Online degrees in communications can lead to career paths in a wide range of industries. Communications graduates often work in sales, online media, public relations, and much more. But where do you start? What do you need to know in order to take your first steps toward a degree and career in the field? The following guide begins with an in-depth ranking of the best colleges for online degrees in communications, and then breaks down what you learn, how much you pay, and provides resources to help you get started.
Ready to learn more? Start your journey with the top colleges for online communications degrees in 2024.
Top Online Communications Degrees for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Jonesboro, ARPublic $$
Arkansas State University offers an ideal communication program for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communication with maximum flexibility. To accommodate a wide variety of schedules, all classes are offered online, though they are synchronous. The program also accepts up to ninety transfer credits, which could allow students to graduate from the program in two years. For students without transfer credits, the program takes about four years and all of it can be completed online. The classes cover a wide range of communication niches including content management, written and oral communication, social media management, public relations, and technical communication. By the end, students will be ready to jumpstart a career in communications.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $269 per credit
- Mode: online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
7
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Tucson, AZPublic $$$
Those wanting to understand the science behind communication should consider the bachelor of arts in communication from the University of Arizona. In this fully online program, students can explore various communication fields, such as public relations, sports journalism, or broadcast journalism. It’s important to note that this program is broad and does not specialize in a particular field. The program also includes many foundational courses and introduces students to new technologies in the field. Along with a fully online curriculum, the University of Arizona also offers students’ online academic and career development resources so they can ace their classes and prepare for their professional future from the comfort of their own home. By the end of the program, students will be skilled writers, problem solvers, and digital communication professionals.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $500 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
University Park, PAPublic $$$$
Pennsylvania State University offers three 100% online degrees in communication: a bachelor of science in organizational and professional communication, a bachelor of arts in organizational and professional communication, and a master of professional studies in strategic communication. No matter which degree a student chooses, they will receive a world-class education that suits their schedule. The online format offers increased flexibility, though classes are still synchronous and require in-class participation. By the end of one of the two bachelors, students will be ready to enter the communication field. By the end of the masters, students can advance their career or make a career change into the communication industry. For the masters, an undergraduate degree is required, though it doesn’t have to be in communication.
Program Highlights:
Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1 year
- Cost: $1,007 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Bachelor of Science in Organizational and Professional Communication
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $620 per credit in-state | $664 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationE
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational and Professional Communication
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $620 per credit in-state | $664 per credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WMiddle States Commission on Higher Education
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Tuscaloosa, ALPublic $$$
Any seasoned communication professionals looking for a masters program in communication should consider the programs offered by the University of Alabama. In order to accommodate many different specializations in communication, the school offers four online masters: organizational leadership, journalism and media studies, marketing communications, and digital communications. No matter which program you choose, the course format will be optimized for a working professional. All courses are online and while synchronous and requiring in class participation,but they are offered at times which fit around a typical work schedule. Each master degree focuses on core communication courses in the first semester before focusing on electives and courses in a student’s chosen specialization.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Communication Studies, Specialization in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years years
- Cost: $440 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Arts in Journalism and Media Studies
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years years
- Cost: $440 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Master of Arts in Communication Studies, Specialization in Marketing Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years years
- Cost: $440 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
West Lafayette, INPublic $$
Those looking to advance their communication career from the comfort of their own home should check out Purdue’s master of science in communication. This program combines core courses in general communications with courses from your specialization to provide a comprehensive education that can help you advance your career. Because most students work full-time while taking courses, the program is designed to fit around a typical 9-5. 100% of the coursework is online, though most classes are taught synchronously. Purdue University also offers flexibility in how long the program takes–students can complete the program and be a communication expert in as little as 12 months and in as many as 20 months. The program also has online career resources available to help students make the most out of their degree.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Strategic Communications
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Integrated Communications
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Integrated Communications
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Integrated Communications
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Integrated Communications
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Master of Science in Healthcare Communication
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $371 per credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Lawrence, KSPublic $$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profit $$$
Online Programs
8
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Moscow, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Boise, IDPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Fort Collins, COPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Columbia, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Carbondale, ILPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Logan, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Odessa, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Flagstaff, AZPublic $$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
University, MSPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Lubbock, TXPublic $$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Murray, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Pullman, WAPublic $$$
Online Programs
5
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Philadelphia, PAPublic $$$$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Greenville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Valley City, NDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Springfield, ILPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Billings, MTPublic $
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Portland, MEPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Greeley, COPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Morgantown, WVPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Clinton, MSPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Fitchburg, MAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Tampa, FLPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Springfield, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Saint Louis, MOPublic $$$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Oswego, NYPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Kingston, RIPublic $$$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Macomb, ILPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Rolla, MOPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Charlotte, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Baton Rouge, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Clarion, PAPublic $$
Online Programs
4
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Boone, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Gainesville, FLPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Highland Heights, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profit $$
Online Programs
3
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Cedar City, UTPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Monroe, LAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Cincinnati, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
19/1
-
Morehead, KYPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Akron, OHPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Wilmington, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Fairbanks, AKPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Houston, TXPublic $
Houston Community College offers a robust and well-rounded associate’s degree in communication. This program is more general and prepares equips with the communication skills necessary to either enter the field of communication or to pursue a related field, such as marketing. This program is offered in a hybrid format. Students usually have to take up to 15% of their coursework in-person before taking online classes. Online classes are also run similarly to in-person ones, with set class time and in-class discussions and activities. By the end of the program, students will have a good understanding in print, digital, and multimedia formats. The program also offers resources to help students smoothly transition to a four-year program upon graduation.
Program Highlights:
Associate’s of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $107.50/credit in-district | $203.50/credit in-state | $322/credit out-of-state
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Waco, TXPublic $
The associate’s degree in communication from McLennan Community College helps students jumpstart their career in the field. In the program, students can choose between in-person or online courses – or a mix of both! No matter what they choose, each class is in a synchronous format with plenty of in-class interaction and group activities. As part of the curriculum, students learn the foundational knowledge needed to choose a specialization in the field of communication. After completing the two year degree, students can either get their four year degree at another institution or enroll in McLennan Community College’s four year degree in communications. McLennan also has resources available to help students throughout the transfer process.
Program Highlights:
Associate’s of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 42
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $212/credit in-district | $$212/credit in-state | $322/credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online or hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Milwaukee, WIPublic $
The technical diploma in digital marketing and integrated communications from Milwaukee Area Technical College is a great introductory program for anyone interested in these two fields. The program offers a wide variety of courses and sits at the intersection of a couple fields, including digital marketing, advertising, marketing research, analytics, social media, and client services. Once students have received their diploma, they are prepared to either pursue an associate’s in marketing at Milwaukee Area Technical College or to transfer to another community college or four year university to complete a longer degree in marketing or communications. Because the program is so interdisciplinary, it’s a great fit for anyone who is unsure which communication or marketing field is right for them.
Program Highlights:
Technical Diploma in Digital Marketing and Integrated Communications
- Credits: 27
- Length:1-2 years
- Cost: 228.88/credit in-state | 300.60/credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Eau Claire, WIPublic $
Students considering a 100% online degree in professional communications should consider the two-year associate’s degree from Chippewa Valley Technical College. The program’s curriculum focuses on the writing and technical skills students need to thrive in a variety of communication roles, such as being a technical writer or a public relations specialist. Along with being online, most of the courses can be taken whenever is convenient to the student, instead of on a set class schedule. This offers students the maximum amount of flexibility without sacrificing a high quality education. There are also in-class activities to learn specific skills such as document design, web writing, publishing, and more. The program also offers academic support to students who want to transfer to a four year program, either in general communications or a specific concentration in the field.
Program Highlights:
Associate’s of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $178.01/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Albuquerque, NMPublic $
If you’re interested in learning about communication processes and strategies, consider the associate’s in communication from Central New Mexico Community College. This two-year program will provide you with the knowledge you need to pursue a four-year degree in your chosen field. Unlike other associate’s degrees, this program gets more into the theory of communications and provides opportunities to explore subdisciplines of interest to students. With this program, students can sample courses in multiple communication fields, such as writing and public relations, before deciding what they want to get their bachelor’s degree in. The program also has resources to make the transfer to a four-year college easier for students. For increased flexibility, students have the option to take the entire degree online, in-person, or a hybrid of the two formats.
Program Highlights:
Associate’s of Arts in Communication
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $756/credit in-state | $3,816/credit out-of-state
- Mode: Online, in-person, or hyrbid
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Columbus, OHPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Tampa, FLPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Newtown, PAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Harrisburg, PAPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Canandaigua, NYPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Types of Online Degrees in Communications
As you know, there isn’t just one path for getting your communications degree online. You’ll find certificates, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and general and specialized graduate degrees. With each step on the path you’ll broaden your horizons, hone your skills, and open more doors along your career path.
Building the Foundation with an Online Associate in Communications
An online associate degree in communications introduces you to the field. This online communication degree typically takes two years to complete and lays the groundwork for additional degrees in the communications field or a switch into other fields. A two-year online communications degree helps you get entry-level jobs such as a communications specialist, call center representative, front desk agent, receptionist, administrative assistant, or freelance writer.
Reaching a Milestone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Online
An online bachelor’s degree in communications allows you to specialize in a particular area of the communications field, such as advertising, marketing, mass communications, or public relations. You’ll study real-world scenarios and learn how to integrate effective communication principles into the different tiers of an organization. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete. You’ll be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in a focused area of communications or to head into the job market and start your career as an advertising specialist, marketing coordinator, copywriter, brand strategist, social media manager, web producer, public relations specialist, journalist, or human resources manager.
Specializing and Advancing with an Online Master’s in Communications
If you pursue an online master’s degree in communications, you’ll have the chance to focus your learning on a particular area of interest. This could include strategic communications, communication theory, political communication, mass communication, organizational and corporate communication, PR and marketing communications, information science, and technical communication, among others. An online master’s degree in communications typically takes two years to complete and opens the door to a career as a brand ambassador, director of public affairs, director of public relations, media relations manager, fundraising manager, development director, corporate communications specialist, communications educator, and communications consultant.
Making It to the Top with an Online Doctorate in Communications
Earning a PhD in communications online may seem like overkill, but it blasts open the door to opportunity more than you might think. You’ll be at the intersection of technology, media, and democracy. A doctorate degree in communications helps you push the boundaries of the field through research and presentation of scholarship, and paves the way to important government and university careers. This terminal online communications degree takes an average of three years to complete; if you opt for the private sector, you’ll find yourself ready for a role as a communications specialist, manager, or director at the top of a company or organization.
Additional Communications Education Paths
You don’t always need to complete a degree-sized chunk of education to learn about the field of communications. If you’re looking to improve your interpersonal skills, strengthen your writing, or brush up on social media trends, then an individual course may be more appropriate. If you’re moving from employee to employer, a certificate in communication strategies would be useful. If you’re looking to add skills to your resume, completing an undergraduate or graduate certificate might be the best move. Regardless of where you’ve been and where you need to go, know that nondegree options can bring big benefits for your career.
Online Undergraduate Certificates in Communications
Undergraduate certificates in communications help you gain fundamental skills and make practical improvements so you stand out in the job market and add value to your company. Earning an online certificate in communications helps you meet the “communications skills” requirement that many employers see as important. Certificates are typically only a handful of credits, are often available online, and can be completed much faster than a degree. Examples include a certificate in mass communications, organizational communication, professional and career communication, communication and media studies, contemporary communications, and technical communications.
Online Graduate Certificates in Communications
Graduate certificates in communications are often nondegree programs for those looking for practical, career-based training in the planning, implementation, and coordination of organizational, corporate, and global communication strategies. These online certificates are generally less rigorous than a full-on graduate online communications degree. Courses focus on the theories of communication and communication research methodologies that you can use to advance your company’s goals. At the graduate level you’ll find specialty certificates in areas such as healthcare communication, organizational communication, strategic communication, and more. If you have a bachelor’s degree—even if it isn’t in communications—you can pursue an online graduate certificate in communications.
Individual Courses and Professional Certificates in Communications
Some communications courses and professional certificates aren’t offered through a college or university. Coursera, edX, Udacity, and other educational websites have an abundance of courses and certificates to choose from, and some are free. Though these courses don’t go through the rigors of institutional accreditation, you can learn a lot and apply those lessons to your personal and professional life. With fewer institutional restraints, you might even find highly specific content that’s not available anywhere else. These courses are great for lifelong learners and field specialists. Some example courses you may run across include Successful Negotiation; Business English Skills: How to Navigate Tone, Formality, and Directness in Emails; Communicating Effectively in Groups; Communication Skills for Engineers; Speak English Professionally: In Person, Online, and on the Phone; and Storytelling and Influencing.
FAQs About Communications Degrees Online
No doubt questions are popping into your head about online communication degrees and next steps. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions that students like you have about earning a communications degree online.
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Are online communications degrees accredited?
Most colleges strive for accreditation to prove that they offer quality online communications degrees. Generally speaking, if a university offers an accredited on-campus communications program, typically holds the same accreditation. At a minimum, your school should have regional or national accreditation that covers all its programs. Visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for a list of accrediting bodies. If you’re pursuing an online communication degree in a specialized field such as advertising, marketing, public relations, or journalism, look for a program that’s accredited by one of the following:
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How much does an online communications degree cost?
Many factors affect educational costs. The general rule is that, the more credits required in the degree you are pursuing, the more expensive the degree will be. So an undergraduate certificate in communications (~12 credits) will be significantly less expensive than an online bachelor’s degree in communications (~120 credits).
Where you live can also factor into the cost. Most colleges and universities offer lower tuition to in-state residents than nonresidents. That said, some online programs charge the same rate, regardless of residency status. Typically an online degree in communications costs about the same as an in-person degree. You may see some savings, such as fewer technology and activities fees, but any variance is usually minimal. If you’re looking to save, taking classes at a community college tends to be more affordable than taking the same classes at a university.
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Is financial aid available for my online communications degree?
If you pursue an online communication degree through a college or university, then you should apply for financial aid. Government grants and loans are available for both undergraduate and graduate students; plus, if you’re returning to school, you may be able to get tuition assistance from your employer. Scholarships are also a great way to ease the financial burden that comes with an online communications degree. Be on the lookout for financial aid and scholarship requirements; get an early start so application deadlines don’t sneak up on you.
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How much can I make with an online communications degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for someone with a communications degree is $54,000. Experience and specialization earn you more, especially in this digital age. For example, Salary.com shows that an advertising specialist makes over $68,000 per year, and a communications manager could make well over $100,000 a year.
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Are communications degree grads in high demand?
Yes! In this digital age the field of communications is vitally important and constantly changing. Not only does a company need to effectively communicate to its customers, but it also needs to maintain its online presence through social media, advertising, and news stories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some communications occupations will grow their employment by nearly 20% by 2031, which is way more than the average projected growth for all industries.
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What traits and skills do I need to succeed in a communications degree program?
An important trait you’ll need while pursuing an online communications degree is the love of learning. In a world where technology is constantly evolving, you’ll need to be open to new technologies, techniques, and programs that will quickly become a part of your industry. Those who succeed in the communications field want to know what’s going on around the world. Another important skill is collaboration. A career in communications will be full of other people, so knowing how to work well with others will benefit you both during and after your online communication degree studies.
Resources for Communications Students
So you’re probably thinking, “Communications sounds great! Now what?” Below we’ve listed resources that can help you get started on earning an online communication degree. Mini college-prep courses, financial aid and scholarship tips, online college checklists, and articles about the perks of studying communications are just a few of the resources you’ll turn to again and again as you pursue your communications degree online.
Skills Comms Majors Must Have
This is a great article by The Princeton Review about how to take all the hard and soft skills you learn in a communications degree and turn them into quantifiable experiences for your resume.
Why Study Communication?
Written by the National Communication Association, this article discusses the knowledge and expertise that communications majors bring to the table, the advantages that communications programs offer, and how to get hired as a communications graduate.
College Admissions Courses
Udemy.com has many courses specifically geared toward students applying to college. Classes include Master College Admissions: The Common Application, Ivy Caliber Essays, College Admissions Interview Answers, GMAC Essential Skills Assessment Prep Course, College 101: How College Works, and Financial Aid Made Easy.
Online Course Checklist
This article from Forbes details how to prepare for taking an online course. Tips include checking your internet, accessing the course syllabus, and looking ahead.
Scholarship Database
This website is a database of hundreds of scholarships, fellowships, competitions, and practical tips to help you on your educational journey. The site even partners with colleges across the world to offer students free online courses such as Evidence-Based Business Communication from Australian National University, Introduction to Investments from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Science and Cooking from Harvard University, and Analytics for the Classroom Teacher from the Curtin University of Technology.
The Truth About Online Degrees
This article from Franklin University dispels five myths that you may have heard about online degrees, including that online degrees aren’t valued in the workplace and that online classes are too easy. Another article from Franklin University discusses if an online degree is worth it.