| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore | Maryland |
| Southeastern Oklahoma State University | Durant | Oklahoma |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | California |
What Do Communications Managers Do?
Communications managers develop corporate communications strategies, design internal and external communications directives, and manage the flow of information. They prepare and present presentations as a spokesperson for the company, and promote the company's mission, products and services.
What Employer's Look For
Although an exceptional candidate with a bachelor’s degree may obtain a position in this field, most employers prefer to hire individuals with an MBA and experience. Paladin Staffing says that an ideal candidate will also be a confident communicator and presenter, have strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout, design, and professional printing/publishing skills, and the ability to present concepts verbally. An ideal candidate will:
- Be self-motivated
- Possess excellent organizational and planning skills
- Have superior project management and time management skills
They must also have a wide degree of creativity and latitude, strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media, and a positive and professional approach to management.
About Communications Management MBA Programs
Because the demand for talented communications managers is growing, many colleges and universities offer a range of unique MBA options that may be completed at an accelerated pace, in an online or hybrid format, part-time weekends, evenings, Saturdays only, and more. Just a few options include:
- Johns Hopkins University, Carey School of Business, MA in Communication/MBA (MA is delivered 100% online, Flexible MBA (FLEX MBA) is delivered online or in hybrid format, part-time)
- Southeastern Oklahoma State University, John Massey School of Business, MBA Strategic Communications (100% online)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Anderson School of Management, MBA + Management Communication Program (Flexible MBA (FEMBA Flex) hybrid format)
While courses will vary by program, students can expect to take a variety of branding, communication, public relations, public speaking, social media, and writing courses, to name a few. Sample courses include:
- Advanced Intercultural Communication
- Advanced Social Media Management
- Analytic Techniques in Communication Research
- Branding and Advertising
- Corporate Social Responsibility Campaigns
- Digital Political Strategy
- Interactive Marketing and Advertising
- International Public Relations and Public Diplomacy
- Managerial Communication
- Multimedia Authoring
- Opinion Writing
- Organizational Communication
- Public Affairs Communication
- Public Policy Management & Advocacy
- Public Relations in the Age of Digital Influence
- Public Relations Writing
- Social Media and American Governance
- Spokesperson Development & Training
- Strategic Communication Program Management
Most programs have internship and study abroad requirements, as well as experiential learning components that expose students to the same challenges business leaders face every day. Experiential learning allows students to work alongside peers, alumni, corporate partners, and faculty members through special projects, labs and courses.
Salary and Employment Outlook for Communications Managers
Upon completion of an MBA in Communications Management, graduates are prepared to seek positions at large businesses or corporations, full-service, digital and media agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, colleges and universities, and government agencies. As part of broad group “Management Occupations,” communications managers can expect notable employment growth and excellent earning potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of management occupations is projected to grow 8% from 2016 to 2026, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This will result in about 807,300 new jobs in a field that was nearly 7.3 million strong in 2017. And when it comes to earnings, the median annual wage for management occupations was $102,590 in May 2017. This was the highest wage of all the major occupational groups.
Considering an Online MBA? Use our interactive map to find information on schools and colleges offering Online MBA programs in your state and across the U.S.
Sources
"Experiential Learning." Kellogg School of Management. Northwestern University, 2018. Web. 19 July 2018.
Kreiger School of Arts & Sciences, Advanced Academic Programs. Johns Hopkins University, 2018. Web. 19 July 2018.
“Management Occupations." Division of Occupational Employment Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 Apr. 2018. Web. 19 July 2018.
“What is a Communications Manager?” Paladin Staffing. The Paladin Companies, 2018. Web. 19 July 2018.
