District of Columbia · Communication and Media Studies

Best Communication and Media Studies institutions in District of Columbia, ranked by earnings

The Communication and Media Studies program focuses on the processes of human communication and behavior, exploring how individuals and groups exchange ideas and information across various media. This program is designed for students…

Institutions
6
offering CIP 09.01
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
139
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$36,980
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
4
College Scorecard
Median net price
$29,789
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
67%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Public Relations Specialists
$114,580
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1George Washington University
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$50,5522284%$29,789$25,000
2The Catholic University of America
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$43,2591379%$27,724$27,000
3American University
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$36,9808175%$30,225$22,611
4Gallaudet University
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$25,7471147%$14,382$25,000

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.8%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~27,600
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$69,780
typically Bachelor's degree

Top skills

Active ListeningSpeakingWritingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive Learning

What Public Relations Specialists earn in District of Columbia

Jobs in District of Columbia
18,110
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$114,580
median $97,800
Best-paying metro
$110,280
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Related careers

Public Relations Specialists
$114,580 avg · 18,110 jobs
Public Relations Managers
$227,370 avg · 8,640 jobs
Editors
$107,440 avg · 3,580 jobs
Fundraisers
$78,220 avg · 2,660 jobs
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
$171,300 avg · 2,060 jobs
Writers and Authors
$122,310 avg · 1,240 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing Communication and Media Studies programs in District of Columbia.

Which Communication and Media Studies program in District of Columbia has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), George Washington University tops the list at $50,552. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Public Relations Specialists earn in District of Columbia?+

The average annual wage for Public Relations Specialists in District of Columbia is $114,580 (median $97,800), across about 18,110 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the Communication and Media Studies program?+

The Communication and Media Studies program focuses on the processes of human communication and behavior, exploring how individuals and groups exchange ideas and information across various media. This program is designed for students…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop active listening, speaking, writing, reading comprehension, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Public Relations Specialists?+

The national job outlook is about +4.8% growth with around 27,600 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

Communication and Media Studies in other statesNew HampshireUtahArizonaDelawareNebraskaIowaMinnesotaNevada
Related programs in District of ColumbiaJournalismRadioPublic RelationsPublishingCommunication

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