Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Explore the complex role of human communication in everyday life while enhancing your ability to convey messages in personal relationships and workplaces and out of the workplace with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communication. Ranked as one of the top five most sought-after skills by employers in all job markets, an online communication degree is ideal for students interested in humanities and qualitative research within the workplace.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
What will I learn in an online communication degree?
This online BA in communication is a liberal arts degree with a social science focus. This program is ideal for students interested in the humanities side of communication, as well as qualitative research methods including:
- Ethnography.
- Focus groups.
- Interviewing.
- Participant observation.
As a student pursuing this communication degree, you’ll gain the skills needed to understand, analyze and respond to communication problems and opportunities. You’ll study interpersonal and workplace communication through a variety of learning modalities that incorporate and reflect faculty research. You’ll also be prepared to pursue careers that require strong oral and written communication skills, critical thinking skills and research capabilities.
Is a BA in communication a good degree?
Yes. Offered through the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, the BA in communication equips you with the knowledge and experience needed for careers in a wide range of job markets. The Princeton Review ranks a degree in communication as the second-best college major. Additionally, the 2018 National Association of Colleges and Employers survey found that the knowledge and skills taught in communication courses are essential for employment.
Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an 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 communication degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.
Online communication degree courses
In this online communication degree, you’ll complete courses across various communication topic areas, such as interpersonal communication, intercultural and global communication, conflict and negotiation, gender and communication, civil communication and more. You’ll also organize your studies around two areas: communication and healthy relating and workplace, organizational and leadership communication. Program courses include:
What can I do with a BA in communication?
The ability to communicate well with others individually and across groups is one of the most sought after skills by employers in all job markets. This online communication degree prepares you for careers that require effective communication skills, research capabilities and critical thinking within a variety of fields. Potential career paths include, but are not limited to:
Community Health Worker
Corporate Trainer
Event Planner
Human Resources Manager
Medical and Health Services Manager
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)
Public Relations Specialist
Sales Manager
Social Services Director
Study with award winning faculty members
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.
Study with award winning faculty members
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
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
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.
