The Master of Arts - Communication and Digital Media program teaches students innovative ways to enhance communication through media and creative expression. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in such diverse fields of communication as:
Overall employment of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers is expected to increase by 13 percent through 2018. Job growth will be spurred by competition for a growing number of goods and services, both foreign and domestic, and the need to make one's product or service stand out in the crowd. In addition, as the influence of traditional advertising in newspapers, radio, and network television wanes, marketing professionals are being asked to develop new and different ways to advertise and promote products and services to better reach potential customers.
Advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales manager jobs are highly coveted and are often sought by other managers or highly experienced professionals, resulting in keen competition. College graduates with related experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication and computer skills should have the best job opportunities. In particular, employers will seek those who have the skills to conduct new types of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales campaigns involving new media, particularly the Internet.
Median annual wages in May 2008 were:
| advertising and promotions managers | $ 80,220 |
| marketing managers | $ 108,580 |
| public relations managers | $ 89,430 |
Employment of graphic designers is expected to grow 13 percent, as fast as the average for all occupations from 2008 to 2018, as demand for graphic design continues to increase from advertisers and computer design firms.
Moreover, graphic designers with Web site design and animation experience will especially be needed as demand increases for design projects for interactive media—Web sites, mobile phones, and other technology. Demand for graphic designers also will increase as advertising firms create print and Web marketing and promotional materials for a growing number of products and services. Growth in Internet advertising, in particular, is expected to increase the number of designers. However, growth may be tempered by reduced demand in the print publishing, where many graphic designers are employed.
Graphic designers are expected to face keen competition for available positions. Many talented individuals are attracted to careers as graphic designers. Individuals with Web site design and animation experience will have the best opportunities.
Median annual wages in May 2008 were:
| graphic designers | $42,400 |
| specialized design services | $45,870 |
| advertising, public relations and related services | $43,540 |
| printing and related support activities | $36,100 |
The demand for Web administrators and Web developers will also be strong. More of these workers will be needed to accommodate the increasing amount of data sent over the Internet, as well as the growing number of Internet users. In addition, as the number of services provided over the Internet expands, Web administrators and developers will continue to see employment increases.
Median annual wages of network systems and data communication analysts were $71,100 in May 2008. These wages encompass network architects, telecommunications specialists, Webmasters, and Web developers.
Employment of writers and editors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2014. Opportunities should be best for technical writers and those with training in a specialized field.
Median annual wages in May 2008 were:
| salaried writers and authors | $53,070 |
| advertising, public relations and related services | $58,740 |
| newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers | $49,280 |
| salaried editors | $49,990 |
| technical writers | $53,490 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projects, http://www.bls.gov/OCO visited December 1, 2010.
