Communication and Media Studies at Northeastern University Professional Programs

Boston, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $47,465/yr (35% vs median)
AI Risk High (55% exposed)
Job Market Large (83,300 openings/yr)
Ranked #196 of 613 Communication and Media Studies programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

While a communications degree can be general, Northeastern’s professional focus and Boston location give you a distinct advantage. Your high earning potential isn't just about the university's strong reputation; it's a direct result of the program's deep integration with the city's thriving tech, healthcare, and finance sectors. You'll be learning applied skills—like crisis communications for a biotech firm or digital strategy for a financial services company—that are in high demand locally. This isn't a theoretical degree; it's a direct talent pipeline to employers like HubSpot, Fidelity, and Mass General Brigham who pay a premium for sophisticated communication skills. To maximize this opportunity, focus your coursework and networking on a high-growth industry. Don't just be a communications generalist; aim to become the go-to communications expert for Boston's booming life sciences or fintech scene.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Communication and Media Studies graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $671K $648K $573K
Probability of Field Employment 46% 40% 29%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$77,774
64% growth from Year 1

About Northeastern University Professional Programs

a compact campus enrolling 1,674 students in Boston, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Northeastern University Professional Programs →

Top Career Paths

Public relations managers $138,520/yr
Fundraising managers $123,480/yr
Communications teachers, postsecondary $77,800/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does Northeastern University Professional Programs's Communication and Media Studies program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Communication and Media Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Communication and Media Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Communication and Media Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 55% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →