Earn Your Communications Degree
- $320/credit (120 total)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores required
- Accredited by NECHE
- 24/7 online access to the classroom
- Median annual salary of $59,230 for media and communication occupations1
Online Communication Degree Program Overview
Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Southern New Hampshire University, and open the door to possibility.
From journalism, social media and new media, to professional writing, public relations and advertising – as well as positions far beyond the traditional scope of communication roles – earning your online communications degree allows you to strategize and convey your ideas effectively.
Throughout the communication degree online program, you can gain the knowledge, competencies and confidence needed to be successful in a communication industry that’s rapidly changing. You’ll learn new practices and methodologies from experts, while having the chance to work in a collaborative, hands-on environment.
At SNHU, you'll work toward your online communication degree over 8-week terms. Southern New Hampshire University is affordable and accredited – and we're here to help take you places in your career.
Learn how to:
- Communicate – orally, visually and through the written word
- Analyze and recommend strategies
- Use communication tools to spread your messages
- Think creatively and critically
You can also choose from career-focused concentrations to tailor your program more closely to your goals. Or, if you prefer to acquire a broad skill set, you can choose from a wide range of communication courses.
Get a Head Start on Your Master's
Another benefit to earning your communications degree online is that you have the option to choose up to 2 graduate-level communication courses and dually apply them to both your bachelor's and master's degrees.
Concentration Options
Business Communication
Build effective communication strategies within an organization by strengthening interpersonal relationships and promoting teamwork when you earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Business Communication.
When you get your business communication degree online, you set yourself up for success within workplaces across a variety of industries. This focused BA in Communication gives you the opportunity to develop additional written and oral communication skills that are useful in any professional workplace.
Add a business concentration to your degree, and position yourself to understand and shape communication strategies for real-world workplace dynamics.
Career outlook:
Those in media and communication occupations can continue to see growth in the industry – about 4% through 2028, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.2 Roles you may be positioned for include public relations specialists, technical writers and editors – among so many others within the business world.
Courses may include:
- Business Communication
- Crisis Communication
- Leadership and Team Building
New Media
New, or digital, media gets newer every day. Writing and producing content for new media platforms – like tweets, online articles and social media campaigns – are essential ingredients to today's communication strategies. It's the new frontier – and it's here to stay. By pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in New Media, you'll learn how to insert new media into the context of a larger campaign.
The unique courses offered in Southern New Hampshire University's new media concentration delve into a variety of subject areas, including new media technology, social media research and marketing, interpersonal development in mediated environments and content production for new media platforms. This kind of in-depth study is usually found only at the master's level.
The online bachelor's degree in communication and new media will expose you to many areas of the field, including business communication, graphic design and public relations, making you an expert generator of online "buzz" – a value to any organization.
Pursue the online bachelor's in communication and new media, and you'll gain a variety of communication, computer and graphic design skills to help prepare you for careers in management, advertising, media, communications, public relations and more.
Career outlook:
As audiences continue to consume media, the need for more attention-grabbing content increases. Media and communication occupations should expect to see 4% growth through 2028.1
Courses may include:
- New Media Technologies
- Social Media Marketing Strategy
- Writing for New Media
Professional Writing
If you're interested in learning how to use emerging technologies to communicate effectively in today's world, consider the Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Professional Writing from Southern New Hampshire University.
Earning a professional writing degree online not only makes practical sense, it makes good career sense. The program emphasizes the skills necessary to navigate the wide band of context that today's writing requires, including the web and social media. You'll learn tools and sharpen techniques to understand copywriting, editing, technical writing, and writing for your target audiences. Hand in hand with these skills, gain the analysis and problem-solving abilities necessary to keep up with cultural and technological changes.
When you enroll in the professional writing degree online program, you'll be exposed to critical skills in thinking, writing, research, strategic planning and execution. With focused writing courses, this online BA in Communication with a professional writing concentration places an emphasis on rhetoric and career orientation designed to prepare students as specialists in corporate, government, agency and nonprofit communications.
Our professional writing degree online not only explores traditional communication channels, but also trains you to use emerging technologies to communicate effectively.
Career outlook:
By earning your professional writing degree online, you position yourself for a variety of writing careers. Your degree opens doors to such roles as reporter, author or technical writer. Through 2028, media and communication occupations can expect to see 4% growth.1
Courses may include:
- Technical Writing
- Writing for New Media
- Writing for Public Relations
Public Relations
Set yourself up for success in the ever-evolving world of public-facing communication with a public relations degree concentration, which provides the skills and knowledge necessary to build positive relationships between organizations and a variety of audiences.
Courses may include:
- Organizational Branding
- Public Relations
- Writing for Public Relations
Communications Career Outlook
The online communication degree prepares you for a career in industries such as new media, advertising, professional writing, communication, broadcast and public relations.
Career opportunities include:
- Account executive. Serve as a liaison to clients and an agency team to ensure strategies are brought to life through marketing and advertising execution. With this degree, you can learn to become the link that ensures projects meet clients' needs.
- Copywriter. Persuade and educate audiences to purchase your products or services by crafting messaging that highlights their benefits. An online communications degree can help you write copy that meets marketing strategies.
- Journalist. From reporters to podcasters, the digital world has brought more opportunities to inform audiences and report the news. Your communication degree gives you insight into writing, distribution and ethics.
- Social media specialist. Plan and execute the messages for your audience's favorite social platforms. With your degree, you'll learn ideas for increasing brand awareness and building relationships with your customers.
The median annual salary for media and communication occupations in May 2019 was $59,230, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations.1
Read more about what you can do with a communication degree.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Communications Degree
Why SNHU for Your BA in Communication
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
Take advantage of some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, plus financial aid for those who qualify. We also make it easy to transfer to SNHU by accepting up to 90 credits from your previous institution.
Respected
Founded in 1932 as an accounting school, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 100,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, Southern New Hampshire University has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- “Most Innovative” regional university honors from U.S. News & World Report each year since 2015
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
- Recognition as a 2017 Digital Learning Innovator by the Online Learning Consortium
Network
As an Southern New Hampshire University student, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 200,000 peers, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate your industry. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
96.5% of students would recommend SNHU.2 Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Part of our mission to expand access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials.
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
Simply contact an admission counselor, who can help you explore financial options, answer all your questions and walk you through the application process. Start by:
- Completing a free undergraduate application
- Providing previous institutions attended – so SNHU can retrieve transcripts for you at no cost
Test scores are not required as part of your application.
Courses & Curriculum
Courses in our communication degree online program can help you develop and hone your skills in critical thinking, writing, research and analysis. As emerging technology continues to change the way we learn and communicate with each other, effective written and verbal skills will become more important than ever before.
The curriculum in our BA in Communication program - taught by experienced instructors such as Telemundo, NFL and MLB anchor Humberto Gurmilan - covers a wide range of topics, offering communication theory and industry-specific knowledge you can use to develop your ability to strategize and deliver effective messages.
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
- General education program: All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.
- Technology resources: We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
- Earn math credits for what you already know: Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
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BA in Communication |
Courses May Include | ||
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BA in Communication Online | ||
COM 213 | Public Speaking and Presentation Skills | In this course, students will develop the public speaking and presentation skills needed for the creation and dissemination of communication messages across various channels, for various purposes, and aimed at various audiences. They will create and refine communication messages based on various criteria, including the relevancy of sources and information, business and organizational goals, formats of various media channels, as well as the needs and requirements of various audiences. Students will also deliver communication messages and projects to various stakeholders, both internal and external to an organization, through the successful implementation of their public speaking and presentation skills. |
COM 229 | Visual Communication and Design | In this course, students will apply fundamental design principles and communication technologies to the creation and dissemination of messages across multiple formats and channels. Students will also analyze the effectiveness of communication messages and projects in relation to their use of basic design principles and technologies, as well as to their alignment to project goals |
COM 311 | Social Media Strategy | In this course, students will develop social media strategies as a means of communicating various messages to diverse, targeted audiences, and across multiple social media platforms. They will analyze and integrate information and feedback from social media metrics to make appropriate adjustments and refinements to social media messages. Additionally, students will leverage fundamental social media marketing strategy concepts to create engaging content and communications. |
COM 321 | Global Communication | In this course, students will critically engage with the issues and problems surrounding globalization and the production, distribution, and consumption of various global communications. They will apply an understanding of and sensitivity to various cultural, social, political, and economical issues to the analysis and creation of global and intercultural communications. Additionally, students will leverage the principles of global citizenship when interacting with various forms of global and intercultural communications. |
COM 326 | Strategic Storytelling | In this course, students will examine the role of communication messages as a form of strategic storytelling for entertainment and informational purposes. They will analyze how culture influences, and is influenced by, the creation and consumption of communication messages. Students will also apply storytelling concepts in the creation and dissemination of communication messages for various purposes. |
COM 431 | Organizational Branding | In this course, students will examine how organizations brand themselves, as well as the role of branding in creating and disseminating communications. They will evaluate how audience needs and internal and external stakeholder requirements impact the development and maintenance of an organization's brand. Students will also gain hands-on experience in creating, building, and maintaining a brand. |
Total Credits: 120 |
Communication Technical Requirements
Students enrolled in the Communication program are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum system hardware and software required in the courses. System requirements often change, so it is important that students maintain awareness of the various minimum hardware requirements for the required software listed below.
Required Hardware:
The requirements below are listed for Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Given that current system requirements can change without notice from Adobe, it is best to consult the most up-to-date requirements on the Adobe website.
Mac Specifications:
- Operating system: MacOS® version 10.15 (Catalina), MacOS version 10.14 (Mojave), or 10.13 (High Sierra)
- Processor: Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
- Memory: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessary with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
- Storage: 4 GB or more of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation (cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system)
- Display: 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended
- Graphics: OpenGL 2.0-capable system and 32-bit video card
PC Specifications:
- Operating system: Microsoft® Windows 10 Professional operating system
- Processor: Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor; 2 GHz or faster processor
- Memory: A minimum of 8 GB of RAM is required, but 16GB is highly recommended and will become increasingly necessarily with each annual release of new versions of Adobe applications
- Storage: 3.6 GB free disk space
- Display: 1024 x 768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 512 MB or more of dedicated VRAM; 2 GB is recommended*
- Graphics: OpenGL 4.x-capable system and 32-bit video card
In addition, a webcam and microphone that work with the student’s computer are required in COM 212 and COM 213.
Required Software:
The Adobe Creative Cloud Suite is required in COM 229 and COM-230. It is also required for the following elective courses available for communication students: GRA-220, COM-232, GRA-310.
Creative Cloud licenses are available at an educational discount directly through Adobe. Please note that Adobe’s terms and conditions require a full year contract for Creative Cloud.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/Certificates | $960 | $320 | $9,600 |
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty) |
$675 | $225 | $6,750 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
Additional Costs
No Application Fee, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a communications degree online?
Yes. Studying communication online is an ideal way to learn more about the subject – especially considering the digital tools and platforms that are crucial to the field today.
In an online BA in Communication program, you'll go through the same type of curriculum and learn the same skills that you'd experience in a brick-and-mortar program, such as how to:
- Communicate effectively
- Shape messaging through strategy
- Problem solve through creative and critical thinking
- Master communication tools
Southern New Hampshire University communication graduates have found success in many organizations and industries after they've graduated. Your online degree also positions you well for graduate school, should you choose to pursue a master's in communication or another master's-level program.
What do you learn as a communications major?
Courses in our online degree program are designed to build your communication skills: oral, written and visual. In addition, the program can develop your savvy in:
- Branding
- Global communication
- Law and ethics
- Presentation skills
- Strategic storytelling
You'll have a variety of electives to choose from to round out your degree. Some of these include courses like:
- Crisis Communication
- Digital Graphic Design for the Web
- Digital Photography
- Electronic Public Relations
- Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop
- Leadership and Team Building
- Social Media Marketing Strategy
- Web Site Design
If you know there's an area of communication you'd like to focus on, opt out of choosing your own electives and add a concentration to your online communication degree. A specialized degree lets you learn even more in a specific area of the field.
For example, we offer concentrations in business communication, new media, professional writing and public relations. Choose the track that matches your career goals, and you'll take 4 courses that can help you tailor your degree to them. Each class gives you hands-on experience that can give an extra boost to your resume.
What can I do with a communications degree?
Earning a degree in liberal arts – like communication – is a great choice for students because there are so many opportunities to pursue with a degree in the subject.
Having good communication skills is vital to the success of every job – and it's a characteristic that many people don't possess. By diving into how to communicate with your audience – whether it's one-on-one with a colleague or a message created for a national audience – you can set yourself up to excel in your position, no matter the industry you're in.
When you think of a communication degree, there are a handful of professions that immediately come to mind, like journalism or public relations. But there are a number of others that you should think about – fields you could enter immediately after graduation, and others that may require additional training or education:
- Advertising, brand & digital strategy
- Content writing, copywriting & editing
- Education
- Fundraising & event planning
- Law & lobbying
- Marketing and product marketing
- Politics
- Public relations & journalism
- Sales
- Social media
- Web content
If you decide to pursue your communications degree online, keep in mind that you won't have to limit your career options – you'll have plenty of opportunities that you're prepared for.
Why is a communications degree important?
Communication is important because it's a part of everything we do – and everything we don't do.
The National Communication Association says that communication is "the discipline that studies all forms, modes, media and consequences of communication through humanistic, social scientific and aesthetic inquiry."3
Everything we say, write or see is a form of communication. They are all messages meant for an audience to receive and decode. And that's why it's crucial that communicators choose each word and element wisely.
As a student in an online communication degree program, you'll gain a new perspective on what it takes to communicate effectively to others. You'll also gain media literacy skills, allowing you to better interpret messages communicated to you.
Because you'll develop advanced communication skills – a trait employers actively seek out – you could be sought after in a wide variety of industries you're interested in.
How much can you make with a communications degree?
Career opportunities for those with an online communications degrees are broad: They can position you for jobs in a wide range of industries, which means they can also offer you a variety of salaries.
Overall, media and communication occupations paid a mean annual wage of $59,230 in May 2019.1
Here's a look at what some specific occupations within communications paid as the mean salary in May 2019:1
- Editors: $61,370
- Public relations specialists: $61,150
- Reporters, correspondents and broadcast news analysts: $46,270
- Technical writers: $72,850
- Writers and authors: $63,200
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects new communications jobs to be created from the need for more information through a variety of platforms.1
What is new media?
New media is a broad term used to describe essentially all digitally based media we see and experience. While new media in the early 1900s may have consisted of radio and film, today new media includes web-based/cloud email and computing, the wide expanse of internet, social media channels (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and smartphone applications.
David Gerrold, a popular science fiction author, once said, "What's interesting about the shift from an industrial age to a technological age is that we keep inventing new media: movies, records, radio, television, the Internet, and now ebooks – and one of the things that's most interesting about the invention of a new medium is watching it reinvent itself as it penetrates the culture."
The one thing "new media" in our culture represents is ever-changing technology.
What can you do with a new media degree concentration?
By earning a communication degree with a concentration in new media, you'll gain an advantage within careers in this ever-broadening field.
As co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates once explained, technology and business go hand in hand: "Information technology and business are becoming inextricably interwoven. I don't think anybody can talk meaningfully about one without talking about the other."
The job market seems to be opening up for precisely this type of employment.
The internet has changed the ways in which we engage with others, but the basic need to communicate with others is historically part of what drives us as human beings, and that won't change. Digital/internet-based communication is what helps us to reach business and personal communication goals, as they offer unique ways to create, innovate and communicate.
Digitally based interactions are fast, far-reaching and a low-cost endeavor compared to traditional media marketing (newspapers, television, radio, etc.) for businesses looking to grow.
Your path can take you just about anywhere you would like to go. While some positions are usually found in companies that boast 100 or more employees, every size business uses new media to keep ahead of the pack. As diverse as the population is, with as many employment options as there are, combined with the sheer expanse of the internet, you can find a way to use what you've learned. In fact, not many industries forgo digital involvement these days no matter the size of the payroll. Whether you are taking over the family shop that is boutique-sized or you are at the helm of a Fortune 500 company's marketing plan, SNHU provides the skills necessary to enter or advance in the world of new media.
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University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
References
Sources & Citations (1, 2, 3)
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/home.htm (viewed June 10, 2020). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
2 According to more than 9,200 SNHU online students in survey responses from the fall of 2019.
3 National Communication Association, What is communication, on the internet, at https://www.natcom.org/about-nca/what-communication (viewed Sept. 19, 2019).