Communication

Career - what can you do with a communication degree?

The question isn’t what can you do with a communications degree – it’s what can’t you do? 

The communications degree program at BGSU imparts both technical skills and a broader communicator’s mindset – analytical, adaptable and attuned to the nuances of human interaction.

Our graduates excel across diverse industries because effective communication skills transcend professional boundaries. The versatility of communications degree jobs reflects the universal demand for great communicators – from crafting smart digital marketing strategies to negotiating diplomatic solutions on the world stage, from developing corporate communication strategies to advocating for social justice. 

Launch your career immediately in professional fields such as: 

• Community and government affairs. Engage with local or national organizations to build relationships, shape public policy, and communicate initiatives that impact communities.
• Sales and client services. Leverage persuasive communication and active listening to understand client needs, build trust, and drive business growth through tailored solutions.
• Human resources and training. Facilitate employee engagement, mediate workplace communication and design training programs that enhance organizational culture and performance.  
• Education and advising. Translate complex ideas into accessible content, support student or client development, and foster learning through clear, empathetic communication.
• Corporate communications. Orchestrate internal and external messaging that shapes company culture and public perception. 
• Digital marketing. Develop social media campaigns, optimize content for search engines, analyze consumer behavior data and create multiplatform experiences that drive engagement and conversion.
• Event coordination. Manage everything from corporate gatherings to massive conferences to festivals. Communication skills are invaluable in coordinating with vendors, managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring seamless execution of complex logistics while maintaining clear, consistent messaging. 
• Public relations. Serve as a vital bridge between organizations and their audiences. Manage media relationships, craft press releases and develop campaigns that build reputation and trust.

A communication degree from BGSU is also exceptional preparation for competitive post-graduate studies programs, such as: 

• Law school
• Media and communication M.A.
• Media and communication Ph.D.
• MBA (Master of Business Administration) programs
• Master of Public Administration (MPA)
• School counseling M.Ed.
• Clinical mental health counseling M.A.
• Clinical psychology Ph.D.
• Leadership studies Ph.D.

Curriculum

The BGSU communication degree program offers theoretical understanding of human connection across environments and hands-on training in ethical, effective communication in professional contexts. This well-rounded, 120-credit-hour curriculum equips students for success in organizational careers and/or post-graduate studies. 

Core communications degree coursework covers essential foundations such as:

• Communication theory
• Public speaking
• Research methods
• Media literacy
• Global communication contexts 
• Civic responsibility

Communication degree majors also choose a 12-hour area of emphasis that best reflects their long-term career goals:

• Professional communication – focuses on business and organizational communication skills
• Interpersonal communication – explores relationship dynamics and personal interactions
• Advocacy and social justice – examines communication’s role in social change and power structures 

For the Integrative Learning Requirement, students must earn three credit hours through either a mix of coursework and a capstone research project OR a communication internship providing field experience in a public or commercial organization. 

A minor degree – usually 21 credit hours – is also required.

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) vs. Bachelor of Arts in Communication (BAC)

BGSU offers communication students the unique opportunity to tailor their education to more closely meet their long-term goals by offering the option for both a B.A. and a BAC in communication. Both have the same foundation of BG Perspectives (general education prerequisites), core classes in communication and a mix of electives. Both communication programs can lead to great careers. 

B.A. – This major is designed for students who want to dive deep into the practical, theoretical and professional applications of communication. It equips you with the tools to make a real-world impact whether you're passionate about advocacy, interpersonal dynamics or organizational leadership. 

You'll engage in hands-on learning, community projects and courses that prepare you for careers in corporate, nonprofit and advocacy sectors. It’s ideal for students planning to pursue graduate studies in fields such as communication, law or business.

BAC – This offers a broader liberal arts education and allows for more electives. If you're looking for a flexible, interdisciplinary degree that blends communication with a broad liberal arts education, the BAC is a great fit. 

The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning and effective communication across diverse contexts. You'll explore how communication shapes relationships, organizations and society, while also gaining a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences. It encourages exploration across disciplines while building strong applied communication skills. 

Communication minor

A minor in communication offers a career advantage to many other majors. It focuses on developing essential skills that enhance professional prospects across virtually every field. The program covers key skills such as public speaking, interpersonal communication and media literacy while offering specialized coursework in areas such as organizational communication, digital media and strategic messaging. 

These skills are increasingly important in today’s workplaces in which professionals must communicate effectively with diverse audiences, navigate digital platforms and present ideas persuasively. A communication minor demonstrates to employers that you can articulate ideas clearly, work collaboratively and adapt your communication style to different contexts – competencies that consistently rank among the most sought-after by hiring managers across industries.