Best colleges for Communications Technology/Technician
A program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries.
41 U.S. institutions graduated 1,039 Communications Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 10.0105, a specialization of Communications Technologies/Technicians (CIP 10.01), and leads most directly to the Broadcast Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 27-4012).
About Communications Technology/Technician programs
A program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. Includes instruction in business economics; basic management; principles of interpersonal and mediated communications; radio, television, and digital media production; and related aspects of technology and communications systems.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Communications Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to work and manage within the communications industries. This program encompasses a broad range of topics, including business economics, management principles, and media production across various platforms such as radio, television, and digital media. It is ideal for those seeking a career in a dynamic and evolving field.
Students will gain essential skills in critical thinking, active listening, and communication, alongside knowledge of computers, electronics, telecommunications, and media. Coursework typically includes practical training in monitoring and maintaining communication equipment, ensuring quality broadcasts, and understanding the technical aspects of media production.
Credentials awarded
What Communications Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year455 graduates / yr · 18 institutions44%
- Bachelor's degree308 graduates / yr · 9 institutions30%
- Associate's degree192 graduates / yr · 9 institutions19%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years61 graduates / yr · 8 institutions5.9%
- Award of less than 12 weeks21 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.0%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Master's degree1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Communications Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 496 |
| 2013 | 627 |
| 2014 | 651 |
| 2015 | 675 |
| 2016 | 577 |
| 2017 | 655 |
| 2018 | 844 |
| 2019 | 714 |
| 2020 | 823 |
| 2021 | 913 |
| 2022 | 854 |
| 2023 | 990 |
| 2024 | 1,042 |
| 2025 | 1,039 |
Top 41 institutions for Communications Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field starting salary* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 417 | 44% | $32,163 | $15,893 |
| 2 | Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TNPublicAssociate's | 102 | 31% | — | $25,754 |
| 3 | Valencia College Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 83 | 48% | — | — |
| 4 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 64 | 37% | — | — |
| 5 | Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield, MOPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 42 | 33% | — | $32,713 |
| 6 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon Bayamon, PRPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 29 | 35% | $10,334 | $11,940 |
| 7 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PAPublicBachelor's | 27 | 43% | — | $23,826 |
| 8 | University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College Blue Ash, OHPublicAssociate's | 22 | 16% | — | — |
| 9 | Belmont University Nashville, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 22 | 71% | $29,246 | — |
| 10 | Washington County Career Center - Adult Technical Training Marietta, OHPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 21 | 79% | — | — |
| 11 | Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DEPublicAssociate's | 18 | 22% | — | — |
| 12 | Orange Technical College - East Campus Orlando, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 16 | 63% | — | — |
| 13 | Montgomery College Rockville, MDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 32% | — | — |
| 14 | Allegany College of Maryland Cumberland, MDPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 14 | 40% | — | — |
| 15 | Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, COPublicBachelor's | 12 | 32% | — | — |
| 16 | Florida SouthWestern State College Fort Myers, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 39% | — | — |
| 17 | CUNY York College Jamaica, NYPublicBachelor's | 11 | 32% | — | $27,064 |
| 18 | Lee College Baytown, TXPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 11 | 53% | — | — |
| 19 | Connecticut State Community College New Britain, CTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 24% | — | — |
| 20 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 38% | — | — |
| 21 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 60% | — | — |
| 22 | Manatee Technical College Bradenton, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 9 | 64% | — | — |
| 23 | Seminole State College of Florida Sanford, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 9 | 41% | — | — |
| 24 | Hillsborough College Tampa, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 34% | — | — |
| 25 | Pasco-Hernando State College New Port Richey, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 8 | 41% | — | — |
| 26 | Suncoast Technical College Sarasota, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 7 | 50% | — | — |
| 27 | Polk State College Winter Haven, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 35% | — | — |
| 28 | Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 75% | $25,675 | — |
| 29 | Eastern Michigan University Ypsilanti, MIPublicBachelor's | 4 | 46% | — | — |
| 30 | Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 45% | — | — |
| 31 | Gulf Coast State College Panama City, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 2 | 43% | — | — |
| 32 | Bob Jones University Greenville, SCPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 2 | 65% | $18,053 | — |
| 33 | Indian River State College Fort Pierce, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 45% | — | — |
| 34 | Florida Gateway College Lake City, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 54% | — | — |
| 35 | Florida Panhandle Technical College Chipley, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 41% | — | — |
| 36 | Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MAPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 55% | — | — |
| 37 | Lawrence Technological University Southfield, MIPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1 | 61% | $32,679 | — |
| 38 | Webster University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 64% | $25,090 | — |
| 39 | Fort Peck Community College Poplar, MTPublicAssociate's | 1 | 17% | — | — |
| 40 | Buckeye Hills Career Center Rio Grande, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 90% | — | — |
| 41 | University of Houston-Clear Lake Houston, TXPublicMaster's | 1 | 52% | — | — |
* Field starting salary (1 yr): median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Communications Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 10.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 18 states & territories
Where Communications Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Communications Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 16 | 653 | Full Sail University417 / yr |
| Tennessee | 2 | 124 | Pellissippi State Community College102 / yr |
| Ohio | 3 | 44 | University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College22 / yr |
| Missouri | 2 | 43 | Ozarks Technical Community College42 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | 32 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania27 / yr |
| Maryland | 2 | 29 | Montgomery College15 / yr |
| Puerto Rico | 1 | 29 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon29 / yr |
| Delaware | 1 | 18 | Delaware Technical Community College - Terry18 / yr |
| Texas | 2 | 12 | Lee College11 / yr |
| Colorado | 1 | 12 | Metropolitan State University of Denver12 / yr |
| New York | 1 | 11 | CUNY York College11 / yr |
| Connecticut | 1 | 10 | Connecticut State Community College10 / yr |
| North Dakota | 1 | 10 | University of North Dakota10 / yr |
| Michigan | 2 | 5 | Eastern Michigan University4 / yr |
| Wisconsin | 1 | 3 | Northcentral Technical College3 / yr |
| South Carolina | 1 | 2 | Bob Jones University2 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 1 | Fitchburg State University1 / yr |
| Montana | 1 | 1 | Fort Peck Community College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4012, Broadcast Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Communications Technology/Technician program can pursue careers as Broadcast Technicians, Film and Video Editors, and Sound Engineering Technicians. The job outlook indicates a decline of 2.8%, with approximately 1,800 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $53,920, with an Associate's degree typically required for entry-level roles.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 10.0105
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Broadcast Techniciansprimary SOC 27-4012 | $59,570 | -2.8% Decline | ~1,800 | Associate's degree |
Film and Video Editors SOC 27-4032 | $75,420 | +4.0% About as fast as average | ~3,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Media and Communication Workers, All Other SOC 27-3099 | $73,620 | +2.7% About as fast as average | ~3,000 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Sound Engineering Technicians SOC 27-4014 | $73,130 | -1.7% Decline | ~1,200 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Communications Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
Tools and technology used
Common questions
What types of degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn an Award of at least 12 weeks, an Associate's degree, or a Bachelor's degree.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, writing, and technical knowledge related to communications.
What careers can I pursue after completing this program?+
You can work as a Broadcast Technician, Film and Video Editor, or Sound Engineering Technician.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 2.8%, with about 1,800 annual job openings.
What is the CIP code for Communications Technology/Technician?+
Communications Technology/Technician is CIP 10.0105 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Communications Technologies/Technicians (CIP 10.01). NCES defines it as: A program that generally prepares individuals to function as workers and managers within communications industries. Includes instruction in business economics; basic management; principles of interpersonal and mediated communications; radio, television, and digital media production; and related aspects of technology and communications systems.
How many institutions offer Communications Technology/Technician programs?+
41 U.S. institutions reported Communications Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 18 states & territories, awarding 1,039 credentials in the year. That is 100.0% of all Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Communications Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Broadcast Technicians occupation, which Communications Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $59,570 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Communications Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $25,754, College Scorecard.
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.
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. This specialization accounts for nearly all Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates, so its figures match the Communications Technologies/Technicians program page.
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