Communications Professors
Communications professors teach college students about various aspects of communication, from public speaking and writing to media studies and digital communication. They create course materials, develop lesson plans, grade assignments, and help students choose the right classes for their career goals. These educators also conduct research, publish academic papers, and work with other faculty to design degree programs that can be taught in-person, online, or through hybrid methods. They serve on college committees and stay updated on the latest trends in communication technology and social media platforms.
Did you know?
Most tenure-track positions at American colleges and universities require a Ph.D. in Communications, Media Studies, or a closely related field for competitive candidacy.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$72,100 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Speaking
Things to consider
Competitive Academic Job Market
The academic job market for communications faculty is highly competitive, with many qualified candidates competing for limited tenure-track positions across American institutions.
Institutional Diversity and Career Paths
Career opportunities vary significantly between community colleges, state universities, and private institutions, each offering different teaching loads, research expectations, and advancement prospects.
Key responsibilities
Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Act as advisers to student organizations.
Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.