Home Schools Emory University Communication and Media Studies
Communications · Communication and Media Studies Rank #412 of 613

Communication and Media Studiesat Emory University

Graduates earn $37,237/yr in their first year — about 6.0% above the national Communication and Media Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $466K; scenarios range from $442K to $462K depending on AI disruption.

Atlanta, GA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
31 AT RISK
31
Optimistic
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$37,237
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.5x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$466K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
54% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Emory University

While the raw earnings data may seem modest for a top-tier university, your Emory degree is a powerful signal to employers. You're not just studying theory; you're plugging into Atlanta's thriving media and corporate ecosystem. Major players like CNN, The Coca-Cola Company, and Delta are right in your backyard, creating a direct pipeline for competitive internships that often lead to full-time roles in corporate communications, digital strategy, and public relations. An Emory education emphasizes critical analysis and strategic thinking, which sets you apart for leadership-track positions beyond entry-level content creation. To maximize this advantage, your key task is to build a professional portfolio before graduation. Secure at least two high-profile internships, leveraging the university's robust career services and alumni network to land placements that give you tangible, real-world accomplishments to show employers.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$442K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score24/100
Earnings Multiple1.8x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$466K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score31/100
Earnings Multiple1.9x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$462K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score31/100
Earnings Multiple1.9x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Emory University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Communication and Media Studies graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Public relations managers
+5.0% 10-yr growth · 6,600 openings/yr
$138,520/yr
High
2
Fundraising managers
+4.2% 10-yr growth · 3,600 openings/yr
$123,480/yr
High
3
Communications teachers, postsecondary
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 2,700 openings/yr
$77,800/yr
Moderate
4
Editors
+0.6% 10-yr growth · 9,800 openings/yr
$75,260/yr
High
5
Writers and authors
+3.6% 10-yr growth · 13,400 openings/yr
$72,270/yr
Very High
6
Media and communication workers, all other
+2.7% 10-yr growth · 3,000 openings/yr
$71,770/yr
Low
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Communication and Media Studies

How Emory University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
CA · Public
61
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
14.1x
ROI
Cornell University
NY · Private nonprofit
50
DW Score
$62K
1-yr earn
2.4x
ROI
Ashford University
CA · Private for-profit
47
DW Score
$58K
1-yr earn
8.2x
ROI
CUNY Graduate School and University Center
NY · Public
61
DW Score
$58K
1-yr earn
19.7x
ROI
Boston College
MA · Private nonprofit
46
DW Score
$55K
1-yr earn
2.0x
ROI
Also at Emory University

Other top programs at Emory University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Emory University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Communication and Media Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Communication and Media Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Communication and Media Studies at Emory University

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Communication and Media Studies at Emory University?

At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Communication and Media Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Should I worry about AI if I study Communication and Media Studies at Emory University?

The 55% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

What do students actually pay for Communication and Media Studies at Emory University?

The 61% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $243,096. At a net cost of $95,644, the earnings multiple improves substantially.