A degree from the Department of Communication & Media at CSUSB can open many doors to specific jobs and career paths in thriving areas of industry, the public sector, and in academia. A degree in communication and media not only equips you with the most valuable 'transferable skills' for a successful career in any line of work (deeper understanding of forms of communication, excellent written communication skills, great speaking skills, argumentation and reasoning skills, research skills, critical thinking, and contextual awareness skills, etc.), but our concentrations and areas of specialism also prepare you for many popular and flourishing fields of employment, as well as graduate study.
Below is a small selection of possible career paths that you might take after completing your degree in communication and media with us:
- Leadership in the workplace
- Mentorship
- Teaching
- Counselor
- Coach
- Community Manager
- Therapist
- Communications Manager
- Corporate Engagement Officer
- Development & Stewardship Manager
- Clinical Supervisor
- Quality Analyst
- Human Resources
- Sales & Marketing
- Training & Development
- Fundraising/development,
- Recruiting
- Dispute Resolution
- Strategic Communication Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Health Communication Manager
- Risk Communication Officer
- Social Media Manager
- Political Analyst
- Copywriter
- Research Analyst
- Digital Strategist
- Search Engine Optimization Manager
- Communications Consultant
- Marketing Director
- Branding & Advertising Executive
- Creative Director
- Digital Marketing
- Public Affairs Manager
- Internal Communications Strategist
- Events Director
- Media Researcher
- Digital Marketing
- Media Analyst
- Web Content Manager
- Media Planning
- Advertising Manager
- Arts / Film / Media Administrator
- Editorial Assistant
- Events Manager
- Journalist
- Market Research
- UX (user-experience) Manager
- Local Government Official
- Communication Specialist
- Production Manager
- Media Buyer
- Media Rights Officer
- Producer
- Account Executive
- Filmmaker
- Radio Producer
- Sound Engineer
- Journalist
- Social Media Content Producer
- Video Editor
- Web Content Manager
- TV Production
- Live Events Broadcasting
- Lighting Director
- TV Engineer / Mixing Desk Editor
- News Producer
- Music Producer
- Documentary Maker
- Production Coordinator
- Location Manager
- Media Analyst
- Production Designer
- Media Rights & Licensing Officer
Career Readiness Resources:
Many of our students in communication and media go on to further study at M.A. or M.F.A. and then Ph.D. level. These paths can lead to further job opportunities as well as careers in research and higher education.
Many of our alumni work in colleges and universities around the region, across the US, and internationally, as well as in exciting careers in other industries as well as in public sector positions.
For more information about our M.A. in Communication Studies, please click here.
Faculty in the Department of Communication & Media can help and give advice about career planning and next steps after university, as part of their academic advising duties.
However, don;t forget that CSUSB has a dedicated Careers Center (room SUS-112), where you can also get career planning advice, help and assistance with preparation for job applications and interviews, as well as advice on internships and jobs on campus while you study.
Our specialist contact at the CSUSB Careers Center is Sarai Maldonado.
In addition to all this, the College of Arts & Letters has a Professional & Career Readiness Center (room UH-237), where you can receive advice and information about internships, job opportunities, support writing job applications, CVs/resumés and cover letters, career planning, and how to succeed in interviews.
Dr. Sunny Hyon is the CAL Professional & Career Readiness Fellow. Please feel free to contact her for an appointment.
Our colleague in Communication & Media, Dr. Brian Heisterkamp has won two major federal awards to fund the Pathways to Success initiative, which is a partnership with CSUSB, Norco College, and San Bernardino Valley College. Pathways to Success is a joint effort to serve Hispanic and low-income students by providing access to education; support for academic success, and opportunities to obtain skills leading to careers in the arts and humanities.
The Pathways to Success office and website has information and you can get advice about career paths, planning, success strategies for job applications and interviews, as well as information about internships, and much more.
The CSUEA is an initiative that aims to provide a competitive edge to CSU students entering the entertainment industry by offering internships, career advice, and other career development opportunities, as well as removing some of the financial and structural roadblocks encountered while trying to get your 'foot in the door'.
The CSUEA also presents conferences, symposia and events for learning and networking with industry professionals and wide-range of other career resources.