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Business Communications: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Program Overview

Business Communications is a specialized academic field focused on the strategic development and delivery of professional messages within organizational contexts. This program equips learners with the skills to craft clear, persuasive, and ethically grounded communication across diverse business environments, enhancing collaboration, decision-making, and brand credibility.

  • Corporate Messaging Strategy: Designing consistent, audience-specific communication frameworks that align with organizational goals and brand identity.
  • Professional Writing and Editing: Mastering formal writing standards for reports, proposals, emails, and executive summaries to ensure clarity, precision, and impact.
  • Interpersonal and Team Communication: Developing techniques for effective dialogue, active listening, and conflict resolution in collaborative work settings.
  • Digital and Multimedia Communication: Utilizing platforms and tools—such as presentations, social media, and internal portals—to convey information dynamically and professionally.
  • Business Presentation Skills: Structuring and delivering compelling oral presentations for stakeholders, including data visualization and persuasive delivery techniques.
  • Global and Cross-Cultural Communication: Understanding cultural nuances in business interactions to communicate effectively across international teams and markets.
  • Communication Ethics and Compliance: Applying ethical principles and regulatory standards to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in all professional communication.

Business Communications Graduate Trends (2010-2024)

12
Total Graduates (2023-2024)
1
Universities & Colleges
7
Career Pathways

Business Communications Career Pathways & Salary Outlook

The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Business Communications degrees, including Public Relations Managers, Business Teachers, Postsecondary and Technical Writers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 666,500 professionals.


National Average Salaries

Occupation Median Salary Salary Range Total Employment Hourly Rate
Public Relations Managers 11-2032 $138,520 $78,880 - $239,200 76,060 $66.60
Business Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1011 $97,270 $46,460 - $210,530 81,780 N/A
Technical Writers 27-3042 $91,670 $54,400 - $130,430 55,530 $44.07
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1122 $77,800 $47,100 - $160,210 29,260 N/A
Editors 27-3041 $75,260 $36,200 - $140,840 95,480 $36.18
Writers and Authors 27-3043 $72,270 $41,080 - $133,680 47,800 $34.75
Public Relations Specialists 27-3031 $69,780 $40,750 - $129,480 280,590 $33.55

Business Communications Salary Map by State

Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $62,513 in South Dakota to $112,666 in District of Columbia—a 80% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 666,500 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.

Average Salary Range:

Top Universities for Business Communications by Graduate Enrollment

Below are the top 1 institutions offering Business Communications programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Business Communications is found at Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (12 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 12 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.

College Name Award Levels Graduates Location Control Website
Purdue University (PU)
Master's
12 West Lafayette, Indiana Public purdue.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about Business Communications programs

How much can I earn with a Business Communications degree?

Salaries for Business Communications graduates vary by role and location. Public Relations Managers earn a median of $138,520 annually, while Business Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $97,270. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $112,666 compared to $62,513 in South Dakota. Approximately 666,500 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.

Which universities have the largest Business Communications programs?

Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Business Communications degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (12 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.

What career paths are available with a Business Communications degree?

This degree prepares you for roles such as Public Relations Managers, Business Teachers, Postsecondary, and Technical Writers. Related occupations employ approximately 666,500 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.

Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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