50 Best Online Communications Degree Programs [2024 Guide]

Explore online communications degree programs. Compare schools and see what you could be doing after you graduate with a degree in communications.

If you’re interested in things like marketing, publishing or media relations, an online communications degree can provide a nice starting point for your career and help you to enter the market earning an average of $59,230 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

You won’t even need to take classes on a traditional college campus. You can earn your bachelor’s degree from home through either a traditional or online accelerated communications degree program.

List of Schools Offering Online Communications Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Appalachian State University

Located in Boone, North Carolina, Appalachian State University was established in 1899.

The university offers online BS in Communication Studies and BS in Communication – Advertising programs. The full-time, 120-credit-hour programs both include 6 semesters, with 12 hours per semester. Courses are offered in 8-week sessions. A minor is required for both.

• BS in Communication – Advertising
• BS in Communication Studies

Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. Arkansas State University

Established in 1909, Arkansas State University’s flagship campus is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

The university offers an online BA in Communication Studies and BS in Strategic Communication – Social Media Management. The duration for both programs varies, and students require 120 credit hours to complete.

Students going for a BA in Communication Studies can take a double-major by pairing with other select online degrees.

• BA in Communication Studies
• BS in Strategic Communication – Social Media Management

Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

3. Arizona State University

Spread across five campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Arizona State University was established in 1885.

Online programs in Communications Studies available include BA in Business Communication, BA Mass Communication, and Media Studies, BS Communication, BS Technical Communication, BS Technical Communication – User Experience.

The school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #6 in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

• BA in Business – Communication
• BA in Mass Communication and Media Studies
• BS in Communication
• BS in Technical Communication
• BS in Technical Communication – User Experience

Arizona State University has maintained continuous accreditation by the Higher Learning Committee.

4. Bellevue University

Established in1966, Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Online programs in BA Communication Studies, BAS Communication Studies, and BS Communication (all with 127 credit hours requirement) are available.

All programs include the Kirkpatrick Signature Series that include courses in American Vision and Values, Tradition and Change, Freedom, and Responsibility.

• BA in Communication Studies
• BAS in Communication Studies
• BS in Communication

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a Christian university affiliated with the Southern Baptist Association. It was established in 1950 and is located in Riverside, California.

The online BA in Communication Studies program can be completed in 16 months, with 48 credits required for completion. The college was adjudged as one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

• BA in Communication Studies

California Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

6. Colorado Christian University

Established in 1914, Colorado Christian University is located in Lakewood, Colorado. It is an interdenominational university.

The BA in Communication Studies has a 120-credit-hour requirement, of which 36 hours are for core majors. Classes are completed in 5-week blocks, and assignments can be worked on according to the student’s schedule.

• BA in Communication Studies

Colorado Christian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Columbus State University

Founded in 1958, Columbus State University is located in Columbus, Georgia.

The 123-credit-hour online BA Communications is a three-year course. It can also be taken in a combination of online and face to face in-class settings. Students also have the option of taking the designated courses in 8-week long schedules or semester format.

• BA in Communication – Communication Studies

Columbus State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Dallas Baptist University

Dallas Baptist University was formerly known as Dallas Baptist College. It was established in 1898 and is located in Dallas, Texas.

The Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Communication (BAS – Communication) program combines diverse subjects like Fine Art, History, Kinesiology, Math, Social Sciences, etc. with a Communication Major and a minimum 120-hour credit requirement, of which 30 have to be in residence at DBU.

• BAS in Communication

Dallas Baptist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. Dominican College

Located in Orangeburg, New York, Dominican College was founded in 1952.

The 100% online BA in Communications Studies program is a broad-based liberal arts program. It has six different areas of emphasis.

Dominican College was ranked as one of the best in the North by U.S. News & World Report.

• BA in Communication Studies – Business and Global Communication
• BA in Communication Studies – Communicating Change
• BA in Communication Studies – Crisis Communication
• BA in Communication Studies – Leadership
• BA in Communication Studies – Organizational Communication
• BA in Communication Studies – Public Relations

Dominican College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Drexel University

With its flagship campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University was established in 1891.

The 180-credit-hour BS Communication program is available both on-campus and online. The online course may have slightly different course categories. It is organized into 10-week quarters per year.

Students with a minimum C grade can transfer up to 135 quarter-credits from an accredited institution of higher learning.

• BS in Communication

Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

11. East Carolina University

Located in Greenville, North Carolina, East Carolina University was established in 1907.

The 120 semester hour online Bachelor of Science in Communication program has different concentration options. Students must complete general education requirements of 40 semester hours, and demonstrate foreign language proficiency if they take the journalism concentration.

There are 6 semester hours in the Core Area and 33-36 semester hours in Concentration Areas.

• BS in Communication – Interpersonal/Organizational

East Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

12. Florida International University

Established in 1943, Florida International University is located in Greater Miami, Florida. The university offers a BA in Communication Arts and a BS in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.

The 120-credit-hour BA in Communication Arts program is delivered in a flexible format that allows students to select classes and schedules (except the course in Advance Public Speaking) that suit them.

• BA in Communication Arts – Organizational Communication Studies
• BS in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communication

Florida International University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Granite State College

Headquartered in Concord, New Hampshire, Granite State College was founded in 1972.

The college offers online BS in Communication Studies – Digital Media or Marketing. There is a minimum requirement of 120-credit-hours to complete the degree, of which 30 credits must be taken at Granite State College. A Transfer Pathway facility is available.

• BS in Communication Studies – Digital Media
• BS in Communication Studies – Marketing

Granite State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

14. Indiana University East

Located in Richmond, Indiana the Indiana University East was established in 1967.

The university offers BA and BS in Communication Studies programs. The complete program has a 120-credit-hour requirement over six semesters. The BA in Communication Studies has a General Education requirement of coursework in Written Communication Skills and Math.

• BA in Communication Studies
• BS in Communication Studies

IU East is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

15. King University

Formerly known as King College, King University is a Presbyterian institution founded in 1867. It is located in Bristol, Tennessee.

The BS in Communication program has a 49-credit, 13- course requirement in Major coursework, and students must complete a total of 125 semester hours to get their degrees. Home-schooled students must fulfill the same procedures as others for freshman classes.

• BS in Communication

King University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Lamar University

Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas, and it was established in 1923.

The online BS in Communication with a concentration in Communication Studies has a 120 credit-hour requirement and can be completed in 48 months. The program is delivered in a flexible, affordable format. Payments can be made by the course.

• BS in Communication – Communication Studies

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17. Liberty University

Established in 1971 in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University is an Evangelical Christian University. It is the largest Christian university in the world and one of the largest non-profit educational institutions in the US.

The 100% online BS in Strategic Communication program has a 120-credit-hour requirement and can be completed in 3.5 years. The program is structured in 8-week courses and is affordable and flexible.

• BS in Strategic Communication

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. Midway University

Midway University is a Christian university, affiliated with the Disciples of Christ Church. It is located in Midway, Kentucky and was established in 1849 and is one of the regional universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report.

The online bachelor’s degree in Marketing Communications with concentrations in either Graphic Design or Marketing is a 120-credit-hour program. It is affordable, and 90% of students receive some kind of financial assistance.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications – Graphic Design
• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing Communications – Marketing

Midway University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

19. Mississippi College

Mississippi College is located in Clinton, Mississippi. It was established in 1826 and is a Baptist institution.

The college offers a BS in Communication program is available with 7 different areas of concentration. Students can choose their focus area and also participate in a range of co-curricular activities.

• BS in Communication – Interpersonal and Public Communication
• BS in Communication – Journalism
• BS in Communication – Mass Media
• BS in Communication – Political Communication
• BS in Communication – Public Relations
• BS in Communication – Sports Media
• BS in Communication – Theater

Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. Mississippi University for Women

Created as the first publicly funded women’s college, The W was originally just for female students, but men have been admitted since 1982.

The BA in Communication requires 124 credit hours, 18-24 of which must be in a Minor area of study. 39-40 credits come from core education classes. Students do have the option of participating in a Communications internship to gain practical experience.

• BA in Communication

MUW is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. Missouri State University

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Missouri State University was established in 1905.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies program can be completed in 4 years. The 120-credit-hour requirement must be fulfilled to get the degree. Since it is a non-comprehensive degree, there is a requirement to complete a second major or minor.

• BS in Communication Studies

Missouri State University‘s regional accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission.

22. Montana State University Billings

Established in 1927, Montana State University is located in Billings, Montana.

The university offers BA programs in Communication – Organizational/Mixed Media and BLS programs in Organizational Communication – Accounting Technology/Human Resource Management/Public Relations.

The program is flexible and affordable. There is a 120-credit-hour requirement for a student to complete the program.

• BA in Communication – Mixed Media
• BA in Communicaton – Organizational
• BSLS – Organizational Communication and Accounting Technology
• BSLS – Organizational Communication and Human Resource Management
• BSLS – Organizational Communication and Public Relations

Montana State University Billings is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

23. North Dakota State University

Located in Fargo, North Dakota, North Dakota State University was established in 1890.

The university offers BA and BS programs in Management Communication and BA and BS in Strategic Communication. The Management Communication programs have a 120-credit-hour requirement, while the Strategic Communication programs also have a similar requirement.

• BA in Management Communication
• BA in Strategic Communication
• BS in Management Communication
• BS in Strategic Communication

NDSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. Northern Kentucky University

Located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University was established in 1948.

The BA program in Communications Studies is available from the university’s College of Informatics. Students majoring in Communications Studies are required to complete 42 credit hours of coursework.

• BA in Communication Studies

Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. Oral Roberts University

Oral Roberts University is a Christian Evangelical institution. Located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it was established in 1963. Educational programs are in the context of a Christ-centered community.

Ranked as the best value school by U.S. News & World Report, the university offers BA and BS programs in Communications and a BS program in Communications. The communications programs are among the most popular majors offered.

• BA in Communications
• BS in Communications
• BS in Digital Communication

Oral Roberts University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

26. Purdue University

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, the world-famous Purdue University was established in 1869. It has the fourth-largest foreign student population in the US.

The BS in Communication program has a 180-credit-hour requirement and has a course length of 10-week terms and course time commitment of 15-18 hours per week.

• BS in Communication

Purdue University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

27. Regent University

Established in 1977, Regent University is a Christian institution located in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The university offers a BA in Communication Studies and a BS in Professional Studies – Communication Studies. The total credit hour requirement for completing this course is 120. The programs are available on campus and online. There are 9 different areas of concentration.

• BA in Communication Studies
• BS in Professional Studies – Communication Studies

Regent University received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

28. Regis University

Located in Denver, Colorado, Regis University is a Jesuit institution. It was established in 1877. It has been recognized as a top performer on social mobility advancement and also recognized as one of the best national universities by U.S. News & World Report.

The BA in Communication program has a total degree requirement of 120 credit hours. Students have the option of selecting a minor from any of the other colleges affiliated to the University.

• BA in Communication

In addition to their undergraduate online program, the university also offers a masters and a PhD in Communications online.

Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

29. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is located between Manchester and Hooksett, New Hampshire. It was founded in 1932.

The BA in Communication has 4 different career-focused concentrations. The 100% online program has a 120 credit-hour requirement for completing the degree and there is extensive access to technology. Credit is available for certain types of work or life experience.

• BA in Communication – Business Communication
• BA in Communication – New Media
• BA in Communication – Professional Writing
• BA in Communication – Public Relations

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

30. Texas Tech University

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas. It is listed as one of the top public schools in the country and also recognized as having one of the best online bachelor’s programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

The online BA in Communication Studies program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete the degree.

• BA in Communication Studies
• BA in Digital Media and Professional Communication
• BA in Technical Communication

Texas Tech University is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

31. University of Arizona

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona was founded in 1885. It has the distinction of being the first university to be established in Arizona.

The online BA in Communication is an 8-semester program, and there is no requirement for a pre-major. There are several interesting focus areas of study, and students can choose one according to their choice.

• BA in Communication

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

32. University of Arkansas

Established in 1871, the University of Arkansas is located in Fayetteville, Texas.

The online BA in Communication program has a total requirement of 120 credit hours for students to complete the degree. Of these, the university and state core requirements constitute 35 credit hours, with another 36 hours allotted for communication courses and 40 hours for electives.

• BA in Communication

The U of A has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

33. University of Central Florida

Formerly known as Florida Technical University, the University of Central Florida is located in Orlando, Florida. It was established in 1963.

The online BA program in Communication is available in Communication and Conflict, Creative Writing or Technical Communication. It is 100% online and has a 120-hour credit requirement. The program is estimated to take 4 years to complete.

• BA in Communication and Conflict
• BA in English – Creative Writing
• BA in English – Technical Communication

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

34. University of Colorado Denver

As the largest research institution in Colorado, the University of Colorado Denver was established in 1883, with campuses in Denver and Aurora, Colorado.

The online BA in Communication program has a requirement of 120 credit hours to complete the degree. There is a strong focus on experiential learning, and there are several pathways to customize your degree based on your interests.

• BA in Communication – Community Service and Public Affairs
• BA in Communication – Global & Intercultural Communication
• BA in Communication – Health Communication
• BA in Communication – Media & Cultural Studies

The University of Colorado Denver is accredited by the HLC.

35. University of Denver

The University of Denver was founded in 1864.

The BA in Communication Arts program is available in both hybrid and online formats. Course length runs to 10 weeks, and there are 11 common core courses, with 10 major courses and many elective courses according to the student’s interests.

• BA in Communication Arts

The University of Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

36. University of Florida

Established in 1853, the University of Florida is located in Gainesville, Florida.

The university offers programs such as Bachelor of Health Science – Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS Journalism – Sports & Media, BS in Telecommunication – Media & Society.

The courses are offered by the University College of Journalism and Communications. The college also enables life-long opportunities for professionals to take short-term courses.

• Bachelor of Health Science – Communication Sciences and Disorders
• BS in Journalism – Sports & Media
• BS in Telecommunication: Media & Society

The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

37. University of Houston – Victoria

Located in Victoria, Texas, the University of Houston – Victoria was founded in 1971.

The university offers an online BA and a BS in Communication programs. Students can design the program that best fits their career and educational goals. They can also select Communication as a concentration in certain other undergraduate and graduate programs.

• BA in Communication
• BS in Communication

The University of Houston-Victoria is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

38. University of Massachusetts – Global

Located on over 25 campuses across California and Washington, and a virtual online facility, the University of Massachusetts Global was established in 1958.

The university’s online programs include BA in Communications and Media (48 credits), BBA in Organizational Communication. The available formats are hybrid with both on-campus and online learning and fully online learning.

• BA in Communications and Media
• BBA in Organizational Communication

The University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.

39. University of Memphis

Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is located in Memphis, Tennessee.

The College of Communication and Fine Arts offers an online BA in Communication. The core course requirement is 42 semester hours, and the general program requirements are 28 semester hours.

The concentration specialization requirement is 24 semester hours, and the free electives/minor requirement is 24 semester hours.

• BA in Communication Studies

The University of Memphis is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

40. University of Minnesota – Crookston

One of the five campuses of the University of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota – Crookston was established in 1895 in Crookston, Minnesota.

The online BS in Communication program is also available on-campus as a Major or Minor. There are 3 areas of emphasis: Writing, Organizational Communication/Public Relations, and Communications Studies.

The program has won several prestigious awards, including best regional colleges, Midwest category, by U.S. News & World Report.

• BS in Communication

The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

41. University of Missouri – Saint Louis

The University of Missouri – St Louis is located in St Louis County and was established in 1963.

The BA in Communication program requires 36 semester hours in Communications courses. At least 18 of them should be taken on campus. Though it is not required to take emphasis area courses, the degree can be completed in one of the available emphasis areas.

• BA in Communication

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

42. University of North Dakota

Located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the University of North Dakota was established in 1883. It has one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

The BA in Communication program is available both on-campus and online. The course can be completed in 4 years with a credit-hour requirement of 120, 21 of which must be in a minor.

• BA in Communication

The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

43. University of Southern Maine

With campuses in Portland, Gorham, and Lewiston, the University of Southern Maine was established in 1878.

The BA in Communication program is delivered by the Communication and Media Studies Department. The program requirements include Major: 36 credit hours, Foundation: 6 credits, Communication: 15 credits, Senior and Capstone Seminar: 3+3 credits, and CMS Electives: 9 credits.

• BA in Communication

The University of Southern Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

44. University of Texas – El Paso

The University of Texas – El Paso was established in 1913 and is located in El Paso, Texas.

The university offers 100% online BA in Organizational and Corporate Communication. The program requires students to complete 42 hours of the core curriculum. There is a 120 credit hour course requirement to complete the course.

• BA in Organizational and Corporate Communication

The University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

45. University of Texas – Permian Basin

Located in Odessa, Texas, the University of Texas – Permian Basin was founded in 1973 as part of the University of Texas system.

The BA in Communication program is 100% online and as rigorous as their on-campus one. Students must complete 120 semester hours, of which at least 30 must be taken on campus.

• BA in Communication

The University of Texas Permian Basin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

46. University of Wisconsin – Superior

The University of Wisconsin – Superior is located in Superior, Wisconsin and was established in 1893.

The university offers a BA in Communicating Arts- Communication/Theater and Film Making/Communication/Theater and Digital Film-making. Of these four programs, the first two programs are available both online and on-campus, and the latter two are available only on-campus.

• BA in Communicating Arts – Communication
• BA in Communicating Arts – Theatre and Digital Filmmaking
• BS in Communicating Arts – Communication
• BS in Communicating Arts – Theatre and Digital Filmmaking

The University of Wisconsin-Superior is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

47. University of West Alabama

Founded in 1835, the University of West Alabama is located in Livingston, Alabama.

The university offers online programs in BA/BS in Integrated Marketing Communications. The total hours required are 120, and students can opt for different tracks or areas of concentration like Graphic Design or Sports Communication. There is a $50 technical fee every semester.

• BA in Integrated Marketing Communications – Graphic Design
• BA in Integrated Marketing Communications – Sports Communication
• BS in Integrated Marketing Communications – Graphic Design
• BS in Integrated Marketing Communications – Sports Communication

The University of West Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

48. Valley City State University

Located in Valley City, North Dakota, Valley City State University was founded in 1890.

The BA and BS programs in Communications include several cognates or areas of concentration, such as Corporate, Digital Management, Journalism, and Media. There is a wide variety of classes, along with an internship that is required to complete the program.

• BA in Communication – Corporate
• BA in Communication – Digital Media Management
• BA in Communicaton – Journalism and Media
• BS in Communication – Corporate
• BS in Communication – Digital Media Management
• BS in Communicaton – Journalism and Media

Valley City State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

49. Washington State University

Founded in 1890, Washington State University is one of the oldest in the region. It is located in Pullman, Washington.

The university’s Murrow College of Education offers a BA in Integrated Strategic Communication program. All students must complete 120-semester credits, of which 40 must be at the 300-400 level.

• Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communication

Washington State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

50. Webster University

With its main campus in Webster, Missouri, Webster University was founded in 1915.

The university offers a BA in Media Communications program, which requires students to complete 128 credit hours and also choose a 12-credit-hour capstone concentration to complete their degree. They can also petition to complete a senior internship.

• BA in Media Studies

Webster University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

What Kind of Communication Degrees are There?

A communications degree can prepare you for work in a wide variety of fields, including business, politics, publishing, advertising, and mass media. It’s such a broad area of interest that many people choose to specialize in it.

What specialties can you learn? It depends on your degree program. Some concentrations are offered as majors or minors; others can put you on track for licenses or certificates in a particular field.

Click on the degree you’re interested in to jump to that section of the page.

• Communications – General
• Film and Video
• Graphic Communication
• Health Communication
• International Business
• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Writing

If you haven’t decided where your interests lie, that’s okay. You can look at different programs for a communications degree until you find something that calls to you.

Communications – General

The general field of communications is known simply as “communications” or “communication studies.” It’s a social science that can cover everything from public speaking to media marketing, and it’s designed to give you an all-around education in the subject.

A general communications degree is most useful to students who want to be a jack of all trades. Instead of going into a niche field, you can keep your options open with a more flexible, expansive education.

A general communications degree can also serve as a foundation for future study.

For example, you might spend your first few semesters as a general communications major before you decide on a concentration, or you might obtain a bachelor’s degree in general communications before advancing on to your masters in communication.

A communications degree can also be paired with a major or minor in a related field. If you’re going into business, you might benefit from an MBA that’s supplemented with communications courses.If you’re interested in politics, you might enjoy communications mixed with sociology, political science, or global affairs.

Film and Video

Are you drawn to the bright lights of Hollywood? A communications degree can help you land a number of jobs in the film industry:

• Production assistant
• Camera operator
• Sound technician
• Videographer
• Journalist
• Film editor
• Writer
• Reporter
• Announcer
• News correspondent

This is a highly competitive industry, so you might want to boost your resume with other credentials to stand out.

You’ll also need to build special skills for your desired job, especially if it’s something technical. You won’t become an animation designer with a communications degree alone!

Graphic Communication

Graphic communication is a specialty that focuses on images and illustrations. It’s similar to graphic design, and indeed, some graphic designers major in graphic communication.

However, graphic communication isn’t limited to the digital world. It can also be applied to “traditional” print media such as billboards, magazines, newsletters, brochures, and product packaging. It can also involve data and research instead of being a strictly creative position.

Wages for graphic communication can vary. While starting salaries can be as low as $30,810 per year, experienced workers can triple that and take home around $89,210 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

A lot can depend on your job title, too. An art director supervising an entire department earns more than a web design intern who is on the bottom of the totem pole.

However, even a low-paying job can transition into something more lucrative, so that’s something to consider when you’re thinking about a graphic communication career.

Health Communication

The medical industry might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a communications degree, but health communication is a thriving industry.

For example, jobs for health educators are expected to grow by 13% in the next decade, and that’s much faster than the usual 4-6%.

What are some other health communication jobs? They can range from content creators for a medical clinic to public relations representatives for a government-funded health organization.

Doctors need to communicate with the public just like any other working professional, and they need to inform, advertise, and announce things.

This is where health communicators come in. Speaking very generally, you can say that their job is to facilitate communication between the healthcare industry and the general public.They provide a valuable service to their field, so if you’re looking for meaningful, long-term work with a communications degree, consider health communication.

International Business

International business is a separate major from communications, but there’s a lot of crossover between the two, especially for students who are considering a career in business, marketing, global affairs, or political science.

Typical courses include things like finance and economics. Typical jobs include managers, product planners, operation supervisors, and logistics specialists.

You might work for a specific company and help them launch new products and services in a different country. You might work for an international agency that liaises between companies, governments, and travel bureaus to ensure that all laws are followed.

If you’re familiar with a particular country, you might even find a job as a cultural advisor.

If you’re interested in how business is done on a global scale, consider a dual major in communications and international business. It probably won’t be easy, but it can be a challenging career that keeps you on your toes.

Journalism

Journalism is a common career path for communications majors. It combines writing, editing, and researching with exciting investigative work and the potential for fame and fortune. Who wouldn’t be drawn to it?

Despite the popular image of journalists, however, there are other jobs in the field besides the flashy ones. For example, you could work behind the scenes as an editor, researcher, or copywriter, or you could get a day job as a reporter or news anchor.

Journalism is a large, ever-changing field, especially in the digital age. It has a lot of potential for people who enjoy this type of work.

Public Relations

Public relations (PR) is another industry with many jobs under its umbrella. You’re probably most familiar with celebrity publicists, but you can also find work for companies, colleges, charities, sports agencies, and government institutions.

Another nice thing about public relations is that there are jobs available at every level of experience. Recent graduates can become assistants and interns; more experienced workers can climb the corporate ladder until they’re managers, directors, senior analysts, and public spokespeople.

Wages for PR work will vary. The median salary is around $61,150 per year, but there’s a big difference between the highest earners and the lowest earners.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the former makes around $115,430 on average, while the latter makes around $34,590 on average. The very top earners are in places like District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Washington, and they can take home as much as $109,390 annually.

Writing

You don’t have to stand in front of a microphone to be a communications major. Communication comes in many forms, including writing.

Some writers become journalists. Others become teachers, editors, publishers, or content creators. Some writers are freelancers who enjoy dabbling in different subjects; others concentrate their efforts in particular fields for legal writing or medical writing.

If you have a knack for the written word, you might like a career as a writer or author. It’s worth around $63,200 per year on average (Bureau of Labor Statistics), and that salary can climb to $72,850 if you’re willing to specialize.

Courses for an Online Communications Degree

An online communications program is pretty similar to a traditional one. You can typically take the same classes as your peers, and you can learn the same skills. The basic areas of study are unchanging. Here are some common communication courses:

Public Speaking: Public speaking can be a vital skill for people with jobs that involve communicating with the public. It’s a little harder to learn from an online course as opposed to a classroom-based course, but it’s possible with audio and video technology.

Communication Research Methods: Communication research is the art of studying, organizing, analyzing, and reporting on research data related to communications. If you want to learn about the efficiency of focus groups or the impact that press releases can have on a scandal, you’ll need communication research to do it.

Mass Media: The media can be one of your biggest tools in a communications career. It can also be one of your biggest challenges. A course in mass media or media relations can prepare you for the challenges of print, radio, television, newspaper, and film.

Organizational Communication: If you plan to work for a company, organizational communication can help you understand the ebbs and flows of information within a system. How does it travel between departments and networks? What communication channels should you expect in a corporate setting?

Digital Media: These courses can take many different forms, but they’re all focused on teaching you about the digital world. From the math of search engine algorithms to the effect of social media on public relations, they’re designed to help you understand the role that technology can play in a communications career.

What Can I Do with a Communications Degree?

You’ll have plenty of options with a communications degree. Not only can it teach you valuable skills that can be applied to many different industries, but it can also qualify you for a number of jobs within those industries:

Business

Communication majors can become everything from sales reps to managers. You can also specialize in something like human resources (HR) or public relations (PR) to have niche, in-demand skills in the business world.

Marketing

If you’re gifted with the power of persuasion, a communications degree can help you become a media planner, promotions manager, social media strategist, or market research analyst. You can find work as both a creative and a data-oriented numbers person.

Politics

Politics and communications go hand in hand. There are even special degree programs for political communication that can prepare you for things like debates, speeches, and elections.

Media Relations

Do you dream of becoming a reporter, announcer, journalist, or news correspondent? Would you love working as a translator or interpreter? A communications degree can open doors in these fields.

Academia

A communications degree can get you started in a writing or researching career. Just know that you might need additional qualifications if you want to become something like a teacher, editor, or curator.

How Much Can You Make with a Communications Degree?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication jobs have an average salary of $59,230 per year. However, this can fluctuate depending on your exact title, industry, and skill set.

• Marketing director ($136,850)
• Public relations manager ($116,180)
• Marketing coordinator ($74,510)
• Digital producer ($74,420)
• Technical writer ($72,850)
• Content strategist ($66,340)
• Media planner ($64,230)
• Editor ($61,370)
• Public relations specialist ($61,150)
• Reporter or correspondent ($53,410)
• Interpreter or translator ($51,830)
• Journalist ($46,270)
• Announcer ($34,630)

Another factor to consider is how long you’ve worked at your job. For example, journalists earn $46,270 on average, but more experienced journalists can earn $75,920 or more.

This pay scale isn’t a guarantee, of course, but broadly speaking, more experience will earn you more money.

Professional Organizations for Those with a Communications Degree

There are many benefits to joining a professional organization in your chosen field. Not only can they provide a lot of resources for students, but they can also help you stay on the cutting edge of research and industry developments once you’ve landed a job.

• American Advertising Federation (AAF): With hundreds of chapters and thousands of members, the AAF is a large, multi-discipline organization for everyone in the marketing industry. You might recognize its most famous endeavor: the American Advertising Awards. It also provides plenty of resources for both personal and professional development.
• American Marketing Association (AMA): The AMA offers its members all kinds of lectures, workshops, boot camps, academic journals, product discounts, job boards, and training programs. You’ll need to pay dues, but there’s a special rate for students, including a group student rate, if you want to apply with a club or study group.
• Public Relations Society of America (PRSA): The PRSA is one of the largest organizations of its kind. It offers different “tiers” of membership depending on your level of experience, so students will pay less than first-year associates, and first-years will pay less than second- or third-years.
• Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ): If you’re interested in a journalism job, the SPJ can help with everything from career development to advocacy opportunities. There’s even an online job center with fresh posts every day, so you can stay apprised of the latest openings in your particular field.

Consider joining one of these organizations as a student to augment your education and provide job internships or job opportunities as graduation approaches.

Accreditation for an Online Communications Degrees

You’ll want your communications degree to come from an accredited university. Employers expect it, and financial aid depends on it. The easiest way to find an accredited degree program is to run a search through an accrediting board.

For example, the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications has stamped their approval on more than 115 schools.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has vetted a number of programs for business, communications, marketing, accounting, and public relations.

You can also lookup individual colleges and check their accreditation. If they’re a legitimate institution, they should volunteer the information freely and be accredited a regional board.

Financial Aid for a Bachelor’s in Communications Degree

If you can’t afford a communications degree on your own, that’s okay. Financial aid can help.

• Grants are free money that you don’t have to pay back. One of the most common is the Pell Grant, which is issued by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Loans are borrowed from an institution and will need to be repaid. FAFSA offers both subsidized and subsidized loans, and you can also take out loans from banks and other private lenders.
• Scholarships can be issued by schools, employers, academic foundations, and industry organizations. If you’ve already picked a major, look for companies that offer scholarships in that particular field. For example, some PR firms are willing to sponsor students for Accreditation in Public Relations.
• Tuition reimbursement is offered by a company to its employees. Some will pay for any major, while others will want the student to be studying something related to their job.
• Work-study programs are offered by schools to help offset the costs of education. You can still qualify for them as an online student, but you’ll need access to the campus to actually go to work.

An important thing to note about financial aid is that it isn’t always “need” based. Even if you make too much money to qualify for low-income grants and scholarships, you might still be eligible for merit-based awards or industry-specific loans.

Is a Communications Degree Worth It?

Yes, a communications degree is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 4% job growth in media and communication occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include public relations manager, content strategist, public relations specialist, and journalist.

A communications degree can open a lot of doors. It can be useful in many different fields, including law, business, politics, publishing, advertising, and media relations.

It’s also possible to obtain a communications degree online, so even if you can’t make it to a college campus, you can earn your credentials from home.

All things considered, a communications degree is a smart educational choice. It will look good on a resume, and it can give you real-world skills that you can apply to various jobs. Consider it an investment for the future.