What can you do with a degree in Communication?

Communication is ranked as one of the top five most sought-after career skills. The ability to communicate verbally and in writing with people inside and outside an organization is one of the most highly sought-after skills by employers in all job markets. Princeton Review ranks a degree in Communication as the second-best college major based on research covering job prospects, alumni salaries, and popularity.

Our undergraduate programs provide a liberal arts grounding and a social science focus. Graduates of our programs are prepared to pursue careers that require effective communication skills and critical thinking. Some of our graduates attend graduate schools in communication, law or business. Communication graduates are sought-after in almost any industry you can think of, including:

  • Business Management
  • Advertising/Marketing
  • Sales
  • Management
  • Event Planning
  • Education
  • Public Relations
  • Government
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Health Communication
  • Social Services
  • Human Resources
  • Entrepreneurism
  • Non-Profit

Our interdisciplinary doctoral program is designed to prepare graduate students for research-oriented careers in universities and the public or private sectors, providing training in communication theory, research methodology and a specialization in one or more areas of concentration.

Choose your career in Communication ... explore the possibilities!

COMM GRAD SPOTLIGHT

Bridget Lowell
Chief Communications Officer and Vice President, The Urban Institute

Carrie Underwood
Country Music Singer/Songwriter

Stephen Colbert
comedian, TV host, author

Robert Neller
37th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps

Gary Larson
cartoonist

Lucija Straley
Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Vientiane, Laos, U.S. Department of State

Hannah Storm
ESPN journalist and anchor

to communicate is to shape the world ...

Career Growth

Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers: 
Job outlook: 10% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $132,620 per year/$63.76 per hour

Public Relations Specialists:
Job outlook: 9% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $60,000 per year/$28.85 per hour

Public Relations Managers:
Job outlook: 10% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $114,800 per year/$55.19 per hour

Human Resources Specialists:
Job outlook: 9% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $60,880 per year/$29.27 per hour

Human Resources Managers:
Job outlook: 9% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $113,300 per year/$54.47 per hour

Event Planners:
Job outlook: 11% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $49,370 per year/$23.74 per hour

Social and Community Service Managers:
Job outlook: 18% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $65,320 per year/$31.41 per hour

Health Educators:
Job outlook: 16% from 2016-2026
2018 Median pay: $46,080 per year/$22.15 per hour

(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor)

Median Salary Range

Advertising/Sales/Marketing:
Specialist $22,800-$50,380 Manager $117,960-$127,560

Public Relations:
Specialist $58,020 Manager $107,320

Human Resources/Social Services:
Specialist $59,180 Manager $106,910

Event Planner: $47,350 Speechwriter: $25,000-$100,000

(source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Dept. of Labor 2016)

Here is what some of our alumni have done with theirs ...

EDUCATION
Assistant Professor, U.S. Military Academy
Coordinator, Development Office, Augsburg College
Defensive Coord/Director Player Dev, Scottsdale CC
Online Programs Manager, ASU
Teacher, Teach for America

LEGAL PROFESSIONALS
Attorney at Law, Mallia & Jacobs
Legislative Liaison, AZ Dept of Transportation
Presidential Mngmnt Intern, Dept. of Justice

HEALTH
Director of Case Mgmt, Maricopa Co. Health Dept.
Director of Advocacy & Community Outreach,
Just Vote Arizona Disability Coalition
Physician Recruiter, Barton Associates, Inc.

BUSINESS and MANAGEMENT
Employment Manager, Phoenix Suns
Manager Branch Operations, Bank of America
Manager, Motorola Quest for the Best Program
President, Shattuck & Grummett Financial Svcs.
Real Estate Mgr, CB Commercial Real Estate Group
Recruiter, Human Resources U-Haul International
Director of Selection, Northwestern Mutual
Direct Marketing Representative, ICMA-RC

PUBLIC AFFAIRS/CONSULTING
Director, Arizona Department of Transportation
Chief of Staff, Arizona House of Representatives
Consultant, Tennessee Associates International
Mayor, City of Tempe
President, Valley Achievement
National Director, New Wave Communications, Inc.

SALES and SERVICE
Regional Procurement Ops. Analyst, Amazon
Account Executive, AM-750 WSB Radio Station
Field Sales Manager, Pitney Bowes
Senior Development Manager, United Way
Account Executive, GoDaddy
Director of Web Marketing, New Dynamax LLC
Brand Marketing Coordinator, Emergen-C

PUBLIC RELATIONS/MEDIA
Senior Account Executive, The Narrative Group
Account Executive, Gerber Advertising
Field Producer, NBC News
Media Manager, Hyundai Motors
Public Relations Manager, US Airways Center
Publicity DirectorRolling Stone Magazine
Senior Account ExecutivePhoenix Suns

Explore our School!

Our Degrees   What We Study Our Courses

#1

Speech & Debate Team-3 national titles in 4 years
Impromptu Speaking-2 National Champions

3

Countries visited on our faculty-directed
Summer Study Abroad program

70+

Internships available with
corporations and small businesses

Study with us in a vibrant city with a dynamic faculty!

HDSHC Student Life

Increase your communication skills through our co-curricular activities including a nationally competitive forensic team; a summer study abroad program to London, Dublin, and Edinburg; a community-oriented interpreters theatre and the study of culture through performance; and a wide range of internships to qualified students interested in getting experience in their career field.

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Undergraduate Advising

Our academic advisors help students successfully transition to university life, choose classes, understand degree program requirements, and make progress towards your educational goals and graduation. Communication majors are encouraged to meet with your advisor at least once a year.

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