by our College Data Analytics TeamOur 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.
A degree in Radio, Television & Digital Communication explores Radio, Television, And Digital Communication. Continue reading for the key facts every radio, television & digital communication major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering radio, television & digital communication programs.
Nationwide, radio, television & digital communication is a widely-pursued major, with 17,813 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Radio, Television & Digital Communication Schools ranking analyzes these 537 schools to determine the best overall colleges for radio, television & digital communication students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of radio, television & digital communication programs later in this article.
Studies in Radio, Television & Digital Communication build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations radio, television & digital communication graduates commonly enter.
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.
The skill set built by a radio, television & digital communication program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a radio, television & digital communication major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several radio, television & digital communication 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 839 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 1,620 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 10,772 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 4,445 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 98 |
People currently working in careers related to radio, television & digital communication tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.8% |
| Master’s degree | 33.0% |
| Doctoral degree | 7.6% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 6.7% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 6.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 4.6% |
| Some college courses | 3.6% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.1% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.1% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 0.5% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.5% |
| First professional degree | 0.3% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in radio, television & digital communication careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
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.
Majoring in radio, television & digital communication opens doors to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to radio, television & digital communication.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to radio, television & digital communication.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | 919,494 | -1.5% |
| Web and Digital Interface Designers | 509,308 | 13.0% |
| Managers, All Other | 468,025 | 6.2% |
| Producers and Directors | 355,369 | -3.9% |
| Film and Video Editors | 354,104 | 10.0% |
| Compliance Managers | 310,203 | 13.0% |
| Loss Prevention Managers | 265,210 | 2.2% |
| Video Game Designers | 207,860 | 2.6% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of radio, television & digital communication graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $30,213 |
| 4 years | $40,945 |
| 5 years | $47,545 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for radio, television & digital communication graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers radio, television & digital communication grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wind Energy Development Managers | $169,952 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | $165,723 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | $122,567 |
| Compliance Managers | $117,178 |
| Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys | $108,419 |
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | $99,321 |
| Communications Teachers, Postsecondary | $96,169 |
| Managers, All Other | $95,684 |
With 537 different radio, television & digital communication programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased radio, television & digital communication school rankings to help you.
Those considering radio, television & digital communication, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia | 11,282 |
| Radio and Television | 5,653 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication, Other | 878 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Communication, General | 55,210 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 19,636 |
| Journalism | 11,334 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other | 1,080 |
| Publishing | 340 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
