Communication Studies Associates, Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Maine

Maine is home to a number of historic newspapers, important journalism initiatives, vibrant independent book publishers, and a robust tourist economy that provides many opportunities for communications graduates. The state project that the number of jobs for Media and Communications Workers will remain steady between 2008 and 2018, although jobs in marketing and public relations will grow faster than in other areas. Although many of the opportunities will be concentrated in the business and financial capital of Portland, there are likely to be options in the bigger cities of Lewiston, Bangor, Auburn, and South Portland as well.

Undergraduate Degrees in Communications – Choosing to earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree with a major in communications will give you the qualifications you need to start a career in mass media and digital communications. Whether you’re interested in journalism, creative writing and independent filmmaking, or marketing and public relations, the know-how needed to reach people with a targeted message starts with a degree in communications.

Master’s Degrees in Communications – No matter your professional background or undergraduate major, you could earn a master’s in communications to prepare for a career in any number of diverse areas that include journalism, public relations, marketing, digital media and more.

Journalism

Seven daily newspapers and four Sunday papers serve the Pine Tree state. Portland is in the increasingly rare position of having two daily newspapers, the Portland Press Herald and Portland Daily Sun, both published by MaineToday media. While declining revenue at many newspapers has made employment prospects dim in some areas, a number of innovative projects and online start-ups have emerged to help fill the void. These include the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, which researches, writes, and reports in-depth investigate journalism alongside local media partners. Many of the staff are university students, which means the organization could be a great place for communications majors to hone their skills.

Local Newspapers and Guides:

  •  The Portland Phoenix
  • The Bollard
  • Portland Magazine
  • Bangor Daily News
  • Journal Tribune
  • Kennebec Journal
  • Morning Sentinel
  • Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram
  • Sun Journal
  • The Times Record
  • Advertiser-Democrat
  • Aroostoook Republican
  • Boothbay Register
  • Bridgton News
  • Calais Advertiser
  • Coastal Journal
  • Downeast Coastal Press
  • Ellsworth American
  • Fiddlehead Focus
  • Houlton Pioneer Times
  • Lincoln County News
  • Lincoln News
  • Machias Valley News Observer
  • Maine Today
  • Mount Desert Islander
  • Original Irregular
  • Piscataquis Observer
  • Quoddy Tides
  • Rumford Falls Times
  • St. John Valley Times
  • Star Herald
  • Wiscasset Newspaper
  • York County Coast Star
  • York Weekly

Journalist Associations

Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations

Thanks in part to the state’s booming tourist economy, marketing and public relations are forecast to be growth areas in Maine for years to come. The state’s labor department projects a 4.5% rise in jobs for Marketing Specialists between 2008 and 2018, as well as an almost 7% rise in jobs for Public Relations Managers, and a 13% rise in jobs for Public Relations Specialists. In addition to employment at traditional advertising, marketing, and public relations firms, skills developed in these areas will also prove useful in corporate communications, tourism, government,  and other key sectors of the Maine economy.

Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising Firms:

  • Absolute Marketing & Design
  • Briggs Advertising
  • IMS-21
  • JGroup Advertising
  • Vreeland
  • Burgess Advertising & Assoc.
  • Ethos Marketing & Design
  • Garrand & Company
  • Pulse Marketing Agency
  • Nancy Marshall Communications
  • Broadreach Public Relations
  • gBritt PR
  • Burgess Advertising & Marketing

Professional Associations for Advertising and Public Relations

TV and Radio Broadcasting

Maine residents listen to more than 120 FM and 65 AM radio stations, according to the FCC, while the state also enjoys over 75 television stations. The Portland area is served by most of the major broadcast networks, with the exception of PBS. The Maine Public Broadcasting Network operates a network of seven radio stations and five television stations — many of which also reach nearby states and Canada — from its offices in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland.

Resources and Professional Associations for TV and Radio Broadcasting

Print Publishing

Maine nurtures its literary scene with a number of independent publishers, book festivals, and author events throughout the year. Many of the local presses focus on the history and culture of the area, although poetry is also well-represented. While the employment possibilities at traditional publishers are declining, the state’s labor department forecasts an almost 11% rise in opportunities for writers and editors between 2008 and 2018 — which means than an independent writing career could be an interesting option for communications majors.

Book and Magazine Publishing Companies:

  • Abernathy House Publishing
  • Alice James Books
  • Deerbrook Editions
  • Down East Enterprises
  • Goose River Press
  • Islandport Press
  • Just Write Books
  • Maine Authors Publishing
  • Moon Pie Press
  • North Country Press
  • Polar Bear & Company
  • Sheltering Pine Press
  • Tilbury House

Book Publishing and Writing Associations and Resources