Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Communications

Study.com crunched data points from the U.S. Department of Education and looked at school details related to affordability and accessibility to form a list of the best schools for earning an online bachelor's degree in the communication field. These programs include both Bachelor of Art and Bachelor of Science degrees in communication that provide the opportunity for students to create an educational experience that fosters their personal and professional goals. The online format also doesn't eliminate experiential learning - many of these programs include internships, portfolio development or capstone courses. Students graduate with real-world experience - without having to set foot in an on-campus classroom. Any of these schools would be a fantastic choice for someone seeking on online bachelor's degree in communication.

1. University of Illinois at Springfield

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,928	77%	54%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The University of Illinois at Springfield's Bachelor of Arts in Communication is one of the most popular programs at the university - and we can see why! This program is offered fully online, and students are able to choose a focus in either interpersonal communication or journalism and media. The program is taught by the same high-quality faculty and includes the same curriculum as the on-campus program, but allows students to earn their degree in a flexible manner using modern technologies. This is a limited access program that prefers students have completed 60 hours of undergraduate courses or have an Associate of Arts degree.

2. University of North Dakota

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,736	81%	61%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Located in Grand Forks, ND, the University of North Dakota's Bachelor of Arts in Communication is designed to prepare students for a career in the communication field. The program is offered online and self-paced so students can fit their schooling into their busy schedules. Students can choose to customize their degree to focus on strategic communication, advertising, digital journalism, social media strategy, public relations, or digital analytics - depending on their interests and career goals. They can also add a minor or a certificate to customize it even more! Students in the online program will also can get hands-on experience by completing a communications internship at a place near their home base.

3. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,666	88%	40%	91%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The University of Texas Permian Basin has campuses located in Odessa and Midland, but their fantastic Bachelor of Arts in Communication can be completed in a flexible online format. This program touches on crisis communication, communication ethics, interpersonal communication, and small group communication needed in any workplace. Students can take courses at the time and place it is convenient for them. An internship experience and an engaging senior seminar course round out the program.

4. Arkansas State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,900	80%	53%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Arkansas State University's main campus is in Jonesboro, AR, but its Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies is offered fully online - a great fit for working professionals. This program features accelerated seven-week courses taught by experienced faculty. Coursework includes both theory of communication and experiential learning. Students also can double major with this program if they choose! Other program benefits include an affordable, pay-by-class tuition and a flexible transfer policy.

5. Ashland University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$21,965	71%	65%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program at Ashland University in Ashland, OH, is designed for students looking to finish their degree or to boost their current career. In this 30-credit degree completion program, students will connect with their classmates and instructors in small classes, build their portfolio with research, complete a curriculum designed by experts, as well as have the option to select a minor or dual major that complements their goals.

6. Columbus State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,241	79%	38%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication program with a fully online communication studies track. The program covers communication in groups and from an interpersonal or rhetoric viewpoint. Hands-on learning opportunities like internships and developing a professional portfolio prepares students to be competitive in the job market. Students can also learn from and be mentored by the diverse Department of Communication faculty.

7. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,728	87%	45%	81%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Offered fully online, the University of Colorado - Colorado Springs's Bachelor of Arts in Communication is an affordable, convenient option for students interested in this field. With two unique specializations - Professional Communication in the Digital, Virtual World and Applied Digital Media Studies - students can personalize their program to their interests. Classes are taught in an eight-week format by instructors specially trained for online learning, meaning students get the same quality education online as the on-campus program.

8. University of Minnesota-Crookston

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,116	68%	50%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The University of Minnesota's Crookston campus has over two decades of online learning experience and its Bachelor of Science in Communication is no exception. This program includes the same curriculum as its on-campus counterpart (except for a technology requirement) and features three areas of emphasis - communication studies, organizational communication/public relations, or social media. Built into the curriculum are projects that students can add to their portfolios for job searches. A flexible transfer policy, online student mentors, and access to the Student Success Center are just a few of the extra benefits for online communications students.

9. Dallas Baptist University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$30,320	90%	58%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Dallas Baptist University's online Bachelor of Art and Sciences in Communication Studies offers students a flexible educational experience steeped in Christian ethics. Students in this program take a variety of communication courses, including some with service-learning components. Courses are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus program in small class sizes, so online students get the same Dallas Baptist University experience from anywhere in the world.

10. Upper Iowa University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$31,685	51%	48%	99%	No	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Located in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University's online bachelor's in communication studies has three concentration options: communication studies, mass media, and sports communication. In this program, students take two courses at a time in eight-week sessions to focus on mastering the material. Online communication students also can choose from hands-on learning opportunities like internships with sports teams or sports agencies, reporting experiences, senior seminars, or special projects. Expert faculty guidance in class sizes of 13:1 and support from the Office of Career Development are also available to online students.

11. Purdue Global

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,037	No Available Data (2019-2020)	27%	76%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication offered through Purdue Global - part of the prestigious Purdue Global system - is another outstanding program for those looking for a flexible, online communication degree. This program customized to match a student's interest and career goals by choosing electives in areas like technical communication, public relations, or political communications. Students complete 10-week courses online covering topics like strategic communication, mass media and broadcasting, digital age tools, and culminating in a final capstone project. This program can also be paired with an accelerated master's degree, so students can further their educational and career prospects

12. Eastern Illinois University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,804	53%	53%	95%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Communication studies is a popular program at Eastern Illinois University - with a retention rate of more than 80%- and we can see why! The campus is located in Charleston, IL, but the Bachelor of Arts in Communication in Organizations program is fully online - perfect for working adults wanting to finish their bachelor's degrees. This program aims to prepare students for leading in public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Small class sizes ensure students get personalized attention from their instructors while building their network with classmates.

13. Lakeland University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29,880	78%	48%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Lakeland University in Plymouth, WI, has been providing a flexible pathway for traditional and adult students to complete their bachelor's degree for more than 40 years. Their Bachelor of Arts in Communication program is offered online and has two distinctive tracks for students to choose from - professional communication and rhetoric/public communication. Students can utilize the cooperative education program, which awards credit for work experience, to graduate faster.

14. Indiana Wesleyan University National & Global

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,345	No Available Data (2019-2020)	38%	85%	No	Yes	AP Credits

The unique Bachelor of Science in Communication program from Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IL, focuses on ethical communication practices from biblical perspectives to serve churches, schools, and a variety of businesses. This online program can be completed in as few as 22 months (for those with previous college coursework) with a flexible schedule and multiple start dates to choose from. Students will graduate with a portfolio, communication philosophy, and a senior project through their senior seminar courses. Experienced faculty that currently hold positions in communication organizations nationwide guide students through the program and help them prepare to meet their career goals.

15. Dominican College of Blauvelt

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29,844	78%	47%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The next school to make our top communications programs list is Dominican College of Blauvelt in Orangeburg, NY, which offers a fully online, accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. This program covers many areas of the field, including business writing, journalism, mass communication, public relations, and speech communication, though eight-week asynchronous courses. Students can expect a great transfer credit policy, as this program will accept up to 70 credits from a two-year school and 90 credits from a four-year school. Other perks of this great program include the one-on-one academic counseling, career counseling, as well as services at the Rockland County campus.

16. Mississippi College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18,800	42%	57%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The online Bachelor of Science in Communication offered by Mississippi College in Clinton, MS, is a generalist program that covers both theory and practical skills of communication. This program gives students flexibility to create their own schedule while also following course deadlines. Students will be led by communication faculty who collectively have over 100 years of service. This program also features an internship and senior portfolio to provide well-rounded experience.

17. Oral Roberts University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$30,070	68%	55%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication program that seeks to further the educational journey for students, as well as personal spiritual growth. Courses in this program are digitally focused and include versatile topics like cross-platform writing, integrated marketing communication, and web design. Students can complete this program in just under 4 years - or even sooner if transfer credits are applied. Student success coaches and faculty support students throughout the program, and year-round courses help keep students on track to graduate quickly.

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).

Online Associate Degrees in Communications

Associate degrees are offered in the fields of communication and communication studies. These programs are offered fully online and mostly offer courses in 5-8 week formats. The total number of credits required for the successful completion of associate degrees in communications is around 60. They focus on areas like interpersonal communication, mass communication, organizational communication, and public relations.

Online Bachelor's Degrees in Communications

Bachelor's programs in communication are available as both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs. The degrees are given in the areas of communications, professional communication, and media studies. These programs are offered fully online. They require around 80-120 credits in total. Many of these programs offer courses in 5-8 week formats, and they are mostly offered synchronously.

Online Master's Degrees in Communications

Online master's degrees in communications are offered in the general field of communications or specific fields like strategic communication. These programs might require around 30-36 credit hours, and can be pursued entirely online. They offer a flexible class schedule, but the degree of flexibility depends on each program. For example, some programs can be attended as per your convenience and can be completed in a few months, but others might require you to attend classes once a week.

Online Doctoral Degrees in Communications

Online doctoral degrees are offered in the areas of communication and strategic media. These programs require around 50-60 credits and can be completed in three years or more. The coursework for these programs is offered 100% online, but some programs might include a residency period.

Online Certificates in Communications

Online certificate programs in communications include both graduate and undergraduate programs. The graduate certificates are offered in areas like strategic communication, strategic communication management, and communication studies. They require around 12 to 30 credits and can be completed entirely online. The undergraduate certificates in communication are offered in areas like technical communication, visual communication, and global communication. These programs require around 14-18 credits for completion, and courses can be completed in 6-8 weeks.

Online bachelor's programs in communication usually offer concentrations or specializations in areas like strategic communication, digital communication, public relations, and general communication. Note that some of these fields might be offered as emphasis areas instead of specializations. The emphasis areas do not form an academic unit like a specialization does and offer less number of courses. But they do give a comprehensive understanding of the field. Mostly the courses offered in these specializations or areas of emphasis are three credits.

Some institutions and organizations offer free communication courses and classes to boost one's knowledge. Some of the common courses offered in bachelor's programs in communication include the following:

• Organizational communication
• Mass media
• Marketing communication
• Digital communication
• Visual communication
• Technical writing
• Intercultural communication
• Public relations

The course description of a few courses is given below.

Organizational Communication

The organizational communication course focuses on developing effective communication skills in the environment of an organization or institution like an office. It might look into cultural differences and identity, cross-cultural scenarios, and talk about strategies of communication to manage them. Team building, self-awareness, interpersonal skills, and leadership might be the key focus areas of the course.

Mass Media

A course on mass media examines the impacts of mass media on society and vice-versa. It might also look into the history, evolution, and regulation of mass media in the country. The course might examine the role played by mass media in social change. Topics related to personal branding, social media, and user-made content might be discussed.

Marketing Communication

Marketing communication focuses on developing strategies for persuasive communication in the field of advertising and sales. It helps students develop the creative and analytical skills required to produce marketing techniques and messages for the targeted audience. The principles of marketing and media relations might be discussed.

Online bachelor's in communication programs can be completed in around four years. These programs do not usually mandate any internship or field experience requirements. Therefore, the four years will be taken up only by coursework. The coursework includes both core courses and electives. Some programs might include a capstone course, which is a culminating course usually in the form of a final assignment or project. You might need to conduct some field trips as a part of your project, but it depends on the subject you choose.

While choosing between programs in communications, you have to consider many factors. These include affordability of the program, program schedule and flexibility, accreditation, and choice of courses. When choosing an online program you might have to consider if it offers the same quality as the face-to-face program. Even though the online programs are flexible, some might be following an asynchronous format and strict schedule; so you have to make sure that you can meet those requirements. It would also be a good move to look at the academic credibility of the faculty to ensure that you are provided quality teaching.

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Higher Learning Commission (HCL), and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) are some of the accrediting bodies that have granted accreditation to schools offering bachelor's in communications programs. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) is an organization that provides accreditation to both master's and bachelor's programs in the fields of communication and journalism.

A valid accreditation indicates the quality of education and infrastructure of the institution. It shows that the institution is dedicated to the improvement of its culture. Therefore it is important to choose an accredited institution for pursuing your degree. Also, many higher education institutions, certifications, and job placements mandate that the degree is received from an accredited institution because of quality concerns.

Journalists do not usually require licensure to work in the U.S.

Public relations workers can earn an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PSRA). To become eligible for this certification, you have to be a member of the organization and have five years of professional experience. The certification process includes a panel presentation and a computer-based examination. The APR has to be renewed every three years.

The American Marketing Association offers a range of certifications including marketing management, digital marketing, content marketing, and sales management. These have to be recertified every three years. The organization does not mandate any eligibility requirements for the certification.

Careers for someone with a bachelor's in communications include journalism, public relations, media consultancy, marketing associate, and communications specialist. Other careers in communications include performing arts, human relations, politics, media planning, and sales.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2019, journalists earned an average of $62,400. Media and communication workers earned $67,830 that year whereas those who worked as managers in marketing, advertising, public relations, and sales earned around $143,330.

How to Become a Communication Specialist

To become a communication specialist, you need to have a bachelor's degree in communications or related fields like journalism or marketing. As a communication specialist, you will be measuring and evaluating the effectiveness of the communication strategies of your organization and proposing necessary modifications or changes based on the insights. You will also be a part of writing, editing, and proofreading materials for communication like newsletters, blogs, and press materials. You will be working closely with the team leaders of marketing and communications departments to track PR stories related to the organization and research about new marketing tools. Excellent abilities in communication, organization, writing, editing, and research are a must for this job role.

How to Become a Journalist

As a journalist, you will be covering and reporting news events for a media company. Writing community-based stories, pitching for new stories, shooting, and editing videos, researching for the credibility of news, and interviewing personalities will be a part of the job. Good writing, editing, presentation, and video making skills are imperative to work effectively in this role. You should also be willing to learn new and advanced technologies. A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or other related fields is the common requirement for this job. Some companies might also look for a few years of experience, which you can earn by internships.

Online students are also eligible to receive financial aid just like face-to-face students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides free financial aid. You just have to apply for it at the time of admission. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state-level financial aid. The Department of Education also provides federal loans for students and parents.

The scholarships available for those pursuing communications degrees include Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Ethnic Minority Students and New York Women in Communications Foundation Scholarship.

The National Communication Association (NATCOM) is a professional organization of teachers, scholars, and those who work in the communications fields. It aims to promote free communication holding fast to ethical principles. The organization publishes 11 academic journals, conducts conventions, and provides scholarships and learning tools for scholars.

The American Communications Association is a not-for-profit organization for scholars and practitioners in communications worldwide. It aims to promote communication pedagogy, communication law, and scholarship. It also evaluates and offers certifications for academic programs in the field. The association offers free membership.