by our College Data Analytics TeamCommunication Sciences is a field that includes everything from language pathology to dentistry. As a Communications Sciences major, you will take classes in speech pathology, audiology, dentistry, phonetics, language disorders, anatomy, radiology, and more to learn everything about the mouth and communication.
Communication Sciences is a broad field. It is possible to obtain a degree in General Communication Sciences and Disorders, however many concentrations are available. Some examples of these are Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, Dentistry, Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dental Public Health and Education, Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry among others.
A degree in Communication Sciences covers Communication Disorders Sciences And Services. Continue reading for the key facts every communication sciences student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering communication sciences programs.
In the U.S., communication sciences draws strong interest, with 23,250 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Communication Sciences Schools ranking analyzes these 378 schools to determine the best overall colleges for communication sciences students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of communication sciences programs later in this article.
Programs in Communication Sciences develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations communication sciences graduates commonly enter.
A degree in Communications Sciences leads to a career working closely with both children and adults, placing a high importance on interpersonal skills. Professionals who work with patients who have trouble communicating should be patient and compassionate. Critical thinking and analytical skills will help professionals assess issues patients have and find ways to solve communication or dental problems. Students who are successful in this field are also detail oriented and able to work with multiple patients throughout the day.
A Communication Science career is a fulltime job. Professionals typically work during the week and hold normal business hours. Time is usually spent in a medical office.
Students interested in majoring in Communication Science should pursue an internship, summer job, or position in a summer field camp to learn about the multiple areas of specialization and decide what career path to follow. These experiences will allow you to learn from a professional and practice skills you learned in the classroom.
While this degree prepares you to pursue a career in a variety of Communication Sciences fields, you must still receive an advanced degree and certification in the area of medicine you wish to work. State requirements vary, so be sure to check with the state you wish to practice to ensure you are fulfilling all requirements.
The skill set built by a communication sciences program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a communication sciences major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several communication sciences 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 | 65 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 224 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 10,786 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 11,200 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 975 |
People currently working in careers related to communication sciences tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 42.2% |
| Master’s degree | 33.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 11.9% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 6.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 1.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 1.6% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in communication sciences careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Communication Science graduates usually pursue an advanced degree and certification to become speech specialists or dentists. Graduates hold positions in a variety of health clinics or private offices. Some graduates have gone on to open their own practices.
Studying communication sciences prepares you for many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to communication sciences.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to communication sciences.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,335,407 | 10.7% |
| Audiologists | 860,629 | 5.4% |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | 430,857 | 4.4% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of communication sciences graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $53,106 |
| 4 years | $57,878 |
| 5 years | $63,177 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for communication sciences graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers communication sciences grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Audiologists | $54,746 |
| Speech-Language Pathologists | $47,305 |
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,663 |
With 378 different communication sciences programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased communication sciences school rankings to help you.
If you are interested in communication sciences, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
