How to Become a Communications Professor: Is It the Right Career for You?

Communications Professor career video

A career as a communications professor is ideal for individuals passionate about media, public speaking, and the study of human interaction. As a professor in this field, you can educate students on various topics, including journalism, digital media, public relations, and corporate communication. However, this career path requires dedication, advanced education, and a commitment to teaching and research. This article explores what a communications professor does, their work environment, salary, job market outlook, related careers, and steps to enter the field.

Is a Career as a Communications Professor Right for You? Take Our Career Test

Our career test, also known as a career aptitude test, can help you determine if becoming a Communications Professor aligns with your strengths, skills, and passions.

he Career Fit Test™ includes three powerful career assessments:
✅ A career test to explore your best job matches
✅ A career aptitude test to identify your skills and strengths
✅ A personality trait quiz to understand your work style

Your personalized Career Fit Test™ Premium Report will help you:
🔹 Discover your strengths and top career matches
🔹 Find the career that fits you best from over 900 options
🔹 Gain clarity and confidence in pursuing meaningful work

👉 Take the Free Career Test

👉 Learn More About the Career Test

What Do Communications Professors Do?

Teaching Responsibilities

Communications professors teach media studies, rhetoric, journalism, digital communication, and corporate communication courses. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Developing and delivering lectures on public speaking, mass media, strategic communication, and intercultural communication.
  • Designing and assessing assignments, exams, and presentations to evaluate students’ understanding.
  • Guiding students in research projects, helping them develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
  • Providing feedback and mentoring students on academic and professional goals, including resume building, public speaking skills, and career networking.
  • Staying updated with advancements in media and communication technologies to incorporate the latest trends into coursework.
  • Facilitating discussions and debates on relevant communication topics, encouraging students to think critically about the media’s role in society.
  • Teaching both undergraduate and graduate students, with some professors supervising doctoral candidates in their dissertation research.

Research and Publication

Most communications professors engage in academic research and publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, books, and conference proceedings. Research topics often include:

  • Media ethics and its influence on public perception.
  • Digital communication trends and the evolution of social media platforms.
  • Persuasion tactics are used in advertising and political campaigns.
  • Crisis communication strategies and their effectiveness in public relations.
  • The impact of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on communication.
  • Representation and bias in journalism and mass media.
  • Rhetorical strategies used in speeches, debates, and written communication.

Many professors also present their research at academic conferences and collaborate with other scholars on interdisciplinary projects.

Administrative and Community Roles

Beyond teaching and research, communications professors perform administrative duties that contribute to their department and institution. These responsibilities may include:

  • Serving on academic committees, such as curriculum development, faculty hiring, or research ethics boards.
  • Advising students on course selection, research opportunities, and career pathways.
  • Developing and updating the curriculum to ensure courses reflect industry trends and academic advancements.
  • Engaging with professional organizations and community outreach programs to promote public understanding of media and communication issues.
  • Organizing guest lectures, panel discussions, and networking events to connect students with industry professionals.
  • Participating in faculty meetings and contributing to strategic planning for the department.

By balancing their roles as educators, researchers, and administrators, communications professors play a vital role in shaping the future of communication studies and preparing students for careers in media, public relations, and academia.

What Is the Working Environment for a Communications Professor?

Academic Institutions

Communications professors typically work at colleges, universities, and community colleges. They may teach in traditional classroom settings or conduct online courses.

Work Schedule

Professors generally follow an academic calendar, which includes semesters or quarters. Though they have breaks during the summer and holidays, many use this time for research, writing, and professional development.

Challenges and Rewards

While the workload can be demanding—especially for tenure-track positions—the career offers intellectual fulfillment, flexibility, and opportunities to shape the future of media and communication.

How Do You Become a Communications Professor?

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, media studies, or a related field.

Step 2: Pursue a Master’s or Doctorate Degree

Most colleges and universities require a Ph.D. in Communication for tenure-track positions, while some community colleges and adjunct roles accept a Master’s degree.

Step 3: Gain Teaching and Research Experience

Many aspiring professors work as graduate teaching assistants while completing their doctoral studies. Some also gain industry experience in media, public relations, or journalism before transitioning to academia.

Step 4: Build a Research Portfolio

Publishing research in academic journals increases your credibility and competitiveness for university positions.

Step 5: Apply for Academic Positions

Job boards such as HigherEdJobs and Chronicle Vitae list openings for communications professors.

What Is the Salary of a Communications Professor?

The salary of a communications professor varies based on several factors, including institution type, location, experience level, and academic rank. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for postsecondary communications teachers is approximately $78,470.

Factors That Influence Salary

  • Institution Type: Professors at research universities or prestigious private institutions often earn higher salaries than those teaching at community colleges or smaller universities.
  • Academic Rank: Salaries increase with rank progression, from assistant professor to associate professor and then to full professor.
  • Geographic Location: Salaries differ significantly depending on the cost of living and demand in specific states or regions.
  • Experience and Tenure: Tenured professors earn higher salaries and enjoy greater job security than non-tenured faculty members.
  • Additional Roles: Some professors supplement their income by taking on administrative positions, consulting work, or book publishing.

For more detailed salary information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or comparison websites such as Payscale and Glassdoor.

What Is the Labor Market for a Communications Professor?

Employment for postsecondary teachers, including communications professors, is projected to grow 12% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. Growth in higher education and increased demand for digital communication studies contribute to this trend. For updated job projections, visit BLS Postsecondary Teacher Employment.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Communications Professor?

Pros

  • Intellectual Engagement: Opportunities to research, write, and discuss evolving media trends.
  • Job Stability: Tenured positions offer security and benefits.
  • Influence: Ability to shape future communication professionals.

Cons

  • Competitive Job Market: Securing a tenure-track position can be challenging.
  • Workload: Balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties is demanding.
  • Variable Pay: Adjunct professors often receive lower wages and fewer benefits.

What Are the Careers Related to Being a Communications Professor?

Communications Professor – A Social Career Path

A Communications Professor is a profession that aligns with the Social and Artistic personality types in the Holland Code (RIASEC) system. This framework helps match your interests and traits with compatible careers. You can learn your unique three-letter Holland Code by taking the Career Fit Test™.

Those with Social personalities are drawn to educating and mentoring others, while Artistic individuals enjoy creative expression and exploring ideas through language and media. As a Communications Professor, you’ll teach university-level courses on topics like media theory, public speaking, journalism, and digital communication. This role involves developing curriculum, conducting research, and inspiring students to think critically about the role of communication in society. It’s an ideal career for individuals passionate about media, education, and creative discourse.

List of Holland Social Careers

Below are many more social careers. Also, see our article, Finding the Right Career for Your Social Personality.

To determine which careers best fit you, take a career test such as the Career Fit Test™.

What Types of Jobs Can a Communications Professor Pursue?

Beyond traditional academia, communications professors may pursue roles such as:

  • Department Chair: Leading an academic department.
  • Media Consultant: Advising businesses on communication strategies.
  • Content Strategist: Crafting media content for corporations.
  • Educational Program Director: Managing university communication programs.

What Websites Are Best for Finding Communications Professor Jobs?

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Communications Professor?

Take a Career Aptitude Test

Determining whether a career as a communications professor aligns with your skills and interests requires self-assessment. A career aptitude test can help evaluate your strengths and suitability for academia. The Free Career Fit Test™ offers three key assessments:

  • Career Test: Matches your interests with potential careers based on your preferences and professional aspirations.
  • Career Aptitude Assessment: Identifies your skills, strengths, and abilities relevant to teaching, research, and academic administration.
  • Personality Trait Quiz: Evaluates personality traits essential for academic success, such as patience, adaptability, leadership, and public speaking confidence.

The Career Fit Test™ Premium Report provides in-depth insights into your strengths, best career matches, and personalized guidance. It helps determine whether becoming a communications professor aligns with your passion for teaching, research, and intellectual exploration.

Conduct Informational Interviews

Speaking with current communications professors can offer valuable insights into the profession. Informational interviews allow you to ask experienced professionals about their career paths and responsibilities. Consider asking questions such as:

  • What do you enjoy most about your job?
  • What are the biggest challenges you face as a communications professor?
  • How do you balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities?
  • What skills or experiences were most valuable in preparing you for this career?
  • What advice would you give to aspiring professors?

These conversations can provide a realistic perspective on the demands and rewards of a career in academia, helping you make an informed decision.

Evaluate Your Passion for Teaching and Research

To be a successful communications professor, you must have a genuine passion for teaching and mentoring students. Reflect on whether you enjoy:

  • Explaining complex concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
  • Encouraging students to think critically and express their ideas effectively.
  • Conducting research and contributing to academic discussions in the field of communication.
  • Staying current with advancements in media, journalism, and digital communication.
  • Working in an academic environment with a focus on intellectual growth and collaboration.

Gain Teaching Experience

If you’re unsure whether academia is right, consider gaining teaching experience before committing to an advanced degree. Options include:

  • Working as a teaching assistant (TA) during your graduate studies.
  • Leading workshops, seminars, or training sessions in communication-related topics.
  • Volunteering as a guest speaker at local schools, colleges, or professional events.
  • Mentoring students or young professionals in public speaking, media literacy, or corporate communication.

By testing your interest in teaching and research, you can determine whether a long-term career as a communications professor is the right choice for you.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Communications Professor?

Conclusion

Becoming a communications professor is a fulfilling career for those passionate about media, education, and research. However, it requires dedication, advanced education, and a commitment to lifelong learning. If you’re considering this career path, taking a career test, such as the Free Career Fit Test™, can help you evaluate your strengths and determine if academia aligns with your aspirations. Whether you pursue a tenure-track position or a related career in media, public relations, or corporate training, finding meaningful work that aligns with your strengths and interests is the key to success. By carefully assessing your goals and gaining relevant experience, you can decide whether becoming a communications professor is the right path for you.