Business, Management, Marketing, And Related Support ServicesSpecialization of Business Operations Support and Assistant Services

Best institutions to study Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation

CIP 52.0411

A program that prepares individuals to assist customers with inquiries and problems in frontline call centers, help desks, teleservice centers, and online.

37 U.S. institutions graduated 2,464 Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 52.0411, a specialization of Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (CIP 52.04), and leads most directly to the Customer Service Representatives occupation (BLS SOC 43-4051).

Institutions
37
offering CIP 52.0411
States offered
15
with graduates reported
Graduates / yr
2,464
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Women
49%
share of graduates
US median pay · Customer Service Representatives
$44,770
BLS OEWS May 2025
Share of Business Operations Support and Assistant Services
17%
of all Business Operations Support and Assistant Services graduates

About Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation programs

Official NCES definition · CIP 52.0411
A program that prepares individuals to assist customers with inquiries and problems in frontline call centers, help desks, teleservice centers, and online. Includes instruction in user interfaces and user behavior, principles of hardware and software systems operation, customer interaction skills, telephone and e-mailing skills, data entry, and database and Internet searching and retrieval.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).

The Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation program prepares individuals to assist customers in various service environments, including call centers and help desks. This program is ideal for those looking to develop skills in customer interaction and problem-solving, making it suitable for anyone interested in a career in customer service.

What you'll learn

Students will learn essential skills such as active listening, effective communication, and critical thinking. Coursework includes training in user interfaces, customer interaction techniques, data entry, and the principles of hardware and software systems operation.

Credentials awarded

What Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).

  • Award of less than 12 weeks1,474 graduates / yr · 6 institutions
    60%
  • Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year906 graduates / yr · 21 institutions
    37%
  • Associate's degree67 graduates / yr · 13 institutions
    2.7%
  • Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years17 graduates / yr · 1 institution
    0.7%

Graduates over time

Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.

2,464graduates in 2025
+31% since 2012
6,428 · 2022201220251,8832,464
Graduates per year (IPEDS completions)
YearGraduates
20121,883
20131,790
20142,059
20152,369
20161,577
20171,537
20181,691
20192,911
20202,489
20214,699
20226,428
20235,055
20243,621
20252,464

Top 37 institutions for Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation, ranked by graduates

Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.

#InstitutionGraduates / yrGrad rateNet priceField earnings* (1 yr)
1Sinclair Community College
Dayton, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeks
1,14941%—$12,405
2Rio Salado College
Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate's
7779%——
3Central Georgia Technical College
Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
12047%—$14,464
4Central Louisiana Technical Community College
Alexandria, LAPublicAward of less than 12 weeks
8570%——
5Shasta College
Redding, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
4123%——
6Baton Rouge Community College
Baton Rouge, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
3931%——
7Bossier Parish Community College
Bossier City, LAPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
3815%——
8Herzing University - Madison
Madison, WIPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
2528%$20,965—
9Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Valdosta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
2450%——
10Piedmont Technical College
Greenwood, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
2233%—$27,024
11Horry - Georgetown Technical College
Conway, SCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
2038%——
12Northwood Technical College
Rice Lake, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years
1756%—$27,494
13Allan Hancock College
Santa Maria, CAPublicAward of less than 12 weeks
926%——
14East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
937%——
15Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rome, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
843%—$34,998
16Herzing University - Akron
Akron, OHPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
819%$22,849—
17Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
825%——
18Lorain County Community College
Elyria, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
731%——
19Herzing University - Brookfield
Brookfield, WIPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
742%$21,076—
20Herzing University - Orlando
Winter Park, FLPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
637%$20,697—
21Herzing University - Atlanta
Atlanta, GAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
514%$22,740—
22Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NMPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
531%——
23Southeastern Technical College
Vidalia, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
538%——
24Herzing University - New Orleans
Metairie, LAPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
515%$22,092—
25Herzing University - Birmingham
Birmingham, ALPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
313%$20,803—
26Los Angeles Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
346%——
27Olympic College
Bremerton, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks
331%——
28Albany Technical College
Albany, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
242%——
29Fletcher Technical Community College
Schriever, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
230%——
30Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NEPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
238%——
31Spokane Community College
Spokane, WAPublicAssociate's
233%—$26,402
32Mid - State Technical College
Wisconsin Rapids, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
252%——
33Herzing University - Kenosha
Kenosha, WIPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
272%$18,466—
34John A Logan College
Carterville, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year
146%——
35Northwest Vista College
San Antonio, TXPublicAssociate's
132%——
36Herzing University - Tampa
Tampa, FLPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
1—$20,129—
37Herzing University - Nashville
Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's
1———

* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Business Operations Support and Assistant Services field (CIP 52.04) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.

Offered in 15 states

Where Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation graduates come from. Each state links to all Business Operations Support and Assistant Services programs offered there.

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 43-4051, Customer Service Representatives, and its national outlook.

Graduates of this program can pursue careers as Customer Service Representatives or Order Clerks. With an annual opening of approximately 341,700 positions, the field is experiencing a slight decline of 5.5%. The median wage for these roles is around $42,830, and a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-5.5%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~341,700
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$42,830
typically High school diploma or equivalent
National employment
2,595,750
Customer Service Representatives
US average pay
$46,590
annual, BLS OEWS May 2025
US median pay
$44,770
annual

Top-paying metros

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$63,890avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$61,320avg
Midland, MI
$57,930avg
Stockton-Lodi, CA
$57,650avg
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$56,350avg

Career pathways for CIP 52.0411

The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.

OccupationUS median payGrowthOpenings / yrTypical entry education
Customer Service Representativesprimary
SOC 43-4051
$44,770-5.5%
Decline
~341,700High school diploma or equivalent
Order Clerks
SOC 43-4151
$46,170-17.2%
Decline
~8,000Some college, no degree
Preparation needed

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Education
Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience
Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training
Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Related careers

Customer Service Representatives
$46,590 avg · 2,595,750 jobs
Order Clerks
$48,220 avg · 75,200 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Writing
Active Learning
Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Administration and Management
Sales and Marketing
Mathematics
Administrative

Abilities that matter most

Oral Comprehension
Oral Expression
Speech Clarity
Speech Recognition
Problem Sensitivity
Written Expression

Day-to-day work activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Working with Computers
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Processing Information
Getting Information

What graduates do on the job

  • Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, cancel accounts, or obtain details of complaints.
  • Keep records of customer interactions or transactions, recording details of inquiries, complaints, or comments, as well as actions taken.
  • Check to ensure that appropriate changes were made to resolve customers' problems.
  • Contact customers to respond to inquiries or to notify them of claim investigation results or any planned adjustments.
  • Determine charges for services requested, collect deposits or payments, or arrange for billing.
  • Complete contract forms, prepare change of address records, or issue service discontinuance orders, using computers.

Tools and technology used

Active Data Online WebChatAdobe AcrobatAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe PhotoshopADP Workforce NowAirtableApple Keynote

Other Business Operations Support and Assistant Services specializations

The 8 other 6-digit CIP codes under Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (CIP 52.04).

Common questions

What types of jobs can I get with this program?+

You can work as a Customer Service Representative or an Order Clerk.

What skills will I gain from this program?+

You will develop skills in active listening, communication, critical thinking, and customer service.

What is the job outlook for this field?+

The job outlook shows a decline of 5.5%, with about 341,700 annual openings.

What level of education do I need for these careers?+

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required.

What is the CIP code for Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation?+

Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation is CIP 52.0411 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (CIP 52.04). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to assist customers with inquiries and problems in frontline call centers, help desks, teleservice centers, and online. Includes instruction in user interfaces and user behavior, principles of hardware and software systems operation, customer interaction skills, telephone and e-mailing skills, data entry, and database and Internet searching and retrieval.

How many institutions offer Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation programs?+

37 U.S. institutions reported Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 15 states, awarding 2,464 credentials in the year. That is 16.5% of all Business Operations Support and Assistant Services graduates.

How much do Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation graduates earn?+

Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Customer Service Representatives occupation, which Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation most directly leads to, pays a median of $44,770 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Business Operations Support and Assistant Services field report median earnings of $27,024 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).

Business Operations Support and Assistant Services by stateOhioArizonaLouisianaGeorgiaCaliforniaWisconsinSouth CarolinaFloridaWashingtonNew Mexico

About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.

Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card