Online Bachelor of Science in Communication

Explore your passion for analyzing communication patterns and developing data-driven solutions with a Bachelor of Science in communication online from Arizona State University. Emphasizing social science and quantitative research, this program offers insight into how communication shapes interactions in the workplace, organizations and society. Upon graduating, you can pursue roles in business management, sales, event planning, public relations, technology, social services and more.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

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Develop analytical and practical skills needed to navigate complex communication landscapes

In addition to strengthening your verbal and written communication skills, this degree offers a foundation in evidence-based communication theory and research. You’ll gain analytical and practical expertise to interpret communication patterns, make data-informed decisions and adapt to a constantly shifting environment. You’ll also enhance your abilities in project management, team leadership and strategic communication planning.

Additionally, courses delve into the technical and empirical aspects of communication, covering quantitative research methods such as surveys, experiments and statistical analysis. Through internships and applied project opportunities, you’ll gain experiences that bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.

Communication degrees prepare for a variety of career paths

Earning this degree can support your career aspirations across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Communication skills are sought by employers across industries, including business, education, technology, health care, media, government and more. No matter your area of interest, you’ll find roles that demand effective information exchange, leadership and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, this program can be a stepping stone toward achieving a leadership or management position. Coursework provides opportunities to learn about influencing organizational communication and communicating with stakeholders. You’ll also be poised to navigate conflict, convey clear public messaging, and foster equity and inclusion in the workplace.

How our BA and BS in communication compare to each other

While both our BA and BS in communication share a commitment to global awareness and build skills in interpersonal communication, data analysis and critical thinking, there are key differences. Our online BA in communication centers on culture and society, and has a foreign language course requirement. You’ll also gain the ability to synthesize qualitative feedback from focus groups and other methods.

If you choose to pursue this BS, your courses emphasize strategic communication and include a science and society elective. There’s also a focus on quantitative research methods. You’ll gain expertise in surveys, data visualization and other tools to tell effective stories using quantitative data.

Both the BA and BS offer the opportunity to participate in our Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Online communication degree courses

Courses are taught by award-winning faculty in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication who specialize in various communication approaches. Topics you may learn about include communication strategies in health care, organizational behavior and leadership, media dynamics and crisis communication. In this program, you’ll also have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects and other practical learning activities.


The jobs this communication degree prepares you for

As a graduate, you’ll bring proven writing, critical thinking and presentation skills to the job market. Your ability to analyze data to shape communication strategies will make you a standout candidate for roles as a corporate communication specialist, social media strategist, public relations manager, media analyst and more. Additional potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Business Analyst


Growth: 9.7 %
Salary: $95,290

Business Intelligence Analyst


Growth: 35.2 %
Salary: $103,500

Event Planner


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $52,560

Fundraising Consultant


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $61,190

Human Resources Manager


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $130,000

Marketing Associate


Growth: 1.9 %
Salary: $127,830

Marketing Manager


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $140,040

Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)


Growth: 5.9 %
Salary: $129,430

SEO Specialist


Growth: 13.4 %
Salary: $68,230

Learn from distinguished communicators across industries

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to accomplished students and faculty members. In the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, our faculty are some of the top scholars in interpersonal, organizational and intercultural communication, rhetoric and performance studies, as well as health communication, strategic communication and new media. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Learn from distinguished communicators across industries

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to accomplished students and faculty members. In the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, our faculty are some of the top scholars in interpersonal, organizational and intercultural communication, rhetoric and performance studies, as well as health communication, strategic communication and new media. Faculty highlights include:

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$170 million


in research expenditures in 2022.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

100+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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