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2023 Communications Technology Degree Guide

Do you have a passion for technology and a knack for problem solving? You might be interested in a degree in communications technology.

The range and depth of communication we engage in today would not be possible without advanced technology. A degree in communications technology will allow you to mix your interest in technological systems with reaching and engaging with people. Students take a variety of classes that cover topics such as economics, management, radio, television, and digital media production, and principles of communications to become equipped with the necessary skills for a successful career.

Since this is a broad major and covers all types of communications, you will have the option to pursue a career in an array of areas within the communications field.

Rapid Growth in Communications Technology Degrees Awarded

#281 Most Popular Major
915 Degrees Awarded
10.1% Increase in Graduates

In 2020-2021, communications technology was the 281st most popular major nationwide with 915 degrees awarded. This represents a 10.1% increase in communications tech degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 823.

This year's Best Communications Technology Schools ranking compares 5 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom communications tech rankings further below.

2023 Best Colleges for Communications Technology
2023 Overall Best Communications Technology Colleges >

Best Communications Technology Schools by Degree

Associate Degrees in Communications Technology
Bachelor's Degrees in Communications Technology
Master's Degrees in Communications Technology

Requirements for Getting a Degree in Communications Technology

In order to excel in this major, you should have an interest in technology along with strong interpersonal skills. This field is also best suited for students who enjoy working with computers and problem solving. As a technician, you will be responsible for ensuring the upkeep of communications systems while communicating effectively with both colleagues and the general public.

Communications Technicians often work full time in an office or studio setting. However, hours and locations can differ depending on the type of job. For example, a career in broadcast may require long hours or work on the weekends to cover breaking news stories.

Internships or summer jobs within the communications technology field would provide great experience. Take advantage of opportunities to gain hands-on experience working with the different types of media and communications equipment.

Prior Education for a Communications Tech Program

New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Once you obtain your degree, additional communications tech certifications required to pursue a career in this field.

Types of Communications Technology Degrees

There are many different communications tech degree levels. Communications Technology programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest communications tech degree you can get. Depending on the communications technology degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.

Degree Credit Requirements Typical Program Length
Associate Degree 60-70 credits 2 years
Bachelor’s Degree 120 credits 4 years
Master’s Degree 50-70 credits 1-3 years
Doctorate Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation At least 4 years

An associate degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to communications tech, with approximately 22.5% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for communications tech workers below.

Level of Education Percentage of Workers
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) 21.3%
High School Diploma 21.3%
Bachelor’s Degree 20.0%
Some College Courses 19.4%
Post-Secondary Certificate 16.1%

See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in communications technology have received.

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The education level required is different depending on the communications tech career you are seeking.

Career Opportunities for A Degree In Communications Tech Graduate

Below Average Number of Jobs
$21.5k Average Starting Salary
8% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26

As a communications technician, you will have to ability to work with a wide array of systems. Students may decide to pursue careers in radio, television or digital media.

Growth Projected for Communications Tech Careers

Want a job when you graduate with your communications tech degree? Communications Technology careers are expected to grow 7.7% between 2016 and 2026.

The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to communications technology.

Occupation Name Projected Jobs Expected Growth
Film and Video Editors 40,000 17.0%
Media and Communication Workers 36,200 10.0%
Broadcast Technicians 32,900 -3.2%
Sound Engineering Technicians 18,100 6.5%

How Much Money Do People With a Communications Tech Degree Make?

Communications Technology graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $21,549 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $19,001 to as high as $25,276. As you might expect, salaries for communications tech graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

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High Paying Careers for Communications Tech Majors

Salaries for communications technology graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers communications tech grads often go into.

Occupation Name Median Average Salary
Film and Video Editors $86,830
Sound Engineering Technicians $63,500
Media and Communication Workers $52,430
Broadcast Technicians $46,770

Getting Your Communications Technology Degree

With over 66 different communications tech degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased communications tech school rankings to help you with this.

Study Areas in Communications Technology

One of 3 majors within the Communications Technologies & Support area of study, Communications Technology has other similar majors worth exploring.

Majors Similar to Communications Tech

Related Major Annual Graduates
Graphic Communications 7,518
Audiovisual Communications 6,229
Other Communication Technology 164

View All Communications Tech Related Majors >

References

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