Prepare yourself for a career in communications by pursuing your Bachelor of Arts in Communication online from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Learn the art of connecting with diverse audiences, the science behind utilizing digital media channels, and the theory and principles that underpin effective communication. Lay the groundwork for a wide range of career paths while earning your degree from a nationally recognized university.
The online BA in Communication program can help you acquire in-demand skills on your own schedule. Whether you’re a first-time college student or you’re considering transferring to complete your bachelor's, this degree will help you navigate the workforce with confidence. Our online, 8-week (or shorter) course formats are designed to keep you engaged and help you complete your studies faster. You’ll progress through courses quickly, but your experience will be similar to on-campus students in that you’ll work with the same faculty, study the same material, and earn the same degree: a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Colorado.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
Cost Per Credit:
*Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Cost Per Credit:
*Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
November 1, 2024
Communication is a core aspect of a successful career in any industry around the world. The ability to write and speak clearly and concisely, think critically, build and maintain relationships, and work as part of a team, are highly desirable skills for both employers and graduate schools, as effectively expressing ideas is essential to success in the workplace and the classroom.
Our online Bachelor of Arts in Communication will teach you these skills and how to apply them every day in your personal, professional, and civic life. You’ll also deepen your understanding of the political, social, cultural, global, and historical aspects of communication.
Our degree is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the field of communication and includes multiple electives for you to customize the program to your specific interests. Not only will you gain broad theoretical knowledge, but you'll also get practical, hands-on experience that will help you implement what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations.
Upon completion of our online Bachelor of Arts in Communication you’ll have a comprehensive foundation for a rewarding career in public relations, social media management, training, media creation, and more. We pride ourselves on preparing effective communicators, leaders, and advocates across industries.
The online Bachelor’s in Communication features the ability to customize your degree based on your area of interest.
Applied Media Studies focuses on the understanding of media, culture, and society as well as their interrelationships. In the required courses, you will explore theories and research dealing with the social and psychological effects of media and learn how to conduct research. You will gain an understanding of relevant media theories, develop important media skills, and apply what you have learned to specific areas of media studies, such as advertising and health communication. Exciting electives allow you to customize the program to your specific interests. By focusing on research, theory, and practice, the Applied Media Studies track will prepare you to work in a variety of sectors and professions, including in the media industry as a content developer, consultant, or as part of a marketing team; with user experience firms as a researcher; and with government or international agencies, among many others. The track is also a perfect stepping stone for those who want to continue their education in graduate school.
The Professional Communication in the Digital, Virtual World track focuses on leadership, organizational communication, and strategic communication in a rapidly changing virtual world. You will learn how leadership functions in today’s collaborative digital environment, gain an in-depth understanding of communication in teams, organizational culture, and training and consulting as well as the functions of social media in professional settings. Exciting and forward-looking electives such as crisis communication, emerging technologies, and managing virtual teams integrate these areas across diverse types of media and interaction. This track will prepare you to work in a variety of sectors, fields, and occupations, including social media management, public relations, human resources, brand management, entrepreneurship, independent consulting, and many other professional settings.
All required classes are offered in the online format both Fall and Spring semesters. A range of elective classes are also available online each semester. All classes are taught by the same high quality professors and instructors who teach the traditional in-seat classes. All online instructors go through specialized training for online certification to ensure the online class provides the same high quality experience as the on-campus course.
In this track you’ll learn about how the modern digital media landscape works. You’ll dive into market research methods and get a feel for how to understand and approach your audience. You will sharpen career-specific writing and public speaking skills before taking your capstone course: Persuasion. At the end of your journey, you will be ready to launch (or continue) your career in digital media with confidence.
Select one course from each category for a total of 3 classes/9 credit hours:
In the Professional Communication in the Digital, Virtual World track, you’ll develop skills that will help you thrive in the business world. As you continue your studies, you will learn how to work with other communication professionals, develop coordinated communication plans, and gain experience in executing marketing campaigns. You’ll become a stronger public speaker, writer, and overall employee by the end of your educational journey.
Select one course from each category for a total of 3 classes/9 credit hours:
Elective courses apply to both the Applied Media and Professional Communication in the Digital, Virtual World tracks. Students may choose any four courses (12 credit hours) from the list unless they took that class as a Foundation Course. Note the prerequisite courses required for desired upper division courses in order to take them early in the program of study. Students are encouraged to complete an internship during their program of study.
*All courses are subject to change based on the needs of the department
A bachelor’s in communication can grant you access to opportunities in advertising, public relations, media, human resources, and other professional areas — in virtually any industry. It’s especially applicable to careers in the journalism/mass communications field.
At the forefront of the curriculum is an emphasis on digital communications. Our world continues to move from print media to new electronic channels. As a student in the communication program, you’ll develop a deep understanding of how these channels work — and how to use them to further your business objectives.
Below are a few possible job titles a graduate of the BA in Communication program might hold.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers dream up, plan, create, and execute on marketing campaigns. They oversee media budgets, overall campaign strategy, and creative services professionals in an effort to create advertisements, publicity, and an overall brand image for organizations both public and private.
PR Specialist
Public Relations Specialist act as a liaison between large organizations and the media. They routinely write press releases, field questions from journalists, and pitch story ideas to new outlets. During emergency situations, PR Specialists are often called upon to act as Public Information Officers, ensuring timely and accurate information is distributed to the media and the community.
Copywriter
Copywriters work in marketing or advertising departments at large organizations or pursue agency-based or freelance careers. They write anything and everything an organization might need to connect with customers and staff. Copywriters spend the majority of their time writing professional texts: social media ads, web pages, print ads, and more. They also contribute to creative brainstorming sessions and help their team members write corporate communications, among other tasks.
Media Editor
Editors typically serve as subject-matter experts in a particular field for media outlets. There are health care editors, sports editors, finance editors, and editors-in-chief at most newspapers and media networks. Editors review stories from journalists and correspondents in addition to writing original content of their own. They also chart a course for future themes and stories in their publication.
A bachelor's degree in communications can open the door to a career in many fields, including:
