A.S. Communications

Credit Hours

67%

Max Transfer Credit

Class Type

100% online, 6 & 12-week courses

Next Start Date

Jan 6, 2025

Cost Per Credit

$398

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Home / Degrees / Associate Degrees / Communications

Unlock your potential with an associate degree in communications

Thanks to the digital economy and the rise of social networks, technology has changed the way business communicates, but not every business knows when and how to effectively do it. Enter the fast-growing field of communications with help from an online associate degree from Franklin. Here you’ll learn how to apply creative, technical and organizational skills to create professional communications solutions.

With an emphasis on interpersonal, organizational, and media communications, you’ll be prepared to help businesses find -- and use -- their voice to deliver the right message at the right time to the right people, including clients, investors and employees.

Program Availability

Online

On Site

Program Overview

Create and deliver clear communication

With Franklin’s 60-hour A.S. Communications degree program and 100 percent online classes that you can take at your convenience, you’ll develop an in-demand skill set that spans all phases of marketing across print, digital and social media.

At Franklin, you can earn an online associate degree in communications in just 24 months, giving you a fast-track path to professional jobs in one of today’s most high-octane fields. And, if you want to go on to earn your bachelor’s degree, this program provides a solid foundation and transferrable credits to help you complete your B.S. Communications degree at Franklin.

With our transfer-friendly communications associate degree, you'll be exposed to new technologies as they relate to interpersonal, organizational and media communications. You’ll also learn vital communication concepts and theories -- as well as how to apply them -- to produce a variety of communication products, including web pages, strategic summaries, case studies, presentations and social media campaigns.

Earn your degree from a university built for busy adults

Earn your degree on your terms by taking classes 100% online. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin was built from the ground-up to satisfy the needs of adult learners. Our seamless transfer process and team of academic advisors will help ease your transition to becoming a student, while our flexible course schedules help to balance your education with work, family, and life. Get started on your future today.

Future Start Dates

Spring 2025

January

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Dec 27

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Feb 7

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Mar 21

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AVG TRANSFER HOURS

On average, students transfer in 2/3 of the credits required.

Take One Class at a Time

Focus on one 6-week class at a time and maintain full-time status by taking 3 courses per term.

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Highly Recommended

98%

STUDENT SATISFACTION

98% of graduating students would recommend Franklin to their family, friends and/or colleagues.

Source: Franklin University, Office of Career Development Student Satisfaction Survey (Summer 2023)

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Curriculum & Course Descriptions

60 Semester Hours

Fundamental General Education

English Composition

ENG 120 - College Writing (4)

In this course, students acquire the writing competencies necessary for completing analytical and argumentative papers supported by secondary research. A variety of assignments, beginning with personal reflections, build upon one another, as students develop ideas that respond to, critique, and synthesize the positions of others. Students systematize and organize knowledge in ways that will help them in all their courses. The course also emphasizes the elements of critical reading, effective writing style, appropriate grammar and mechanics, clarity of language, and logical and cohesive development. It culminates in submission of an extended, documented research paper.

Mathematics

MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts (4)

This course introduces you to statistics with applications to various areas. The course covers both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics included are: sampling techniques, data types, experiments; measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, graphical displays of data, basic probability concepts, binomial and normal probability distributions, sampling distributions and Central Limit Theorem; confidence intervals, hypothesis tests of a mean, or a proportion for one or two populations, and linear regression.

OR MATH 160 - College Algebra (4)

This course is designed to prepare students for Applied Calculus and Discrete Mathematics and to provide the mathematical background needed for the analytic reasoning used in other courses. Topics include functions and their graphs, including exponential and logarithmic functions; complex numbers; systems of equations and inequalities; matrices; basic principles of counting and probability; and other selected topics. Note, this course has proctored exam(s).

Choose either MATH 140 Introduction to Quantitative Reasoning or MATH 150 Fundamental Algebra as the prerequisite. MATH 150 must be selected for MATH 160. Course can count as a University elective.

Science

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Two courses from the Science discipline. One course must have a lab component.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Political Science, Psychology, or Sociology disciplines. Choose course from two different disciplines to meet degree requirements.

Arts & Humanities

6 credits from the following types of courses:
Choose from the Art, English Literature, Fine Arts, Humanities, Music, Philosophy, Religion or Theater disciplines.

Additional General Education

PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferrable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for time management, goal setting, reading comprehension, and advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments.

OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies (2)

This course prepares students to be successful lifelong learners both academically and in their chosen careers. Franklin courses require a high level of self-directed learning and focus on the skills required in the workplace and the classroom that are easily transferable between the two environments. The course includes strategies for advancing communication skills, including the use of electronic tools to participate in virtual environments. The assignments and activities in the course are created to closely simulate teamwork found in the workplace.

AND

COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication (4)

By using applied critical and creative thinking, students in this course will develop a set of communication skills that will enhance their personal and professional relationships and endeavors. This course will focus on skill development in key areas such as self, perception, listening, verbal messages, conversations, relationships, conflict management, persuasion, and presentation skills.

OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication (4)

This basic public-speaking course intends to improve the student's ability to think critically and to communicate orally. Theory and practice are provided in various speaking situations. Each student is required to speak before an audience, but class work also involves reading, gathering and organizing information, writing, and listening.

AND

ENG 220 - Research Writing: Exploring Professional Identities (4)

This is an intermediate course focusing on the composition of research papers. Students in this course prepare to be active participants in professional discourse communities by examining and practicing the writing conventions associated with their own fields of study and work. By calling attention to the conventions of disciplinary writing, the course also prepares students for upper-division college writing and the special conventions of advanced academic discourse. Course activities include three extended research papers, semi-formal writing addressing interdisciplinary communication, and readings fostering critical engagement with disciplinary conversations.

OR ENG 205 - Business & Professional Writing (4)

This is an advanced composition course focusing on writing for business and professional purposes. Students will review the writing conventions commonly expected within business and professional environments, as well as strategies for analyzing rhetorical situations within those environments. Coursework includes analysis, revision, and research exercises, as well as substantial practice in composing business correspondence. The final project is an extensive, researched business proposal developed in stages and presented to the class. Students will be encouraged to relate course materials to their major programs and workplace experiences.

Professional Core

COMM 202 - Introduction to Mass Media (3)

In this course students learn how to critically engage and make sense of the media around us and become media literate consumers who are knowledgeable and self-critical of mass media content. In addition to introducing students to the use of media, in both contemporary and historical contexts, this course will help students develop the analytical tools that they can use to examine media content, intent, context, and subtext in order to explore what and how we learn from the media, and how media shape our perceptions in regard to race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, geography, and education as well as how media operate and exert their influence on individuals and society.

COMM 205 - Professional Communication (2)

In this course students will learn how to apply principles of intelligent visual design to professional communication and self-presentation. The focus will be on helping students reframe how to look outward to the professional world, and how to get professionals to view them as great employees and collaborators. How do you seek information to better understand organizations and professional opportunities? How do you present yourself to employers or prospective clients? Throughout the course students will receive professional mentoring and participate in an informational interview. Students will enhance their skills in impression management and communication through social media such as Linked In, blogs, and digital portfolios. Each assignment is tailored to fit the students? professional goals and career path. This course is intended for all academic majors.

COMM 211 - Theories of Communication (3)

In this course, we address what communication theory is and learn more about several specific theories applied in current communication research. Students will also explore how theories of communication and media can be useful in practice.

Technical Credit

4 credits from the following types of courses:
Computer programming and/or computer literacy, Journalism and Media, Digital Arts or Digital Communication Arts, Graphic design, web development, video game design, video production, and/or video camera use or photography.

Major Area Required

COMM 315 - Communication Ethics (4)

This course examines the strategies involved in effective, ethical communication in professional contexts. Students examine principles of ethical organizational communication and the temporal/cultural/social forces behind those principles, as well as apply reasoning and critical thinking in individual and group assignments. Comparing values and perspectives from diverse cultures, students will respond to cases in an intercultural professional environment.

COMM 335 - Communication in Groups and Teams (4)

The course examines current theories and best practices of working collaboratively in professional contexts. Students apply these concepts to analyze their own work experience, generating strategies for how to improve their performance in work groups. Students will learn basic project management skills and work in online virtual teams to complete a final communication project.

AND

COMM 321 - Organizational Communication (4)

The course examines the role of communication in organizations. Students will learn the major theories of organizational communication, identifying and defining primary concepts, and applying them to discussions of real-world situations. The role of technology, corporate culture, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and diversity in communication is examined. Effective communication in global organizations and critiques of organization communication systems and structures are also presented.

OR COMM 400 - Intercultural Communication (4)

This course provides an overview of issues, processes, and theories involved with communicating with individuals from different cultures. Topics include thinking and communicating in global contexts and professional relationships in diverse environments.

Additional Requirements

All students are required to pass College Writing (ENG 120), and either Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321) prior to enrolling in any course at the 200 level or above. Students who enroll at Franklin with 30 or fewer hours of transfer credit are required to pass PF 121 Basic Learning Strategies in place of PF 321 Learning Strategies. Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100) must be taken prior to enrolling in any course at the 300 level or above. Students must also meet the University algebra competency requirement.

A.S. Communications Program Details

Tuition Costs

2024 - 2025 Tuition	Cost Per Credit
Standard tuition	$398
B.S. in Nursing	$298
Current service members	$250
International students	$526

Program Learning Outcomes

A learning outcome map functions as a roadmap to help guide students' progress through their program of study. It shows where each outcome is Introduced (I), Reinforced (R), and Assessed (A) within the program's curriculum.
	1	2	3
COMM 202	I		I
COMM 205		I, R	R, A
COMM 241	I, R	R	R, A
COMM 301	I, R		R, A
COMM 315	R, A
COMM 335		A
COMM 321 or COMM 400		A	R, A

Degree Requirements

1. To be awarded an undergraduate degree, students must:

Successfully complete all courses required in the major program, including:
General Education
Business or Professional Core
Major Area and Elective Courses
Technical transfer credit (for specific degree completion programs only)

2. Meet these grade point average (GPA) requirements:

All students must attain a minimum Franklin University cumulative GPA of 2.00
All students must attain a minimum GPA of 2.25 in the major area, and each major area course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements

3. Complete the residency requirement

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 20 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

4. Complete the payment of all requisite tuition and fees

5. Not be under disciplinary dismissal due to academic dishonesty or a violation of the Student Code of Conduct

Program Chairs and Academic Advisors are available for consultation to provide information and guidance regarding the selection of courses, the accuracy of schedules, and the transfer process. However, students are responsible for understanding and meeting the degree requirements of their major program or degree and for planning schedules accordingly.

Overall Residency Requirements

Students seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree. Students seeking an associate’s degree must earn 20 credit hours overall in residence at Franklin University to be eligible for a degree.

Course Level Requirements

A student must have 40 credit hours overall that are equivalent to 300/400 level Franklin University courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have a minimum of 12 credit hours of courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree.

Business Core Requirements

Majors that have Business Core requirements are Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Economics, Business Forensics, Energy Management, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management, Financial Planning, Forensic Accounting, Human Resources Management, Information Systems Auditing, Logistics Management, Management & Leadership, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management & Insurance. The Business Core is the foundation of the related academic disciplines appropriate for a baccalaureate degree in business. The purpose of the Business Core is to provide students with a conceptual understanding of organizations, how the functional areas interrelate to achieve organizational goals, and how to apply professional decision-making competencies and technical skills in today’s environment. After completing the Business Core, graduates will be able to:

analyze an organization’s accounting information in order to develop sound business decisions
identify and apply valuation models relevant to an organization’s financial decisions
identify the impact of forces influencing the major functional areas of business (e.g., ethical, legal, technological, economic, global and social)
apply marketing activities to the delivery of goods and services in business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets
apply interpersonal and resource management skills to enhance business success

Business Principles (BSAD 110) is a Business Core prerequisite. Transfer students with the equivalent of four business courses are not required to take Business Principles.

Major Area Requirements

A student must have 20 credit hours in the major area that are equivalent to 300/400 major level Franklin courses for a bachelor’s degree. A student must have 12 hours of major area courses that are equivalent to 200 level or above for an associate’s degree. A minimum 2.25 GPA is required in the major area for students enrolled in either the associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs, and each major course must be completed with a grade of “C” or better to count toward degree requirements.

Capstone Requirement

Every major has a capstone experience for which credit cannot be transferred into the University. This is a Franklin course designed to integrate and assess the learning outcomes specific to each major as a whole. This course should be taken as the last major course. If, given the academic scheduling process and the student’s projected graduation date, this is not possible, then the student should have Senior Standing (90 or more credit hours), plus the skill-based General Education courses (COMM, SPCH, WRIT, MATH, COMP), all business or professional core courses, and the capstone prerequisite courses.

Subsequent Degree Requirements

Students pursuing subsequent bachelor’s degrees must earn in residency at Franklin University a minimum of 30 credit hours at the 200 level or above, of which a minimum of 16 credit hours must be major area courses equivalent to 300/400 level courses.

Additional Degree Requirements

Students seeking an additional bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree must successfully complete a minimum of 30 credit hours (including the major requirements) beyond the first bachelor’s (or associate’s) degree. (See the “Subsequent Degree” section of the Academic Bulletin.)

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit and credit awarded on standardized exams, proficiency exams or portfolio credit awarded by another institution will not count toward the residency requirement at Franklin University. Credit awarded based on proficiency examination or portfolio evaluation conducted by Franklin University may apply as appropriate major area credit, but will not reduce the hours required toward the residency requirement.

Admission Requirements

A student who meets at least one of the following criteria is eligible for admission as a degree-seeking student:

Has provided official documentation of graduation from an accredited high school or its equivalent (see Documentation Required below), or
Has an associate, bachelor or master’s degree from an institutionally (formerly regionally) accredited institution of higher education, an institution recognized as a candidate for accreditation, or an institution recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation

Documentation Required

Documentation of high school graduation or equivalence - required for applicants who are transferring fewer than 60 semester hours that apply towards a Franklin degree.
If the student has transferable hours of 60 credit hours or more from an institutionally (formerly regionally) accredited institution of higher education, then they will not have to provide a high school diploma or equivalence. Acceptable forms of documentation of high school graduation or high school equivalence for undergraduate admission must include one of the following:

Official high school transcript listing the date of graduation
Official GED certificate
Official documentation of having passed a State High School Equivalency examination
Official documentation of a home school completion certificate/transcript
Official transcripts from all educational institutions (college, universities, professional schools, etc.) previously enrolled in, regardless if credit was earned.

A student classified as degree seeking will not be permitted to register for courses until all transcripts are received and placement tests completed (see specific requirements under “Placement Testing”).

Admission Process

Admission procedures should be started early to maximize scheduling options and financial planning. Learn more about the undergraduate admission process.

English Language Proficiency Requirements

Prospective students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency. The requirement is met through any of the following:

The applicant is a citizen of a country where English is the official language.
he applicant has received a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an institution located in an English-speaking country in which the courses were taught in English.
The applicant has earned appropriate scores on language proficiency exams taken within the last two years, as listed below.

Undergraduate face-to-face: Students must earn a minimum overall TOEFL score of 500 (paper-based), 60 (Internet-based), 5.5 IELTS, ACCUPLACER ESL 259, or Cambridge 160 with at least the following scores on each of the exam subsections. Prior to registration, students will be given a language placement exam to determine whether ESL studies are required.

	TOEFL	IELTS	ACCUPLACER	Cambridge English Scale
Reading	15/30	5.5	85	160
Writing	15/30	5.5	4	160
Listening	15/30	5.5	85	160
Speaking	15/30	5.5	n/a	160
Sentence Meaning	n/a	n/a	85	n/a

Global or Online International students must take Reading Comprehension and Writing placement exams.

Students must earn a minimum overall TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) /79 (Internet-based), 6.5 IELTS, ACCUPLACER ESL® 105, or Cambridge 180 with at least the following scores on each of the exam subsections.

	TOEFL	IELTS	ACCUPLACER	Cambridge English Scale
Reading	20/30	6.5	00	180
Writing	20/30	6.5	5	180

ACCUPLACER Assessments for Admission

Prospective students may demonstrate English language proficiency through the ACCUPLACER ESL® examinations administered by Franklin University. The ACCUPLACER ESL® suite of examinations are internet-based, computer-adaptive assessments designed to properly assess students’ English language competencies.
Testing fees and any related administrative or proctor fee will be assessed for the administration of the
ACCUPLACER examinations. Students are also responsible for all fees incurred for retake examinations.
Students who do not meet the minimum score requirements may retake the examination(s) once within a two-week period. Subsequent examination retakes will be considered after a three month waiting period. Passing scores will remain valid with Franklin University for a period of two years.
All ACCUPLACER examinations must be administered by an approved proctor that meets specific criteria, as defined by our proctor expectations. An alternative to finding a proctor in your area is Virtual, an online proctoring service, approved by ACCUPLACER. For additional information, contact the Office of International Students and Programs.

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Employment Outlook

10%

From 2023-2033, jobs in Marketing & Communications are expected to increase by 10%

Occupation

Median Salary (2023)

Job Postings (2023)

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Occupation

Advertising and Promotions Managers

$131,872

8,779

11%

Advertising and Promotions Managers

Median Salary: $131,872
Job Postings: 8,779
Projected Growth: 11%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Advertising and Promotions Managers plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
League Managers	979	11%
Advertising Account Managers	1,745	20%
Advertising Managers	500	6%
Advertising and Marketing Managers	674	8%
Advertising Sales Managers	615	7%
Promotions Managers	550	6%
Digital Advertising Managers	333	4%
Marketers	364	4%
Street Team Managers	231	3%
Promotions Directors	1,007	12%
Paid Media Managers	215	2%
Ad Operations Managers	170	2%
Promotions Marketing Managers	145	2%
Street Team Representatives	178	2%
Promotions Supervisors	124	1%
Health Promotion Managers	134	2%
Advertising Operations Managers	143	2%
Advertising Production Managers	121	1%
Advertising Account Supervisors	140	2%
PPC Managers	411	5%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Marketing	3,621	47%
Project Management	1,256	16%
Digital Advertising	962	12%
Digital Marketing	727	9%
Data Analysis	635	8%
Advertisement	605	8%
Analytics	605	8%
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)	604	8%
Selling Techniques	577	7%
Advertising Campaigns	544	7%
Sales Prospecting	514	7%
Social Media	506	7%
Finance	491	6%
Workflow Management	444	6%
Upselling	434	6%
Advertising Sales	405	5%
Customer Relationship Management	391	5%
Google Analytics	379	5%
Marketing Strategies	371	5%
Account Management	370	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		42%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		11%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		5%
	Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers		4%
	Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers		3%
	Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services		3%
	Other		32%

Technical Writers

$80,059

47,759

13%

Technical Writers

Median Salary: $80,059
Job Postings: 47,759
Projected Growth: 13%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Technical Writers write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Technical Writers	28,094	59%
Proposal Writers	6,239	13%
Medical Writers	2,549	5%
Technical Writers/Editors	2,242	5%
Technical Proposal Writers	868	2%
UX Writers	805	2%
Report Writers	1,006	2%
IT Technical Writers	823	2%
Medical Writing Managers	532	1%
Technical Publications Specialists	449	1%
Principals	557	1%
Technical Writer Interns	454	1%
Scientific Writers	557	1%
Technical Documentation Writers	503	1%
Contract Technical Writers	380	1%
Data Analysts/Report Writers	412	1%
Business Analysts/Technical Writers	407	1%
Writers/Editors	283	1%
Consultants	196	0%
Scientific Technical Writers	403	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Technical Writing	12,690	39%
Project Management	7,652	24%
Technical Documentation	6,380	20%
Templates	4,893	15%
Proofreading	4,282	13%
Marketing	4,036	12%
Journalism	3,687	11%
Microsoft SharePoint	3,620	11%
Request For Proposal	3,530	11%
Style Guides	3,178	10%
Technical Communication	3,014	9%
Workflow Management	2,888	9%
Medical Writing	2,828	9%
Software Documentation	2,710	8%
Microsoft Visio	2,605	8%
Standard Operating Procedure	2,506	8%
Computer Science	2,406	7%
Proposal Writing	2,319	7%
Content Creation	2,259	7%
Agile Methodology	2,119	7%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Computer Systems Design and Related Services		20%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		9%
	Employment Services		7%
	Scientific Research and Development Services		6%
	Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services		6%
	Software Publishers		5%
	Other		48%

Editors

$75,026

19,321

Editors

Median Salary: $75,026
Job Postings: 19,321
Projected Growth: 4%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Editors plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Editors	3,048	16%
Technical Editors	2,038	11%
Copy Editors	1,739	9%
Content Editors	1,529	8%
Managing Editors	2,057	11%
Editorial Assistants	1,463	8%
News Editors	1,159	6%
Assignment Editors	822	4%
Writers/Editors	746	4%
Photo Editors	560	3%
Associate Editorial Directors	558	3%
Lead Assistant Editors	614	3%
Production Editors	518	3%
Digital Editors	412	2%
Executive Editors	480	3%
Copywriters/Editors	373	2%
Engagement Editors	279	1%
Magazine Editors	338	2%
Medical Editors	299	2%
Sports Editors	289	2%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Journalism	7,912	31%
Proofreading	4,737	19%
Marketing	4,322	17%
Copy Editing	3,647	14%
Social Media	3,475	14%
Project Management	3,405	13%
Content Creation	3,196	13%
Content Editing	2,949	12%
Search Engine Optimization	2,943	12%
Workflow Management	2,873	11%
Style Guides	2,582	10%
Newsletters	2,473	10%
Punctuation and Capitalization	2,111	8%
Adobe Photoshop	2,037	8%
AP Stylebook	1,777	7%
Analytics	1,540	6%
Storytelling	1,517	6%
Fact Checking	1,436	6%
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)	1,415	6%
Technical Writing	1,326	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers		40%
	Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers		8%
	Motion Picture and Video Industries		7%
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		6%
	Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations		3%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		3%
	Other		32%

Writers and Authors

$73,694

48,293

10%

Writers and Authors

Median Salary: $73,694
Job Postings: 48,293
Projected Growth: 10%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Writers and Authors originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Copywriters	10,396	22%
Content Writers	6,408	13%
Article Writers	5,746	12%
Social Media Content Creators	3,591	7%
Content Creators	3,227	7%
Service Writers	2,695	6%
Specification Writers	1,174	2%
Digital Content Producers	1,782	4%
Writers	1,220	3%
Marketing Copywriters	1,192	3%
Curriculum Writers	910	2%
Content Developers	1,051	2%
Content Specialists	726	2%
Ticket Writers	941	2%
Digital Content Creators	867	2%
Digital Producers	824	2%
Customs Entry Writers	2,742	6%
Social Media Managers/Content Creators	983	2%
Entry Writers	1,287	3%
Breaking News Editors	531	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Marketing	13,019	31%
Copywriting	10,199	24%
Social Media	9,013	22%
Content Creation	8,216	20%
Journalism	8,171	20%
Search Engine Optimization	6,174	15%
Project Management	5,981	14%
Proofreading	5,422	13%
Artificial Intelligence	3,221	8%
Content Strategy	3,177	8%
Target Audience	3,090	7%
Digital Content	3,048	7%
TikTok	2,883	7%
Fact Checking	2,877	7%
Social Media Content	2,718	7%
Blogs	2,397	6%
Content Development	2,338	6%
Digital Marketing	2,244	5%
Adobe Photoshop	2,227	5%
Newsletters	2,171	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		14%
	Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers		10%
	Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers		10%
	Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services		8%
	Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers		5%
	Motion Picture and Video Industries		5%
	Other		48%

Public Relations Specialists

$66,747

51,971

11%

Public Relations Specialists

Median Salary: $66,747
Job Postings: 51,971
Projected Growth: 11%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Public Relations Specialists promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Communications Specialists	18,751	36%
Marketing Communications Specialists	4,265	8%
Communications Coordinators	3,302	6%
Communications Associates	2,899	6%
Public Relations Specialists	2,371	5%
Telecommunications Specialists	1,775	3%
Marketing and Communications Specialists	1,980	4%
Media Planners	1,383	3%
Media Buyers	1,945	4%
Internal Communications Specialists	1,588	3%
Move-in Coordinators	1,239	2%
Campus Ambassadors	1,026	2%
Student Ambassadors	859	2%
Branch Ambassadors	2,300	4%
Security Ambassadors	1,533	3%
Digital Communications Specialists	1,338	3%
Corporate Communications Specialists	1,054	2%
Community Relations Coordinators	848	2%
Community Ambassadors	836	2%
Media Specialists	679	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Marketing	26,817	41%
Public Relations	13,919	21%
Social Media	11,983	18%
Project Management	11,926	18%
Newsletters	10,164	16%
Journalism	9,753	15%
Press Releases	7,621	12%
Content Creation	6,310	10%
Graphic Design	6,040	9%
Marketing Communications	6,024	9%
Internal Communications	5,703	9%
Proofreading	4,958	8%
Strategic Communication	4,620	7%
Media Relations	4,588	7%
Adobe Photoshop	3,924	6%
Corporate Communications	3,486	5%
Adobe Creative Suite	3,419	5%
Branding	3,388	5%
Photography	3,352	5%
Communication Strategies	3,287	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services		13%
	Religious Organizations		6%
	Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations		5%
	Local Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals		5%
	Management of Companies and Enterprises		5%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		5%
	Other		62%

Occupation

Job Titles

Skills

Industry

Description

Fundraisers organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization’s work, goals, and financial needs.

Projected Growth

Job Title	Job Postings	% of Job Postings
Grant Writers	5,403	21%
Major Gifts Officers	4,924	19%
Development Associates	3,577	14%
Development Officers	1,576	6%
Fundraisers	1,052	4%
Nursing Professional Development Specialists	928	4%
Philanthropy Officers	1,251	5%
Market Development Specialists	1,549	6%
Annual Giving Officers	587	2%
Advancement Coordinators	583	2%
Youth Development Specialists	638	3%
Fundraising Coordinators	475	2%
Development Coordinators	579	2%
Organizational Development Specialists	441	2%
Family Development Specialists	389	2%
Planned Giving Officers	420	2%
Advancement Associates	565	2%
Gift Officers	299	1%
Fundraising Associates	402	2%
Directors of Development	299	1%

Skill	Job Postings	% of Total Postings
Fundraising	12,722	57%
Sales Prospecting	7,750	35%
Marketing	5,082	23%
Philanthropy	3,678	16%
Project Management	3,204	14%
Raiser's Edge NXT	2,956	13%
Customer Relationship Management	2,839	13%
Grant Writing	2,833	13%
Planned Giving	2,638	12%
Finance	2,376	11%
Prospect Research	2,056	9%
Administrative Support	1,846	8%
Salesforce	1,806	8%
Data Entry	1,747	8%
Grant Applications	1,722	8%
Public Relations	1,469	7%
Accounting	1,379	6%
Advertising Mail	1,199	5%
Database Management	1,186	5%
Event Planning	1,177	5%

	Industry	% of Occupation in Industry
	Grantmaking and Giving Services		14%
	Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools		13%
	Religious Organizations		11%
	Education and Hospitals (State Government)		8%
	Social Advocacy Organizations		6%
	Individual and Family Services		5%
	Other		42%

Source: Employment Outlook data is provided by Lightcast. Franklin University cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Communications associate degree?

Depends. Take as much time as you wish, but our associate degree program is specifically designed for busy, working adults who want to finish fast. At Franklin, you can earn your A.S. Communications in as little as 24 months.

When can I start a Communications associate degree?

Franklin makes getting started easy and convenient. We offer three trimesters every year, with start dates within each. Talk to your admissions advisor to find the start date that works best for you.

How much will my Communications associate degree cost?

Franklin University offers a quality education at a competitive cost so you can afford to invest in your future. Our per credit hour tuition rates (vs. per year or per term rates) enable you to get a realistic estimate of exactly how much your degree will cost - especially once you've factored in transfer credit. Our 2024-2025 tuition rate is $398 per credit hour and with our tuition guarantee, you can lock-in your tuition rate from your first term through graduation. Ask our helpful staff about available financing options and financial aid programs. Visit MyTransfer Credit to see how transfer credits could help you save time and money.

What is a Communications associate degree?

This associate of science degree program is a two-year undergraduate degree program. With Franklin University's A.S. Communications, you'll focus on applied communication, including business, interpersonal and team communications.

What can you do with a Communications associate degree?

With an A.S. Communications from Franklin, you'll be prepared for a wide variety of entry-level communication job titles, including community relations coordinator, lobbyist, marketing associate and public relations specialist.

Why get a Communications associate degree?

Great question! Graduating from a two-year associate degree program can help you start your career sooner than with a traditional bachelor's degree program. Plus, an A.S. Communications from Franklin can help you seamlessly transition to our B.S. Communications program, so you can grow academically as you expand your professional career path.

What makes Franklin’s Communications associate degree unique?

Get more with Franklin’s associate of science degree program in communications. Besides introducing you to a variety of tools you can use on the job, our 60-hour A.S. Communications degree teaches you something today's employers demand: how to leverage strategic thinking to develop relevant communication solutions.

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