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Is an Online Communications Degree Worth It
Whether an online communications degree is worth it depends heavily on how you plan to use it. The degree is a broad, flexible credential that can support careers in public relations, corporate communication, media, marketing, and journalism, but outcomes vary widely by role, industry, employer, and location. Individual outcomes may vary, and no degree guarantees a specific job or salary.
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How communications graduates typically use the degree
Communications is a broad-application degree rather than a licensure-gated field. Graduates apply the skills they build – writing, media literacy, interpersonal and organizational communication – across many industries rather than a single defined career track. This flexibility can be an advantage, but it also means outcomes depend heavily on individual initiative, internships, portfolio work, and networking, not just the degree itself.
Common paths graduates pursue include public relations and media relations, corporate or internal communication, marketing and content roles, nonprofit outreach and development, and journalism or media production. Some graduates pursue a master’s degree to move into communications management, strategy, or academic roles; others move directly into entry-level roles with a bachelor’s degree.
What tends to affect the return on a communications degree
Several factors influence whether a communications degree pays off for a given student, more so than for some more narrowly licensed fields:
- Portfolio and internship experience – employers in communications fields often weigh demonstrated writing, media, or campaign work heavily, sometimes as much as the degree itself
- Concentration and specialization – a targeted focus, such as public relations or digital media, can align coursework more closely with specific job requirements
- Networking and industry connections – communications careers often rely on referrals and relationships built during internships or student organizations
- Geographic market – media, PR, and corporate communication roles can be concentrated in certain metro areas, which may affect job availability
- Degree level – a bachelor’s degree typically supports entry-level roles, while a master’s may support management or specialized strategy roles, though this varies by employer
Cost factors to weigh
Because tuition and total program cost vary significantly by school, format, and residency status, we do not publish a single “typical” cost figure here. Before enrolling, request a written cost estimate – including tuition, fees, and any expected transfer credit – from each school you are considering. See Affordable Online Communications Degrees for strategies to lower what you actually pay.
Who might get the most value from a communications degree
A communications degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy writing, storytelling, and audience-focused communication
- Want a flexible credential applicable across industries rather than a single defined career track
- Are willing to build a portfolio and pursue internships alongside coursework
- Are comfortable that career outcomes will depend significantly on your own initiative and networking, not the degree alone
Who might want to consider alternatives
A communications degree may be a less direct fit if you:
- Want a career path with a narrowly defined, licensure-gated entry requirement (consider fields such as nursing or counseling instead)
- Expect the degree alone, without portfolio or internship experience, to open doors in competitive media or PR markets
- Prefer a technical or highly quantitative career track (consider computer science or business administration instead)
How to evaluate fit before enrolling
- Talk to people working in your target role – ask what combination of degree, experience, and portfolio work actually got them hired
- Look for programs with built-in internship or practicum opportunities – see How Online Communications Degrees Work
- Choose a concentration deliberately – compare Online Communications Bachelor’s Degree and Online Masters in Communications for level-specific detail
- Compare total program cost, not just tuition per credit – see Affordable Online Communications Degrees
- Verify institutional accreditation for any school before enrolling
Frequently asked questions
Is an online communications degree worth it?
It depends on your career goals and how actively you build portfolio and internship experience alongside coursework. Communications is a flexible degree that can support many career paths, but individual outcomes vary and are not guaranteed by the degree alone.
Can I get a good job with just a bachelor’s in communications?
Many graduates enter roles such as media coordinator, PR assistant, or marketing coordinator with a bachelor’s degree, particularly when paired with internship or portfolio experience. Management and strategy-level roles more often expect several years of experience or a master’s degree, though requirements vary by employer.
Is an online communications degree respected by employers?
Generally, yes, if the program holds recognized institutional accreditation. Employers in communications fields tend to weigh accreditation, coursework, and demonstrated work samples more than whether a degree was completed online or on campus.
Does a communications degree require licensure?
No. Unlike fields such as nursing or counseling, communications careers generally do not require state licensure, though some specialized roles may have employer-specific certification expectations.
Is a master’s in communications worth pursuing?
It depends on your career stage and goals. A master’s can support a move into communications management, strategy, or academic roles, but many entry- and mid-level communications roles do not require one. Weigh the added cost and time against your specific career target.
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Communications Degrees Guide: Levels and Career Paths