An online bachelor's in communications is designed to teach students how to craft messages in the digital age and have them explore new technologies, marketing techniques, research methods, and society's relationship with various forms of media. There will also be discussions of the morality and legality surrounding modern communications, such as social media and business practices. Graduates of an online communications degree often work in journalism, public relations, or marketing.
View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. For more inspiration, check out our list of the most affordable online master's degrees in communications.
2024 Most Affordable Online Communications Degrees
Student Reviews of Online Communications Programs
My experience has been excellent! I saw a review saying they accept you without any relevant information such as a high school transcript or college transfer transcript and that is NOT true. I was required to send both before being accepted. Online school is not easy - you need the self motivation to do it. No one is going to hold your hand to get it done. I’ve been at universities the traditional way and the courses online are just as competitive if not more. It is in no way “easy” because it’s... Read More
Review Date: 12/10/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
This school is very basic, don’t go here if you’re expecting a specialized category under your major. For example Comm majors may want further study on PR they don’t do that. Its generalized and class options are limited. But it’s a quick easy degree.
Review Date: 10/30/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Full Sail offers so many varieties of programs to help you through your journey. Even after graduation I am still allotted to access websites, programs and continued learning. I enjoyed my time at full Sail University and I recommend anyone who wants to make a change in their life and have help and guidance along the way go to Full Sail University. They make dreams come true
Review Date: 8/30/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
I decided to return to college for the third attempt since High School in 1986. I started looking at online universities on the computer one day and a co-worker informed me of King University where her husband graduated. She advised me that King University is a wonderful university for adults that are working all the time and it has classes online which makes it easier for the adults working schedule. I informed her I would call and get some information regarding the university and if it can work... Read More
Review Date: 7/16/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Purdue University Global was unexpected when I was looking to continue my education. I was interested in Arizona State University but could not speak to anyone regarding attending school there online. Purdue University Global popped up with an ad regarding the University and registration. I thought to myself, what do I have to lose? If I do not get selected, I will look elsewhere closer to home. I live in California, and there are universities close to me that I could attend. My brother-in-law mentioned... Read More
Review Date: 8/10/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Every college experience is different and personal to the person attending. While at Purdue University Global, I always felt my personal needs for my educational success were met on a regular basis. Every person who worked in admissions, my student advisor, student support, all the way to each of my professors, my personal success and goals were at the forefront of their teaching week after week. Each professor would provide accurate and timely feedback on discussion boards or assignments that not... Read More
Review Date: 10/4/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
I have an academic advisor and a mentor( The mentor is something that the school itself came up with, and that's been very beneficial so far). Overall my courses are pretty informational. The professors really care about what they're teaching, and they make sure that the students are really learning as well.
Review Date: 2/15/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
My time at King University has been difficult, but very manageable. I once heard a friend say that her friends do not like King for various reasons. With that input in mind, I took a chance with King University. As part of my first semester at King, I am currently enrolled in an online B.S. in Communications program. It is great for any student looking into a Communications-based career. It gives me the freedom to work a job five days a week and still manage my classes. I will admit, in one of my... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
So far I have enjoyed my time and academic studies at King University. I am currently in COMM4100, or about halfway through to earning my Bachelor’s in Communications, and so far I have loved everything from learning about ethical theories to exploring all the opportunities a Communications major can bestow. I recommend this program for those who enjoy business, but would like to avoid the mathematical side of things.
Review Date: 7/15/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
I started off a 30 something year old single mother with little to no job or educational background. I wanted to be able to complete something so important, will giving me something "to do" and get me learning more. I knew a degree would heighten my chances of finding a suitable career that I could use to boost my earnings and life in general. I studied Communications because I still was not sure which direction I wanted to go in. I still am not sure but as I approach graduation, I am thankful for... Read More
Review Date: 6/29/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
I decided to join the Communication program at King University with a slightly hesitant attitude. I wondered if it would really help me in my career. I am now preparing to walk away with a more concrete career path, understanding of my passions and a refined skillset. The Communication professors at King were attentive to every message I sent and were intentional in helping me apply my course work to my career. Dr. Sloan, the program director holds the tension well of being gracious, kind and supportive... Read More
Review Date: 10/15/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
I would like to start off by saying if anyone thinks an educational institute isn't for profit than no wonder you feel the way you do (sour). Purdue University Global has it like any other online institute, some Professors are good and care about your advancements, and there are some that do not know a thing. As for the advisors, when you enroll with the first advisor keep in mind that is the sales force. They will pitch you on things to get you in and enrolled, but if you ask the right questions... Read More
Review Date: 5/1/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
King University is a small Christian University based in Bristol, TN. This is my first semester at King after graduating with an associate degree in Business Administration last spring. I transferred to King pursuing my bachelor’s degree in their online Comm program. After being here for roughly a semester now, I can confidently say this is a great online program. Each student at King, online or traditional, is assigned a student success specialist that guides you through what classes to take and... Read More
Review Date: 10/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Almost ten years ago today, I began my college entry essay with this statement: “Hello, my name is Cameron Taylor and I am a senior at Richmond Christian School. This fall, I plan to major in mass communications at Liberty University. This degree will help me become a positive influence in my community.” This introduction was as vague as my life plans. Like most high school graduates, I knew very little about college. My parents, teachers, and friends conditioned me to see it as a stepping stone... Read More
Review Date: 10/20/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
The online communications program here at King has been a great experience since the start. I was worried at first that online courses may be tricky when it came to communicating back and forth with the professors when I had questions, concerns, etc., but that has not been the case at all. Every professor I have had has been extremely quick to reply and they all seem to genuinely care about how you do in their classes. I would absolutely recommend this degree path to anyone wanting to learn legitimate... Read More
Review Date: 10/20/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
My experience in King University’s online Communication program has been nothing but positive. When I chose to finish my degree online, I was afraid I would be sacrificing the quality of my education for the flexibility of an online degree. However, through King I was able to get my degree while working full time and never felt like I was missing out on a quality education. Classes are in 5-week terms, which seemed stressful at first, but I came to really enjoy. It allows you to focus completely... Read More
Review Date: 10/20/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
King University can offer more than just a degree. Since attending, King has presented me with many opportunities to learn new skills and refine older ones. When beginning the program, I thought that I was going to be spending the next year and a half relearning old material, but I was very mistaken. The first course I took, Public Relations, impressed me greatly. In the first week, the instructor had taught us how to create a professional Press Release; it was very exciting to learn a skill that... Read More
Review Date: 3/15/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
My time at King College has been the most rewarding experience to date. Having attended another university before, I could not be more pleased with the education I have received. The COMM professors provided solid content in a thorough and informative manner; their instruction made the material enjoyable to learn! Although the University has religious values and missions, the COMM professors taught and provided content that was diverse and inclusive of all religions and dominations.
Review Date: 3/15/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
When I began looking for a school to complete my degree, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I ultimate went to the internet to find my answer. I searched the web for affordable, online schools that provided a good, flexible schedule since I was a full-time worker. I came across King University. Not only was the school accredited, it was in my budget and gave me a great degree I could use for just about any career path: Communications! I was so excited for my journey to start. I was ready to start... Read More
Review Date: 3/29/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
When I started at King University, I struggled with a lot of mental health issues. I knew what I wanted to do i.e. learn more about Communication, but I physically and emotionally could not bring myself to do the work - and I was already 2 weeks into class. I continued to struggle and struggle until my grades paid the price. I eventually took time away from school to reconnect with my passions in life. In the fall of 2019, I began my studies again with the determination to absorb all the information... Read More
Review Date: 10/22/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Overview of Online Communications Bachelor's Degrees
A communications bachelor's degree is designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in business and other industries. Equipped with the knowledge and skills you'll acquire by completing a program, you can pursue a career in marketing, public relations, news media, and more.
When you enroll in a communications program, you'll find yourself taking an interdisciplinary mix of courses in writing and media, as well as sociology, psychology, and other relevant disciplines. Simulated real-world projects will help you master essential technical skills, including the ability to craft persuasive messages, run effective social media campaigns, and develop websites and apps. In the process, you'll develop soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.
An online communications bachelor's degree typically requires the completion of 120 credit hours. While some full-time students fulfill the graduation requirements in four to five years, part-time students may need an additional year or two.
Generally speaking, you need to have earned a high school diploma or the equivalent to be accepted into a college or university. You'll need to submit your high school transcripts along with other materials when you apply for college. If it's a competitive school, you may need to meet additional requirements for a high GPA, community service, extracurricular activities, and more.
Common Courses
The curriculum of an online communications degree program gives you a thorough understanding of the techniques, tools, and strategies used for effective communication. Nearly all bachelor's programs require a capstone project, and some also require an internship in the communications field.
Some of the specific core courses often found in an online communications bachelor's degree program include:
Digital Media
This course introduces students to the technologies and methodologies of developing and producing digital content. They'll gain hands-on experience in creating multimedia content suitable for online platforms.
Organizational Communication
Delving into communication within organizations, students discover how information flows within a company and how to improve and streamline internal communications.
Communication Research Methods
Often the capstone of a bachelor's program, this course provides students with an understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods specific to the communication industry. The purpose of this course is to teach students how to make informed decisions based on data.
Are you thinking about a career that involves writing? You may also be interested in one of the best online writing programs or one of the most affordable journalism programs.
Funding an Online Communications Degree
One of the biggest concerns for most prospective college students is cost. The grand total for an online communications degree varies dramatically, but you can start estimating the cost by looking at some figures compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). After studying tuition and fees for bachelor's programs across the country in the 2020-21 school year, the NCES determined that the average total annual tuition and fees was $12,394 at public colleges and $26,621 at private colleges. To get a rough estimate of the total tuition and fees — which is the majority of the cost of a college degree — multiply these figures by four or five years.
Another major concern is how you're going to pay for a bachelor's degree in communications. You probably have several sources of funding available, such as income, savings, and monetary gifts. You may also qualify for financial aid, discussed in more detail below.
Of course, much like negotiating around the "sticker price" of a car at a dealership, there are steps you can take to minimize the cost of a degree and save money on college. One clear choice is to opt for an affordable online communications degree like those listed above. Many schools feature reduced tuition rates for online students, and attending college remotely also eliminates room and board fees and transportation costs.
Other cost-saving measures include selecting a public school instead of a private one, as suggested by the data from the NCES. You could also work at a part-time or full-time job and use your income for tuition and other expenses. Finally, you may want to consider completing your first two years of lower-division courses at a community college, which is probably far less expensive than a four-year school. Later, you can transfer the credits you've earned to a four-year university where you'll complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree.
Financial Aid
Many traditional and online students rely on financial aid as a major source of funding for a bachelor's degree. To apply for most types of aid, fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial aid officers will then determine whether you qualify for financial assistance and, if so, how much aid you'll receive. Keep in mind, however, that you must be enrolled in an accredited college to qualify.
Among the most common types of financial aid are grants and scholarships. Most of these are funded by the schools and by the federal and state governments. These types of aid are ideal because you don't have to pay them back when you graduate.
However, depending on your financial circumstances, you may not qualify for enough grants and scholarships to cover the full cost of a bachelor's degree. In this case, you may be offered a student loan, but the loan interest will add a significant amount to the final cost of a degree. If you want to figure out the total cost of a loan before accepting one, use our student loan repayment calculator. You may also want to compare federal student loans to private student loans, as private loans often involve higher interest rates.
If you're willing to invest a bit more time and effort, you may also land a few private scholarships. Community and civic organizations, corporations, and nonprofits often fund scholarships to encourage specific types of students to pursue degrees. With this in mind, awards are determined by factors like your academic achievements, community service, family heritage, or career goals.
What Can You Do With an Online Communications Degree?
One of the best things about a communications degree is its versatility, as it can lead to a wide range of communications career choices. This degree paves the way for many types of roles in marketing, public relations, sales, corporate communications, human resources, and beyond. You'll probably need to start with an entry-level position, but your degree will make you a more attractive job candidate.
Marketing is one of the more popular destinations for communications graduates, so you may want to begin as a marketing specialist. You may work with print or digital media, or both, preparing persuasive messages for well-defined audiences. Marketing specialists and marketing research analysts earn a median annual salary of $68,230, and demand for these professionals is expected to grow by 11% through 2031.
Public relations is another common career choice for communications majors, and many younger graduates look for positions as public relations specialists. In this role, you'll work for a for-profit or nonprofit organization, where you'll write and develop many types of messages for various audiences. The median annual salary for public relations specialists is $67,440, and job openings are projected to increase by 8%-10% throughout this decade.
If you're interested in news media, you could also consider going into journalism or broadcast journalism, using both written and verbal communication skills to collect and share information with the public. The median salary for news analysts, reporters, and journalists is $55,960. Although the number of job openings is expected to decline by 2% over the next decade, there will still be close to 5,000 positions.
At some point in the future, you may decide to enhance your professional credentials with a graduate degree. Online communications master's degree programs often allow you to zero in on one particular aspect of the field, enabling you to develop valuable expertise and advanced skills. A master's degree may open doors to higher-paying positions. You may also want to pursue a PhD in communications to prepare for careers in academia and research.
You'll find plenty of options for an advanced degree on our lists of the best online master's in communications programs and the most affordable master's in communications programs.
FAQs About Online Communications Degrees
How Do I Choose a Bachelor's in Communications?
Deciding which online communications degree program to enroll in is a personal choice based on quite a few characteristics. Some of these factors — such as cost, curriculum, student services, and financial aid — may be more important to you than others.
One thing you want to make sure of, however, is that the school you choose has earned institutional accreditation. This is required for you to qualify for financial aid and to gain acceptance into a master's program. All of the schools on our list of the most affordable bachelor's in communications degrees and throughout our site are institutionally accredited. You may also want to look for a program that has earned program-level accreditation from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).
How Much Does It Cost To Get a Bachelor's in Communications Degree?
The cost of earning a bachelor's in communications degree varies widely. To give you a ballpark estimate, however, the College Board found that the average annual tuition and fees is $10,940 at a public four-year college for in-state students in the 2022-23 school year and $39,400 for a private four-year college. By adding in the average annual cost of room, board, books, and supplies, the annual cost totals $24,290 per year at a public university and $54,670 per year at a private one.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the cost of earning a bachelor's degree, which may include choosing an affordable online communications degree like those listed above. Online learning also eliminates room and board fees, as well as transportation expenses.
What Are the Different Types of Communications Degrees?
There is quite a lot of variation among communications degree programs. Some programs are slightly slanted toward a particular aspect of communication, while others offer elective courses in specific subjects so you can customize your degree to fit your career goals.
In general, specializations in communications degrees can be grouped into categories such as journalism and broadcasting; advertising, public relations, and digital communications; interpersonal communication; and writing and editing.
Is a Communications Degree Worth It?
Deciding whether an online bachelor's degree in communications is worth it depends upon your priorities and career aspirations. However, this versatile degree prepares you for a number of occupations with respectable salaries. What's more, you may be able to work your way up to higher-paying management positions in this field with only a bachelor's degree.
Of course, given the high cost of earning a degree, you'll want to maximize your return on the investment. Perhaps the best way to achieve that is to minimize the cost by opting for an online communications degree and taking other cost-conscious steps.