Our society is highly connected through different forms of communication from smartphones to tablets to computers. Radio, Television, and Digital Communication is a field that teaches you how to plan, produce, and distribute all different forms of communication through numerous communication channels. As part of the curriculum, students will take classes to learn about the evolving technology used in production, the historical and cultural impact of media, communication theory and criticism, and the laws and policies surrounding media.
Depending on the college you choose, you may also have the ability to specialize in either Radio and Television or Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Rapid Growth in Radio, Television & Digital Communication Degrees Awarded
22.0% Increase in Graduates
In 2019-2020, radio, television and digital communication was the 71st most popular major nationwide with 17,036 degrees awarded. This is a difference of 3,746 over the prior year, a growth of 22.0%.
There are 503 schools offering degrees in radio, television and digital communication in the United States. Our 2022 Best Radio, Television & Digital Communication Schools ranking analyzes 245 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for radio, television and digital communication students. Explore this or one of our many other custom digital communication rankings further below.
2022 Overall Best Radio, Television & Digital Communication Colleges
Best Radio, Television & Digital Communication Schools by Degree
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
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Requirements for Getting a Degree in Radio, Television & Digital Communication
Students interested in pursuing a career in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication are often creative and have strong writing and oral communication skills. Since most information will be directed at the general public, it is important to write clearly and concisely. Computer and technology skills are also helpful.
Depending on your career choice, work hours can vary. While producers rarely work set hours and often work on evenings and weekends, graphic designers or communications specialists may have more set schedules.
Communication fields are competitive, making previous experience a necessity. Many campuses have radio or television stations that give students the ability to practice their communication skills. Internships or summer jobs provide students with valuable experience that will make them more attractive to employers. Internships also allow students to meet people in the business who will make great contacts once they begin their career.
Digital Communication Degree Program Entry Requirements
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. Specific digital communication careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Radio, Television & Digital Communication Degree Types
Digital Communication degree levels vary. Radio, Television & Digital Communication programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest digital communication degree you can get. The time it takes to complete a digital communication degree varies depending on the program.
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to digital communication, with approximately 53.7% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for digital communication workers below.
| Bachelor’s Degree | 54.3% |
| Master’s Degree | 15.7% |
| High School Diploma | 7.9% |
| Some College Courses | 6.9% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 6.4% |
Most workers in digital communication have at least a bachelor's degree. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in radio, television and digital communication careers have.
This of course varies depending on which digital communication career you choose.
Digital Communication Careers
$27.5k Average Starting Salary
8% Growth Job Outlook 2016-26
A degree in Radio, Television, and Digital Communication offers many job options to graduates. Previous graduates work for news conglomerates, motion picture studios, and communication agencies. Some possible career options with this degree include fields such as digital media specialist, digital communications specialist, radio or television producing, reporting, announcing, and public relations.
Solid Growth Projected for Digital Communication Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your digital communication degree? Radio, Television & Digital Communication careers are expected to grow 8.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to radio, television and digital communication.
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Producers and Directors | 151,200 | 12.2% |
| Film and Video Editors | 40,000 | 17.0% |
| Communications Professors | 37,500 | 10.0% |
| Radio and Television Announcers | 36,500 | -11.6% |
Digital Communication Degree Salary Potential
Radio, Television & Digital Communication graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $27,530 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $6,800 to as high as $65,200. As you might expect, salaries for digital communication graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Digital Communication Careers
Salaries for radio, television and digital communication graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers digital communication grads often go into.
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Broadcast News Analysts | $91,990 |
| Producers and Directors | $89,840 |
| Film and Video Editors | $86,830 |
| Communications Professors | $78,090 |
Getting Your Radio, Television & Digital Communication Degree
With over 938 different digital communication degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased digital communication school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Radio, Television & Digital Communication
One of 5 majors within the Communication & Journalism area of study, Radio, Television & Digital Communication has other similar majors worth exploring.
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