2022 Communications Technologies & Support Degree Guide
Communications Technologies and Support is a growing field that gives students the ability to combine their technical side with their passion for creative communication. Students take classes in areas such as computer design, drawing, photography, art, lighting, sound mixing, and film to learn all aspects of their desired career.
Some majors within the Communications Technologies and Support field include Communications Technology, Audiovisual Communications, and Graphic Communications. There are specific areas of specialization within these majors that allow students to hone in on their desired interest.
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Communications Technologies & Support Degrees Decreasing
In 2019-2020, communications technologies and support was the 32nd most popular major nationwide with 9,410 degrees awarded. This 186 less than the prior year, a decrease of 2.0%.
The United States has 516 different schools where you can get a degree in communications technologies and support. This year's Best Communications Technologies & Support Schools ranking compares 145 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of communications technologies and support programs later in this article.
Communications Technologies & Support Degree Requirements
Since you will be working in the communications field, strong interpersonal skills are required. You must be able to communicate effectively with both colleagues and those who will be receiving your message. Other necessary skills include creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency with computer software.
Workweeks and hours vary depending on the type of job you have within the field. Typically, professionals work full time with extended hours during the week or on weekends while working on projects.
Internships and experience are important within the Communications Technologies field. Some jobs can be competitive and those with previous experience are more likely to be hired or promoted. Internships also give students the ability to build a professional portfolio of their previous work to show to potential clients and employers.
Prior Education for a Communications Technologies & Support Program
communications technologies and support degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. In addition to these basic communications technologies and support program qualifications, to serve in some communications technologies and support careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Communications Technologies & Support Degree Types
There are many different communications technologies and support degree levels. Communications Technologies & Support programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest communications technologies and support degree you can get. How long it takes to complete some common communications technologies and support degree levels is shown below.
| 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 technologies and support, with approximately 19.6% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to communications technologies and support tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | 30.3% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 19.8% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 17.7% |
| Some College Courses | 16.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 11.8% |
The chart below shows what degree level those who work in communications technologies and support have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the communications technologies and support career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for Communications Technologies & Support Majors
There are a wide variety of careers available to a Communications Technologies major. Those with a specialization in animation or film may decide to work for a television or motion picture studio while graphic designers or graphic communications professionals may choose to go into advertising or work as a freelancer. A degree within this field will provide graduates with the necessary skills to confidently pursue numerous career paths.
Modest Decline Projected for Communications Technologies & Support Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your communications technologies and support degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to communications technologies and support.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Keyers | 160,600 | -21.2% |
| Printing Press Operators | 160,200 | -10.4% |
| Audio and Video Equipment Technicians | 94,000 | 12.8% |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | 79,900 | 8.4% |
| Film and Video Editors | 40,000 | 17.0% |
How Much Money Do People With a Communications Technologies & Support Degree Make?
Communications Technologies & Support graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $25,046 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $8,700 to as high as $51,100. As you might expect, salaries for communications technologies and support graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
High Paying Careers for Communications Technologies & Support Majors
Salaries for communications technologies and support graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers communications technologies and support grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors | $86,830 |
| Multimedia Artists and Animators | $78,230 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | $63,500 |
| Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators | $61,750 |
| Media and Communication Workers | $52,430 |
Getting Your Communications Technologies & Support Degree
With over 787 different communications technologies and support 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 technologies and support school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Communications Technologies & Support
Communications Technologies & Support Related Majors
Communications Technologies & Support Majors to Study
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Graphic Communications | 5,282 |
| Audiovisual Communications | 3,500 |
| Communications Technology | 497 |
| Other Communication Technology | 131 |
View All Communications Technologies & Support Related Majors >
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering | 196,458 |
| Computer & Information Sciences | 188,260 |
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences | 166,772 |
| Physical Sciences | 52,200 |
| Mathematics & Statistics | 51,056 |
View All Communications Technologies & Support Related Majors >
References
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