Communication

Communication is a diverse academic discipline. Originating from the Aristotelian tradition which stressed oral communication skills, most current Communication programs offer much more-the development of written communication skills, studies in Media, Organizational Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, analysis of Media Effects, Popular Culture, and Rhetoric. La Sierra University’s Communication faculty recognize that communication, on both the personal and social levels, is the foundation of human interaction.

Job Outlook

Employment of writers and authors is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

A college degree in English, journalism, or communications is generally required for a full-time position as a writer or author. Experience can be gained through internships, but any form of writing that improves skill, such as blogging, is beneficial.

Writers can obtain job experience by working for high school and college newspapers, magazines, radio and television stations, advertising and publishing companies, or nonprofit organizations. College theater programs offer playwrights an opportunity to have their work performed. Many magazines and newspapers also have internships for students. Interns may write stories, conduct research and interviews, and gain general publishing experience.

Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent. They craft media releases and develop social media programs to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals.

Salary

The median annual wage for writers and authors was $61,820 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $30,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $118,760.

The median annual wage for public relations specialists was $59,300 in May 2017. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,840, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $112,260.

In May 2017, the median annual wages in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

1. Describe the Communication discipline and its central questions.
2. Employ communication theories, perspectives, principles, and concepts.
3. Create messages appropriate to the audience, purpose, and context.
4. Engage in communication inquiry and critically analyze messages.
5. Demonstrate communication knowledge and skills to create, enhance and maintain credibility and trust.
6. Influence public discourse.
7. Effectively gather and analyze data to provide productive communication outcomes.