Aspiring speakers, writers, and businesspeople looking for a versatile degree can benefit from one of these 35 best online Bachelor’s in Communications!
Bachelor’s in Communications degrees focus on understanding how communication works and how best to leverage that for marketing, business, and political means. With distance learning, you can complete your education and attain your own Bachelor’s degree in the field from the comfort of your own home. So, let’s check out what exactly a Bachelor’s in Communications is and whether it’ll work for you.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Communications Degree?
A Bachelor’s in Communications is a four-year degree that focuses on how humans communicate from a social or psychological viewpoint. It doesn’t study the actual physical aspects of communication but instead emphasizes how messages are perceived by individuals and groups. Contexts normally focused on include marketing, journalism, and media.
A degree in communications can lead to careers in business, marketing, public relations, media, news, journalism, writing, and more. It can also lead to generalized careers in business or other industries because of its multidisciplinary nature.
How Much Can You Earn With a Bachelor’s in Communications Degree?
A Bachelor’s degree in communications can lead to several lucrative career paths. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that those with a media or communications occupation have an annual median wage of $57,530, which is significantly higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.
The media and communication category can lead to a variety of potential career choices. For instance, communications-degree holders can become editors, who deal with either written or visual media and earn an annual salary of around $59,480 per year. Alternatively, they can become interpreters and translators, who bring in an annual salary of around $50,000 per year, and this job is growing at a rate of 19% over the next ten years. The other career paths available, however, are numerous.
What Is Required for a Bachelor’s in Communications Degree?
A Bachelor’s in Communications will normally require an interdisciplinary curriculum that covers multiple types of classes and subjects. Potential classes you might find in any given program include:
- Writing
- Media
- History
- Psychology
Although the communications degree can lead to a variety of career endpoints, most programs emphasize the credential’s viability within the business sphere. Indeed, many graduates with a Bachelor’s in Communications end up going into business either as a marketing or public relations specialists. Thus, many programs that award this degree will have extra classes concerning the business sector or might even be paired with dual-degree options in business or business administration.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Communications Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses student satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Oral Roberts University
20-Year ROI$744,103
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $25,800(in state) / $25,800(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Seven-week terms
- Six terms per year
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreThis program combines a rigorous communication-based curriculum with a Christian ethical framework. It encompasses courses such as Advanced Public Speaking, Communication Theory, and Interpersonal Communication. It can be completed in as little as 45 months if you take classes on a full-time basis.
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Dallas Baptist University
20-Year ROI$851,918
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $26,580(in state) / $26,580(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Options to focus on management or written communication
- Inverted/reduced pathway available
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreThis online program is both flexible and practical. As a Baptist University, the school incorporates religious classes alongside a secular communication-based curriculum. The classes are also fairly modern, emphasizing digital media and social media to prepare students for careers in this new digital environment.
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Full Sail University
20-Year ROI$773,128
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,929(in state) / $19,929(out of state)
- Can be completed in 29 months
- Several dedicated scholarships available
- Requires 120 credits hours
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreThis degree program focuses on media communications, making it an excellent choice for modern students. It’s a Bachelor of Science designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of dynamic media communication skills. It’s also a project-based curriculum that focuses on entrepreneurship and marketing strategies.
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Point Park University
20-Year ROI$731,857
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,860(in state) / $28,860(out of state)
- Several student-run media organizations available
- Requires 125 credits
- Several thematic concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThis program is explicitly in journalism, making it an excellent choice for future reporters or newscasters who want to specialize. The curriculum emphasizes modern digital elements and tools. It’s also fairly interdisciplinary and grants all students access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for real-life work experiences.
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Eastern Illinois University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,617(in state) / $12,126(out of state)
- Requires 120 credits
- Several dedicated scholarships available
- Totally asynchronous class schedule
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThis online program in communications studies focuses on the understanding and creation of messages in multiple contexts. It has an intersecting curriculum that focuses on both theory and practice for multidisciplinary education. Students will be able to select from four concentrations, one of which is available only to online students.
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University of Utah
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,697(in state) / $26,940(out of state)
- Features several opportunities for internships
- Requires 122 credits
- Partially asynchronous
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThis online program can be pursued as either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts. Students will be able to pursue one of four concentrations: Strategic Medication; Journalism; Communications Studies; or Science, Health, Environmental, and Risk Communication. There are many multimedia laboratories available for online and on-campus students.
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University of West Alabama
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,614(in state) / $15,228(out of state)
- Optional concentrations in Sports Communication and Graphic Design
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features multiple start dates
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThis program focuses on integrated marketing communications, allowing you to develop your skills and knowledge in multiple fields. You’ll have lots of opportunities with hands-on multimedia experience in several areas. Classes featured cover graphic design, web design, social media, social science, and even news writing.
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University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,888(in state) / $18,072(out of state)
- $50 application fee
- Requires 120 credits
- Offers several concentration areas
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThis school offers a well-rounded degree that teaches interpersonal communication, media-oriented communication, and business and strategic communication. All courses are based on the latest peer-reviewed research and are ideal for those who want to become better at public speaking. The program features a series of extremely flexible enrollment and application dates.
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Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- Requires 127 credits
- Online cohort format
- Multiple opportunities for work experience
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThis Bachelor of Science in Communications program is ideal for those who want to become professional organizational communicators. The curriculum emphasizes using emerging technologies in league with digital media and public relations. Some of the classes you take focus on building collaborative relationships and incorporating design with individual communication.
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Columbus State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,264(in state) / $15,050(out of state)
- Can be completed in less than four years
- Requires 123 credits
- Can lead straight to a master’s degree
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThis university allows you to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a curriculum that builds upon theoretical communication foundations. It explores concepts and modern applications of communicative theory, and it’s one of the few communications programs perfect for students who want to proceed to graduate school.
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West Virginia University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,376(in state) / $23,616(out of state)
- Several internship courses available
- Requires a capstone course even for online students
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThis communications program focuses on both the theoretical and applied levels of the subject. Students can specialize in four areas ranging from health to interpersonal and strategic organizational communication. Alternatively, students can complete an integrated communications track for a more general focus, which is great if you don’t have a strict career path in mind after graduation.
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Mississippi College
20-Year ROI$760,969
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,400(in state) / $16,400(out of state)
- Several specializations available
- Features student-run media organizations
- Requires 120 credits
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreMississippi College provides a program that emphasizes the foundations of communication theory and also develops your practical skills with applied work experiences. You’ll gain access to digital studio facilities that let you make media using industry-standard video recording and editing software. The school also offers opportunities for internships and other hands-on experiences.
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,484(in state) / $13,484(out of state)
- Can lead to a master’s degree
- Requires 120 credits
- Multiple start dates available throughout the year
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis 100% online degree focuses on digital journalism and media, making it a perfect choice if you already want to specialize in this area. The program features classes focusing on multimedia storytelling and digital production, as well as digital content management. The curriculum also allows you to further specialize your skills for a particular job after graduation.
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University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,800(in state) / $24,986(out of state)
- Requires 120 credits
- Includes some in-person requirements
- Requires capstone course for completion
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThis online program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communications Studies. The curriculum examines human communication in a broad sense using social science and humanistic methods. As a result, it’s focused both on practical skills and research, making it a general and diverse degree option for overall communication enthusiasts.
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University of Minnesota-Crookston
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,282(in state) / $10,282(out of state)
- Also available as a minor
- Applied learning and internships available
- Requires 120 credits
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThis program provides a Bachelor of Science in Communication. It allows students to pursue three areas of emphasis, including Writing, Organizational Communication and Public Relations, and Communications Studies. All students will complete portfolio-building activities in the classroom they can use to improve their chances of employment after graduation.
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Wilmington University
20-Year ROI$848,436
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,890(in state) / $10,890(out of state)
- Requires cooperative learning experiences
- Features opportunities for technical communicator certifications
- Requires 120 credits
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThis online program has been specifically developed for today’s business and media landscape. The degree teaches effective and strategic communication techniques so graduates can create brands and stories that stick with audiences. Several concentrations are also available to let you specialize in a particular field.
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Dominican College of Blauvelt
20-Year ROI$920,606
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $27,588(in state) / $27,588(out of state)
- Can be completed in less than four years
- Requires 120 credits
- Several tuition deferment options available
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis is an accelerated communications studies program that is perfect for those who want to complete their education as fast as possible. It’s 100% online and focuses on traditional communications subjects like public relations and organizational communications. It accepts a whopping 90 credits from any transfer student, which can further accelerate your path to graduation.
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King University
20-Year ROI$865,509
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $27,024(in state) / $27,024(out of state)
- Can be completed in as little as 16 months
- Totally asynchronous format
- Requires 124 semester hours
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis program teaches useful interpersonal and business communication skills. It provides classes that emphasize written and oral communication strategies along with other business-friendly classes that teach resourceful persuasion and responsible decision-making. Classes are taken one at a time for maximum flexibility.
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Lakeland University
20-Year ROI$848,934
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $26,550(in state) / $26,550(out of state)
- Features several start dates through the year
- Cooperative learning experiences available
- Requires 120 semester hours
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis online program emphasizes social media, digital, and video communication classes and strategies to reflect their modern business focus. Most of the classes here emphasize new media projects and strategies rather than print media. All courses are taught by experienced instructors with generally small class sizes, which allows you to have more one-on-one time with your professors for a personalized education.
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Northeastern University Professional Advancement Network
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,308(in state) / $28,308(out of state)
- Provides real-life work experiences
- Requires 120 semester hours
- Requires capstone course for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis program emphasizes digital communication and media to make it a great choice for modern-day graduates. It focuses on all students developing digital competencies ranging from content creation to channel development. You’ll also have opportunities to research and to participate in a one-of-a-kind virtual PR firm, where you’ll work with your fellow students to solve mock problems in business scenarios.
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San Diego Christian College
20-Year ROI$718,583
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,057(in state) / $21,057(out of state)
- Spans five weeks per term
- Requires 123 credit hours
- No application fee required
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis communications program focuses on providing students with the skills they need to become effective speakers and writers. As a Christian college, SDCC incorporates religious studies into its curricula, and some of this is present in the communications program. You can complete this program either entirely online or blend it with evening classes at the university campus.
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The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,529(in state) / $5,369(out of state)
- Very frequent start dates through the year
- Requires 120 credits
- Features eight-week courses
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThis online program is designed to provide all students with a comprehensive overview of communication theories and skills. It looks at both historical rhetoric and Western philosophy surrounding communication as well as more modern digital strategies and skills. The degree can be customized with any of the online minors offered by the school.
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Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,300(in state) / $12,600(out of state)
- Requires 120 credits
- Can be completed in less than four years
- Features several start dates throughout the year
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThis program offers a versatile degree that focuses on communication as a general skill set, with a curriculum that incorporates both theoretical and practical classes. It can also be pursued as a double major with either criminology, sociology, or political science focuses; these pathways are great if you have a career in mind prior to graduation. The program can be completed quickly or over a longer span of time depending on your needs.
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Granite State College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,368(in state) / $8,280(out of state)
- Very generous transfer policy
- Requires 120 credits
- Offers research opportunities
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThis online program focuses on helping students develop analytical skills and their ability to craft effective messages through all kinds of channels. Courses focus on written, spoken, and digital message formats. Related degrees in marketing or digital media can also be pursued in the middle of the program if they fit you better, and you’ll be able to transfer many of the credits you’ve already completed to those programs.
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University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,991(in state) / $11,064(out of state)
- Requires 120 credits
- Requires capstone course for graduation
- Multiple start dates available throughout the year
School Wide
Program Level
69%OSR ScoreThis online communications program is available both as a major and minor. The major covers reducing visual media and collecting data in communication research classes. As a result, it’s relatively well balanced between theoretical and practical skills, making it a strong terminal degree or a stepping stone to graduate school.
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Ashland University
20-Year ROI$800,528
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $19,740(in state) / $19,740(out of state)
- Totally asynchronous format
- 16 credits of internship elective credit available
- Requires 120 credits
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreAshland University offers a degree in education studies. It provides all students with a strong communications foundation that includes classes on leadership, organization, conflict negotiation, as well as traditional topics like speaking, listening, and writing. It can be combined with a minor or be used in a dual major program, allowing you to specialize in two topics instead of one.
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University of North Dakota
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,946(in state) / $18,546(out of state)
- Requires 120 credits
- Can be completed in less than four years
- Six areas of concentration available
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreThis top-ranked Bachelor of Arts in Communications provides an interdisciplinary curriculum with classes focusing on teamwork and oral and written communication. It can be pursued either entirely online or in a blended format. Learning is entirely asynchronous, so the program’s extremely flexible and perfect for those who need to work while finishing their education.
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Purdue University Global-Augusta Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,037 (in state) / $14,358 (out of state)
- Several start dates available throughout the year
- Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s pathway available
- Requires 180 credits
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreThis online program is perfect for those wanting to obtain a position in the marketing, advertising, public relations, or organizational communications fields. It features a curriculum with modern classes that primarily emphasize digital communication strategies. All faculty who teach courses in this program have real-world communication or marketing experience.
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Mary Baldwin University
20-Year ROI$737,382
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,690(in state) / $30,690(out of state)
- Options for certificates in marketing communication
- Also available as a minor
- Requires 120 credits
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThis university provides a marketing and communications degree. The curriculum is extremely interdisciplinary, including classes from a variety of disciplines like modern languages, consumer psychology, and economics. It offers two tracks in either integrated marketing or communications studies to allow students to specialize their studies.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
20-Year ROI$941,927
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,330(in state) / $11,330(out of state)
- Requires 120 credits
- Can be completed in less than four years
- Several start dates available
School Wide
Program Level
65%OSR ScoreThis online program is one of the most well-known in the world and emphasizes digital media, even though it includes classes for all types of communications subjects. Classes are taken just one at a time in five-week sessions, allowing students to balance their work and personal lives. The program can be completed either entirely online or in a blended format.
