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Online Communications Bachelor's Degree
An online communications bachelor’s degree is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge in writing, media, and interpersonal or organizational communication. Most programs cover foundational topics and then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals.
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a communications major, so compare curriculum and requirements across schools you are considering.
Quick answers
What is an online bachelor’s in communications?
An online bachelor’s in communications is an undergraduate degree that covers writing, media, and interpersonal or organizational communication through online coursework.
Is a BA different from a bachelor’s in communications?
BA stands for Bachelor of Arts and BS stands for Bachelor of Science. Some schools award a BA, while others award a BS with a communications major, so compare curriculum and requirements.
How are online bachelor’s programs typically structured?
Most programs include general education, a major core, electives or a concentration, and often a capstone or portfolio project in the final term.
What classes are common in a communications bachelor’s?
Coursework typically includes communication theory, media writing, public relations principles, and interpersonal or organizational communication, plus electives for specialization. Exact courses vary by school.
What concentrations are common?
Common concentrations include public relations, journalism, digital or social media, and organizational or corporate communication. Availability varies by school.
Can transfer credits reduce required coursework?
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution; confirm directly with each school’s admissions office.
At a Glance
- Degree type: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS)
- Typical duration: 4 years full-time
- Credits: approximately 120 semester hours (varies by school)
- Accreditation: verify institutional accreditation; some journalism-focused programs hold ACEJMC accreditation
- Common concentrations: public relations, journalism, digital media, organizational communication
For a full map of this program area, start here: Communications Program Guide
How online bachelor’s programs are structured
Core degree components
Most online bachelor’s programs in communications follow a similar structure:
- General education courses, such as English composition, math, and social science
- Major core courses that build shared foundations in communication theory and writing
- Electives or a concentration that let you specialize
- A capstone, portfolio project, or integrative course in the final term, depending on the school
Typical online course features
Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines and participation requirements. To compare how online formats work in more detail, see How Online Communications Degrees Work.
If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Online Communications Degrees
Typical curriculum in a communications bachelor’s
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Communication Theory | Foundational models of how information is created, sent, and interpreted |
| Media Writing | Writing for print, broadcast, and digital platforms |
| Public Relations Principles | Media relations, messaging, and reputation management basics |
| Interpersonal Communication | One-on-one and small-group communication dynamics |
| Organizational Communication | How information flows within businesses and institutions |
| Digital and Social Media Strategy | Planning and evaluating content across digital channels |
| Communication Ethics | Professional and legal standards in media and public communication |
Exact course titles and requirements vary by school; confirm current curriculum with each program.
Skills you may build
Program outcomes vary by school and concentration, but many curricula emphasize:
- Written and verbal communication across formats and audiences
- Media literacy and content strategy
- Interpersonal and organizational communication skills
- Research and audience analysis
Common concentrations
Concentrations can help you specialize within communications without changing the degree level. Availability varies by school, and some programs use elective tracks instead of formal concentrations.
Common concentration areas include:
- Public relations
- Journalism and news media
- Digital or social media
- Organizational and corporate communication
Admissions requirements
Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Common requirements include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Official transcripts
- Placement requirements, when applicable
- Transfer credit evaluation for applicants with prior college coursework
Accreditation and program quality checks
Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds accreditation from a recognized institutional accreditor, then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.
Bachelor’s vs other communications degree options
Communications degrees are offered at multiple levels, and the right fit depends on your career goals and timeline.
| Level | Typical Focus | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | Foundational writing and media coursework | Entry-level media or office support roles |
| Bachelor’s | Broad communications theory plus a concentration | PR assistant, media coordinator, marketing coordinator |
| Master’s | Advanced strategy, research, or leadership | Communications manager, PR director, corporate strategist |
Roles and pathways vary by employer and region; individual outcomes are not guaranteed.
If you are comparing degree levels, these pages can help:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Communications Degree Worth It
Data verified: July 30, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Online Communications Degrees Guide: Levels and Career Paths