There’s no denying the drastic transitions the business world has experienced in recent years. Aftershocks of a global pandemic, a generational shift in the workplace, and even the rise in new technologies have contributed to a push for the new digital age.
As a result, many professionals are hoping to stay ahead of the curve and develop in-demand digital communication skills needed to thrive in today’s business environment. With so many communication degrees, it can be difficult to understand which is right for you. Here’s an overview of what a digital communication and media degree can offer you and why Northeastern’s program is well-suited for your personal and professional needs.
What Is a Digital Communication and Media Degree?
Unlike many bachelor’s degree programs, a digital communication and media degree prepares students for countless jobs in many industries. Rather than focusing on industry-specific skills, graduates of a digital communication program develop a wide range of digital competencies, including:
- Research
- Content creation
- Strategy
- Analysis
These skills are crucial for today’s professionals since most industries are currently facing different kinds of digital challenges including increased virtual interactions, the rising need for search engine optimization (SEO) strategy, and the shifting influence of social media. A degree in digital communication and media degree is an excellent preparatory education for today’s digital leaders.
4 Benefits of Northeastern’s Digital Communication and Media Degree
Prospective students can expect several benefits from earning a digital communication and media degree from Northeastern University. Here’s an overview of the four most appealing aspects of Northeastern’s bachelor’s degree completion program.
1. Experiential Learning Opportunities
Commitment to experiential learning is one of Northeastern’s defining factors. “Ultimately, we want our students to walk away from this program with an answer to the employment question, ‘what experience do you have?’” says Ed Powers, professor of the practice for the MS in Corporate and Organizational Communication program at Northeastern University.
Much of this experience stems from Northeastern’s virtual PR agency that provides opportunities to work with real businesses while building a deeper awareness of client engagement.
One business Northeastern students have worked with is the non-profit organization Haymakers for Hope. Students were tasked with creating an in-depth communication plan and social media strategy to increase brand awareness. With faculty guidance and team collaboration, students created the #BoxOutCancer campaign which has experienced promising success.
“Rather than a traditional class, the virtual public relations meetings are more like agency project reviews,” Powers says. “The instructor, who is a current professional in the field, leads students as if they are his or her employees.” For most prospective PR specialists, marketing professionals, or content creators, these digital media projects can be incredibly beneficial.
Using industry tools and software is another plus. Northeastern is a HubSpot education partner, offering students the opportunity to earn HubSpot Academy Certifications. ”This format is so important for professional development because it deals with both the hard skills of identifying communication needs and making recommendations,” Powers says. “But it also hones in on those essential soft skills of building a rapport with clients.”
2. Flexible Curriculum
For many, it can be discouraging to return to school if your current skills don’t necessarily match the career outcomes of the degree you want to pursue. Luckily, Northeastern not only values students’ past professional experience but tries to leverage these competencies throughout the program.
“Since our program is more flexible than most, we’re able to tap into students’ skills and hobbies,” Powers says. One example is a digital communication and media student with a background in photography. “We took that skill set one step further and made that student the photo lead on a project, creating video and photo content for a client’s social media, to help build those skills and their portfolio.”
In addition to this flexibility, Northeastern also offers a variety of learning format options. Students can complete a bachelor’s degree in digital communication and media full- or part-time, as well as online or on-campus.
3. Industry Expert Faculty
Northeastern has always been known for its prominent faculty, and the digital communication program is no exception. “Our instructor, Christina Inge, has run her own digital marketing agency in Boston called Thoughtlight,” Powers says. “She brings very practical, hands-on experience to the program.”
Professor Powers is also another vital part of the digital communication and media faculty. With 25 years of industry experience in corporate communication, his background fully prepared him to assist in creating this degree program’s core curriculum, including:
- Introduction to Public Relations
- Public Relations Writing Seminar II
- Crisis Communication
4. Caring Community
Northeastern is an incredibly compassionate institution that strives to support its students both academically and financially. As a result, Northeastern offers a variety of need- and merit-based bachelor’s completion scholarship opportunities. Some of these scholarships include:
- Professional Advancement Scholarships
- Lowell Institute Scholarships
- Community College Scholarships
- Dean’s “Break Through” Scholarship
- Ruby Linn Foundation Scholarships for Servicemembers and Veterans
Beyond Northeastern’s commitment to its students, it also plays a major role in helping individuals and businesses in need within the community and beyond. In the Digital Communication and Media department, faculty have built lasting relationships with both nonprofit and commercial businesses including:
- Haymakers for Hope
- Solstice Community
- Verbena Restaurant
In addition to these partnerships, Northeastern’s Lab for Inclusive Entrepreneurship is an excellent example of how the institution gives back to the community. This faculty-led lab provides in-depth technical and managerial assistance to women- and minority-owned small businesses.
Take the First Step Toward an Exciting Career in Digital Communication
With so many opportunities for students to develop in-demand industry skills, Northeastern’s Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication and Media program is the ideal place to take the first step toward an exciting career. From hands-on learning opportunities to courses led by experienced professionals, you will be well-positioned for success post-graduation.