Communications Technology
Featured schools near , edit
Types of Degrees Communications Technology Majors Are Getting
The following table lists how many communications technology graduations there were in 2018-2019 for each degree level.
| Education Level | Number of Grads |
|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | 17 |
What Communications Technology Majors Need to Know
In an O*NET survey, communications tech majors were asked to rate what knowledge areas, skills, and abilities were important in their occupations. These answers were weighted on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the most important.
Knowledge Areas for Communications Tech Majors
This major prepares you for careers in which these knowledge areas are important:
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Telecommunications - Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Skills for Communications Tech Majors
The following list of skills has been highlighted as some of the most essential for careers related to communications tech:
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities for Communications Tech Majors
A major in communications tech will prepare for your careers in which the following abilities are important:
- Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
What Can You Do With a Communications Technology Major?
People with a communications tech degree often go into the following careers:
| Job Title | Job Growth Rate | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Film and Video Editors | 17.0% | $62,650 |
| Media and Communication Workers | 10.0% | $48,330 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians | 6.5% | $52,390 |
Who Is Getting a Master’s Degree in Communications Technology?
Racial-Ethnic Diversity
At the countrywide level, the racial-ethnic distribution of communications tech majors is as follows:
| Race/Ethnicity | Number of Grads |
|---|---|
| Asian | 1 |
| Black or African American | 3 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 2 |
| White | 9 |
| International Students | 2 |
| Other Races/Ethnicities | 0 |
Geographic Diversity
Communications Tech appeals to people across the globe. About 11.8% of those with this major are international students. The most popular countries for students from outside the country are:
- India
- Saudi Arabia
- China
- Mexico
- Thailand
How Much Do Communications Technology Majors Make?
Salaries According to BLS
Average salaries range from $46,770 to $63,500 (25th to 75th percentile) for careers related to communications tech. This range includes all degree levels, so you may expect those with a more advanced degree to make more while those with less advanced degrees will typically make less.
To put that into context, according to BLS data from the first quarter of 2020, the typical high school graduate makes between $30,000 and $57,900 a year (25th through 75th percentile). The average person with a bachelor’s degree (any field) makes between $45,600 and $99,000. Advanced degree holders make the most with salaries between $55,600 and $125,400.
Amount of Education Required for Careers Related to Communications Technology
Some degrees associated with communications tech may require an advanced degree, while others may not even require a bachelor’s in the field. In general, the more advanced your degree the more career options will open up to you. However, there is significant time and money that needs to be invested into your education so weigh the pros and cons.
How much schooling do you really need to compete in today’s job market? People currently working in careers related to communications tech have obtained the following education levels.
| Education Level | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Less than a High School Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED) | 21.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production) | 16.1% |
| Some College Courses | 19.4% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 21.3% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 20.0% |
| First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession. | 1.2% |
Online Communications Technology Programs
In 2018-2019, 48 schools offered a communications tech program of some type. The following table lists the number of programs by degree level, along with how many schools offered online courses in the field.
| Degree Level | Colleges Offering Programs | Colleges Offering Online Classes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate (Less Than 1 Year) | 18 | 1 |
| Certificate (1-2 years) | 14 | 0 |
| Certificate (2-4 Years) | 0 | 0 |
| Associate’s Degree | 12 | 0 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 | 0 |
| Post-Baccalaureate | 18 | 1 |
| Master’s Degree | 3 | 1 |
| Post-Master’s | 0 | 0 |
| Doctor’s Degree (Research) | 0 | 0 |
| Doctor’s Degree (Professional Practice) | 0 | 0 |
| Doctor’s Degree (Other) | 0 | 0 |
Is a Degree in Communications Technology Worth It?
The median salary for a communications tech grad is $52,430 per year. This is based on the weighted average of the most common careers associated with the major.
This is 31% more than the average salary for an individual holding a high school degree. This adds up to a gain of about $250,600 after 20 years!
Top Ranking Lists for Communications Technology
Explore Major by State
Alabama
California
District of Columbia
Idaho
Kansas
Maryland
Mississippi
Nevada
New York
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Utah
West Virginia
Alaska
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Kentucky
Massachusetts
Missouri
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Oregon
South Dakota
Vermont
Wisconsin
Majors Related to Communications Technology
You may also be interested in one of the following majors related to communications tech.
| Major | Number of Grads |
|---|---|
| Graphic Communications | 409 |
| Audiovisual Communications | 166 |
| Other Communication Technology | 12 |
References
*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown. This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.
- College Factual
- College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- O*NET Online
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers First Quarter 2020
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.