by our College Data Analytics TeamCommunication Sciences is a field that includes everything from language pathology to dentistry. As a Communications Sciences major, you will take classes in speech pathology, audiology, dentistry, phonetics, language disorders, anatomy, radiology, and more to learn everything about the mouth and communication.
Communication Sciences is a broad field. It is possible to obtain a degree in General Communication Sciences and Disorders, however many concentrations are available. Some examples of these are Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Dentistry, Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dental Public Health and Education, Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry among others.
In 2020-2021, communication sciences was the 47th most popular major nationwide with 22,298 degrees awarded. This represents a 1.4% increase in communication sciences degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 21,991.
Our 2023 Best Communication Sciences Schools ranking analyzes 300 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for communication sciences students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of communication sciences programs later in this article.
A degree in Communications Sciences leads to a career working closely with both children and adults, placing a high importance on interpersonal skills. Professionals who work with patients who have trouble communicating should be patient and compassionate. Critical thinking and analytical skills will help professionals assess issues patients have and find ways to solve communication or dental problems. Students who are successful in this field are also detail oriented and able to work with multiple patients throughout the day.
A Communication Science career is a fulltime job. Professionals typically work during the week and hold normal business hours. Time is usually spent in a medical office.
Students interested in majoring in Communication Science should pursue an internship, summer job, or position in a summer field camp to learn about the multiple areas of specialization and decide what career path to follow. These experiences will allow you to learn from a professional and practice skills you learned in the classroom.
While this degree prepares you to pursue a career in a variety of Communication Sciences fields, you must still receive an advanced degree and certification in the area of medicine you wish to work. State requirements vary, so be sure to check with the state you wish to practice to ensure you are fulfilling all requirements.
communication sciences 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 communication sciences program qualifications, to serve in some communication sciences careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are many different communication sciences degree levels. Communication Sciences programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest communication sciences degree you can get. Depending on the communication sciences 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 |
A master's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to communication sciences, with approximately 44.5% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for communication sciences workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 47.4% |
| Doctoral Degree | 33.4% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 7.8% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 5.8% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 3.0% |
93.3% of communication sciences workers have at least a master's. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in communication sciences have received.
The education level required is different depending on the communication sciences career you are seeking.
Communication Science graduates usually pursue an advanced degree and certification to become speech specialists or dentists. Graduates hold positions in a variety of health clinics or private offices. Some graduates have gone on to open their own practices.
Want a job when you graduate with your communication sciences degree? Communication Sciences careers are expected to grow 22.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to communication sciences.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Professors | 294,000 | 25.9% |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 171,000 | 17.8% |
| Audiologists | 17,800 | 20.3% |
Communication Sciences graduates between 2017-2019 reported earning an average of $47,133 in the 2019-2020 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $4,880 to as high as $85,898. As you might expect, salaries for communication sciences graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for communication sciences graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers communication sciences grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Health Specialties Professors | $122,320 |
| Audiologists | $82,210 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $80,700 |
With over 936 different communication sciences 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 communication sciences school rankings to help you with this.
One of 30 majors within the Health Professions area of study, Communication Sciences has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Speech Pathology & Audiology | 7,841 |
| General Communication Sciences & Disorders | 7,269 |
| Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist | 5,907 |
| Audiology/Audiologist | 1,032 |
| Other Communication Disorders Sciences & Services | 249 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 322,592 |
| Health & Medical Administrative Services | 89,359 |
| Allied Health & Medical Assisting Services | 84,492 |
| Practical Nursing & Nursing Assistants | 84,274 |
| Allied Health Professions | 82,308 |
Image Credit: By Ghozt Tramp under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
