Why Get an Applied Communications Degree?

NLU's applied communications program is taught online, with four in-person workshops offered over the course of the program that allow for interactive peer-to-peer work. The project-based nature of the program gives students real-world experience in completing projects like writing magazine articles, launching social media campaigns and creating corporate presentations—all while developing critical skills such as negotiation, persuasion, critical thinking and decision-making. The program also includes a course designed to help students develop their speaking and presentation skills by presenting live to each other using video conferencing tools like Zoom and other modern synchronous communication methods.

The applied communications program at NLU was designed with input and expertise from professionals working in the field of communications, including those in industries such as public relations, journalism, politics, business, human resources, advertising, marketing, social sciences and government. Courses are designed and taught by practicing professionals—legal classes are taught by lawyers; the generational workplace course was designed by a professional from McDonald's corporate; writing courses are taught by published writers; PR courses include an advisory board of professionals from Apple, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Ogilvy and Mather, and the American Association of Advertising Agencies. These relevant learning experiences help position graduates globally, culturally and strategically in the job market.

A unique built-in mentorship program also helps applied communications graduates build their professional network and connect with established industry professionals. Each applied communications student is paired with a practicing industry professional to gain first-hand experience in leveraging his or her communication skills for success in the job market.

A Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communications is a versatile degree that prepares graduates for a communications career in nearly any field. NLU's applied communications graduates go on to pursue careers in industries such as advertising, journalism, public relations, media and more. Some examples of professional communications careers for graduates with a B.A. in Applied Communications include:

• Account Coordinator
• Brand Assistant
• Broadcast Correspondent
• Communications Coordinator
• Marketing Coordinator
• Media Associate
• Producer
• Production Assistant
• Public Relations Manager
• Social Media Manager
• Technical Writer
• Writer or Author

Communications graduates possess skills that are appealing to employers, such as the ability to construct a persuasive argument, speak publicly and communicate clearly. To emphasize the value businesses place on skills like these, PayScale compiled a list of the best jobs for communications majors by salary potential. Some of these include:¹

1. Executive Producer — Mid-Career Pay: $107,000
2. Social Media Director — Mid-Career Pay: $104,000
3. Director of Public Relations — Mid-Career Pay: $99,900
4. Marketing Communications Director — Mid-Career Pay: $94,400
5. Director of Communications — Mid-Career Pay: $92,200
6. Content Marketing Manager — Mid-Career Pay: $83,400
7. Advertising Broadcast Producer — Mid-Career Pay: $83,300
8. Senior Copywriter — Mid-Career Pay: $79,500

A B.A. in Applied Communications from National Louis University helps students develop the negotiation, persuasion, critical thinking and decision-making skills today's employers are looking for. Whatever your career goals, a degree in professional communications can help you get where you want to go.

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