Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in communication prepares you to shape how organizations communicate and influence audiences as a leader who can drive decisions and outcomes. You’ll gain the ability to analyze communication issues and respond to complex communication challenges, including crisis situations. Grounded in human interaction and real-world research, this program prepares you to communicate with clarity and impact across industries.
Quick facts
Next start date: 07/01/2026
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
BA in communication with purpose: people, business, society
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.”
Communications degree courses
Your coursework will address topics within two focus areas:
- Communication and healthy relating: Explore how communication shapes relationships to establish trust, navigate conflict and foster connections across personal and professional contexts.
- Workplace, organizational and leadership communication: Develop the ability to guide teams, manage conflict and drive alignment through strategic communication that supports decision-making and delivers organizational results.
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.
What can you do with an online communications degree?
This BA in communications prepares you for leadership roles that support business, brand and organizational success. You’ll graduate ready to craft strategic narratives and manage messaging during both everyday operations and high-stakes situations, from internal team dynamics to public-facing challenges.
In the private sector, career paths for communication majors include roles such as:
- Brand or content strategist
- Corporate communications manager
- Communications director
- Executive communications manager
Public sector opportunities range from government roles in policy advising, speechwriting and analysis, 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
Learn from ASU research faculty with expertise in organizational rhetoric and crisis communication
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.
Learn from ASU research faculty with expertise in organizational rhetoric and crisis communication
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.
