What is an Online Communications Degree Program?
Are you wondering what an online communications degree program entails? Well, you have come to the right place. In this program, you can expect to cover a broad range of subjects. What do you think these subjects all have in common? Well, you will find they all emphasize the sharing of ideas. What will you learn if you pursue this path? For one, you will learn to share your ideas through writing. And you will also learn to finesse them through speaking. Plus, you could study conflict resolution.
Across all organizations, you will find it is key to communicate information. You can infer how important communications is for getting the word out. As such, you will be studying the best methods to do so. Your goal is for your business to achieve its goals. Are you wondering what industries will utilize your communications skills? Well, you will find that many do.
For example, you will see that some online communications degree programs focus on a specific industry or sector. You will often see a business focus, for example. Also, you will find, programs focus on particular work functions or fields. For example, you will find a focus on public relations. At the core, what do you think most programs have in common? Well, you will find that their aim is to help you to express concepts. And, to help you do so effectively. So, do you love using words? Do you love using visuals? Do you love finding creative ways to get your message across? Well, then this program may be for you!
TYPES OF ONLINE COMMUNICATION DEGREES
A.A. in Communication Studies
In this program, you will examine the foundations of communication. You will cover topics like theory. You will also cover application. Plus, you will work on a variety of skill areas. You could work on writing. Or, you could cover public speaking. Also, you will work on interpersonal communications. And, you will learn how to apply these skills to achieve different goals. You will also learn to use your skills across different settings.
Course Examples:
- Professional Public Speaking
- Photography
- Communication Law
B.A. in Communication Studies
This program allows you to take an in depth look at how you get your messages across. So, you could study the best practices for visual communications. Also, you could learn about the theory of persuasion. And, you will learn to communicate effectively. This is so you can speak to diverse audiences. It is also for you to apply your skills to different situations.
Course Examples:
- Media Writing for Communication
- Tech & Communication
- Visual Journalism
M.A. in Communication
On this path, you will cover the principles of communications. Also, you will cover the practices of communications. And, the contexts in which you would use it. Plus, you will examine philosophy. You could also study ethics. And, you could cover the modalities of communications. You will also gain an introduction to graduate study. So, you could cover qualitative research. Or, you could get into quantitative research.
Course Examples:
- Communication & Identity
- Mass Media Industries
- Digital Media Design
Online Communications Degree Programs
What do you think marketing, copy writing, and event planning all have in common? Well, as you can tell, all of these practices involve communication. Many branches of communication, you will find, fall under the same umbrella. In an online communications degree program, you could take a broad view of the field. Meaning, you would study it on a whole. Or, you could concentrate on a niche area. For example, you could focus on digital strategy. Or, you could focus on PR. Either way, you will likely do a lot of writing on this path. And, you could do a good amount of speaking, too. Also, you could find yourself doing research. Regardless, your mission will be the same. You will be charged to come up with different ways that you can reach diverse audiences.
Undergraduate Communications Programs
At the undergraduate level, you will likely cover the fundamentals of communications. So, for example, you could try your hand at journalism. You could also learn the fine details of social media marketing. And, you could study how public relations keeps the lines of communication open. You will find these channels are essential among businesses. You will also find them vital to government organizations. As you can gather, good communication is essential to consumers, too!
The courses you may take in your major will combine a variety of skill areas. You could study public speaking and research. Or, you could study writing, and critical thinking. Plus, you could learn to apply these skills in the most effective ways. You could learn about composing tweets. And, you can look at the best ways for crafting a speech.
You will find that many programs also offer concentrations. For instance, you could study New Media. This, you may be aware, includes digital media. Here, you will cover topics like online articles. Also, you will cover blogs. And of course, you will cover social media. Other concentrations you could cover may include Business Communications. Plus, you could study Journalism. You could also study Radio & Television, among other topics.
What should you look for? You can look for undergraduate communications programs like:
- Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Communication Studies
- Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Marketing Communications
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Communications
Graduate Communications Programs
Are you wondering about communications at the graduate level? Well, at this level, you will find, you may take an even more analytical approach. You can really delve into how people exchange information. In addition, you can analyze how organizations relate information. So, you can expect to study the theories behind communications. Also, you will study the practical strategies you need to go forward.
What do you think the difference between undergraduate programs and graduate programs is? Well, you will find that both levels of communications programs are diverse. In each, you could take courses in personal interactions. Or, you could study digital media. You could also study communications. And, you could do so across different contexts. For example, you could cover politics. Or, you could take on conflict resolution.
In many cases, you can choose a concentration. For example, you could choose Digital Strategy. On this path, you could cover how you would deploy digital media. This is so you can help companies achieve business goals. In some programs, you will focus on a particular industry. For instance, in a health and communications program, you will delve into communication strategies. But, you will focus specifically on medical and wellness organizations. On this path, you will also cover medical findings. In addition, you could cover talking more effectively with patients.
You can look for graduate communications programs like:
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Communication
- M.A. in Emerging Media
- Master of Science (M.S.) in Communication
- Ph.D. in Communication
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Southern New Hampshire University
- Take advantage of some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates, while earning a degree from a private, nonprofit, NEASC accredited university
- Qualified students with 2.5 GPA and up may receive up to $20K in grants & scholarships
- Multiple term start dates throughout the year. 24/7 online classroom access.
Popular Programs
Business Administration, Psychology, Information Technology, Human Services…
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University of Arizona Global Campus
- 99% of University of Arizona Global Campus students study online
- University of Arizona Global Campus offers affordable tuition, so college is accessible to many students.
- he University of Arizona Global Campus (formerly Ashford University) is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Available Programs
Accounting and Finance, Information Technology, Political Science…
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Western Governors University
- Award-winning programs created to help you succeed.
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Online Communications Courses
Are you wondering how your courses could compare? Well, no matter what your degree level or which specialization you choose, your coursework will have a common thread. What is that, you ask? You will cover all of the different ways of sharing messages. So, you could cover everything under the journalism umbrella, for instance. This means you will delve into writing content. Or, you could study copy writing. And, of course, you will cover social media. Do you like visuals? You could even study graphic design.
Some common courses include:
Public Speaking: This course covers everything that goes into effective speaking. That includes putting together well-researched presentations, understanding your audience, and speaking in different situations. No “ums” allowed!
Mass Media and Broadcasting: Mass media include print, radio, film, television, and the internet. A course like this may cover everything from the laws governing advertising to the ethics of what gets shared. You’ll seek a clearer picture of how media impacts the economy. And, you’ll study the finer points of each medium.
Visual Communications and Design: Not all communication is verbal. This course covers how to use visuals to express your ideas. You’ll study design principles and the technologies used to create graphics. And, you’ll learn how and when to use visuals across different channels.
How Long Does It Take You to Earn a Degree in Communications?
Are you wondering about time? Well, generally, it will take you least four years to earn a B.A. in Communications. Earning an M.A. in Communications will usually take you less time. It could take you around one to two years. Of course, you will find, it all depends on whether you study part time, or you go full time. You must also consider other factors, like fees.
Communications Degree Program Examples
| School | Degree Level | # of Credits Required | Start Dates | Minimum Months to Complete |
| Colorado Christian University | A.A. | 60 | Multiple | 24 |
| Berkeley College | A.A | 60 | N/A | 24 |
| Syracuse University | M.A. | 33 | N/A | 15 |
How Much Does a Communications Degree Program Cost You?
You may also be wondering about cost. According to DataUSA you can see the median in state public tuition for a degree in communication is $6,894. The median out of state private tuition you will find, is more. This number, you will see, went up to $30,500. You can compare tuition for these schools that offer communications degree programs:
| School | Degree Level | # of Credits Required | Cost Per Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
| Southern New Hampshire University | B.A. | 120 | $320 | $38,400 |
| Walden University | B.A. | 181 | $325 | $58,825 |
| Purdue University Global | B.A. | 180 | $371 | $66,780 |
Top Schools That Offer Communications Degree Programs
You will find many schools offering programs. According to the DataUSA, you can find 1,372 schools with Communications programs. From those schools, you can see that students were awarded 119,161 degrees in 2022 (the most recent data).
| School | 2022 Degrees awarded | 2023/24 Tuition (out of state unless *) |
| California State U Fullerton | 962 | $18,953 |
| Florida International U | 900 | $18,963 |
| U of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 696 | $39,330 |
| Full Sail U | 825 | $26,417 |
| Ohio State U Main Campus | 656 | $38,365 |
| Michigan State U | 1,336 | $43,372 |
| U of Southern California | 908 | $68,237* |
| California State U Sacramento | 533 | $19,482 |
| U of South Florida Main Campus | 610 | $17,324 |
| Purdue U Main Campus | 391 | $28,794 |
Choosing an Accredited Communications Degree Program
Are you wondering what an accredited program is? Perhaps you have heard the word. Well, you should know, it is essentially a seal of approval for your program. What does it mean for you? Well, it offers you the insurance that your program is top notch. As you may have heard, it is the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) who is responsible for accrediting communications programs. And, they only accredit programs they feel will best help you. This is to prepare you as a student, for potential career paths.
The ACEJMC, you will find, values programs that have multidisciplinary curricula. What does that mean for you? It means, your program must foster critical thinking. And it must also enable your freedom of expression. In addition, you will find, your programs must have a competent faculty. You will also find that they need to provide resources to you as a student. This is to help you pursue your goals.
In short, if you choose an accredited program, it can help you be confident. This is because you have more assurance in the quality of your education. But, it’s optional for you. You will find it may not be required for all career paths in communications.