Communication Arts and Literature Education: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for aspiring educators, this program equips students with the advanced knowledge and pedagogical expertise needed to teach communication arts and literature across diverse educational settings. It emphasizes the development of both theoretical understanding and hands-on instructional skills in core language and literacy domains.
- Interpersonal Communication: Explores the dynamics of face-to-face interaction, focusing on active listening, empathy, and effective dialogue in educational environments.
- Intercultural Communication: Examines how cultural differences influence language use and communication practices, preparing educators to support diverse student populations.
- Language Learning Theory: Investigates the cognitive and social processes involved in acquiring language, with applications to curriculum design and student support.
- Listening Instructional Techniques: Focuses on strategies to develop students’ comprehension, critical listening, and analytical skills in both academic and real-world contexts.
- Public Speaking: Builds confidence and clarity in oral expression, with emphasis on rhetorical structure, audience engagement, and persuasive delivery.
- Reading Instructional Techniques: Addresses methods for fostering literacy, including text analysis, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies across grade levels.
- Writing Instructional Techniques: Develops approaches to teaching composition, from narrative and expository forms to critical and creative writing, with a focus on process-based instruction.
- Practical Teaching Experience: Provides supervised classroom engagement, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real educational settings under mentorship.
Communication Arts and Literature Education Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Communication Arts and Literature Education Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Communication Arts and Literature Education degrees, including Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education and Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. 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 3,145,310 professionals.
National Average Salaries
Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2031 | $64,580 | $47,330 - $104,670 | 1,072,540 | N/A |
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education 25-2022 | $62,970 | $47,050 - $100,980 | 620,370 | N/A |
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education 25-2021 | $62,340 | $46,440 - $102,010 | 1,393,310 | N/A |
Communication Arts and Literature Education Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,793 in Oklahoma to $94,820 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Washington, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 3,145,310 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 Communication Arts and Literature Education by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Communication Arts and Literature Education 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 Communication Arts and Literature Education is found at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) (9 graduates), Bethel University (4 graduates), and Drew University (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 16 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Moorhead, Minnesota | Public | mnstate.edu |
Bethel University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | bethel.edu |
Drew University |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Madison, New Jersey | Private | drew.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Communication Arts and Literature Education programs
How much can I earn with a Communication Arts and Literature Education degree?
Salaries for Communication Arts and Literature Education graduates vary by role and location. Education Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $72,090 annually, while Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education earn around $64,580. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $94,820 compared to $51,793 in Oklahoma. Approximately 3,145,310 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 Communication Arts and Literature Education programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Communication Arts and Literature Education degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) (9 graduates), Bethel University (4 graduates), and Drew University (3 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 Communication Arts and Literature Education degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Education Teachers, Postsecondary, Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education, and Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education. Related occupations employ approximately 3,145,310 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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