Best institutions to study Organizational Communication
A program that focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations.
79 U.S. institutions graduated 1,805 Organizational Communication students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 09.0901, a specialization of Public Relations (CIP 09.09), and leads most directly to the Training and Development Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 13-1151).
About Organizational Communication programs
A program that focuses on general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. Includes instruction in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organizations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of symbols to create and maintain organizational images, missions, and values; power and politics within organizations; human interaction with computer technology; and how communications socializes and supports employees and team members.
See also: 52.1003 - Organizational Behavior Studies.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Organizational Communication program, with a focus on Public Relations, is designed for individuals interested in understanding and improving communication processes within organizations. This program emphasizes the development of interpersonal relations, decision-making, and conflict management, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate complex organizational dynamics. Students in this program will explore how communication shapes organizational culture and supports employee engagement. It is ideal for those looking to pursue careers in communication, human resources, or training and development, providing a solid foundation for effective organizational leadership and management.
Core coursework covers essential skills such as speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing. Students will also gain knowledge in areas like personnel management, psychology, and training strategies, preparing them to effectively communicate and foster relationships within organizations.
Credentials awarded
What Organizational Communication graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,287 graduates / yr · 49 institutions71%
- Master's degree334 graduates / yr · 19 institutions19%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year119 graduates / yr · 11 institutions6.6%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate56 graduates / yr · 15 institutions3.1%
- Associate's degree5 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.3%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship2 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Organizational Communication completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1,250 |
| 2013 | 1,274 |
| 2014 | 1,357 |
| 2015 | 1,480 |
| 2016 | 1,607 |
| 2017 | 1,757 |
| 2018 | 1,847 |
| 2019 | 1,838 |
| 2020 | 1,900 |
| 2021 | 1,972 |
| 2022 | 1,858 |
| 2023 | 1,792 |
| 2024 | 1,763 |
| 2025 | 1,805 |
Top 50 institutions for Organizational 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 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 920 | 43% | $34,565 | $46,520 |
| 2 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 107 | 89% | — | $47,972 |
| 3 | Southern Methodist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 52 | 84% | $33,246 | $51,828 |
| 4 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 48 | 50% | — | — |
| 5 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GAPublicBachelor's | 44 | 52% | — | $41,460 |
| 6 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 35 | 56% | — | $35,534 |
| 7 | Cleveland State University Cleveland, OHPublicBachelor's | 33 | 51% | — | $38,027 |
| 8 | Franklin University Columbus, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 29 | 11% | $22,280 | $46,518 |
| 9 | Murray State University Murray, KYPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 26 | 61% | — | $38,054 |
| 10 | Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 25 | 55% | — | $35,649 |
| 11 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicBachelor's | 24 | 50% | — | $33,280 |
| 12 | Park University Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 22 | 38% | $16,013 | — |
| 13 | Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MOPublicBachelor's | 22 | 58% | — | $40,127 |
| 14 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NCPublicPost-degree cert.Master's | 20 | 85% | — | — |
| 15 | Ohio University - Main Campus Athens, OHPublicPost-degree cert.Master'sDoctoral | 20 | 65% | — | — |
| 16 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 40% | — | — |
| 17 | Temple University Philadelphia, PAPublicMaster's | 17 | 75% | — | $41,165 |
| 18 | Ithaca College Ithaca, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 15 | 76% | $28,970 | $39,446 |
| 19 | Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 15 | 69% | $26,034 | — |
| 20 | The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 15 | 54% | — | $41,703 |
| 21 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KSPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 14 | 69% | — | — |
| 22 | College of Charleston Charleston, SCPublicMaster's | 14 | 66% | — | — |
| 23 | Butler University Indianapolis, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 80% | $35,696 | $39,701 |
| 24 | Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CTPublicMaster's | 12 | 48% | — | $35,444 |
| 25 | Assumption University Worcester, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 12 | 75% | $24,206 | $51,114 |
| 26 | Florida Southern College Lakeland, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 71% | $28,325 | $35,023 |
| 27 | Siena Heights University Adrian, MIPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 39% | $17,015 | $39,677 |
| 28 | Wingate University Wingate, NCPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 46% | $21,585 | $40,438 |
| 29 | University of Portland Portland, ORPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 80% | $33,822 | $35,605 |
| 30 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 10 | 59% | — | $32,741 |
| 31 | University of Idaho Moscow, IDPublicBachelor's | 9 | 57% | — | $38,136 |
| 32 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OHPublicBachelor's | 9 | 52% | — | $41,396 |
| 33 | Florida College Temple Terrace, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 8 | 54% | $20,981 | — |
| 34 | Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 77% | $48,795 | — |
| 35 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 68% | $28,141 | $41,234 |
| 36 | Nichols College Dudley, MAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 63% | $29,718 | — |
| 37 | North Central College Naperville, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 64% | $20,052 | $48,549 |
| 38 | Drury University Springfield, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 6 | 62% | $20,482 | $33,862 |
| 39 | University of Mount Union Alliance, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 59% | $21,121 | — |
| 40 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania Indiana, PAPublicMaster's | 6 | 56% | — | — |
| 41 | Dallas Baptist University Dallas, TXPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 6 | 57% | $29,227 | $38,613 |
| 42 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 50% | — | $34,920 |
| 43 | Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MOPublicMaster's | 5 | 54% | — | — |
| 44 | Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 58% | — | $40,178 |
| 45 | Hastings College Hastings, NEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 49% | $20,424 | — |
| 46 | William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, NJPublicMaster's | 5 | 44% | — | — |
| 47 | Ashland University Ashland, OHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor's | 5 | 61% | $21,785 | $29,437 |
| 48 | University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OKPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 5 | 37% | — | $36,388 |
| 49 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 4 | 68% | — | $31,093 |
| 50 | Bradley University Peoria, ILPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 76% | $21,768 | $38,351 |
* 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 31 states
Where Organizational Communication graduates come from. Each state links to all Public Relations programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 13-1151, Training and Development Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Organizational Communication program can pursue careers as Training and Development Specialists, among other roles. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth rate of 10.8% and approximately 43,900 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $65,850, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 09.0901
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Training and Development Specialistsprimary SOC 13-1151 | $69,280 | +10.8% Much faster than average | ~43,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Human Resources Managers SOC 11-3121 | $149,280 | +5.0% Faster than average | ~17,900 | Bachelor's degree |
Training and Development Managers SOC 11-3131 | $133,000 | +5.8% Faster than average | ~3,800 | Bachelor's 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 Organizational 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
- Present information with a variety of instructional techniques or formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures.
- Obtain, organize, or develop training procedure manuals, guides, or course materials, such as handouts or visual materials.
- Evaluate modes of training delivery, such as in-person or virtual, to optimize training effectiveness, training costs, or environmental impacts.
- Offer specific training programs to help workers maintain or improve job skills.
- Assess training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives.
- Monitor, evaluate, or record training activities or program effectiveness.
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
- 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
- International and Intercultural CommunicationCIP 09.0907157 graduates / yr17 institutions
Common questions
What degree do I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree or a Master's degree in Organizational Communication.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?+
You can work as a Training and Development Specialist, Human Resources Manager, or in similar roles.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and writing.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is much faster than average, with a growth rate of 10.8%.
What is the CIP code for Organizational Communication?+
Organizational Communication is CIP 09.0901 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 general communication processes and dynamics within organizations. Includes instruction in the development and maintenance of interpersonal group relations within organizations; decision-making and conflict management; the use of symbols to create and maintain organizational images, missions, and values; power and politics within organizations; human interaction with computer technology; and how communications socializes and supports employees and team members.
How many institutions offer Organizational Communication programs?+
79 U.S. institutions reported Organizational Communication graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 31 states, awarding 1,805 credentials in the year. That is 9.0% of all Public Relations graduates.
How much do Organizational Communication graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Training and Development Specialists occupation, which Organizational Communication most directly leads to, pays a median of $69,280 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Public Relations field report median earnings of $38,613 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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