Reviewed By: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / First covered: February 2016 / Reading level: Grade 10
Key Takeaways:
- A bachelor’s degree in communications can open up a wide range of career opportunities in various fields, such as public relations, marketing, journalism, media, corporate communications, media production, and social media management.
- Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the value of a communications degree. Pros: versatility, high demand, skill development, career growth, networking opportunities. Cons: job market competition, salary variability, program quality, continued learning.
- A communications degree can be worth it if you choose a strong program and actively seek out internships and networking opportunities. It’s important to consider your long-term career goals and the specific areas of communications that interest you.
This ranking explores the top ten value online bachelor’s degrees in communications.
Featured Programs
If you’re looking for a flexible, affordable way to earn a valuable online degree in communications, you’re in the right place. In this ranking, we highlight the top 10 online communications degree programs offering exceptional value. A degree in communications is versatile, preparing graduates for careers in public relations, marketing, corporate communications, media, and more. Plus, the field is growing, with communications professionals seeing steady job growth and competitive salaries.
An online communication degree combines practical skills with a strong foundation in liberal arts subjects, like psychology, creative writing, and English, making it ideal for nontraditional students balancing work, family, and studies. These programs offer both convenience and quality, so you can advance your career without disrupting your life. Explore our top choices for the best online communications degree programs and find the right fit for your goals.
Ranking the Best Online Communications Degree Programs
#1—University of Arkansas
Online Bachelor’s in Communications
Points: 11
Tuition: $9,748
The University of Arkansas offers one of the most affordable online communications degrees available for undergraduates. Here, students can pursue either a major or minor in communications. Core courses required for the Bachelor of Arts in Communications include:
- Communication in a Diverse World
- Introduction to Communication Research
- Argumentation and Advocacy
- Introduction to Mediated Communication
Students looking for financial aid opportunities may pursue several different institutional scholarships specifically earmarked for communications students.
Pros:
- Top-ranked online bachelor’s programs
- Multiple scholarship opportunities
- 24/7 tech support
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Competitive admissions
#2—University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Points: 10
Tuition: $7,992
The online communications degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus is a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. The 120-creit hour program can be completed entirely online, though some hybrid courses are available for students interested in visiting campus. Sample course titles include:
- Mass Communication and Media Studies
- Public Relations Theory
- Effective Listening
- Communication for Managers
A capstone project in communications is also required for graduation. UMGC also offers a minor in communication studies.
Pros:
- Top-rated public school
- Diverse student body
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
#3—Florida International University
BA in Communication Arts
Points: 9
Tuition: $6,565
In terms of communication degrees online, the offering from Florida International University is a unique option. This BA in Communication Arts features a track in Organizational Communication Studies. The curriculum for this program consists of course titles such as:
- Business and Professional Communication
- Rhetorical Communication: A Theory of Civil Discourse
- Communication for Effective Leadership
- Conflict Management
A variety of elective classes are also available, including:
- Social Media’s Impact on Communication
- Gender and Communication
- Organizational Change
- Nonverbal Communication
In addition to coursework, students may also participate in FIU’s exclusive Communication Arts Studio, where they will receive professional online coaching in communications.
Pros:
- Nationally ranked online bachelor’s programs
- 24/7 tech support
Cons:
- Large class sizes
#4—Colorado State University
Communication Studies BA
Points: 9
Tuition: $8,400
Colorado State University offers a flexible and affordable communications bachelor’s online. This Bachelor of Arts option emphasizes three specific subfields of communication:
- Rhetoric and civic engagement
- Media and visual culture
- Relational and organizational studies
The core curriculum for the program includes classes like:
- Communication and Popular Culture
- Public Argumentation
- History and Theory of Rhetoric
- Public Speaking
CSU students may choose to pursue a minor or undergraduate certificate to complement their communications major.
Pros:
- Top-ranked online bachelor’s programs
- Customizable curriculum
Cons:
- More competitive
- Less diverse
- Limited tech support
#5—Lamar University
Bachelor of Science in Communication
Points: 9
Tuition: $8,690
Lamar University’s online degree in communications is a BS option that emphasizes storytelling and digital fluency. The curriculum for the program is rigorous and features two distinct tracks:
- Communication Studies
- Public Relations
Regardless of track, all students enrolled in the online program will take major core courses such as:
- Organizational Communications
- Advertising Principles and Practices
- Media Writing
- Interpersonal Communication
Multiple start dates are available for maximum flexibility.
Pros:
- Nationally ranked online bachelor’s programs
- Diverse student body
- 24/7 tech support
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
#6—Louisiana State University – Alexandria
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Points: 8
Tuition: $7,050
The online bachelor’s degree in communication from LSU – Alexandria is a synchronous offering that emphasizes student engagement. Students are required to attend live lectures in courses such as:
- Introduction to Communication Research Methods
- Computer-Mediated Communication
- Mass Media Law
- Visual Communications
After completing the core curriculum, students may customize their own concentration through the selection of elective classes. Enrolled students may also be eligible for the Omega Nu Lambda (ONL) Honor Society.
Pros:
- Top-rated public school
- Small class sizes
- Affordability
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
- Less flexible
#7—Bellevue University
Online BA in Communications Studies
Points: 8
Tuition: $8,886
The online degree in communications from Bellevue University is a BA option featuring two specializations:
- Organizational and Strategic Communication
- Mass Media
All students enrolled in the program will complete a 36-credit hour core curriculum. Required classes include:
- Communication: Putting Theory into Practice
- Public Speaking in the Digital Age
- Critical Thinking and Communication
- Communication in the Digital Age
A capstone course is also required. This online communications degree can also be completed on campus.
Pros:
- Nationally ranked regional university
- Customizable curriculum
Cons:
- Larger class sizes
- Low graduation rate
#8—University of Texas – San Antonio
BA in Communication
Points: 8
Tuition: $8,991
Students pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in communications from UTSA can elect one of two available concentrations:
- Digital Communication
- Public Relations
Core classes for the major include:
- Intercultural Communication
- Language and Communication Theory
- Conduct of Communication Inquiry
- Theory and Practice of Social Interaction
Depending on their chosen concentration, students may also take online courses such as:
- Introduction to Digital Communication
- Commercial Publications
- Public Relations Planning and Campaigns
- Case Studies in Public Relations
The undergraduate degree in communications may take up to five years to complete, but the university does accept transfer credits. Communications and media studies is one of the most popular majors at the University of Texas – San Antonio.
Pros:
- Top-rated online bachelor’s programs
- 24/7 tech support
Cons:
- Larger class sizes
#9—University of Colorado – Colorado Springs
BA Communications
Points: 8
Tuition: $9,712
The versatile online communications degree from the University of Colorado – Colorado Springs offers two unique concentrations:
- Applied Media Studies
- Professional Communication in the Digital, Virtual World
Students enrolled in the fully online program may take the following courses:
- Emerging Communication Technologies
- Introduction to Communication Theory
- Mass Media and Society
- Business and Professional Communication
A variety of elective classes are also available.
Pros:
- Nationally ranked public school
- Smaller class sizes
- Unique specialization options
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
#10—California State University – Bakersfield
BA in Communications Online
Points: 7
Tuition: $7,696
Cal State- Bakersfield offers an affordable online bachelor’s degree in communication through its extended campus. This BA option is a degree completion program for students who already have an associate’s degree from an accredited university. Over the course of two years, students will fulfill required coursework, including:
- Mass Media Law
- Theories of Communication
- Technical and Report Writing
- Intercultural Communication
Students may customize the curriculum by electing a public relations emphasis or a sociology minor.
Pros:
- Top regional university
- High acceptance rate
- Diverse student body
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
- Larger class sizes
This concludes our ranking of the top values in online communication degrees.
See our methodology page for more information about how we calculated this ranking.
Sources
- College Navigator
- PayScale.com
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- U.S. News & World Report
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