Communications Professor
Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. The role may involve primarily teaching or a combination of teaching and research.
Job Description & Duties
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Keep abreast of developments and technological advances in the communication field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
Communications Professor Needed Skills
- Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
- Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work‑related documents.
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem‑solving and decision‑making.
Types of Communications Professor Jobs
- Adjunct Professor
- Mass Communications Instructor
- Communication Lecturer
- Assistant Professor of Speech Communication
- Debate Director
Salaries and Employment Outlook
- Communications Professors make between $35,870 and $133,570 a year. Highest salaries are in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New Jersey.
- In the United States, there were 34,100 Communications Professor jobs in 2016, with a projected growth rate of 10% and an expected 3,400 new jobs by 2026.
Tools & Technologies Used by Communications Professors
- Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Web browser software, Data entry software, Email software
- Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Photoshop
- Google Docs, Blackboard, Learning management system (LMS)
- Apple Final Cut Pro, Calendar and scheduling software, Course management system software
- Sakai CLE, Desire2Learn, Collaborative editing software
Further Learning Paths
- Individuals working as Communications Professors typically obtain advanced degrees (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D.) in communications or related fields.