International and Intercultural Communication: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
International and Intercultural Communication equips students with the analytical and practical competencies required to navigate complex global interactions across diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes. This interdisciplinary field emphasizes the strategic exchange of information in multinational contexts, preparing graduates for impactful roles in diplomacy, media, global marketing, and cross-cultural development.
- Intercultural Communication: Explores how cultural values, beliefs, and practices shape interaction, with an emphasis on reducing misunderstandings and building mutual respect across cultural boundaries.
- International Relations: Examines the political, economic, and social dynamics that influence global cooperation and conflict, providing context for communication in diplomatic and transnational settings.
- Global Journalism and Media: Focuses on reporting and storytelling within international frameworks, including ethical considerations, media systems across nations, and the role of digital platforms in shaping global narratives.
- Public Relations and Strategic Communication: Teaches methods for crafting messages that resonate across cultures, managing organizational reputations, and engaging diverse publics in international markets.
- Marketing and Cross-Cultural Consumer Behavior: Investigates how cultural differences influence consumer decisions, brand perception, and the development of globally effective marketing campaigns.
- Global Communications Policy: Analyzes the frameworks, regulations, and ethical standards governing international information flow, including issues related to freedom of expression, media sovereignty, and digital governance.
International and Intercultural Communication Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
International and Intercultural Communication Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with International and Intercultural Communication degrees, including Public Relations Managers, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary and Public Relations Specialists. 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 427,460 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 |
| Public Relations Specialists 27-3031 | $69,780 | $40,750 - $129,480 | 280,590 | $33.55 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists 27-3023 | $60,280 | $34,590 - $162,430 | 41,550 | $28.98 |
International and Intercultural Communication Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $54,427 in South Dakota to $116,998 in District of Columbia—a 115% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, California, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 427,460 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 International and Intercultural Communication by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering International and Intercultural Communication 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 International and Intercultural Communication is found at University of Southern California (USC) (54 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (19 graduates), Miami Media School (17 graduates), St. John's University (SJU), New York (16 graduates), and Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) (14 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 183 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
54 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
19 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Miami Media School |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Doral, Florida | Private | beonair.com |
| St. John's University (SJU) |
Master's
|
16 | Queens, New York | Private | stjohns.edu |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (SRU) |
Other Award
|
14 | Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania | Public | sru.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Master's
|
8 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Master's
|
8 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Suffolk University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | suffolk.edu |
| Manhattan College |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Riverdale, New York | Private | manhattan.edu |
| Simmons College of Kentucky |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Louisville, Kentucky | Private | simmonscollegeky.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) |
Master's
|
3 | Melbourne, Florida | Private | fit.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
3 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Other Award
|
2 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| Linfield University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | McMinnville, Oregon | Private | linfield.edu |
| Temple University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Maryville College |
Other Award
|
2 | Maryville, Tennessee | Private | maryvillecollege.edu |
| Texas A & M International University (TAMIU) |
Master's
|
2 | Laredo, Texas | Public | tamiu.edu |
| Stephen F Austin State University (SFASU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Nacogdoches, Texas | Public | sfasu.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Master's
|
1 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| Adrian College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Adrian, Michigan | Private | adrian.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| Roger Williams University (RWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bristol, Rhode Island | Private | rwu.edu |
| Walla Walla University (WWU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | College Place, Washington | Private | wallawalla.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about International and Intercultural Communication programs
How much can I earn with a International and Intercultural Communication degree?
Salaries for International and Intercultural Communication 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 $116,998 compared to $54,427 in South Dakota. Approximately 427,460 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 International and Intercultural Communication programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer International and Intercultural Communication degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Southern California (USC) (54 graduates), Utah State University (USU) (19 graduates), and Miami Media School (17 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 International and Intercultural Communication growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 61 in 2010 to a peak of 350 in 2020, before declining slightly to 183 in 2023-24. This represents a 200% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, 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 International and Intercultural Communication degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Public Relations Managers, Communications Teachers, Postsecondary, and Public Relations Specialists. Related occupations employ approximately 427,460 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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