Choosing a degree is one of the first and most consequential steps in pursuing a particular career path. An education helps lay the foundation of essential skills and practical knowledge needed for a successful career. 

Two fields brimming with opportunity are communications and business. Both encompass diverse professions, many of which are expected to experience growing demand over the next several years. Determining which of these fields is a better fit — and therefore, which type of degree to pursue — comes down to an individual’s personal interests and professional goals. Earning a degree in communications or business can also help established professionals enhance their expertise and expand their networks, opening doors to new opportunities in their field or enabling them to switch to a new one.  

Comparing communications and business degrees to gain a better understanding of what each has to offer, including potential career outcomes, can help individuals pinpoint the educational path that best aligns with their ambitions. 

Communications vs. Business Degrees: What to Expect

Communications and business are among the most popular college majors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 19 percent of bachelor’s program graduates earned a business degree in the 2021-22 school year. A degree in communications, was another commonly conferred degree, accounting for 4 percent of all bachelor’s degrees.  

Although they are distinct fields of study, communications and business programs share some key traits. Both emphasize the development of crucial soft skills, like critical thinking and problem-solving, as well as practical knowledge in areas such as leadership, strategic planning and effective communication.  

Consequently, business and communications are considered highly versatile degrees that prepare graduates to thrive in a wide range of professional environments.  

Curriculum

Beyond their surface similarities, the curriculum and goals of communications and business programs are quite distinct.  

Business programs provide students with a holistic understanding of business operations. They explore various business functions — including accounting, finance, analytics and marketing — and how they complement one another. Business students typically study business law and international business practices as well. Many programs offer specializations in certain industries or aspects of business, such as healthcare or management.  

The curricula of communications programs vary depending on each program’s particular focus. Communications is an expansive field, encompassing journalism, film and television, public relations, advertising and many other areas. Broadly speaking, communications programs aim to help students become adept at analyzing, creating and delivering messages across various mediums.  

Career Outcomes for Communications vs. Business Degree Graduates

Because of how broad the fields are, earning a degree in communications or business can lead to many different professions. Communications majors may pursue careers in marketing or public relations, for example, while business majors may become finance or human resources professionals.  

The following are just a few of the countless career paths available to communications and business graduates, including 2023 to 2033 employment outlook projections and 2023 median annual salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Communications Careers

Industry-wide employment in communications is expected to grow at an average rate, relative to all other occupations, between 2023 and 2033, according to the BLS. However, several communications-related roles will experience increasing demand, such as the following:  

• Public relations specialists develop and maintain a positive public image for their clients, which may include organizations, individuals or government agencies. This often involves crafting press releases, engaging with the public through social media, handling media inquiries and arranging interviews for their clients.   

• Employment outlook: 6 percent (19,200 new jobs) 

• Salary: $66,750 

• Market research analysts study consumer preferences and buying habits as well as market conditions to assess the viability of a product or service. They employ various methods, including surveys and focus groups, to measure the effectiveness of marketing strategies and forecast market and sales trends.  

• Employment outlook: 8 percent (74,900 new jobs) 

• Salary: $74,680 

• Marketing managers develop strategies to promote products or services. They collaborate with other departments, such as product development and public relations, to help organizations maximize profitability and grow their market share while ensuring customer satisfaction. They often lead other members of the marketing team, including market research analysts. 

• Employment outlook: 8 percent (31,700 new jobs) 

• Salary: $157,620 

Business Careers

The BLS also projects a strong job market for a wide range of business professions, as hundreds of thousands of new jobs will be created over the next decade. Earning a business degree can position graduates for success in several areas, like finance, human resources and marketing. Some common career paths for business graduates include the following: 

• Accountants prepare and review financial records to ensure accuracy, compliance and efficiency. They may work for organizations or individuals, helping them assess financial risks and prepare taxes. Their specific responsibilities may vary depending on what type of role they have. Corporate accountants, for example, evaluate financial operations for businesses and make recommendations for cutting costs and boosting revenue.  

• Employment outlook: 6 percent (91,400 new jobs) 

• Salary: $79,880 

• Human resources (HR) managers oversee staffing, employee relations and other administrative functions within an organization. They’re involved in recruiting, hiring and training new staff, as well as managing payroll and benefit programs. HR managers also act as a bridge between an organization’s staff and its leadership, advising other managers on issues such as equal employment opportunity and workplace conduct.  

• Employment outlook: 6 percent (13,500 new jobs) 

• Salary: $136,350 

• Financial managers guide the financial health of organizations by preparing financial reports, advising on investment activities and overseeing budgeting, while ensuring legal compliance. They analyze data, including market trends, to identify cost-saving measures and growth opportunities while advising executives on how to maximize profits.  

• Employment outlook: 17 percent (138,300 new jobs) 

• Salary: $156,100 

Become a Skilled Communications or Business Professional

With employment opportunities expected to grow over the next several years, graduates of communications and business degree programs are positioned to take advantage of a robust job market. Both fields offer diverse, dynamic roles that enable professionals to leverage creative thinking, strategic planning and effective communication skills across a wide range of industries.  

If you’re interested in entering these fields — or advancing in your current profession — the online Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications: Media Management and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration programs at SEMO Online can help you achieve your goals. With more than 20 years of experience in online learning and a focus on career readiness, SEMO Online has the expertise to help you excel in today’s competitive job market. SEMO Online students enjoy robust support resources and take courses with the same industry-experienced faculty who teach on campus at Southeast Missouri State University.  

Discover what SEMO Online has to offer today.