Communication Professor

Communication Professors teach courses in communication theory, research methods, and communication skills at colleges and universities. They may also develop and deliver communication training programs for businesses and organizations. Communication Professors typically need a master's degree in communication or a related field, and many have a PhD. They must be able to communicate effectively in both written and oral forms, and they must be able to develop and deliver engaging and informative lectures and presentations.

Job Description

Communication Professors typically perform the following duties:

• Teach courses in communication theory, research methods, and communication skills
• Develop and deliver communication training programs for businesses and organizations
• Conduct research on communication topics
• Publish articles in scholarly journals
• Present their research findings at conferences
• Serve on departmental and university committees
• Advise students on academic and career matters

Education and Training

Communication Professors typically need a master's degree in communication or a related field, and many have a PhD. Some Communication Professors also have experience working in the communication field, such as in public relations, journalism, or marketing.

Skills and Abilities

Communication Professors need the following skills and abilities:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to conduct research and publish scholarly articles
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging and informative lectures and presentations
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to teaching and research

Career Path

Many Communication Professors begin their careers as assistant professors. After several years of teaching and research, they may be promoted to associate professor and then to full professor. Some Communication Professors may also move into administrative roles, such as department chair or dean. Others may leave academia to work in the communication field, such as in public relations, journalism, or marketing.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for Communication Professors is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for communication professionals is growing, and this is expected to lead to increased demand for Communication Professors who can train the next generation of communication professionals.

Salary

The salary for Communication Professors varies depending on their experience, education, and rank. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Communication Professors was $82,240 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $60,900, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $127,290.

Related Careers

Communication Professors may also be interested in the following careers:

• Public relations specialist
• Journalist
• Marketing manager
• Speech-language pathologist
• Technical writer

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to prepare for a career as a Communication Professor. These courses can provide learners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field.

Some of the skills and knowledge that learners can gain from online courses include:

• Communication theory
• Research methods
• Communication skills
• Public speaking
• Interpersonal communication
• Group communication
• Organizational communication
• Health communication
• Intercultural communication
• Media studies

Online courses can also provide learners with the opportunity to network with other Communication Professors and professionals. This can be a valuable way to learn about the field and to gain insights into the career path.

Whether online courses alone are enough to prepare for a career as a Communication Professor depends on the individual's goals and experience. For some learners, online courses may be sufficient to provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this field. However, other learners may need to supplement their online learning with additional coursework or experience.