Best institutions to study International and Intercultural Communication
A program that focuses on the specialized knowledge and skills needed for effective communication in the international community and among people of different cultures; and that prepares individuals to function at the national and international levels as journalists, public relations specialists, travel industry representatives, intercultural trainers, and/or foreign service officers.
17 U.S. institutions graduated 157 International and Intercultural Communication students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 09.0907, a specialization of Public Relations (CIP 09.09), and leads most directly to the Public Relations Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 27-3031).
About International and Intercultural Communication programs
A program that focuses on the specialized knowledge and skills needed for effective communication in the international community and among people of different cultures; and that prepares individuals to function at the national and international levels as journalists, public relations specialists, travel industry representatives, intercultural trainers, and/or foreign service officers. Includes instruction in journalism, communications, intercultural and international relations, marketing and public relations, and global communications policy.
See also: 30.2301 - Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The International and Intercultural Communication program, a branch of Public Relations, focuses on equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge for effective communication across diverse cultures and international contexts. This program is ideal for individuals aiming to work as public relations specialists, journalists, or intercultural trainers in a globalized world.
Students will gain expertise in areas such as journalism, intercultural relations, marketing, and global communications policy. Core skills developed include active listening, speaking, writing, and critical thinking, which are vital for successful communication in various professional settings.
Credentials awarded
What International and Intercultural Communication graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree68 graduates / yr · 6 institutions43%
- Bachelor's degree50 graduates / yr · 5 institutions32%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year21 graduates / yr · 5 institutions13%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years18 graduates / yr · 1 institution12%
Graduates over time
International and Intercultural Communication completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 78 |
| 2013 | 86 |
| 2014 | 120 |
| 2015 | 249 |
| 2016 | 268 |
| 2017 | 323 |
| 2018 | 296 |
| 2019 | 293 |
| 2020 | 345 |
| 2021 | 255 |
| 2022 | 177 |
| 2023 | 242 |
| 2024 | 182 |
| 2025 | 157 |
Top 17 institutions for International and Intercultural 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 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 29 | 92% | $26,873 | $50,041 |
| 2 | Suffolk University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 22 | 61% | $28,895 | $44,863 |
| 3 | Miami Media School Doral, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 18 | 65% | $31,195 | $14,229 |
| 4 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicMaster's | 13 | 65% | — | — |
| 5 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, PAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 11 | 66% | — | — |
| 6 | St. John's University - New York Queens, NYPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 10 | 66% | $27,359 | $38,210 |
| 7 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicBachelor's | 10 | 59% | — | $32,741 |
| 8 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicMaster's | 10 | 52% | — | $41,460 |
| 9 | Manhattan University Riverdale, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 9 | 64% | $26,807 | $26,502 |
| 10 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 7 | 58% | — | $40,178 |
| 11 | Simmons College of Kentucky Louisville, KYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 14% | $21,102 | — |
| 12 | Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FLPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 64% | $33,585 | — |
| 13 | Texas A & M International University Laredo, TXPublicMaster's | 2 | 46% | — | — |
| 14 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TXPublicBachelor's | 2 | 53% | — | — |
| 15 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 68% | — | $31,093 |
| 16 | Park University Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 38% | $16,013 | — |
| 17 | Maryville College Maryville, TNPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 50% | $20,489 | — |
* 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 13 states
Where International and Intercultural Communication graduates come from. Each state links to all Public Relations programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1 | 29 | University of Southern California29 / yr |
| Florida | 2 | 22 | Miami Media School18 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 1 | 22 | Suffolk University22 / yr |
| New York | 2 | 19 | St. John's University - New York10 / yr |
| Ohio | 1 | 13 | Ohio University - Main Campus13 / yr |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 11 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania11 / yr |
| Utah | 1 | 10 | Utah State University10 / yr |
| Georgia | 1 | 10 | Kennesaw State University10 / yr |
| Missouri | 2 | 8 | Missouri State University - Springfield7 / yr |
| Kentucky | 1 | 7 | Simmons College of Kentucky7 / yr |
| Texas | 2 | 4 | Texas A & M International University2 / yr |
| Arizona | 1 | 1 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion1 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 1 | Maryville College1 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-3031, Public Relations Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers as public relations specialists, with an annual job growth rate of 4.8% and approximately 27,600 annual openings in the field. The median wage for public relations specialists is $69,780, typically requiring a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 09.0907
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Relations Specialistsprimary SOC 27-3031 | $74,750 | +4.8% About as fast as average | ~27,600 | Bachelor's degree |
Public Relations Managers SOC 11-2032 | $146,910 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~6,600 | Bachelor's degree |
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists SOC 27-3023 | $62,200 | -3.9% Decline | ~4,100 | 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 International and Intercultural 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
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
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
- Health CommunicationCIP 09.0905361 graduates / yr51 institutions
- Political CommunicationCIP 09.0904partial data190 graduates / yr9 institutions
- Technical and Scientific CommunicationCIP 09.0908168 graduates / yr25 institutions
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or shorter awards ranging from 12 weeks to 2 academic years.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in active listening, speaking, writing, critical thinking, and more.
What career opportunities are available?+
Career options include public relations specialists, public relations managers, and news analysts.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a median wage of $69,780.
What is the CIP code for International and Intercultural Communication?+
International and Intercultural Communication is CIP 09.0907 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 the specialized knowledge and skills needed for effective communication in the international community and among people of different cultures; and that prepares individuals to function at the national and international levels as journalists, public relations specialists, travel industry representatives, intercultural trainers, and/or foreign service officers. Includes instruction in journalism, communications, intercultural and international relations, marketing and public relations, and global communications policy.
How many institutions offer International and Intercultural Communication programs?+
17 U.S. institutions reported International and Intercultural Communication graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 13 states, awarding 157 credentials in the year. That is 0.8% of all Public Relations graduates.
How much do International and Intercultural Communication graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Public Relations Specialists occupation, which International and Intercultural Communication most directly leads to, pays a median of $74,750 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Public Relations field report median earnings of $38,210 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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