Varsity Force
Media / Business Needs work samples Higher AI risk CIP 09.0101 CIP 09.0900

Communications / Media

Not worthless, but the portfolio, clips, campaigns, analytics, and internships matter more than the major name.

Communications and media majors study writing, persuasion, public relations, journalism, media production, campaigns, and audiences.

Related job?Maybe, with work samples
EmployabilityMixed
More school?Usually no, but work samples matter
AI riskHigher AI risk
Find matching programs Back to major categories

Value proposition

Employability

Variable. Stronger for students with clips, campaigns, analytics tools, design/video skills, campus media, and internships.

Credential gate

No universal license. Proof of work is the credential.

Higher AI risk

Some entry-level tasks can be automated. The student needs original work, judgment, clients, results, or experience people can check.

Cost caution

Medium caution: degree value depends on work samples and paid experience.

Common coursework

public speaking media writing PR journalism digital media campaigns analytics

Warnings

Related job?Maybe, with work samples
Required gatenone fixed
Cost cautionMedium caution
Pair with
Do not pay for vague 'media' without producing public work.
A communications major with no clips is just a credential.

Who fits

Fit: will publish work

Fit: can write clearly

Fit: wants audience-facing business/media roles

Pause if

Watch: likes social media but will not produce work

Watch: avoids internships

Watch: cannot explain the target job

Linked careers

common Bachelor's degree

Public relations specialists

SOC 27-3031 National Reviewed 2026-06-21

Salary range: Entry: $45k-$60k | Median: $70k+ national median | Higher: $100k+

Pay: BLS OOH reports national median pay; sector and portfolio matter.

Outlook: BLS projects faster than average growth.

Skills: writing, media relations, campaigns, analytics, stakeholder communication

Work settings: agencies, nonprofits, government, corporate communications

DMV relevance: Strong DMV relevance through associations, nonprofits, agencies, public affairs, and government communications.

Caveat: Internships and writing samples are often decisive.

Find related opportunities
possible Bachelor's degree

News analysts, reporters, and journalists

SOC 27-3023 National Reviewed 2026-06-21

Salary range: Entry: $35k-$45k | Median: $55k+ national median | Higher: $85k+

Pay: BLS OOH reports national median pay; local journalism economics are hard.

Outlook: BLS projects decline.

Skills: reporting, writing, source development, editing, media production

Work settings: newsrooms, public media, digital publications, communications teams

DMV relevance: Moderate DMV relevance with strong political/public-affairs context, but the labor market is difficult.

Caveat: Journalism passion needs a realistic business model and portfolio.

Find related opportunities

Graduate / professional options

Graduate school

strategic communication journalism marketing analytics public policy or law for specialized tracks

Test before declaring

Move: write for a real publication

Move: run a campaign

Move: learn analytics and editing tools

Move: compare PR, journalism, marketing, and content roles

Source receipts

BLS FOD: Communications

major_outcomes: Communications field wage and employment context.

BLS OOH: Public relations specialists

occupation_outlook: PR specialist pay, education, and outlook.

Reviewed 2026-06-21. Salary and outlook claims are source-contextual, not promises for an individual student.