Communications Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Communications Technology is a dynamic field focused on equipping learners with the technical, creative, and managerial expertise needed to thrive in modern media environments. This program integrates core principles of communication theory with hands-on training in digital and traditional media platforms, preparing graduates for leadership and technical roles across broadcasting, content creation, and communications infrastructure.
- Business Economics: Explores the financial and market dynamics that shape media industries, including revenue models, budgeting, and economic forecasting for communication enterprises.
- Basic Management: Develops foundational leadership skills in planning, organizing, and directing teams within communications organizations, with an emphasis on operational efficiency.
- Interpersonal and Mediated Communications: Examines the principles of effective message delivery across personal, group, and mediated contexts, emphasizing clarity, audience analysis, and ethical communication practices.
- Radio and Television Production: Provides practical training in audio and video content creation, including scripting, recording, editing, and broadcasting techniques used in traditional broadcast environments.
- Digital Media Production: Focuses on the design, development, and distribution of multimedia content across online platforms, including social media, websites, and mobile applications.
- Communications Technology and Systems: Covers the technical infrastructure supporting modern communication networks, including signal processing, transmission systems, and emerging digital communication protocols.
Communications Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Communications Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Communications Technology degrees, including Media and Communication Workers, All Other, Film and Video Editors and Sound Engineering Technicians. 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 86,580 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Media and Communication Workers, All Other 27-3099 | $71,770 | $38,530 - $148,070 | 23,590 | $34.51 |
| Film and Video Editors 27-4032 | $70,980 | $39,170 - $145,900 | 28,860 | $34.12 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians 27-4014 | $66,430 | $36,600 - $134,980 | 13,050 | $31.94 |
| Broadcast Technicians 27-4012 | $53,920 | $29,190 - $115,400 | 21,080 | $25.92 |
Communications Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $31,017 in Idaho to $94,053 in District of Columbia—a 203% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 86,580 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 Communications Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 40 institutions offering Communications Technology 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 Communications Technology is found at Full Sail University (479 graduates), Pellissippi State Community College (PSTCC) (81 graduates), Valencia College (71 graduates), Florida State College (FSCJ), Jacksonville (54 graduates), and Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) (47 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,043 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sail University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
479 | Winter Park, Florida | Private | fullsail.edu |
| Pellissippi State Community College (PSTCC) |
Associate's
|
81 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | pstcc.edu |
| Valencia College |
Other Award
|
71 | Orlando, Florida | Public | valenciacollege.edu |
| Florida State College (FSCJ) |
Other Award
|
54 | Jacksonville, Florida | Public | fscj.edu |
| Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
47 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | otc.edu |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU) |
Bachelor's
|
32 | East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania | Public | esu.edu |
| Inter American University of Puerto Rico (UIPR) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Bayamon, Puerto Rico | Private | bayamon.inter.edu |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) |
Bachelor's
|
21 | Denver, Colorado | Public | msudenver.edu |
| Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | Cumberland, Maryland | Public | allegany.edu |
| Montgomery College (MC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
16 | Rockville, Maryland | Public | montgomerycollege.edu |
| Manatee Technical College (MTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Bradenton, Florida | Public | manateetech.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Associate's
|
13 | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| Washington County Career Center (WCCC) |
Residency
|
13 | Marietta, Ohio | Public | thecareercenter.net |
| Seminole State College of Florida |
Other Award
|
12 | Sanford, Florida | Public | seminolestate.edu |
| University of Cincinnati |
Associate's
|
12 | Blue Ash, Ohio | Public | ucblueash.edu |
| Lee College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) |
Other Award
|
11 | New Port Richey, Florida | Public | phsc.edu |
| Belmont University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | belmont.edu |
| Hillsborough Community College (HCC) |
Other Award
|
10 | Tampa, Florida | Public | hccfl.edu |
| CUNY York College |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Jamaica, New York | Public | york.cuny.edu |
| Connecticut State Community College (CT State) |
Other Award
|
8 | Hartford, Connecticut | Public | ctstate.edu |
| St Petersburg College (SPC) |
Other Award
|
7 | St. Petersburg, Florida | Public | spcollege.edu |
| Eastern Michigan University (EMU) |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Ypsilanti, Michigan | Public | emich.edu |
| Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) |
Other Award
|
6 | Fort Myers, Florida | Public | fsw.edu |
| Florida Gateway College (FGC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Lake City, Florida | Public | fgc.edu |
| Bob Jones University (BJU) |
Associate's
|
6 | Greenville, South Carolina | Private | bju.edu |
| Polk State College |
Other Award
|
5 | Winter Haven, Florida | Public | polk.edu |
| Buckeye Hills Career Center (BHCC) |
Other Award
|
5 | Rio Grande, Ohio | Public | buckeyehills.net |
| Messiah University |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania | Private | messiah.edu |
| University of Houston (UHCL) |
Master's
|
5 | Houston, Texas | Public | uhcl.edu |
| Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) |
Other Award
|
4 | Panama City, Florida | Public | gulfcoast.edu |
| Suncoast Technical College (STC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Sarasota, Florida | Public | sarasotacountyschools.net |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Other Award
|
3 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Indian River State College (IRSC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Fort Pierce, Florida | Public | irsc.edu |
| Florida Panhandle Technical College (FPTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Chipley, Florida | Public | fptc.edu |
| Point Park University |
Master's
|
2 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | pointpark.edu |
| Northcentral Technical College (NTC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Wausau, Wisconsin | Public | ntc.edu |
| Michigan State University (MSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | East Lansing, Michigan | Public | msu.edu |
| Fort Peck Community College (FPCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Poplar, Montana | Public | fpcc.edu |
| Husson University |
Other Award
|
1 | Bangor, Maine | Private | husson.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Communications Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Communications Technology degree?
Salaries for Communications Technology graduates vary by role and location. Media and Communication Workers, All Other earn a median of $71,770 annually, while Film and Video Editors earn around $70,980. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $94,053 compared to $31,017 in Idaho. Approximately 86,580 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 Communications Technology programs?
Currently 40 accredited institutions offer Communications Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Full Sail University (479 graduates), Pellissippi State Community College (PSTCC) (81 graduates), and Valencia College (71 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 Communications Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,888 in 2010 to 1,043 in 2023-24. This represents a 45% 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 Communications Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Media and Communication Workers, All Other, Film and Video Editors, and Sound Engineering Technicians. Related occupations employ approximately 86,580 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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