degrees.org: What Kind of Jobs Can I Get with a Master’s in Communications
Chron: Career Choices for a Global Studies Major
PayScale: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Journalism & Mass Communication Degree
PayScale: Master of Mass Communications (MMC) Degree
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Reporter, Correspondent, or Broadcast News Analyst
