Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Are you curious about how people communicate, collaborate and interact in social and professional settings? Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in communication online may be your ideal fit. This program delves into the humanities side of communication and emphasizes qualitative research. You’ll learn to analyze complex communication issues, evaluate messages and develop solutions — skills highly sought across industries.
Quick facts
Next start date: 08/21/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare to communicate effectively in personal and professional settings
In this program, courses focus on how communication shapes relationships within organizations, communities and society. You’ll engage with faculty whose expertise spans interpersonal and intercultural communication, organizational communication, rhetorical studies, performance studies and health communication.
The curriculum blends liberal arts and social sciences to prepare you for roles in various fields. Upon graduating, you can use your ability to analyze and interpret communication patterns to drive meaningful change in business, international relations, nonprofit organizations, social services, human resources, advertising and more. Beyond the workplace, you’ll also be equipped to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively in personal contexts.
The skills you’ll develop as a communication major
This humanities-centered communication degree will transform your understanding of complex human interaction into practical applications. Ideal for problem-solvers, you’ll learn how to address communication challenges in various contexts. You’ll also expand your qualitative research skills using interviews, focus groups and ethnography to analyze and interpret data.
Additionally, you should expect to develop management skills in group communication, conflict resolution and leadership development. Graduates are equipped to convey information across diverse cultures and contexts, tailor strategies for different audiences and present confidently. Participating in experiential learning opportunities such as internships and research allows you to apply these skills in real-world settings.
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.”
Communication major courses
Your coursework will address topics within two focus areas:
- Communication and healthy relating: Courses demonstrate how communication creates, maintains and transforms nourishing relationships.
- Workplace, organizational and leadership communication: You’ll learn how communication and leadership build effective, just and responsive workplaces.
Additional topics may include interpersonal and intercultural communication, conflict and negotiation, gender and communication and civil communication. To culminate the program, you’ll complete a research project using qualitative methods.
The jobs communication majors are prepared for
Advanced communication, critical thinking and research capabilities are valuable across industries. In the private sector, career paths for communication majors include business management, sales, marketing and human resources. Public sector opportunities range from government roles in policy advising, speechwriting and analysis to social services and education positions. Additionally, you’ll be an excellent candidate for graduate programs if you want to further your education. Career examples include, but aren’t 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 alongside award-winning communicators
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Study alongside award-winning communicators
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who 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.
31,572
students enrolled as of fall 2024
$161 million
in research expenditures in FY23
21
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.
