Reaching the masses is easier now than ever. Just as one tweet can break crucial news,
one video, story or investigation can release information to a large amount of people.
As the news industry keeps evolving due to new technology, social media and storytelling
methods, a strong education in media research, trends, analyzation and laws is critical
in having a successful career.
Studying mass communication at Harper College allows you to expand your knowledge
of the history, impact and development of media. Courses topics covering topics like
journalism, audio production, film history, photojournalism assess all aspects of
the media today in order to teach you how to use tools in your career.
Start at Harper. Finish at a four-year university.
The Associate in Arts (AA) degree prepares you to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete
a bachelor's degree in mass communication, journalism, broadcasting, public relations
or related major. Speak with your advisor about the best courses to take to meet your
academic goals.
Harper also offers institution-specific transfer information to help prepare you to
transition to a four-year university. To learn more, visit our Transfer Information page or see your advisor.
Earn a workforce credential
Jumpstart your career by learning new skills through a certificate program.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's mass communication programs. Each career
profile offers a complete picture on the local job market, including salaries, open
positions, top local employers and more. To learn more, visit our Mass Communication Careers page.
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral
materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest
in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization,
or on an account basis.
Core tasks:
Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products
or services, working with customers, company officials, sales departments, and advertising
agencies.
Inspect layouts and advertising copy, and edit scripts, audio, video, and other promotional
material for adherence to specifications.
Confer with department heads or staff to discuss topics such as contracts, selection
of advertising media, or product to be advertised.
Coordinate with the media to disseminate advertising.
Quick facts:
Advertising Sales Agents
Advertising Sales Agents
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Advertising Sales Agents career profile for most current data.
$63,669 Median Salary
-9.6% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
303 Job Postings
Description:
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio,
or Internet establishments or public spaces.
Core tasks:
Prepare and deliver sales presentations to new and existing customers to sell new
advertising programs and to protect and increase existing advertising.
Maintain assigned account bases while developing new accounts.
Provide clients with estimates of the costs of advertising products or services.
Locate and contact potential clients to offer advertising services.
Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages,
on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce
artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.
Core tasks:
Operate control consoles.
Record commercials for later broadcast.
Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
Quick facts:
Broadcast Technicians
Broadcast Technicians
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Broadcast Technicians career profile for most current data.
$75,242 Median Salary
-3% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
21 Job Postings
Description:
Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and
transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming
and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal
clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast
radio or television programs.
Core tasks:
Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs
to equipment when necessary and possible.
Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications
Commission.
Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust
equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other
communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect
and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.
Core tasks:
Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine
topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast
the information.
For more information about starting your college education at Harper, please contact
Admissions Outreach at 847.925.6700 or fill out our request information form.
