Speech communication is the study of how we create meaning through messaging, contexts,
channels and media. Harper College offers students the chance to prepare for a major
in communication at a four-year university. As part of the program, students have
the opportunity to participate in Harper's competitive Speech and Debate Team, The Harbinger Online, and Harper's radio station WHCM-FM Radio.
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Planning for your future begins here.
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Planning for your future begins here.
It only takes 20 seconds to get started!
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 speech, communication, and related majors. 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.
Learn more about career outcomes for Harper's Speech Communication degree 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 Speech Communication Careers page.
Actors
Actors
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Actors career profile for most current data.
$40,940 Median Salary
1.5% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
95 Job Postings
Description:
Play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or film productions, or other settings
for entertainment, information, or instruction. Interpret serious or comic role by
speech, gesture, and body movement to entertain or inform audience. May dance and
sing.
Core tasks:
Collaborate with other actors as part of an ensemble.
Work closely with directors, other actors, and playwrights to find the interpretation
most suited to the role.
Portray and interpret roles, using speech, gestures, and body movements, to entertain,
inform, or instruct radio, film, television, or live audiences.
Perform humorous and serious interpretations of emotions, actions, and situations,
using body movements, facial expressions, and gestures.
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:
Public Relations Managers
Public Relations Managers
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Public Relations Managers career profile for most current data.
$128,896 Median Salary
0.5% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
638 Job Postings
Description:
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable
public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Core tasks:
Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
Confer with labor relations managers to develop internal communications that keep
employees informed of company activities.
Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.
Develop and maintain the company's corporate image and identity, which includes the
use of logos and signage.
Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations.
May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize
in using social media.
Core tasks:
Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson
or information source.
Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public
or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental
responsibility.
Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
Quick facts:
Writers and Authors
Writers and Authors
* Data sampled April 2025. Visit the Writers and Authors career profile for most current data.
$51,033 Median Salary
5.1% Projected Job Growth (2025-2032)
252 Job Postings
Description:
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements,
and other material.
Core tasks:
Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising
agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising
information.
Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
Discuss with the client the product, advertising themes and methods, and any changes
that should be made in advertising copy.
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.
