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Online Bachelor’s Degree

Communication Studies

Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts
DEGREE AT A GLANCE
  • 120 credits
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
TUITION RATES
  • $324 per credit (in-state)
  • $499 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $250 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
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Earn an online bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UMGC and build a firm base of knowledge to boost your career in a variety of communication sectors. The curriculum, designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars, combines theories with real-world applications and practical skills to help you better convey information to a variety of populations. Whether you’re interested in journalism, public relations, business, or digital communication, this degree will help you master communication within ethical, legal, and financial parameters.

  • (3 Credits, SPCH 100) or any SPCH course
  • (3 Credits, COMM 207) or any COMM course
  • (3 Credits, JOUR 201)
  • (3 Credits, COMM 300)
  • (3 Credits, COMM 302)
  • (3 Credits, SPCH 324)
  • (3 Credits, JOUR 330) or any upper-level JOUR course
  • (3 Credits, COMM 400) or any upper-level COMM course
  • (3 Credits, SPCH 470) or any upper-level SPCH course
  • (3 Credits, COMM 390) or any upper-level COMM course
  • (3 Credits, COMM 495)

Sequence Course Requirement(s) Fulfilled
1 (3 Credits, PACE 111C) General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
2 (1 Credit, LIBS 150) General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
3 (3 Credits, WRTG 111) General Education: Communication
4 (3 Credits, SPCH 100) Major
5 (3 Credits, NUTR 100) General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
6 (3 Credits, COMM 207) Major
7 (3 Credits, WRTG 112) General Education: Communication
8 (3 Credits, MATH 105) General Education: Math
9 (3 Credits, COMM 202) General Education: Communication
10 (3 Credits, JOUR 201) Major
11 (3 Credits, HUMN 100) General Education: Arts & Humanities
12 (4 Credits, BIOL 103) General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
13 (3 Credits, BEHS 103) General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
14 (3 Credits, ARTH 334) General Education: Arts & Humanities
15 (3 Credits, IFSM 201) General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
16 (3 Credits, ECON 103) General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
17 (3 Credits, COMM 300) Major
18 3-credit elective course Elective
19 (3 Credits, COMM 302) Major
20 3-credit elective course Elective
21 (3 Credits, SPCH 324) Major
22 3-credit elective course Elective
23 (3 Credits, JOUR 330) Major
24 (3 Credits, WRTG 391) General Education: Communication
25 3-credit elective course Elective
26 (3 Credits, COMM 400) Major
27 3-credit elective course Elective
28 3-credit elective course Elective
29 (3 Credits, SPCH 470) Major
30 3-credit elective course Elective
31 3-credit elective course Elective
32 (3 Credits, COMM 390) Major
33 3-credit elective course Elective
34 3-credit elective course Elective
35 3-credit elective course Elective
36 3-credit elective course Elective
37 3-credit elective course Elective
38 3-credit elective course Elective
39 3-credit elective course Elective
40 (3 Credits, COMM 495) Major
41 (1 Credit, CAPL 398A) Elective

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Sharpen Skills in Research
Design and employ specific research methods and tools to gather information.
Work in Multiple Media Channel
Integrate multimedia components into print, broadcast, and online formats.
Expand Marketable Skills
Write a comprehensive public relations plan and create targeted messages.
Improve Writing Style
Write news articles in a variety of journalistic styles.
Develop Informative Communication
Create professional written and visual communications for diverse audiences.
Gain Hands-On Experience
Learn to incorporate communication theory and professionalism into your work.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for a career in mass media, new media, journalism, public relations, business, or online communication.

$61K
Median Pay
The median annual wage for media and communication occupations was $61,310 in 2020.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | “Occupational Handbook" | 2020

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Additional Program Information

Communication Student Association

The Communication Student Association hosts several activities that provide students with information to guide them toward working in communication-related professions. It is available to graduate or undergraduate students, alumni, staff, and faculty members. Students and alumni can join the Communication Student Association group on CareerQuest.