2. CAREER OPTIONS for Communication & Media Majors
(Undergraduate Degree Required)
Careers Median Salary
Merrimack
College Graduate
Median Salary:
$42,500
Typical Entry-Level
Education Required
Description Holland's Theory of Types *Departmental Courses to
Consider
Editors $54,890 Bachelor's Degree Editors plan, review, and revise content for
publication.
AEC 2401, 3452 & 3453
Film & Video Editors
& Camera Operators
$52,470 Bachelor's Degree Film and video editors and camera operators
manipulate moving images that entertain or
inform an audience.
AEI 2401, 3450, 3360, 3422, 3401
Public Relations
Specialist
$55,680 Bachelor's Degree Public relations specialists create and maintain
a favorable public image for the organization
they represent. They design media releases to
shape public perception of their organization
and to increase awareness of its work and goals.
EAS 2401, 3401, 2801, 3621, 4531,
4510, 4740, 3527
Reporters,
Correspondents,
Broadcast News
Analysts
$37,200 Bachelor's Degree Reporters, correspondents, and broadcast
news analysts inform the public about
news and events happening internationally,
nationally, and locally. They report the news for
newspapers, magazines, websites, television,
and radio.
AEI 2401, 3450, 3360, 3422, 3401,
3312, 3322
Writer: Magazine,
Television, Online
Publications
$58,850 Bachelor's Degree Writers and authors develop written content for
advertisements, books, magazines, movie and
television scripts, songs, blogs, or other types
of media.
AI 2401, 3452 & 3453, 3312
Marketing/
Advertising Manager
$123,450 Bachelor's Degree Advertising, promotions, and marketing
managers plan programs to generate interest
in products or services. They work with art
directors, sales agents, and financial staff
members.
EAC 4510, 2401, 3401, 2801, 4705,
3450
Event Planner $46,490 Bachelor's Degree Meeting, convention, and event planners
coordinate all aspects of events and
professional meetings. They arrange meeting
locations, transportation, and other details.
ECS 2701, 4705, 3621, 4543
* Course availability may vary
** Data from 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. Job Title Median Salary
Merrimack
College Graduate
Median Salary:
$42,500
Typical Entry-Level
Education Required
Description Holland's Theory of
Types
*Departmental Courses to
Consider
Human Resources
Specialist
$57,420 Bachelor's Degree Human resources specialists recruit, screen,
interview, and place workers. They often handle
other human resources work, such as those
related to employee relations, compensation and
benefits, and training.
ECS 4705, 2801, 4520, 3621, 4531, 4740
Social and
Community Service
Managers
$62,740 Bachelor's Degree Social and community service managers
coordinate and supervise social service
programs and community organizations. They
manage staff who provide social services to the
public.
ES 3742, 4705, 3401
Radio & Television
Announcers
$44,030 Bachelor's Degree Announcers present music, news, and sports and
may provide commentary or interview guests
about these or other important topics.
AES 2401, 3450, 3360, 3422, 3401,
3312, 3322
Training &
Development
Specialist
$57,340 Bachelor's Degree Training and development specialists plan,
conduct, and administer programs that
train employees and improve their skills and
knowledge.
SAC 1020, 4633, 4705, 4740
Survey Researchers $49,760 Master's Degree Survey researchers design and conduct surveys
and analyze data. Surveys are used to collect
factual data, such as employment and salary
information, or to ask questions in order to
understand people’s opinions, preferences,
beliefs, or desires.
ICE 2010, 4543, 4625
Fundraisers $52,430 Bachelor's Degree Fundraisers organize events and campaigns
to raise money and other donations for an
organization. They may design promotional
materials and increase awareness of an
organization’s work, goals, and financial needs.
ECA 3742, 4510, 3360, 3625
CAREER OPTIONS for Communication & Media Majors
(Undergraduate Degree Required)
* Course availability may vary
** Data from 2014 Bureau of Labor Statistics
4. HOLLAND’S THEORY OF TYPES
DESCRIPTION OF THEORY: John Holland (1919-2008) was an American psychologist and Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Johns
Hopkins University. His theory is that career choice is an extension of a one’s personality. People express themselves, their interests,
and values through their work choices and experience. In his theory, Holland assumes that people’s impressions and generalizations
about work, which he refers to as stereotypes, are generally accurate. By studying and refining these stereotypes, Holland assigns
both people and work environments to specific categories.
APPLICABILITY FOR MAJORS: Communication majors can benefit from understanding these different environment types when
considering their career options and preferences.
The Interest Inventory via MyPlan (designed on the basis of Holland’s theory) can be accessed through the O’Brien Center website.
Work Environment Type Description of Environment
The Realistic (R) environment makes physical demands of the individual, having tools or machines that the
individual manipulates. Individuals are required to have technical competencies that will allow them to do
such things as fix machines or repair electronic equipment
The Investigative (I) environment is one in which people search for solutions to problems through
mathematical and scientific interests and competencies. In such a situation, people are encouraged to use
complex and abstract thinking to solve problems creatively.
The Artistic (A) environment is one that is free and open, encouraging creativity and personal expression.
Such an environment offers much freedom in developing products and answers.
The Social (S) environment is one that encourages people to be flexible and understanding of each other,
where people can work with others through helping with personal or career problems, teaching others,
affecting others spiritually, and being socially responsible. The Social environment emphasizes human
values such as idealism, kindness, friendliness, and generosity. Education is an example in which these
ideals most commonly exist.
The Enterprising (E) environment is one where people manage and persuade others to attain organizational
or personal goals. These are situations where finance and economic issues are of prime importance and
risks may be taken to achieve rewards.
Organization and planning best describe the Conventional (C) environment. Most Conventional
environments are office environments, where one needs to keep records, file papers, copy materials, and
organize reports. The conventional environment includes mathematical materials, such as bookkeeping and
accounting records.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Realistic Environment
Investigative Environment
Artistic Environment
Social Environment
Enterprising Environment
Conventional Environment
5. Course # Titles
COMMUNICATION&MEDIA
COURSELISTING
COM1020
COM2010
COM2401
COM2601
COM2701
COM2801
COM2701
COM2801
COM3312
COM3322
COM3360
COM3401
COM3422
COM3425
COM3450
COM3454
COM3452
COM3453
COM3527
COM3529
Course #
COM3586
COM3621
COM3625
COM3742
COM3850
COM3851
COM4100W
COM4265
COM4281
COM4326
COM4420
COM4510
COM4520
COM4531
COM4543
COM4625
COM4633
COM4705
COM4740
COM4900
Public Communication
Research Inquiry
Intro to Mass Communication
Into to Interpersonal Communication
Intro to Organizational Communication
Intro to Applied Communication
Television Criticism
Radio
Visual Communication
Advanced Mass Communication
Intro. To Television Production
The Film Experience
Basic Digital Photography
Intro Journalism
Newspaper & New Media Production
Newspaper & New Media Production II
Principles of Public Relations
The future of Media: Integrated
Marketing Communication
Sports Communication
Conflict & Negotiation
Health Campaigns
Communication & Nonprofit Organizing
Communication Internship (FA or SP)
Communication Internship (Summer)
Humor & Media
Feminist Media Studies
Media Marathoning
New Media & Digital Communication
History of Photography
Persuasion & Social Influence
Gender & Communication
Intercultural Communication
Lying & Deception
Health Communication
Advanced Interpersonal
Communciation
Leadership & Collaboration
Advanced Organizational Theory
Senior Seminar
Titles
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
6. LEARNING OUTCOMES:
NATIONAL COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION
Describe the Communication Discipline and
its central questions.
Employ Communication Theories,
perspectives, principles and concepts.
Engage in Communication Inquiry.
Create messages appropriate to the
audience, purpose and context.
Critically analyze messages.
Demonstrate the ability to accomplish
communicative goals (self-efficacy).
Apply ethical communication principles and
practices.
Utilize communication to embrace difference.
Influence Public Discourse.
• Ability to Make Decisions & Solve Problems.
• Ability to verbally communicate with persons
inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to obtain and process information.
• Ability to plan, organize and priortize work.
• Ability to analyze quantitative data.
• echnical knowledge related to the job.
• Proficiency with computer software programs.
• Ability to create and/or edit written reports.
• Ability to sell or influence others.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
SKILLS EMPLOYERS MOST VALUE IN NEW HIRES:
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES &
EMPLOYERS
COLLEGE TO CAREER
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN NCA LEARNING OUTCOMES & NACE LIST OF SKILLS
EMPLOY COMMUNICATION THEORIES, PERSPECTIVE, PRINCIPLES
AND CONCEPTS
Ability to Make Decisions & Solve Problems
Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization
Ability to obtain and process information
Ability to plan, organize and priortize work
Ability to sell or influence others
CREATE MESSAGES APPROPRIATE TO THE AUDIENCE,
PURPOSE, AND CONTEXT
Ability to obtain and process information
Ability to sell or influence others
CRITICALLY ANALYZE MESSAGES
Ability to obtain and process information
Ability to analyze quantitative data
Ability to create and/or edit written reports
DEMONSTRATE THE ABILITY TO ACCOMPLISH COMMUNICATIVE GOALS
(SELF-EFFICACY)
Ability to Make Decisions & Solve Problems
Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization
Ability to create and/or edit written reports
INFLUENCE PUBLIC DISCOURSE
Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization
Ability to sell or influence others
7. SPORTS & RECREATION
1. Agganis Arena
2. American Junior Golf Association
3. Athletic Evolution
4. Atlantic Hockey Online
5. Aztec Soccer - Tots program
6. Bauer Hockey
7. Blue Trailer Mobile Lockers
8. Boston Blades
9. Boston Bruins
10. Bosotn College Football
11. Boston Sports Club
12. Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence
13. Bickstone Fitness
14. Bright Light INC
15. California Sports Surfaces
16. Camp Cody
17. Cadardale Health and Fitness
18. Continental Pools
19. Danvers Indoor Sports
20. Doc Wayne Youth Services
STAFFING & EXECUTIVE SEARCH
1. ALKU
2. America's Recruiting
3. AP Staffing
4. Apex Systems, Inc.
5. BANK W Holdings, LLC
6. Barton Associates
7. Black Diamond Networks
8. BRIGHT LIGHT INC
9. Brine Group Staffing Solutions
10. Comforce Staffing
11. CoreMedical/CoreInfo Technology
12. Cornerstone Consulting Group, LLC
13. DizerCorp
14. Edgerock Technology Partners
15. Eliassen Group
16. Entegee
17. Execu-Search Group
18. Footprints Recruiting
19. InnoTECH Staffing
20. Insight Global, Inc.
PRINT & PUBLISHING
1. 512 Media Inc.
2. Boston Globe Media Partners
3. BRIGHT LIGHT INC
4. Burst Media
5. Campus TCB
6. Center for Applied Special Technology
(CAST)
7. Courier Corporation
8. Crawford Technolgies
9. CreateMyTee
10. Curriculum Associates, Inc.
11. EBSCO Information Services
12. GateHouse Media New England
13. Interns 365
14. Konica Minolta Business Solutions
15. MassPrinting Inc.
16. North of Boston Media Group
17. Peartree Publishing
18. Subscription Insider
19. The Boston Globe
20. Tick Tock, LLC.
NON-PROFIT & PHILANTHROPY
1. A Shot For Life, Inc.
2. Action Against Hunger
3. Alzheimer's Association
4. Amergent
5. American Cancer Society
6. American Training, Inc.
7. AmeriCorps Massachusetts Promise
Fellowship
8. Ameson Education and Culture Exchange
Foundation
9. Andover A Better Chance
10. Arlington Community Trabajando
11. Army of Saints, Inc.
12. Artsbridge Inc.
13. Bakes for Break Cancer, Inc.
14. Blueprint Schools Network
15. Boston Center for Independent Living
16. Boys Hope Girls Hope International
MARKETING
1. Advnaced Pain Management Center
2. AG Salesworks
3. Aigner/Prensky Marketing Group
4. All Star Incentive Marketing
5. American International Chemical
6. Avenue 100 Media Solutions
7. Avery Dennison
8. Avidyne Corporation
9. Axis Promostions
10. BAO
11. BBS Inc Boston
12. Boise Cascade Company
13. Bright Light Inc.
14. Brightcove
15. Bryant University
16. Burst Media
17. C.A. Courtesy
18. Camp Cody
19. Campus TCB
EMPLOYERS REGISTERED ON ADVANTAGE
(Non-exhaustive list)
8. EMPLOYERS REGISTERED ON ADVANTAGE
(Non-exhaustive list)
HUMAN RESOURCES
1. AccessibleHR
2. Bright Light Inc
3. ConforMIS
4. Cornerstone Counsulting Group, LLC
5. Courageous Careers
6. Execu-Search Group
7. Footprints Recuriting
8. Genesis HealthCare
9. GRN Boston North
10. Interns 365
11. Microdesk
12. Missile Defense Agency
13. Mutual of Omaha
14. New York Univeristy Polytechnic Institute
15. PharmaLogics Recruiting
16. Precision Systems
17. The Select Group
18. Truth Teacher Services
19. Zenefits
CONSULTING
1. Advances Learning Center
2. Aperian Global
3. Arcadis
4. Asian Consultants International Inc.
5. Beacon ABA Services
6. Beyond BookSmart
7. Blueprint Consulting Group, LLC
8. Bright Lght Inc.
9. Bryant Univeristy
10. Burning Glass Technologies
11. CHA Consulting, Inc.
12. Chatham Partners
13. ClickSoftware
14. Cloud Spectator
15. Concentric Energy Advisors
16. Corridor Company
17. Creativestar Solution
18. Dynamic Solutions
19. Edgewater Technology
COMMUNICATION & MEDIA
1. American Tower Corporation
2. Andover TV
3. Arch Creative Group
4. Arlington Public News
5. BBK Worldwide
6. Bright Light Inc.
7. Bryant University
8. Carney Communications
9. Full and By
10. GateHouse Media New England
11. Hanscom Air Force Base
12. Insight Global, Inc.
13. Interns 365
14. Lavoie Health Science
15. Lionbridge Technologies
16. livestage App Inc.
17. MAGIC 1067, Greater Media Boston
18. MarketCast
19. Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
ADVERTISING
1. Boston Globe Media Partners
2. Bright Light Inc.
3. Burst Media
4. Campus TCB
5. Fan LoualTEES, LLC
6. Fuseideas
7. GateHouse Media New England
8. H&L Partners
9. Herbalife, Inc
10. Insight Global, Inc
11. Interns 365
12. Massachusetts Cultural Council
13. Media Results
14. MediaMate LLC
15. MObileFuse LLC
16. Momentous Technologies Corp.
17. New Business Concepts, Inc.
18. Nexage, Inc.
19. Physicians Interactive
