Best Communication Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Jobs, and Salaries

Appalachian State University , commonly known as App State, is a four-year public university founded in 1899. The university is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. More than 20,000 students are enrolled at App State and enjoy its popular education, psychology, and science major programs. The US News & World Report ranks App State Online, an extension of App University, among the best online universities in the US .

Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies

In this communication program, you will learn different theories and real-world applications of communication skills, such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, persuasion, nonverbal communication, and small group communication. Students will also select an undergraduate minor in topics such as sociology, business, political science, or English.

Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies Overview

• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
• Tuition: $4,242/year (in state); $19,849/year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 73%

Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.82 recommended
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Unofficial and official transcripts, interest statement, list of activities, residency confirmation, and criminal background check

Applying to Appalachian State University

1. Review application deadlines.
2. Complete the application using the Common Application.
3. Submit all required documents through the application portal, email, or mail.
4. Pay the application fee.
5. Complete the FAFSA application.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public university founded in 1885 and is the parent institution of over 10 ASU campuses. It is also one of the best research universities in the Phoenix metropolitan area and prides itself on a student population of over 74,000 undergraduate and graduate learners.

Bachelor of Science in Communication

This BS in Communication program will teach cultural diversity, global awareness, public speaking, communication research methods, and organizational communication. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers the degree at the Tempe Campus, but students can also pursue the same degree online or in a hybrid format through ASU Local. This program is also offered as an accelerated degree option, allowing students to obtain a diploma in three years.

Bachelor of Science in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $10,710/year (in state); $28,800/year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 3 - 4 years
• Learning Format: In person or online
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 66%

Bachelor of Science in Communication Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.0
• Standardized Tests: ACT and SAT (optional)
• Application Fee: $50 (residents); $70 (non-residents); $85 (international students)
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts

Applying to Arizona State University

1. Complete the online application through the Common Application, Coalition Application, or ASU’s Application for Admission.
2. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
3. Submit all the transcripts and test scores.
4. If desired, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Colorado State University (CSU) was established in 1870 and is one of the country’s highly-ranked public research universities. It enrolls over 33,000 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs. CSU offers a 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio and is known for its research facilities, world-class faculty, and initiation of First Generation scholarships .

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies

The Communication Studies major at CSU teaches students the history and practice of communication in film and media studies, rhetoric and civic engagement, and relational and organizational communication. You will also develop critical thinking, oral, and written communication skills to prepare you for real-world experiences after graduation.

Prospective students can also choose to pursue the Speech Teacher Licensure concentration, where they will learn interpersonal communication, advanced public speaking, critical media studies, film, and social change. The degree also offers an accelerated program, allowing any full-time student to complete the degree in three years.

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $638.21/credit (in state); $1,691.71/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 3 - 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 70%

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.4 recommended
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, personal statement, one letter of recommendation

Applying to Colorado State University

1. Review application deadlines on the school website.
2. Complete your application via the Common Application.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit your test scores and all required documents.

Drexel University is a four-year, private university located in the heart of Philadelphia. Drexel offers state-of-the-art R1 research facilities and is also known for its degrees in management, computer science, visual and performing arts, social sciences, and psychology. Additionally, the US News & World Report ranks Drexel University 103rd on the list of National Universities .

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

Prospective students of this program can choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree track in communication. They can also select a specific concentration, including public relations, journalism, technical and science, or communication. The communication concentration is great for students who are unsure of an area of study in the field. In this concentration, they will learn about civic engagement, English composition, political communication, new technologies, and mass media and society.

Drexel University also offers this program as part of an accelerated degree plan to earn a BA or BS in Communication and a Master of Science in Strategic and Digital Communication in five years.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Middles States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $17,956/term
• Required Credits: 180 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 71%

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT (optional)
• Application Fee: $50
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Personal essay, two letters of recommendation, official transcripts

Applying to Drexel University

1. Review the admission requirements and application deadlines.
2. Read the application requirements for first-year students.
3. Complete the application or Common Application and pay the application fee.
4. Submit all required documents.

Husson University is a private university located in the suburban area of Bangor, Maine. The university began in 1898 and is known for its outstanding faculty, wide variety of programs, varsity sports, and experiential learning experience. Husson has a small-to-medium population of over 3,400 students.

Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication – Journalism

In this journalism and communication program, prospective students will gain core values based on professionalism, diversity, experiential and immersive learning, industry focus, creativity, and a broad-based curriculum. Core courses include general psychology, photography, ethics in media, and TV news writing. Students will also gain technical writing and interviewing skills through hands-on training in Husson’s online campus newspaper.

Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication – Journalism Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $650/credit hour
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 58%

Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication – Journalism Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional until 2023)
• Application Fee: $40
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, one letter of recommendation, one 250-word essay

Applying to Husson University

1. Create an account on the application page.
2. Review application requirements.
3. Complete the school’s application or via the Common Application.
4. Submit all the required documents.

Kansas State University is a four-year, public land-grant university in Manhattan, Kansas. Kansas State was founded in 1863 and currently admits over 20,000 students. KSU sits on over 600 acres and includes additional campuses in Olathe, Salina, and global online campuses. Kansas State ranks 78th in the US News & World Report’s list of the best public schools in the United States.

Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication

Prospective students of this mass communication program will pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree track. The coursework covers popular communication topics like theories of human communication, senior colloquium, freedom of speech, noteworthy studies in human discourse, professional speaking, and legal communication. Students in this program will gain the technical and practical skills needed for a lucrative career in mass communication.

Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition: $316.30/credit (in state); $852/credit (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 68%

Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.25
• Standardized Tests: ACT or SAT
• Application Fee: $30
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Unofficial transcripts, signatures from parents and high school officials, list of desired courses

Applying to Kansas State University

1. Select the program and review the deadlines.
2. Complete the online application.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit all the required documents.

Northeastern University is a private university founded in 1898. Northeastern is a selective university with an 18 percent acceptance rate and is known for its commitment to professional education through successful co-op programs. The university’s experiential learning experience allows graduates to gain the skills needed to thrive in the professional sector as employees or freelancers.

Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Communication Studies

This BA degree program prepares students for various jobs in interactive arts, narrative arts, and communication and media. Students in this program will gain valuable skills in research, production, camera operations, studio lighting, time management, printing, and design. The coursework is divided into media art courses, communication studies courses, and integrative studies.

Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Communication Studies Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $28,250/term
• Required Credits: 128 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 90%

Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Communication Studies Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $75
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Letters of recommendation, official transcripts, essay, portfolio

Applying to Northeastern University

1. Review the application deadlines.
2. Complete your application through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
3. Pay the application fee.
4. Submit required materials.
5. Check your application status.

Pennsylvania State University is a world-renowned public research university known for its Greek System, with over 70 sororities and fraternities. Penn State was founded in 1855 and prides itself on over 20 campuses across the United States. Penn State’s University Park campus has an enrollment of over 47,000 students.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

This degree tackles communication fundamentals while incorporating technological details, employer requirements, and basic theoretical foundations of communication. The degree is available at all Penn State campuses, but students will end their studies on the Beaver, New Kensington, Greater Allegheny, or Brandywine campuses.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Middles States Commission on Higher Education
• Tuition: $18,898/year (in state); $36,476/year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 73%

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT and ACT (optional until 2023)
• Application Fee: $65
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)

Applying to Pennsylvania State University

1. Review admission requirements and deadlines, and select a suitable Penn State campus.
2. Create a Penn State account and complete your application. You can also apply through the Common Application or Coalition Application.
3. Pay the non-refundable application fee.
4. Submit all required materials.

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is one of the most affordable and rapidly-growing private universities in the United States. SNHU has an enrollment of 3,000 on-campus students and over 135,000 online students. The university is known for its numerous online degree programs and offers several in-person degrees, including a BA in Communication.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

In this communication program, you will gain written and oral communication expertise from a highly-qualified faculty and intriguing curriculum. Southern New Hampshire University's coursework covers communication theory, industry concepts, public speaking, professional writing, presentation, and practical interview skills. Students will gain a foundation to launch a career in information technology, marketing, journalism, graphic design, advertising, and film

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Tuition: $15,000/year
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 37%

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Admission Requirements

• GPA: No minimum requirement
• Standardized Tests: SAT or ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: None
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Official transcripts, one letter of recommendation

Applying to Southern New Hampshire University

1. Review application deadlines.
2. Complete your application through the Common Application.
3. Submit all required documents.
4. Explore financial aid options.
5. Review application status.

The University of Illinois – Urbana, Champaign is a four-year public university with a student population of over 50,000. The university is known for its engineering and business programs and offers exceptional student support services that allow students to experience a fulfilling and productive campus experience.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

This communication program covers communication fundamentals from a broad liberal arts perspective. The degree track tackles different areas of study, including communication and culture, communication and health, communication and organizations, interpersonal communication, mediated communication and technology, and rhetoric and public discourse.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Overview

• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Tuition and Fees: $17,138/year (in state); $35,110/year (out of state)
• Required Credits: 120 credits
• Program Length: 4 years
• Learning Format: In person
• NCES School Graduation Rate: 86%

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Admission Requirements

• GPA: 3.5 recommended
• Standardized Tests: SAT and ACT (optional)
• Application Fee: $50; $75 (international students)
• Minimum Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Other Requirements: Unofficial transcripts, proof of extracurricular activities, short essay questions

Applying to the University of Illinois

1. Gather your application materials.
2. Complete the application by creating an account on the school website or through the Common and Coalition Applications.
3. Submit required documents and pay the application fee.
4. Review additional application requirements related to the major.
5. Check your application status.

Marketing managers handle the marketing aspect of a business, product, or service. They play a significant role in creating unique marketing and pricing strategies, organizing promotion campaigns, and leading a team in implementing creative ideas. A communication bachelor’s degree will enhance your communication skills, improve your negotiation skills, and make you a better leader.

• Average Salary: $135,030
• Job Outlook: 10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 31,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California

A PR manager is responsible for creating and maintaining an appealing public image for an organization or individual client. They develop a favorable client image, help clients improve their communication strategies, write press releases, and design advertising programs.

• Average Salary: $128,160
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 89,000
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York

Lawyers spend most of their time communicating, making a communication bachelor's degree beneficial for their career. By pursuing the degree, you will learn to communicate with clients, judges, and peers. In addition, you will gain knowledge on crucial research methods, writing sermons, interpreting laws, analyzing cases, and public speaking. A communication bachelor’s degree is an excellent precursor to a law degree.

• Average Salary: $127,990
• Job Outlook: 9% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 804,200
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, New York, California

Management analysts, also referred to as consultants, facilitate an organization's effective management and operation. They develop solutions and favorable practices, make recommendations through presentations and reports, interview personnel, and advise managers. A communication bachelor's degree teaches you problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and time management skills that will aid you in this type of profession.

• Average Salary: $93,000
• Job Outlook: 14% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 907,600
• Highest-Paying States: Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York

Communication professors work in secondary or post-secondary institutions in the United States and around the world. As a lecturer in the university, professors teach communication fundamentals, assign assignments, administer exams, and help students reach their full potential. A communication degree will teach you practical interpersonal skills research methods, and polish your mentoring skills to help you excel in this role.

• Average Salary: $77,560
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States : California, Alaska, New York