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What is Speech Communication and Rhetoric?

Speech Communication and Rhetoric is a field of study emphasizing the art of discourse.  Rhetoric and speech communication, at large, is a medium that strives to inform, entertain, motivate, and/or persuade an audience. Pundits have often attempted to associate rhetoric with a political discourse while scholars employ a broad-based definition to include every aspect of culture including the following:

  • Natural Science
  • Fine Arts
  • Religion
  • Journalism
  • History
  • Digital Media
  • Architecture
  • Law
  • Politics
  • Cartography

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$78,210

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

52.61%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

135,980

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Speech Communication and Rhetoric Degree

The degree in Speech Communication Sciences is available at Columbia University in the City of New York. They also offer graduate degrees that emphasize the study of all aspects of human communication. Prevention and treatment of communication disorders across the lifespan are given stress in this program. They provide advanced education in the disorders of human communication.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The minor and major in Speech Communication that Cornell University offers tackles challenges that are as diverse as the world. It is known by many that communication has been a core part of Cornell’s social sciences since its founding. They honed their student’s skills to understand audiences and shape messages. Students also learned how to interact well with others and with technologies.

Acceptance Rate

10.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Northwestern University offers an undergraduate major in Communication Studies. They teach their students about the broad range of human communication, from interpersonal processes to organizational processes. Students will start to investigate the techniques and styles of public deliberation and debate. Students with multiple interests and diverse talents are welcome to this program.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The speech communication studies at Vanderbilt University serves the theoretical foundations of human communication. Students will study the argument and advocacy and conduct a critical analysis of media and culture. This study empowers independent learning and inquiry in an environment where students can manifest their knowledge. Students will be allowed to defend their opinions in intensive class discussions, written expressions and oral presentations.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

You can master the art of communication at Johns Hopkins University’s degree in MA in speech Communication. You will learn how to craft and share moving messages that cuts through the noise and successfully reach your target audience. Now more than ever, a vast range of information is now available, so simply creating messages wouldn’t be enough, but this program will teach you the techniques to ensure that people can really see, hear and act upon what you’ll say. You will obtain strong writing and presentation skills with the help of their well-known faculty.

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California, Los Angeles offers a degree in Speech Communication which is concerned with the study of human symbolic interaction. Some of the specific areas of study that are included but not limited to are communication in one-to-one situations, social political movements and the aesthetic bases of speech. This shall provide students the sound training needed in developing perceptiveness in the various aspects of communication. This program can lead the path to careers in law, business, government service, teaching and other professions where communication process is essential.  

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The Communication Department at Boston College was established in 1961, since then, it became one of the largest undergraduate majors offered in this College. They started with a handful of students then grew to more than 900 majors. They began with an orientation devoted to teaching the right composition and delivery of speeches. Right now, they provide a broad range of theories and methods encompassed by communication. 

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor offers a major in Professional Writing and Rhetoric. This shall provide students the disciplined instruction in writing. Opportunities for collaboration, writing and revising for diverse audiences, genres and media will also be given to them. They will also receive the privilege to work with faculty as they develop their identity as a writer.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers a BA in Communication program and a program for Rhetorical Studies. BA in Speech Communications objective is to advance the communication for the public good. The Rhetorical Studies will let the students examine the use of symbols in different contexts. Extensive range of critical methods will be the instrument of the students to focus on the way texts possess any meaning.

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

BA in Communication Studies and Minor in Rhetoric are both offered at Northeastern University. BA in Speech Communication Studies will provide the communication skills as well as the communication process needed in this complex and changing society. Majors are expected to develop a distinct area of emphasis. Minor in Rhetoric provides education on how to use language strategically and will instill to students the importance of appreciating the power of their own voice.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Department of Speech Communications at Tulane University of Louisiana aims to produce knowledge and creative expression. They are determined to do this from theoretical, practical and critical study of communication. They guarantee to provide rigorous and influential research. They assure to build a strong record of service to the disciplines and communities in New Orleans and elsewhere.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Rhetorical Studies at Villanova University engages questions of public meaning and important issues that matter. They included legal, social and political important definitions. This Study will prepare the students in understanding and intervening in the common struggles over social meanings. They will find out how meanings are created, reinforced and resisted through material spaces, visual images and symbols.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The New York University offers a BS and PhD in Media, Culture, and Communication. The BS Degree is grounded in the liberal arts. Students here can expect to receive the essential tools in analyzing the sociological, cultural and political dimensions of media landscape. The PhD Degree Program is grounded in an interdisciplinary approach and draws from a rich array of disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The degree in Speech Communication Studies at Pepperdine University teaches the interconnectedness of self to others and to calling. This will hone skills for collecting, evaluating and interpreting messages. They also offer Rhetoric and Leadership Sequence that will prepare students to be the next leaders of politics, business, law and more. Students will learn how persuasive messages are created and properly delivered to audiences.

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Department of Rhetoric and Writing at The University of Texas at Austin is committed in fostering a diverse and respectful professional, educational climate. This Department is established to provide excellent writing instruction for undergraduates. They train their students to be a national leader in transforming the relationships among writing and rhetoric. They will learn how to raise standards for both public and professional discourse.

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The major in Speech Communication Studies at the University of Miami empowers their students to acquire advanced skills in many areas. They will be introduced to the rich tradition of communication theory and research. They will be guided on investigating the emerging knowledge about communication. Students will be allowed to develop and apply their research capabilities, contributing to the growth of new understanding.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

A major in Speech Communication is available at the University of Maryland-College Park. Students who chose this major developed an ability to distinguish among a variety of theoretical approaches under the communication disciplines. They are taught the effective way of conducting research and writing research reports. Upon graduation, they can successfully argue clearly in a speech.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

The Department of Communication Studies at the University of Georgia embraced the humanistic and social scientific approach to communication. As a result, they are able to provide the knowledge to understand the skills that enrich human interaction in a variety of contexts. They provide that both on their graduate and undergraduate programs. They can give specific strength in the theory and practice of interpersonal communication.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

California Polytechnic State University offers a BA in Communication Studies degree program. They train their students in this program for a career in the various communication professions. This will also lead a way for a wide variety of employment that places a premium on excellent communication skills. This curriculum is designed to draw on a wide array of courses investigating the nature and effects of human communication.

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

The BS in Speech Communication Studies at Emerson College caters a broad-based understanding of the important role that communication plays in a various professional path. It is also essential in health care advocacies, negotiation, consumer rights and many others. The unique offer of this program is, as students complete the core courses, they can personalize their own program of study. That gives them the opportunity to tailor their program of study to their career goals.

Acceptance Rate

33.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The degree in Rhetoric and Communication Arts is available at Saint Lawrence University. In Rhetorical Studies. Students will learn the use of symbols in altering attitudes. They will also focus on inducing others to act in a particular manner. In Communication Studies, rhetorical studies are also included but it encompasses a wider array of communication behaviors in a broader variety of contexts.

Acceptance Rate

42.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Department of Communication at Santa Clara University provides broad liberal arts education. Students here will be required to complete a minor or a number of courses in related disciplines. Two approved study abroad courses are accepted in an aim to encourage the students to explore global studies. Students are guaranteed to enjoy a wealth of co-curricular opportunities that will be offered to them.

Acceptance Rate

48.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Communication and Media Department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute offers four undergraduate degrees. These degree programs are designed to prepare students for professional practice. Completion of any of these programs will qualify a student for a graduate study in creative problem solving whether for print or electronic media. Students will be critical thinkers, problem solvers and team leaders.

Acceptance Rate

47.41

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Syracuse University’s Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies is structured to create skilled and versatile communicators. They are dedicated to producing graduates that are prepared for the diverse professional contexts. They will be able to fully understand, competitively pursue and effectively influence. All of these are possible because they will learn from the experts.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

The Department of Speech Communication and Media Studies established at Fordham University is committed to the interdisciplinary examination of human communication. They are especially motivated to excel in this increasingly networked society. This diverse program that they offer makes sure to keep in current to the most up-to-date developments in theory and practice. At all means, they live up to their mission of emphasizing ethics and social engagement.

Acceptance Rate

45.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Top Speech Communication Degrees

There are a number of degree paths in communication to help students understand the art and science of communications.  Programs range from a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate degree in communications.  We have detailed out each type of degree in speech communications to help you decipher which path is best for you.

Bachelor Degree in Speech Communication

A bachelor's degree in speech communication is a 4-year program that will provide students with a foundational academic baseline regarding key aspects of communication.  Domains you will learn will include interpersonal communication, organizational communication, persuasion, media, marketing, advertising, argumentation, integrated communication, strategic relations, and crisis communication.

You will be required to invest time organizing, researching, and preparing for speeches regardless of whether you earn your communications degree online or in class.  By studying the art of speeches, students will understand the finer points involved with tone, inflection, pace, idea linking, and delivery of speeches.  Classes that may be included in an online bachelor’s degree in speech communications may include:

  • Media Writing
  • Public Speaking
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Motivational Speaking
  • Creative Problem Solving
  • Communication in the Marketplace
  • Communication and Diversity
  • Storytelling
  • Event Planning
  • Human Communication and Technology
  • Communication Theory
  • Rhetorical Theory & Criticism
Master Degree in Speech Communication

The master’s degree track in communications can be either a MA or MS.  An MA is a Master of Arts in Communications while a MS is a Master of Science in a specific discipline like Communication Disorders or Integrated Communications.  A master’s degree in communication is a 1-2 year program designed to help prepare students for advanced opportunities in the workplace.  Upper level classes found in a master’s degree program may include:

  • Leadership Communication
  • Communication Research
  • Communication Praxis
  • Problem Solving & Collaborative Communication
  • Persuasive Reasoning
  • Event Planning
  • Professional Communication

In addition to the courses required to earn a master’s degree in communications, a student must invest substantive time to prepare, draft, complete, and defend a thesis project.  Students will work closely with an advisor to select a thesis topic and establish milestones towards completion.  Master’s degrees in communications are offered online and on-site depending on the college or university coupled with your learning preference.

Doctorate Degree in Speech Communications

A doctoral degree is offered in Communications as a PhD program.  A PhD in Communications is a 2-3 year program depending on the number of credit hours taken at a time after meeting all program prerequisites.  The PhD program is most often coupled with an area of concentration such as intercultural communications, interpersonal communications, or organizational communications.  The overriding emphasis in a PhD degree in communications is to prepare students for a career in research in the higher education system or in private industry after graduation.

Educational Requirements in Speech Communications

In terms of educational requirements, Speech Communication and Rhetoric degree holders will have typically studied a variety of classes prior to earning their degree in this field. While the classes will vary from school to school, you will generally find a set of core classes that include the following courses:

Employment Information & Speech Specializations

Communications majors earning a graduate or undergraduate degree with have valuable insights into the way we connect with one another. This knowledge is a marketable skills that can be parlayed into a variety of specializations. Examples of career specializations include media buyers, teachers, announcers, broadcasting, translators, interpreters, public relations, photography, editors, digital media specialists, technical writers, and reporters. Each career type and industry can be further researched by sorting the most popular college majors in the United States.

Top Careers for Communications Majors

Communication majors will be eager to launch a career in a variety of sectors after graduating from an accredited college or university. Graduates can find themselves working for private companies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or public corporations. Top career choices in communications include the following jobs:

  • Lobbyist
  • Research Specialist
  • Foreign Relations Manager
  • Advertising Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Media Relations Director
  • Corporate Communications Manager
  • Labor Relations Specialist
  • Communications Teacher
  • Broadcaster
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Human Resource Manager

Communications Career Outlook

Speech communications jobs appear to be trending well above average.  Both the BLS and ONet organizations indicate a strong outlook in this learning domain.  Specifically, the expected rate of job growth for interpreters is expected to rise 29% through 2024 while technical writers will see a 7% employment bump.

The extremely broad nature of this field of study make it a challenge to provide specific career data.  Federal government agencies and private data aggregators provide substantive data on specific industries but not necessarily for broad-based employment areas such as this.  Income you will make in the field of communications will be a function of the job type, employment arrangement, locale, and work experience in the field.  All told, you will have a much better idea of a range of income after selecting a sub-discipline in a specific city with a targeted employer.

Additional Resources for Communication Majors

Students interested in learning more about the communications industry and being part of the cutting-edge changes, may consider becoming members of an association.  Non-profit associations provide resources, education, news, support, and benefits for professionals in this field of study.  Organizations worth researching include the National Communication Organization (NCO), the American Society for Journalists & Authors (ASJA), American Business Media (ABM), and the American Communication Association (ACA).

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