by our College Data Analytics TeamAppropriate communication creates an element of understanding and trust between two parties. The ability to gain these relationships is critical, especially in the business world. A major in Business and Corporate Communication will prepare you create these connections. This program educates students to function within the business or corporate setting as a proofreader, composer, and editor of business or business related communications. You will learn how to communicate effectively both verbally and nonverbally.
Some of the classes you will take in this major include Public Speaking, Media Analysis and Criticism, Interpersonal and Group Communication, Business Communications, and Advertising and Marketing Communications. This major is commonly offered as a Bachelor's degree.
A degree in Business/Corporate Communications explores Business/corporate Communications. Read on to learn the key facts every business/corporate communications major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering business/corporate communications programs.
Nationwide, business/corporate communications is a popular field of study, with 826 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Business/Corporate Communications Schools ranking analyzes these 59 schools to determine the best overall colleges for business/corporate communications students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of business/corporate communications programs later in this article.
Studies in Business/Corporate Communications develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations business/corporate communications graduates commonly enter.
If you enjoy interacting with others and are well-spoken, this major would be an excellent fit for you. This major will required a lot of group work, making teamwork skills essential. You will learn how to prepare presentations, deliver speeches, and explain policies; students will need to hone their public speaking and interpersonal skills. Strong writing skills are also important. In order to prepare for field, it is advised to take prior courses in Speech, Creative Writing, Psychology, English, and Computer Applications.
Skills built by a business/corporate communications program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Per O*NET surveys, a business/corporate communications major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several business/corporate communications degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 14 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 542 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 270 |
People currently working in careers related to business/corporate communications tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.4% |
| Master’s degree | 28.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 10.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 9.6% |
| Some college courses | 8.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 1.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 0.8% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.8% |
| First professional degree | 0.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.4% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in business/corporate communications careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with a Business/Corporate Communications can expect career options in a number of fields. These options include Copywriters, Technical Writers, Public Relations Specialist, Human Resources Managers and Editors. The majority of these careers involve a great deal of writing and proofreading. Public Relations Specialist and Human Resources Managers work directly with individuals and companies in order to improve and promote their performance.
Studying business/corporate communications can lead to numerous career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to business/corporate communications.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to business/corporate communications.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | 919,494 | -1.5% |
| Technical Writers | 396,969 | 6.9% |
| Fundraising Managers | 340,731 | -1.0% |
| Fundraisers | 340,575 | 12.6% |
| Public Relations Managers | 337,124 | 7.0% |
| Public Relations Specialists | 288,926 | -3.5% |
| Proofreaders and Copy Markers | 284,430 | 0.7% |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | 181,317 | 10.6% |
Federal data tracks median earnings of business/corporate communications graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $43,829 |
| 4 years | $57,227 |
| 5 years | $64,323 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for business/corporate communications graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers business/corporate communications grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Managers | $139,736 |
| Fundraisers | $118,069 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $103,749 |
| Editors | $100,346 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $96,169 |
| Fundraising Managers | $90,350 |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,576 |
| Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers | $70,619 |
With 59 different business/corporate communications programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased business/corporate communications school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in business/corporate communications, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business/Corporate Communications, General | 801 |
| Grantsmanship | 13 |
| Business/Corporate Communications, Other | 12 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 402,942 |
| Accounting and Related Services | 81,835 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | 62,236 |
| Business/Commerce, General | 57,976 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 57,564 |
| Marketing | 53,750 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | 25,424 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services | 16,153 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | 14,306 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | 13,333 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
