Communication

The communication program at Northeastern prepares students for careers in broadcasting, journalism, politics, law, public service and education. The courses provide insight into public speaking and rhetoric, relational and organizational communication, and professional development. The communication program will prepare students

A message shared through new forms of media and old forms of face to face communication can change the world! It is vital to reach the right people with the right message. The communication degree does that. It prepares you to succeed in relationships. It helps you to deal with bosses, teachers, fellow workers, friends, and family members in tough situations.

Most degrees require communication classes. These classes help you to learn skills you will need in broadcasting, marketing, and sales. In addition, these classes provide skills for majors in journalism, politics, public service, performing arts, law, business, and teaching.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 27,400 openings for public relations specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Organizations will continue to emphasize community outreach and customer relations as a way to maintain and enhance their reputation and visibility. Public opinion can change quickly, particularly because both good and bad news spread rapidly through the Internet. Consequently, public relations specialists will be needed to respond to news developments and maintain their organization’s reputation.

The growing use of social media also is expected to increase employment for public relations specialists. This will create more work for public relations specialists as they try to appeal to consumers and the general public in new ways. Public relations specialists will be needed to help their clients use these new types of social media effectively.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists median annual wage for public relations specialists was $62,800 in May 2021.

Student Profile

Mckenna Bone

What I like the most about NJC is that my classes are fun and interesting, and I learn something new every day! My professors make the classes fun and engaging, and the information I learn is fascinating.

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Program Requirements / Classes

Communication Designation	AA

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.