Communications Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in communications, such as organizational communications, public relations, radio/television broadcasting, and journalism. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+7% projected 2024–2034

What They Do

Communications teachers at colleges and universities prepare students for careers in media, public relations, journalism, and related fields. They spend their days delivering lectures, leading discussions, and facilitating hands-on learning experiences where students practice skills like writing press releases, producing video content, or developing strategic communication plans. These professors design course curricula, create assignments that mirror real-world challenges, and provide detailed feedback on student work ranging from news articles to multimedia presentations. Much of their time involves staying current with industry changes—social media platforms, broadcasting technologies, and evolving journalism standards—to ensure their teaching remains relevant.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Communication, Journalism,(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Communication and Media Studies(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)Georgetown University, DC

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)School of Visual Arts, NY

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)University of Colorado Boulder, CO

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Communication and Media Studies(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Temple University, PA

Communication and Media Studies(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)Northwestern University, IL

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(bachelors)Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, GA

Journalism(masters)University of Iowa, IA

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)Boston University, MA

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)George Washington University, DC

Communication and Media Studies(doctoral)Regent University, VA

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)Trinity Washington University, DC

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(bachelors)Rochester Institute of Technology, NY

Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication(masters)Marist University, NY

Communication and Media Studies(masters)Purdue University-Main Campus, IN

Communication and Media Studies(masters)Stanford University, CA

Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(masters)Michigan State University, MI

Communication and Media Studies(doctoral)Arizona State University Campus Immersion, AZ

Communication and Media Studies(masters)University of Southern California, CA

Communication and Media Studies(masters)American University, DC

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