Best Online Bachelor’s in Communications Degree Programs

Chicago's DePaul University offers a communication and media online degree program designed for transfer students seeking to complete an online bachelor’s degree in communications. DePaul is an excellent option for transfer students, as transfers must have completed at least 30 semester credit hours from another university or college, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher. Some writing and math courses are needed to fulfill general education requirements, though these may be waived if equivalent courses were completed elsewhere. Students must complete all communications credits at DePaul.

Coursework in the online communications degree covers subjects like public relations and cinema, and also includes experiential learning, internships, and a capstone project. Online courses are small. Students can order textbooks online and access online training documentation required for their courses via the school’s Desire2Learn software. Live online help and a learning center are also very helpful for students getting started.

Webster University’s media communication degree trains students in producing media and teaches them how to conduct research about cultural media presentations. After completing core communications classes, students select a concentration of 12 credit hours to emphasize their upper level coursework. Each student must pass a portfolio review during their junior year to demonstrate that they’re advancing on schedule. Those who earn their communications degree online will be able to successfully interpret media messages, communicate, and creatively solve problems.

Based in St. Louis, Missouri, Webster has several campuses throughout the United States, along with six international locations. Online courses are delivered through its WorldClassroom program, bringing together a diverse group of students and faculty from around the world. Classes are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus, and state-of-the art technology makes it easy to connect with professors and other students. For those interested in additional schooling at Webster, the university also offers a minor and master’s in media communications.

North Dakota State University offers an online BA in strategic communication degree. NDSU is a member of the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance, a consortium of 11 universities that combines online coursework offerings and instruction from the best faculty from the institutions in the consortium. After completing pre-communications courses, students select an emphasis, such as public relations, advertising, or health communication. Classes include media writing, communication campaigns, and a capstone in convergence media. NDSU requires students to complete an internship as part of the curriculum.

Other student services include an adviser accessible via phone or email to help with planning coursework, free online tutoring through the Smarthinking software, financial aid assistance, and a helpful get-started packet. The department offers scholarships to juniors and seniors. Tuition and fees for online programs are charged at the North Dakota resident rate regardless of where the student lives.

Bellevue University’s online communication studies degree offers tutoring, discussion, tutorials, library resources, and tech support to distance learners. Coursework is available both on-campus and online, and teaches students the necessary communications skills for applying theories to processes. Courses in the communications core include interviewing, conflict and communication, and diversity and communication. Students can also choose between five specific clusters for a combination of courses developed around their interests. A minor in communication studies is also available.

Students must complete several writing courses within the first 30 hours of coursework to qualify for the program. Students must complete 36 credits of major-specific coursework and 127 total credits to graduate. Three courses to fulfill the Kirkpatrick Signature Series are also required: this sequence analyzes institutions in Western Civilization that have been successful through discussions, lectures, debates, and research.

California Baptist University, based in Riverside, offers a flexible online bachelor’s degree in communications. The program equips students with the skills necessary to address issues in a global context through the lens of Christian teachings and ethics. Courses that reinforce the Baptist foundation include overview of the Bible and foundations of Christian thought. After students complete prerequisites and lower-division courses, they take upper-division classes in topics like global digital engagement and media law and ethics.

The communication studies major requires students to complete 48 units, which takes approximately 16 months. Online classes are taught in an accelerated format and start every eight weeks, with three year-round semesters. A one-stop student service advisor helps students plan academics, in addition to services like online tutoring, faculty support, and career services. Graduates learn how to self-reflect, think critically, lead and engage others, and make effective decisions.

Arkansas State University offers an online BA in communication studies combining communication theory and experiential learning for effective interpersonal, professional, and organizational communications.

Besides general courses, students need to take two courses in composition as well as major or program courses like crisis communication, promotional writing, electronic media, and a professional seminar. Arkansas State has an online transfer search tool that makes it easy to see what credits will be accepted. Its tuition is very affordable and includes all administrative fees. Online students can use the self-service portal classes to register for classes, check grades, pay tuition, receive alerts, and more. Each student also has a teacher assistant assigned to them to answer any questions, help with registration, and act as a mentor.

120 total credits are required for graduation. Courses in the communications degree online run for seven weeks. Classes start throughout spring, summer, and fall, with eight flexible start dates available throughout the year.

Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, offers an online communications degree in an accelerated format. To accommodate busy schedules, students can learn entirely online or take some on-campus classes too, which include evening on-campus courses. Students can take up tp to 12 hours per semester during two eight-week sessions, with these shorter sessions allowing for faster program completion so students can complete their degree and enter the workforce.

Communications students develop speaking, writing, and presentation skills during their time at Mississippi College. Six emphases are available: interpersonal and public communication, journalism, mass media, political communication, public relations, and sports media. Classes combine theories with practical applications, allowing graduates to leave with a completed portfolio. The department organizes internships and has approved internship programs in Washington, D.C. and throughout Mississippi. Online training videos and an orientation course help students become familiar with the software for online courses.

Midway University offers an online marketing communications program for those looking to earn an online communications degree. Combining the use of diverse communications tools, Midway gives students practical experience that help them find a job quickly upon graduation. After completing core coursework, students choose to concentrate on writing or graphic design.Coursework may include Photoshop, writing for marketing,graphic design, or advertising principles. 120 credit hours are needed for graduation, including 39 required in the communications major and 18 required in the chosen concentration.

All classes should be available online, but students should plan their coursework with an adviser since some on-campus courses may be required or only available during certain semesters. Taking a combination of on-campus classes, taking online classes, and completing online coursework is possible with flexible night classes that take eight weeks to complete. Students may also receive credit for prior learning including work experience, military credit, or classes taken at another institution.

National University in La Jolla, California, has an online BA in strategic communications that prepares students for leadership positions through training in a combination of theory and skills. Academic work, case studies, hands-on experience, and crafting messages for different media platforms provide learning opportunities and gives students the experience necessary to succeed in future careers. 180 quarter units are required, with 70.5 of those consisting of general education requirements.

Example classes include interactive storytelling and media management, and courses are asynchronous, allowing participation anytime of day. Interactive tools like links, emails, lectures, readings, presentations, evaluations, quizzes, and exams make for a collaborative learning environment. For those pursing a degree in communications, classwork is available 100% online. Online students can access the library of ebooks, which is one of the larger ebook collections in the United States, in addition to an online math center, help desk, academic success center, bookstore, and other helpful resource.

Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas, has an online bachelor’s of business administration in strategic business communication. Its BBA core classes are available in Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, or online. The core courses focus on management, leadership, finance, accounting, marketing, technology, economics, and project planning. Students learn how to apply skills as they solve problems and build teams. Faculty bring field experience to the classroom to guide students through core and major courses, which include topics like media ethics and social media strategies.

The university’s dedicated prior learning and assessment center also offers credit for prior knowledge through test preparations and a one-credit portfolio course. Students need a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to graduate from the program.

For those looking for a communications degree online, the strategic business communication classes are only available online. Classes start every seven weeks and new classes are offered year-round.

University of Texas of the Permian Basin offers online communications degree completely online, without any on-campus learning requirements. Courses last eight weeks, and 120 credit hours are necessary for graduation. Those looking for a flexible, expedited online program will certainly enjoy the convenience of six start dates per year and the ability to complete the degree in 12 months. . At least 15 elective credits are required, with courses like visual communication, group leadership, and introduction to public speaking.

With affordable tuition at $288 per credit hour, the same faculty that teaches online also teaches on-campus. Student mentorship is a high priority. With 99% of seniors reporting that their professors gave quick academic feedback. Earning an online bachelor’s degree in communications is flexible with student schedules and can be completed at any time of the day. Applicable minors to the communications program include psychology and sociology for those looking to broaden their learning experience.

The University of Minnesota-Crookston offers a Bachelor’s of Science in communication. The program is taught on-campus or as an online communications degree. Three emphases are offered so students can customize studies according to career goals: writing, organizational,communication/public relations, or communication studies, and an online communication minor is also available. Online faculty also serve as mentors, offering prompt and personalized attention to help students succeed. Discussions and interactive tools make it easy to get involved in class, no matter what time you login.

The university does not require out-of-state tuition for online classes. The program requires a three-credit internship, two-credit seminar, and courses on research, writing, and public speaking. The internship programs are available through corporate partnerships, and study abroad opportunities are available in 67 countries worldwide. With the ability to customize their degrees, gain on-hands experience during internships, and create a strong portfolio of materials in the classroom, students are prepared to quickly enter the workforce upon graduation, with 93% of the university’s graduates finding jobs in their field within six months.

Oral Roberts University (ORU) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers an online communications degree in the form of a BA in communication. Students learn about interpersonal communication through theory and practice, while exploring social decision-making and self-expression. Core courses may include organizational communication, business, or professional speech, with a senior paper or project, presentation, and internship required to graduate.

ORU has Christian roots and is focused on educating the whole person: spirit, mind, and body. Thus, in addition to other general education requirements, courses in Biblical literature and theology are also required as part of ORU’s the general education requirements. Core courses may include organizational communication, Additionally, all communication majors must choose a minor, which requires 18 credits of the total 128 credits needed to graduate. Minor choices can include Bible, Christian ministries, general business, and others.

Upon graduating with an online bachelor’s degree in communications, skills in public speaking, problem solving, conference leadership, systems analysis, interviewing, consulting, and other areas are fully developed and have prepared students for their chosen field.

Upper Iowa University offers an online communications degree with emphases in journalism, sports communication, or communication studies. Those in the journalism emphasis receive hands-on reporting experience writing new media including articles, blogs,Tweets,full feature articles, and a variety of other media pieces. Coursework covers how new media impacts journalism, preparing students for an evolving field with a high demand for professionals with modern, technical skills. Those in sports communication can access internship opportunities with local teams while learning about sports law, administration, and marketing.

Students also get a strong foundation of theoretical and ethical knowledge to inform their future careers. Coursework is accessible at the Fayette campus, local and international education centers, or entirely online. Online students can take advantage of six eight-week terms per year thus can begin taking classes quickly. Participation is very active, but asynchronous and flexible with your schedule.

Point Park University is located in downtown Pittsburgh and offers an online communications degree requiring 125 credits for graduation. Professors have years of experience in the industry and are equipped to train students for careers in communications. Point Park’s BA in mass communication curriculum include li writing intensive courses, multiplatform magazine reporting, a career prep seminar, and specific capstones.

Point Park does not require any application fees for admissions. Online programs are small and convenient, with affordable tuition and flexible scheduling. The university offers success coaches that are mentors for online learning and can point students in the right direction of different resources. These mentors follow-up with students through phone calls or email to see how courses are progressing. Students can also use the Point Park network to reach out to working professionals to find internships and jobs at leading companies.