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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Communication (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

This is a required field.
This is a required field.
This is a required field.
Invalid phone number. Please try again.

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:

What is the difference between a BS and BA in communication?

 

While both a BS and BA in communication address communication in everyday life with an emphasis on critical thinking and social science, their coursework and research focus differ.

A BA in communication provides you with an overview of communication with an emphasis on investigative methods and humanistic approaches. This includes foreign language studies and humanities coursework. In comparison, a BS in communication provides you with an analytical focus of communication with coursework featuring data analysis methods and a scientific-based understanding of communication.

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:


COM 100: Introduction to Human Communication (SOBE OR SB)


COM 207: Introduction to Communication Inquiry


COM 225: Public Speaking (CIVI OR L)


COM 308: Advanced Research Methods in Communication (L)


COM 407: Advanced Critical Methods in Communication


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


Growth: 14.1 %
Salary: $46,190

Corporate Trainer


Growth: 6.3 %
Salary: $63,080

Event Planner


Growth: 7.5 %
Salary: $52,560

Human Resources Manager


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $130,000

Medical and Health Services Manager


Growth: 28.4 %
Salary: $104,830

Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)


Growth: 5.9 %
Salary: $129,430

Public Relations Specialist


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $67,440

Sales Manager


Growth: 4.0 %
Salary: $130,600

Social Services Director


Growth: 9.1 %
Salary: $74,240

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 prestigious students and faculty members.

  • 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 prestigious students and faculty members.

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

Online communication degree admission requirements

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.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

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.

Study at the No. 1 college for best online bachelor's programs

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 be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140


million in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


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.

You might also be interested in

Marketing (BS)

Undergraduate

Marketing (BS)


Mass Communication and Media Studies (BA)

Undergraduate

Mass Communication and Media Studies (BA)


Communication (BS)

Undergraduate

Communication (BS)


Business – Communication (BA)

Undergraduate

Business – Communication (BA)