Communications Professors
Overview
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
Median Wage
$72,080.80 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Equipment Maintenance
Key Responsibilities
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- 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.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as public speaking, media criticism, and oral traditions.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Career Considerations
Doctoral Degree Requirement
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.
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.