Top 20 Online Communications Degree Programs
The online communication degree has long been a popular program delivered via distance learning. According to U.S. News and World Report, Communication is among the 10 most popular majors in the United States.
Communications degrees are generally associated with journalism, reporting, broadcasting and other media outlets. Careers for communications majors span a wide variety of industries including marketing, advertising, and public relations. Communications graduates also face a lower unemployment rate than most other majors.
Ranking Factors
General Criteria
- Offer a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Is a public or private not-for-profit college
- Offer at least one fully online bachelor’s communications degree program
Scoring Metrics
- Net Price
- Percent of students receiving financial aid
- Retention rate
- 6-year graduation rate
- Student-faculty ratio
Sources
- NCES – primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education. Provides consistent, reliable, complete, and accurate indicators of education status and trends.
- IPEDS – primary federal source for data on colleges, universities, and technical and vocational post-secondary schools in the U.S.
The following colleges have been recognized for being among the top for online communications programs for the 2017-2018 academic year.
TOP 20 ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS
DEGREE PROGRAMS
#1
University of Louisville
College of Arts & Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Communication
The University of Louisville tops the 2017-2018 Best Online Communications Degree Programs with their outstanding program. The major requirements for these degrees can be completed in as little as two years. The programs are based on research and coursework and emphasize multiple facets of contexts and perspectives within the field of communication. This school also has a strong on-campus communications Masters degree program. The University of Louisville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
SCORE
100
Net Price: $14,635
Financial Aid: 97%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media & Society
- Bachelor of Health Science in Communication Sciences And Disorders
- Master of Arts in Mass Communication – Web Design And Online Communication
- Master Arts in Mass Communication – Social Media
- Master of Science in Electrical And Computer Engineering – Communications
- Master of Arts in Mass Communication – Global Strategic Communications
- Master of Science in Agricultural Education And Communication
- Master of Science in Industrial And Systems Engineering – Communication Systems Engineering
The University of Florida offers the best online communications masters degree program in the nation. This school holds multiple rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best” rankings including the #11 spot for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. UFLs B.S. in Telecommunication Media & Society is one of the schools most prominent communications degrees, wherein students study both traditional and digital media and their effect on society. The University of Florida’s communications programs are recognized by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.
SCORE
99.60
Net Price: $14,786
Financial Aid: 96%
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 88%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication – Corporate
- Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication – Corporate
Valley City State University offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Professional Communication-Corporate entirely online. The curriculum focuses on marketing training and development and is designed to serve as a platform to further education in theology, law, counseling, and college administration. Most recently, VCSU was rated #143 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in the nation and #43 best Regional College in the Midwest by US News & World Report. Valley City State was one of the first online colleges offering a free laptop computer to full-time students . VCSU continues to use innovative technology with its major and master’s degrees online.
SCORE
99.20
Net Price: $11,848
Financial Aid: 99%
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 48%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Bachelor of Arts in Film And Media Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Business (Communication)
- Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication
- Bachelor of Science in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication And Media Studies
Arizona State University is an established and respected institution of higher education. Currently ranked #1 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Arizona State University in its top tier of U.S. universities. Forbes consistently ranks ASU among America’s best colleges. ASU’s online and traditional programs are designed and taught by current, on-campus faculty.Students gain valuable skills a variety of communication mediums including multimedia, communication, writing, editing, and information technology. These skills prepare them for careers as technical writers, editors, publication managers, information designers, instructional and training developers, and other career fields.
SCORE
97.60
Net Price: $12,358
Financial Aid: 97%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 58%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Bachelor of Science in Communication
- Master of Science in Communication
Drexel University is a private research university and many of its online programs are nationally recognized as “Best” online programs by US News & World Report. Drexel’s online bachelor’s degree is ranked as the #72 Best Online Bachelor’s Program and overall Drexel is ranked the #99 best National University. Drexel’s online communication programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of senior level, corporate positions. Online programs focus on communication theory and methods which look at PR, journalism, mass media and society, and more. this degree requires a minimum of 120 credits for graduation. Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
SCORE
97.60
Net Price: $37,244
Financial Aid: 94%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
#6
University of Memphis
Department of Journalism and Strategic Media
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
- Masters in Communication
- Masters in Journalism
- PhD in Communication
The University of Memphis is a public institution that offers over 50 majors and 50 master’s subjects. U o M is classified as a Research University due to its high research activity. U o M offers degrees in communication at various levels. Courses focus on interpersonal, public, and mediated communication practices, preparing students for a range of careers and for further graduate study. Students can choose to continue their education all the way up to the Masters level. U o M also offers a Masters degree in journalism online. US News & World Report recently ranked the University of Memphis as one of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in the U.S.
SCORE
97.60
Net Price: $12,369
Financial Aid: 97%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 44%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
#7
Washington University in St Louis
Arts & Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies – Communication Arts
- Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations
- Master of Arts in Communication
- Master of Arts in Public Relations
Overall, Washington University in St. Louis is one of the best colleges in the nation and was recently ranked in the US News & World Report as the #15 Best College in the U.S. and #34 Best Global University. Washington University in St. Louis offers online communications programs available in integrated marketing communications or public affairs. This school offers a nationally ranked Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication that is designed to prepare students in a way that energizes and advances their careers. a communications minor is also available.
SCORE
97.20
Net Price: $33,374
Financial Aid: 57%
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
#8
University of Central Florida
Nicholson School of Communication
- English Technical Communication B.A.
- Communication and Conflict B.A.
- Human Communication B.A.
The University of Central Florida offers multiple options for students seeking online college degrees. All three online communications degrees are designed to help students earn their communications degree in a manner conducive to individual lifestyles and time constraints. UCF was recently named #20 Best Online Bachelor’s Program in the nation by US News & World Report. Students who enroll in online classes have access to many programs and innovative learning technologies that facilitate communications in the digital age. Certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and graduate degrees are also offered fully online. UCF is one of the most affordable colleges in Florida. In years past, UCF was also named a “Best Value” public college by Kiplinger.
SCORE
96.20
Net Price: $14,745
Financial Aid: 95%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 31:1
#9
University of Denver
College of Professional and Continuing Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
The University of Denver offers a BA degree in Communication that develops knowledge and skills required for fields such as business, education, advertising and PR, healthcare, international relations, and more. Online courses are taught by on-campus communications professors. The University of Denver was ranked the #20 Best Online Bachelor’s Program by US News & World Report. The online communication degree can also be taken as a hybrid program with a mix of on-campus and distance courses, allowing the student to complete the degree according to their specific needs.
SCORE
96.00
Net Price: $33,625
Financial Aid: 84%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 76%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
#10
DePaul University
College of Communication
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication And Media
The Communication and Media Online Degree Completion Program is for transfer only students. Students must have 45 quarter hours or 30 semester hours of college credit and be in good academic standing at their previous school of attendance before admittance into the program. Most or all of their communication courses must be completed at DePaul. Some requirements can be bypassed via testing. The on-campus faculty teaches the online classes. For the communications degree, online graduation requirements are the same as on-campus. Internship opportunities and a senior capstone project are included in the online program.
SCORE
95.60
Net Price: $29,756
Financial Aid: 96%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
#11
Appalachian State University
Department of Communication
- Communication – Advertising
- Communication Studies
Appalachian State University offers online and hybrid bachelor’s degrees in communication. The blended format requires 57 hours of upper-division coursework through on-campus and online instruction. Online students work in tandem with a group of peers who have completed program requisites, typically through a college transfer program. The communications degree with an emphasis in advertising explores publishing and production, media graphics, and media/advertising law. Appalachian encourages interested individuals to inquire about program and course availability.
SCORE
95.40
Net Price: $11,508
Financial Aid: 70%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
#12
University of Missouri – St Louis
Department of Communication & Media
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies – Media Studies
- Bachelor of Liberal Studies – Communication
The University of Missouri – St. Louis offers a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree completion program with online options. They provide concentrations in communication, film studies, and media studies. Several program courses are delivered as blended courses, meaning that most of the instruction is done online, with some on-campus attendance required. The University of Missouri – St. Louis offers more than 150 online courses, many of which can be taken to satisfy general education requirements.
SCORE
94.80
Net Price: $9,969
Financial Aid: 94%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 42%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
#13
Mississippi College
Communication Department
- Bachelor of Science in Communication
- Master of Science in Communication: Professional Communication in Health Services Administration
- Master of Science in Communication: Professional Communication in Sports
Mississippi College offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Communication degree program with online and evening classes. Students can either follow the standard 16-week semester schedule or take two eight-week course courses, up to 12 credit hours per semester. Students in this online communication degree program will develop writing, speaking, and public presentation skills. For non-transfer students, core classes include science, English, math, technology, history, fine arts, and social sciences. Required courses for the major include public speaking, journalism, communication research, and mass media.
SCORE
94.80
Net Price: $16,418
Financial Aid: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
#14
Oral Roberts University
ORU Online
- Communication
Oral Roberts University offers undergraduates an online Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. this program focuses on personal and professional development via courses in leadership, consulting, public speaking, seminar development, argumentation, persuasion, and interviewing skills. ORU also offers a minor in communication. For those looking to further their education beyond the bachelor’s, ORU offers an intensive online MBA program for working professionals. ORU requires a 3-credit Communications internship with the end goal of preparing students to enter the field with real-world experience prior to employment.
SCORE
94.60
Net Price: $11,508
Financial Aid: 100%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication
- BS in Technical Communication
- MS in Technical Communication
- Master of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication
Northeastern University offers a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Technical Communication as well as two other communication degree programs entirely online including a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science in Corporate and Organizational Communication. The bachelor’s programs can be completed in four years of full-time study and seven of part-time study. Students learn the skills they need to innovate and drive the future of communications.
SCORE
94.20
Net Price: $30,546
Financial Aid: 75%
Retention Rate: 96%
Graduation Rate: 82%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational & Relational Communication Comprehensive
The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers an online degree in communications at the bachelor’s level. This degree focuses on aspects of organizational theory with mass communication. The B.S. in Organizational & Relational Communication is a 45 credit hour degree completion program for students who may have already earned an associates or have completed the majority of their general study requirements. Courses include leadership communication, organizational communication, persuasion and propaganda, communication inquiry, rhetorical theory and more.
SCORE
94.00
Net Price: $14,533
Financial Aid: 89%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication
Siena Heights University offers a bachelor’s in professional communication for individuals who are interested in studying or working in a communications-related field. This program offers a comprehensive education in topics such as advertising, marketing, web design, graphic art, film, journalism, marketing, and broadcasting. The degree can be earned fully online, with programs offered in flexible 8-week formats, and access to 24/7 academic advising, course materials, tools and resources, and library database. Graduates are taught ethical communication skills that apply to a variety of business situations.
SCORE
94.00
Net Price: $18,911
Financial Aid: 99%
Retention Rate: 63%
Graduation Rate: 51%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Journalis & Mass Communications M.A.
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln offers a masters in communications degree online. This degree program has three specialization areas offered fully online: Integrated Media Communications, Media Studies, and Professional Journalism. The Integrated Media Communications (IMC) specialization is offered via the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications. This program is designed for early-career professionals to enhance their advertising and public relations skills. The Media Studies specialization is geared towards sutdnts looking to prepare for an academic career. The Professional Journalism specialization is for working journalists looking to enhance their digital media skills.
SCORE
94.00
Net Price: $15,109
Financial Aid: 93%
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Bachelor of Science in Communication
King University, formerly King College, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Communication degree completion program. This program is designed to help working professionals earn their degrees without sacrificing their careers. The 124 semester hours allow students to complete their degree in less than two years. 48 of the semester hours must be completed at King University. Transfer credits are accepted up to 76 semester hours maximum. Topics covered include professional communication, visual rhetoric, rhetoric and persuasion, public relations, media, advanced speech, interpersonal and professional communication, and more.
SCORE
93.80
Net Price: $16,845
Financial Aid: 91%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 54%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1
- Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Regis University’s Bachelor or Arts in Communication is offered both online and on-campus. This program is designed for professionals and adults looking to work in marketing and advertising, community and public relations, journalism, broadcasting, and a variety of jobs in the communications field. Students can choose a concentration in either Leadership or Conflict Management, both of which allow flexible customization according to personal interests and goals. students learn to lead, think critically, collaborate with teams, resolve conflicts and manage.
SCORE
93.80
Net Price: $26,226
Financial Aid: 96%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 59%
Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
Congratulations on making the 2017-2018 Best Online Communication Degree Programs list. Feel free to share the badge on your school’s website. If you have any questions about the selections and rankings, please reach out to Tyson, [email protected]. All data is correct as of 6.2.16.
