Communications Degrees
Communications degrees are designed to provide students with an overview of communication tools and theoretical perspectives for digital, print, mass media, written, and verbal formats. Students in communications programs are likely to gain experiential training and the necessary skill sets to be successful in the field, such as digital design, public speaking, problem-solving, research, and analytical thinking. Throughout their programs, communications students typically learn how to collaborate and connect with diverse individuals and groups while learning how to effectively disseminate information and influence public opinion.
Communications programs are offered on campus, online, or in a hybrid learning environment of both in-person and online courses. Many communications degrees enable students to tailor their studies with a concentration in a related subject area, such as journalism, media studies, or advocacy that prepare them for careers in corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, or social justice movements.
The Top Bachelor's Degree Programs in Communications
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pennsylvania | $57770 | 8% | 96% | 59% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | University of California-Berkeley | $14253 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $8980 | 23% | 91% | 65% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | University of California-Davis | $14495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Bentley University | $51830 | 47% | 90% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of North Florida | $5964 | 72% | 67% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | CUNY Hunter College | $7382 | 35% | 57% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | $10728 | 87% | 45% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | DePauw University | $51146 | 64% | 84% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 15 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 16 | Winona State University | $9666 | 68% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | CUNY City College | $7340 | 46% | 56% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | The University of Texas at Arlington | $11040 | 83% | 51% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Miami University-Oxford | $15193 | 80% | 81% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 21 | Marist College | $40525 | 49% | 84% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 22 | Texas Tech University | $9300 | 69% | 61% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 23 | University of Minnesota-Crookston | $12116 | 68% | 50% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 24 | The University of Texas at San Antonio | $8262 | 77% | 42% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Washington State University | $11841 | 76% | 60% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 26 | University of Vermont | $18802 | 67% | 77% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | University of Massachusetts-Boston | $14613 | 76% | 49% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | SUNY Polytechnic Institute | $8503 | 69% | 57% | 96% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | $7873 | 85% | 53% | 84% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Illinois State University | $12836 | 82% | 70% | 89% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | SUNY Oneonta | $8740 | 56% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 32 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point | $8270 | 85% | 60% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 33 | Sam Houston State University | $8536 | 83% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $8171 | 81% | 45% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 35 | SUNY College at Potsdam | $8711 | 68% | 61% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | $8438 | 63% | 50% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | Stanford University | $53529 | 4% | 94% | 70% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | Northwest University | $32960 | 93% | 58% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | $13680 | 75% | 62% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 40 | Oakland University | $14520 | 83% | 57% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Worcester State University | $10161 | 66% | 58% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 42 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | $53790 | 7% | 95% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | $8974 | 80% | 47% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | Ouachita Baptist University | $27900 | 61% | 63% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | Randolph-Macon College | $42550 | 71% | 68% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Ohio Northern University | $33440 | 70% | 77% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | University of Idaho | $8304 | 78% | 56% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | Texas State University | $10581 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Merrimack College | $43340 | 82% | 75% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | La Salle University | $31650 | 78% | 66% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Communications Degrees Are There?
Communications degrees are available at every level of higher education, from associate to doctoral. Certificate programs are also common. Below, we'll explore these programs in greater detail.
Associate Degrees in Communications
Associate degree programs in communications are designed to provide students with a foundational background in several mediums of communication and touch on a broad range of media topics. Students enrolled in these types of programs typically gain interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and public speaking skills that are applicable to a wide range of careers. Associate-level curriculums usually take about two years to complete and require about 60 credits of general coursework in math, reading and writing, and science, in addition to numerous communications-related electives.
Associate communications degrees typically culminate in an Associate of Arts (AA), although some programs may result in an Associate of Science (AS). Students who obtain associate communications degrees often continue their education by pursuing a bachelor's degree in communications or seek entry-level employment in the field.
Bachelor's Degrees in Communications
A bachelor's degree in communications is designed to provide students with an in-depth focus on the principles and applications of communications from an organizational, societal, governmental, and digital perspective. Students enrolled in a bachelor-level communications program are typically required to complete 120 credits of general courses, core requirements, and electives. Some colleges offer concentrations in various communications fields, as well, such as media studies, professional writing, communications strategy, and marketing.
Students who graduate with four-year bachelor's degrees in communications obtain either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) and may find themselves employed as digital strategists, communications specialists, or news reporters.
Master's Degrees in Communications
Master's degrees in communications offer an advanced curriculum in communications and media studies, allowing students to gain additional training and expertise with more specialized coursework. Many graduate-level programs require that students complete about 30 to 36 credits of core courses and electives, as well as a thesis/dissertation, capstone project, or a comprehensive portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of key concepts.
Students pursuing a master-level degree in communications have the option to concentrate in one or more of several specializations and use their degrees for career advancement or a change in careers. Typically, students obtain a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) and may go on to find work in corporations, government offices, and nonprofit organizations.
Doctoral Degrees in Communications
A doctorate in communications is the terminal degree in the field. Doctorate programs in communications aim to prepare students for research and teaching opportunities at universities and to make contributions to expert panels.
To be admitted into a doctoral degree program, applicants typically need a master's degree in a related field. Although program lengths usually include a curriculum of 45 to 60 credits, some communications doctorate degrees require up to 80 credits of coursework beyond the master's degree level. Many programs offer students an opportunity to specialize in a specific concentration, while other students may choose to pursue a degree in a related subject, such as media and culture or journalism, culminating in a thesis/dissertation or portfolio.
Communications doctorate degrees may be a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communications Studies, Ph.D. in Journalism, or a Ph.D. in Media, Culture, and Communications.
Certificates in Communications
Students who wish to gain foundational expertise in key communications topics may choose to pursue a certificate program. Certificates are ideal for individuals who want to improve their skills or learn new skills, seek entry-level employment in the field, or pursue career advancement.
Many certificate programs include 15 to 18 credits of communications courses and usually take about a year to complete. Some programs are shorter, however, and can be completed in six months or a matter of weeks.
Students have a wide variety of certificate programs to choose from, but common certificates include media analytics, professional writing, strategic communications, social media, and global media studies.
Students who do not wish to enroll in a communications certificate program at a college may opt to sign up for free online communications courses and training. However, these types of courses usually don't offer college credit.
Communications Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
Students enrolled in a communications bachelor's degree program often have several options to choose from when deciding on a concentration or study track. Depending on the college or university, many schools provide the following concentrations in their communications programs:
Media Studies
This concentration explores the media's impact on society, including the cultural, psychological, and social implications of information dissemination, particularly of news, entertainment, and politics. Course topics may include gender and the media, multiculturalism and the media, communication law, and media audiences.
Communications Technology
This concentration focuses on communication technologies and their applications. Students will explore course topics pertaining to digital design and development, as well as how to effectively utilize information technologies and the roles they play in social media, mobile apps, content management systems, forums, video games, etc. Students who concentrate on communication technology may pursue a career as a software designer, researcher, social media specialist, or UX specialist.
Advocacy and Social Influence
This concentration investigates the relationship between communications and society, with an emphasis on different cultures, individuals, groups, communities, and organizations. Course topics may include communication leadership and organization, digital and media activism, and intercultural communications that aim to prepare students for communications careers in social justice, policy-making, and public relations.
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Communications
There are numerous communications courses students can take to expand their expertise in communications-related subjects. Communications curriculums are designed to provide students with essential skills in the field of communications, such as research capabilities, writing, design, public speaking, and analytical thinking.
Bachelor-level communications curriculums typically devote the first half of the program to general mathematics, composition, and science coursework, while the second half of the program typically focuses on the core requirements of a communications track and its electives.
The following course titles are examples of courses offered in bachelor's communications degree programs:
- Introduction to Communications
- Communication and Persuasion
- Media Industries
- Global Media Studies
- Writing About Communications
- Intercultural Communications
Communication and Persuasion
This course examines the efficacy of persuasive messaging in target demographics, including the opinions, values, and behaviors held by individuals and communities. Students typically apply theoretical thinking and research skills to better understand and identify how persuasive advertising, propaganda, and campaigns influence different target audiences.
Media Industries
This course is ideal for students interested in a career in media business and usually examines the evolution of news, internet, television, film, print, and promotional industries. Students may also be exposed to legal, governmental, historical, societal, and monetary perspectives that impact how people utilize and are influenced by media.
Writing About Communications
This course is designed to help students learn how to compose text or dialogue for various media formats. An emphasis is usually placed on research and development, as well as communications planning and design. Oftentimes, students gain experience writing for print and electronic media, including pamphlets, news, fact sheets, reports, press releases, and more.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Communications?
Bachelor's degree programs in communications usually take about four years to complete, but program lengths tend to vary due to several factors, including whether a student attends school full-time or part-time, or if they need to fulfill specific program requirements, such as workshops, seminars, or internships.
Other factors that determine the length of a program may include whether students enroll in summer classes or if their program is offered in an accelerated format. Some communications programs allow students to take an integrated bachelor's and master's curriculum, in which the program will take longer to complete but the student will graduate with a higher-level degree.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Communications Degrees
A college or university receives accreditation for achieving a high level of academic excellence and by meeting the learning needs of its student body. School accreditation is important when it comes to paying for college; students must attend an accredited institution to qualify for federal financial aid. Credits acquired at accredited schools are also more transferable than those that aren't.
Some communications programs have specialized accreditation, as well. For example, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications bases its accreditation criteria on colleges providing a unique curriculum and instruction, program inclusivity and diversity, and the opportunity for creative, professional, and educational development and subject matter expertise.
To find out more information about a college or university's accreditation, students can visit their school's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited colleges and universities.
Enrolling in a School for Communications Bachelor's Degree Program
When applying to college, first-time students must fill out the application on their school's website and send in their academic records, such as high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, college essays, or transferable credits. Usually, colleges charge a nominal fee for the application.
Students who wish to transfer from one institution to another typically follow similar application procedures, including sending in official transcripts detailing their completed coursework at their previous schools. Many colleges, whether a student is a first-time or transfer applicant, require a minimum grade point average or ACT/SAT score for consideration.
Depending on the school, students interested in applying to a communication bachelor's degree program may need to create a portfolio of their work to send in with their application. Often, this is required for communications technology or design programs in particular. Additionally, some programs require that students complete required introductory pre-requisite courses before being considered for admission into a program.
Communications Licensure & Certification
To stay relevant in the field, communications professionals may decide to pursue credentialing to demonstrate and advance their expertise. For example, through the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential requires individuals to complete an application, study and sit for a panel discussion, take an exam at a local testing center or virtually, and showcase their commitment to ongoing education and training.
The PRSA also provides credentialing to current students and recent graduates of communications-related programs, as well as military communication experts.
Other communication credentials are offered through the Global Communication Certification Council, such as the Communication Management Professional (CMP) and the Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP). Like the APR credential, to obtain a CMP or SCMP, individuals must submit an application and pass an exam. However, those interested in a CMP credential should have a minimum of 6-8 years of professional experience and 40 hours of training, while SCMP credentialing requires that individuals have a minimum of eleven years of professional experience and 20 hours of training, as well as a letter of recommendation from someone they mentored in the field.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Communications?
There is a broad spectrum of career options for individuals with a communications major to choose from. Bachelor-level communications degrees are designed to prepare students for roles that inform, influence, and entertain target audiences across wide-ranging organizations, industries, and media platforms.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, individuals who worked in communications and media-related careers had a median salary of:
- Communications/PR Specialists: $61,150
- Writers and Authors: $63,200
- Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts: $46,270
- Market Research Analysts: $63,790
- Communications/PR Managers: $116,180
How to Become a Communications Specialist
Depending on the industry, communications specialists may be responsible for handling requests for information from the media, providing press releases, or serving as a spokesperson representative. Communications specialists should be able to establish close working relationships with a variety of people and establishments, be adept at maintaining positive public opinions of an organization or agenda, and be able to analyze, develop, and adapt communication strategies effectively.
Communications specialists typically have strong foundational knowledge in media production and technology, as well as marketing, customer service, and administrative experience. Common skill sets include active listening, public speaking, time management, and excellent writing capabilities.
According to the BLS, job growth for communications specialists is expected to increase by 7 percent (2019-2029).
How to Become a Communications Director
Communications directors utilize superior interpersonal, leadership, organizational, public speaking, composition, and problem-solving skills to design and oversee the development of materials to enhance public opinion.
Often, communications directors analyze industry trends and the various economic, political, and societal factors that influence the public's perspectives of a company or organization. Communications directors sometimes manage a team of communications specialists and provide input into advertising, marketing, and promotional initiatives to ensure the materials align with the image a company is trying to present.
According to the BLS, job growth for communications directors is expected to be 9 percent (2019-2029).
Professional Organizations in Communications
There are several professional organizations that students and individuals working in the field may choose to join. Often, these organizations provide opportunities for members to network with other professionals in the field, stay abreast of industry trends, and seek employment in communications and media.
The Global Alliance for Public Relations and Communication Management aims to connect public relations professionals from around the world while promoting a collaborative exchange of communications expertise. To become a member, individuals must fill out the membership application on the organization's website and submit it to the Executive Board for review. If admitted, individuals must pay a membership fee.
The Public Relations Society of America is another organization that provides several benefits to its members, such as monthly webinars and discounted workshop training, daily e-newsletters and professional publications, and access to the online directory and forums that boost networking opportunities with fellow industry professionals.
Additionally, social media strategists, influencers, and managers may decide to join the Social Media Association (SMA). The SMA's mission is to empower social media professionals to be innovators in the field, providing access to quarterly meetups and networking events, employment and speaking opportunities, and discussions about future digital technologies, industry trends, and business objectives as it relates to social media.
Professional organizations for communications occasionally offer student memberships for individuals enrolled in communication or media-focused program. These types of organizations usually provide students with professional connections, enhanced subject-matter expertise, and opportunities for employment upon graduation
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Communications Degrees
Individuals who require financial assistance to pay for their education can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much federal financial assistance they are qualified for. Eligibility requirements for FAFSA include a demonstrated financial need, proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and enrollment at an accredited college or university.
Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are also available to apply for online, including those in subject areas related to communications or media studies. Some colleges offer private scholarships to enrolled students, as well. Other options for financial assistance may include a tuition reimbursement program through an employer, work-study opportunities, and active military or veteran financial aid.
Students should visit their college or university's financial aid office for additional information regarding tuition, financing, federal assistance, and scholarship opportunities.
NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship
The NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship is available to students with disabilities who are currently pursuing a media or communications degree at a US college or university. Applicants should submit the application form, a current resume, unofficial transcript, a letter of recommendation from a faculty member or mentor, and two original essays.
Eight winners will receive an award of $5,625 to assist with tuition fees or additional educational costs.
Sixth City Marketing College Scholarship
The annual Sixth City Marketing College Scholarship is offered to incoming and current enrollees in an accredited US college or university. Applicants submit a 500-word essay demonstrating how the internet and digital age has influenced their educational and professional pursuits in the field; for example, through social media, web design, videography, or other digital campaigns. The winner will receive $1,500 for tuition and other educational expenses, paid directly to the student's college or university.
