Best institutions to study Health Communication
A program that focuses on how people, individually and collectively, understand and accommodate to health and illness and the role of communication and media in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages.
51 U.S. institutions graduated 361 Health Communication students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 09.0905, a specialization of Public Relations (CIP 09.09), and leads most directly to the Community Health Workers occupation (BLS SOC 21-1094).
About Health Communication programs
A program that focuses on how people, individually and collectively, understand and accommodate to health and illness and the role of communication and media in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages. Includes instruction in the development and use of health-related and care-related messages and media; the goals and strategies of health care promotion; relationships, roles, situations, and social structures in the context of health maintenance and promotion; and applications to disease prevention, health advocacy, and communications concerning treatments.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Health Communication program, a specialization within Public Relations, focuses on how individuals and communities understand health and illness. It emphasizes the role of communication and media in shaping health care messages and public acceptance of these messages, making it ideal for those interested in promoting health awareness and advocacy.
Students will develop skills in active listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking. Coursework covers health-related message development, health care promotion strategies, and the social structures influencing health maintenance and communication.
Credentials awarded
What Health Communication graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year105 graduates / yr · 11 institutions29%
- Master's degree95 graduates / yr · 10 institutions26%
- Bachelor's degree77 graduates / yr · 15 institutions21%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate47 graduates / yr · 14 institutions13%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship16 graduates / yr · 3 institutions4.4%
- Post-master's certificate11 graduates / yr · 1 institution3.0%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years8 graduates / yr · 1 institution2.2%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.6%
Graduates over time
Health Communication completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 208 |
| 2013 | 182 |
| 2014 | 225 |
| 2015 | 238 |
| 2016 | 289 |
| 2017 | 343 |
| 2018 | 371 |
| 2019 | 346 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 400 |
| 2022 | 421 |
| 2023 | 413 |
| 2024 | 360 |
| 2025 | 361 |
Top 50 institutions for Health Communication, 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 earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 30 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 2 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OHPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 88% | — | — |
| 3 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 27 | 89% | $21,956 | — |
| 4 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicBachelor's | 19 | 76% | — | $44,197 |
| 5 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 15 | 58% | — | $40,178 |
| 6 | Baylor University Waco, TXPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 80% | $35,682 | — |
| 7 | Utah Tech University Saint George, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 38% | — | — |
| 8 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, ILPublicMaster's | 13 | 85% | — | $48,063 |
| 9 | University of Georgia Athens, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 12 | 90% | — | $45,326 |
| 10 | Washington State University Pullman, WAPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 12 | 60% | — | $45,820 |
| 11 | Columbia University in the City of New York New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 11 | 96% | $15,315 | — |
| 12 | University of Kentucky Lexington, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 10 | 71% | — | $45,275 |
| 13 | University of Houston Houston, TXPublicBachelor's | 10 | 65% | — | $42,472 |
| 14 | Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, MNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 55% | $16,550 | — |
| 15 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicDoctoral | 9 | 68% | — | — |
| 16 | George Washington University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 84% | $29,789 | — |
| 17 | Hastings College Hastings, NEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 49% | $20,424 | — |
| 18 | University of Cincinnati - Main Campus Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 8 | 75% | — | — |
| 19 | Chapman University Orange, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 7 | 82% | $42,965 | $40,141 |
| 20 | University of Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 7 | 96% | $13,333 | — |
| 21 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicBachelor's | 7 | 67% | — | $35,116 |
| 22 | Grand Valley State University Allendale, MIPublicBachelor's | 6 | 67% | — | $38,172 |
| 23 | Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJPublicMaster's | 6 | 84% | — | — |
| 24 | University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Whitewater, WIPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 59% | — | — |
| 25 | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublicBachelor's | 4 | 47% | — | $38,369 |
| 26 | Tufts University Medford, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 4 | 94% | $23,570 | — |
| 27 | Michigan State University East Lansing, MIPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 4 | 81% | — | $45,158 |
| 28 | University of Missouri - St Louis Saint Louis, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 57% | — | — |
| 29 | University of North Dakota Grand Forks, NDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 60% | — | — |
| 30 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicDoctoral | 4 | 65% | — | — |
| 31 | Pacific Union College Angwin, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 58% | $18,938 | — |
| 32 | Indiana University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPublicDoctoral | 3 | 54% | — | — |
| 33 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 3 | 56% | — | $35,534 |
| 34 | University of Dayton Dayton, OHPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 3 | 80% | $28,560 | — |
| 35 | Otterbein University Westerville, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 3 | 68% | $20,150 | $37,430 |
| 36 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 3 | 69% | $26,034 | — |
| 37 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 65% | — | — |
| 38 | Murray State University Murray, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 61% | — | $38,054 |
| 39 | The University of Montana Missoula, MTPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 2 | 48% | — | — |
| 40 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 61% | $23,331 | $31,953 |
| 41 | Miami University - Hamilton Hamilton, OHPublicBachelor's | 2 | 25% | — | $50,700 |
| 42 | University of Memphis Memphis, TNPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 51% | — | $39,819 |
| 43 | Dominican University River Forest, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 55% | $16,176 | — |
| 44 | Indiana State University Terre Haute, INPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 43% | — | — |
| 45 | Asbury University Wilmore, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 65% | $19,816 | — |
| 46 | Calvin University Grand Rapids, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 74% | $22,391 | — |
| 47 | Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 40% | — | — |
| 48 | Mississippi Christian University Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 1 | 59% | $21,096 | — |
| 49 | Miami University - Middletown Middletown, OHPublicBachelor's | 1 | 32% | — | $50,700 |
| 50 | University of South Carolina - Columbia Columbia, SCPublicPost-degree cert. | 1 | 79% | — | $42,974 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Public Relations field (CIP 09.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 26 states
Where Health Communication graduates come from. Each state links to all Public Relations programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 21-1094, Community Health Workers, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Health Communication program can pursue careers as Community Health Workers, Health Education Specialists, and Public Relations Specialists. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 11.3% and approximately 7,800 annual openings, offering a median wage of $51,030.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 09.0905
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Community Health Workersprimary SOC 21-1094 | $51,850 | +11.3% Much faster than average | ~7,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Public Relations Specialists SOC 27-3031 | $74,750 | +4.8% About as fast as average | ~27,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Health Education Specialists SOC 21-1091 | $64,070 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~7,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Communications Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1122 | $78,580 | +2.1% About as fast as average | ~2,700 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Health Communication 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
- Maintain updated client records with plans, notes, appropriate forms, or related information.
- Advise clients or community groups on issues related to improving general health, such as diet or exercise.
- Identify or contact members of high-risk or otherwise targeted groups, such as members of minority populations, low-income populations, or pregnant women.
- Contact clients in person, by phone, or in writing to ensure they have completed required or recommended actions.
- Distribute flyers, brochures, or other informational or educational documents to inform members of a targeted community.
- Refer community members to needed health services.
Tools and technology used
Other Public Relations specializations
The 10 other 6-digit CIP codes under Public Relations (CIP 09.09).
- AdvertisingCIP 09.09034,542 graduates / yr90 institutions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied CommunicationCIP 09.09004,140 graduates / yr164 institutions
- Public Relations/CIP 09.0902
Image Management 4,001 graduates / yr144 institutions - Communication Management and Strategic CommunicationsCIP 09.09092,014 graduates / yr64 institutions
- Organizational CommunicationCIP 09.09011,805 graduates / yr79 institutions
- Sports CommunicationCIP 09.09061,470 graduates / yr88 institutions
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied CommunicationCIP 09.09991,142 graduates / yr42 institutions
- Political CommunicationCIP 09.0904partial data190 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Technical and Scientific CommunicationCIP 09.0908168 graduates / yr25 institutions
- International and Intercultural CommunicationCIP 09.0907157 graduates / yr17 institutions
Common questions
What careers can I pursue with a degree in Health Communication?+
You can work as a Community Health Worker, Health Education Specialist, or Public Relations Specialist.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
You'll develop skills in active listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking.
What is the job outlook for Health Communication graduates?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with an expected growth rate of 11.3%.
How long does it take to complete this program?+
Programs can award credentials in as little as 12 weeks to less than one academic year.
What is the CIP code for Health Communication?+
Health Communication is CIP 09.0905 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Public Relations (CIP 09.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on how people, individually and collectively, understand and accommodate to health and illness and the role of communication and media in shaping professional health care messages and public acceptance of these messages. Includes instruction in the development and use of health-related and care-related messages and media; the goals and strategies of health care promotion; relationships, roles, situations, and social structures in the context of health maintenance and promotion; and applications to disease prevention, health advocacy, and communications concerning treatments.
How many institutions offer Health Communication programs?+
51 U.S. institutions reported Health Communication graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 26 states, awarding 361 credentials in the year. That is 1.8% of all Public Relations graduates.
How much do Health Communication graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Community Health Workers occupation, which Health Communication most directly leads to, pays a median of $51,850 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Public Relations field report median earnings of $42,472 one year after graduation (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.
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