Speech Communication and Rhetoric: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Speech Communication and Rhetoric is a dynamic academic field dedicated to the in-depth exploration of how individuals and groups convey meaning, influence audiences, and navigate complex social interactions across diverse settings. This program blends theoretical inquiry with practical application, preparing students to analyze and shape communication in personal, professional, and cultural contexts with clarity, purpose, and ethical awareness.
- Interpersonal Communication: Examines the processes and dynamics of one-on-one exchanges, focusing on relational development, empathy, and effective dialogue in personal and professional relationships.
- Group and Organizational Communication: Explores how communication functions within teams and institutional environments, including leadership dynamics, decision-making processes, and conflict resolution strategies.
- Intercultural Communication: Investigates how cultural differences shape communication styles, perceptions, and interactions, emphasizing global awareness and inclusive communication practices.
- Rhetorical Theory and Criticism: Studies the principles of persuasive discourse, historical and contemporary rhetorical traditions, and the analysis of language as a tool for influence and social change.
- Argumentation and Persuasion: Develops skills in constructing logical, ethical, and compelling arguments while evaluating the strategies used in public discourse, policy debates, and media narratives.
- Verbal and Nonverbal Interaction: Analyzes the role of language, tone, body language, and paralanguage in conveying meaning and shaping audience perception.
- Technologically Mediated Communication: Addresses how digital platforms, social media, and emerging technologies transform the nature, reach, and impact of human communication.
- Performance Studies: Bridges communication theory with performance practice, exploring how storytelling, delivery, and presence contribute to message effectiveness.
- Popular Culture and Communication: Investigates how mass media, entertainment, and cultural narratives shape public discourse, identity formation, and societal values.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Speech Communication and Rhetoric Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Speech Communication and Rhetoric degrees, including Public Relations Managers, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary and Writers and Authors. 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 481,180 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 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1122 | $77,800 | $47,100 - $160,210 | 29,260 | N/A |
| Writers and Authors 27-3043 | $72,270 | $41,080 - $133,680 | 47,800 | $34.75 |
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other 27-3099 | $71,770 | $38,530 - $148,070 | 23,590 | $34.51 |
| Public Relations Specialists 27-3031 | $69,780 | $40,750 - $129,480 | 280,590 | $33.55 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys 27-3011 | $45,680 | $26,000 - $131,780 | 23,880 | $21.96 |
Speech Communication and Rhetoric Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $55,257 in Kentucky to $112,734 in District of Columbia—a 104% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 481,180 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 Speech Communication and Rhetoric by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Speech Communication and Rhetoric 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 Speech Communication and Rhetoric is found at California State University (CSUF), Fullerton (628 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (467 graduates), James Madison University (JMU) (455 graduates), California State University, Sacramento (376 graduates), and Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (371 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 19,246 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California State University (CSUF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
628 | Fullerton, California | Public | fullerton.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
467 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| James Madison University (JMU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
455 | Harrisonburg, Virginia | Public | jmu.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
376 | Sacramento, California | Public | csus.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
371 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
368 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
362 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
356 | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
331 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
321 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| University at Buffalo (UB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
305 | Buffalo, New York | Public | buffalo.edu |
| Grand Canyon University (GCU) |
Bachelor's
|
297 | Phoenix, Arizona | Private | gcu.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
296 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
296 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Rutgers University |
Bachelor's
|
288 | New Brunswick, New Jersey | Public | newbrunswick.rutgers.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Charlotte |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
284 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Public | charlotte.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
274 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMCP) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
270 | College Park, Maryland | Public | umd.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
268 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
262 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| Santa Monica College (SMC) |
Associate's
|
254 | Santa Monica, California | Public | smc.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
251 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Bachelor's
|
249 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
241 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
238 | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| Florida Atlantic University (FAU) |
Bachelor's
|
238 | Boca Raton, Florida | Public | fau.edu |
| Florida International University (FIU) |
Bachelor's
|
234 | Miami, Florida | Public | fiu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
231 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| The University of Alabama (UA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
229 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama | Public | ua.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
224 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| San Francisco State University (SFSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
222 | San Francisco, California | Public | sfsu.edu |
| Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) |
Associate's
|
216 | Santa Barbara, California | Public | sbcc.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
209 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| San Jose State University (SJSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
206 | San Jose, California | Public | sjsu.edu |
| University of Delaware (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
202 | Newark, Delaware | Public | udel.edu |
| North Carolina State University (NC State) |
Bachelor's
|
201 | Raleigh, North Carolina | Public | ncsu.edu |
| University of South Florida (USF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
198 | Tampa, Florida | Public | usf.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
198 | Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Public | unc.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
194 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
193 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
| College of Charleston (CofC) |
Bachelor's
|
191 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | cofc.edu |
| University of Missouri (Mizzou) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
188 | Columbia, Missouri | Public | missouri.edu |
| University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) |
Bachelor's
|
187 | Wilmington, North Carolina | Public | uncw.edu |
| University of Rhode Island (URI) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
183 | Kingston, Rhode Island | Public | web.uri.edu |
| Boston College (BC) |
Bachelor's
|
175 | Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts | Private | bc.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
173 | Los Angeles, California | Public | calstatela.edu |
| Texas Tech University (TTU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
173 | Lubbock, Texas | Public | ttu.edu |
| University of Dayton (UD) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
171 | Dayton, Ohio | Private | udayton.edu |
| University at Albany (UAlbany) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
168 | Albany, New York | Public | albany.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
166 | Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| University of Colorado Boulder (CU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
165 | Boulder, Colorado | Public | colorado.edu |
| Villanova University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
164 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) |
Bachelor's
|
161 | Adelphi, Maryland | Public | umgc.edu |
| California State University (CSUSM) |
Bachelor's
|
158 | San Marcos, California | Public | csusm.edu |
| Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) |
Bachelor's
|
157 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fgcu.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
156 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| University of New Hampshire (UNH) |
Bachelor's
|
156 | Durham, New Hampshire | Public | unh.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
155 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
145 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| Long Beach City College (LBCC) |
Associate's
|
145 | Long Beach, California | Public | lbcc.edu |
| University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
145 | Denver, Colorado | Public | ucdenver.edu |
| Illinois State University (ISU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
145 | Normal, Illinois | Public | illinoisstate.edu |
| Boise State University (BBU) |
Bachelor's
|
140 | Boise, Idaho | Public | boisestate.edu |
| California State Polytechnic University (CPP) |
Bachelor's
|
134 | Pomona, California | Public | cpp.edu |
| Mississippi State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
134 | Mississippi State, Mississippi | Public | msstate.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Bachelor's
|
134 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Colorado State University (CSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
130 | Fort Collins, Colorado | Public | colostate.edu |
| Coastal Carolina University (CCU) |
Bachelor's
|
130 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | coastal.edu |
| Weber State University (WSU) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
|
130 | Ogden, Utah | Public | weber.edu |
| Tulane University of Louisiana |
Bachelor's
|
129 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Private | tulane.edu |
| Texas Christian University (TCU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
128 | Fort Worth, Texas | Private | tcu.edu |
| George Mason University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
126 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Associate's
|
124 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Bakersfield College (BC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
122 | Bakersfield, California | Public | bakersfieldcollege.edu |
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
122 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Saddleback College |
Associate's
|
121 | Mission Viejo, California | Public | saddleback.edu |
| Santa Clara University (SCU) |
Bachelor's
|
120 | Santa Clara, California | Private | scu.edu |
| Liberty University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
120 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
119 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Bridgewater State University (BSU) |
Bachelor's
|
115 | Bridgewater, Massachusetts | Public | bridgew.edu |
| Sam Houston State University (SHSU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
114 | Huntsville, Texas | Public | shsu.edu |
| Salisbury University (SU) |
Bachelor's
|
112 | Salisbury, Maryland | Public | salisbury.edu |
| Kean University |
Bachelor's
|
109 | Union, New Jersey | Public | kean.edu |
| Santa Ana College (SAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
107 | Santa Ana, California | Public | sac.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
107 | San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Christopher Newport University (CNU) |
Bachelor's
|
107 | Newport News, Virginia | Public | cnu.edu |
| Loyola Marymount University (LMU) |
Bachelor's
|
106 | Los Angeles, California | Private | lmu.edu |
| Syracuse University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
104 | Syracuse, New York | Private | syracuse.edu |
| Southern Utah University (SUU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
103 | Cedar City, Utah | Public | suu.edu |
| California State University (CSUB) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | Bakersfield, California | Public | csub.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
101 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| Western Washington University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
101 | Bellingham, Washington | Public | wwu.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
100 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| Regent University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
98 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | regent.edu |
| University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
97 | Greensboro, North Carolina | Public | uncg.edu |
| California State University (CSUEB) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
96 | Hayward, California | Public | csueastbay.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Bachelor's
|
96 | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
95 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| California State University |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
93 | Chico, California | Public | csuchico.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
91 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Speech Communication and Rhetoric programs
How much can I earn with a Speech Communication and Rhetoric degree?
Salaries for Speech Communication and Rhetoric graduates vary by role and location. Public Relations Managers earn a median of $138,520 annually, while Communications Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $77,800. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $112,734 compared to $55,257 in Kentucky. Approximately 481,180 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 Speech Communication and Rhetoric programs?
Currently 744 accredited institutions offer Speech Communication and Rhetoric degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include California State University (CSUF), Fullerton (628 graduates), Ohio State University, Main Campus (467 graduates), and James Madison University (JMU) (455 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.
Is enrollment in Speech Communication and Rhetoric growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 37,288 in 2010 to a peak of 41,980 in 2020, before declining slightly to 32,944 in 2023-24. This represents a 12% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Speech Communication and Rhetoric degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Public Relations Managers, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary, and Writers and Authors. Related occupations employ approximately 481,180 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.
Related Communication Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Communication field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Photojournalism
A program that focuses on the use of still and motion photography in journalism and prepares individuals to function as news photographers and...
Environmental and Health Journalism
A program that focuses on reporting on science, health, or environmental policy issues; investigating environmental problems and their causes; and public relations. Includes...
Journalism
Any instructional program in journalism not listed above.
Radio and Television Broadcasting
A program that focuses on the theories, methods, and techniques used to plan, produce, and distribute audio and video programs and messages, and...
Digital Media and Multimedia
A program that focuses on the development, use, critical evaluation, and regulation of new electronic communication technologies using computer applications; and that prepares...
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication
Any instructional program in radio, television, and digital communications not listed above.