04/08/2025
Online degree programs have grown exponentially in popularity, with thousands of undergraduate students pursuing this flexible educational path each year. Whether you're a working professional looking to advance your career or an undergraduate student seeking quality education with flexible hours, an online format may offer the same rigorous curriculum and respected credentials as traditional programs.
In the communications field, it is possible to get several types of degrees online, including associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees. Students studying online may have access to courses on how to effectively communicate ideas, enhance verbal and nonverbal communication, and communicate ideas and messages to various audiences. As the communications field continues to evolve with emerging technologies and new media platforms, it may be an exciting option for students with interests in communication theory, public speaking, writing, and media production.
Let's take a closer look at what may be involved in earning a communications degree online.
Why Pursue an Online Communication Degree?
Pursuing a communication degree online can be a helpful choice that may align with your lifestyle and career aspirations. Here are five compelling reasons why an online communications program might be the perfect fit for your educational journey.
1. Schedule Flexibility
In some cases, pursuing an online bachelor's degree in communication can make it easier to balance multiple responsibilities such as work, family, and education without sacrificing quality. Studying online can offer the opportunity to access lectures, assignments, and discussions during evenings, weekends, or at the best time for your schedule. This option may be especially helpful for students who hope to attend school part-time or while seeking to maintain balance with other parts of life.
2. Location Flexibility
Online degree programs may make it easier for students in other locations to access a particular program or area of interest such as public relations, mass communication, or digital communication. This may allow you to select the best communication curriculum for your specific interests and career aspirations without relocating.
3. Accessibility and Affordability
Some online programs may be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs. For example, you likely won't need to pay for room and board at a school, and you may be able to save money on transportation, housing, and other expenses.
4. Networking Opportunities
An online degree program may offer opportunities to build interpersonal relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds. These potential connections could span different industries and geographic regions, helping you interact with people who share your interests.
5. Same Credentials, Same Respect
Many online communication degrees carry the same weight as a traditional degree if they are offered through an accredited institution. Depending on specific program emphases, online students can still develop a broad range of critical thinking and organizational communication skills which may be highly valued in the communications field.
Types of Online Communications Degrees
As you consider a communications degree, online programs may help you develop the skills you need to pursue your interests and career aspirations. Each type of online communication degree program may provide distinct advantages and could help you develop effective communication skills and expertise tailored to different career paths.
Online Associate of Arts in Communication
An online associate degree in communication degree may provide an entry point if you aspire to begin your education in the communications field. This two-year program aims to build foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills you may need to pursue a future job role. Many graduates may choose to continue their education in a bachelor’s program or explore entry-level roles in some industries.
Coursework for an online associate's degree in communication may include interpersonal, intercultural, and mass communication strategies; communication and gender; and ethics in communication, although specific courses and requirements vary by program. The degree may be a good fit for you if you are interested in:
- Public relations
- Marketing
- Journalism
- Business
- Public policy
- Corporate training
- Writing
- Social media
Online Bachelor's Degree in Communication
An online bachelor's degree in communication may be helpful for many professional roles in the field of communications. As an undergraduate student in an online bachelor's degree program, you may take courses in public speaking; small group, interpersonal, and mass communication; theory and research; communication ethics; and social media, although specific courses vary depending on the program. This undergraduate degree may be a good fit for you if you are interested in:
- Communication theory and research methodologies
- Advanced media writing across multiple formats
- Intercultural communication and global perspectives
- Organizational communication and leadership principles
- Technical writing and presentation skills
- Critical analysis of mass communication and media studies
- Ethics in communication and social responsibility
Online Master's Degree in Communications
For more advanced or specialized communications roles, a master's degree may help students develop knowledge and research capabilities more extensively. Master's programs often allow students to tailor their studies toward specific aspects of the communication discipline such as human resources, research and data analysis, public relationships, new media, global communication, or crisis communication.
Online Communications Degree: Specializations
Students may be able to specialize in a particular area of communication studies as part of their degree program, depending on their interests and the specific degree requirements. Online bachelor's programs sometimes offer communication focus areas that allow you to shape your degree according to your professional aspirations. Here are some common specialization areas that may be available:
- Public Relations - Public relations specialists remain in high demand across industries, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average growth for these communication occupations. Specific opportunities will vary by location, individual circumstances, and other factors. Students who choose this track may explore media relations, event planning, campaign development, and methods to measure communication effectiveness.
- Marketing Communications - Advertising and marketing roles are also expected to grow faster than average, although availability of potential roles will vary based on location and market conditions. This specialization may help prepare graduates to pursue roles in promoting products, services, and brands through integrated communication strategies.
- Digital Communication - As new media channels shape how we connect, a specialization in digital communication may help students gain a better understanding of emerging technologies and how to use them strategically. This cutting-edge speciality area typically explores social media management, content strategy, digital storytelling, and analytics, though specific coursework depends on the program you choose.
- Corporate Communications - This specialization may help aspiring communications professionals to learn the skills that may be needed for internal and external messaging for businesses and organizations. Students may focus on business communication, organizational communication, and how to shape communication strategies that align with corporate objectives depending on the specific program and required courses.
- Health Communication - Professionals in the specialized field of health communication often spend their time creating effective messaging around medical information, public health campaigns, and patient education. While specific topics vary by program, this area of study may combine communication theory with health sciences to help students understand how to address complex challenges in medical settings, public health initiatives, and healthcare organizations.
- International Communication - For those interested in global perspectives, a specialization in international business and intercultural communication prepares may be a good fit. Though coursework varies based on the program, students may study how cultural contexts shape communication strategies, examine global media systems, and learn how to navigate communication environments and communication challenges in multinational organizations.
- Media Studies - This specialization typically focuses on critical analysis of mass media and its societal impacts. Students often examine media history, theory, and the evolving landscape of traditional and new media platforms, although specific courses vary by program.
Choosing an Online Communications Program: Key Factors
Selecting the right online communication degree program represents a critical decision that could help shape your academic experience and influence future career aspirations in the communications field. As you evaluate your options, consider these key factors to find a program that aligns with your career goals and learning interests.
- Faculty Credentials: Ask whether instructors possess both academic qualifications and real-world experience in areas like media studies, public relations, or digital communication.
- Curriculum: Explore course offerings and specializations to see how they align with your unique interests and aspirations.
- Support Services: Consider the availability and quality of academic advising, technical support, and career services designed specifically for online students.
- Practical Experience: Consider whether the program offers internships, capstone projects, or other hands-on experiences that allow you to develop your portfolio.
- Graduation Rates and Career Outcomes: Look at the program's track record for completion rates, job placement, and typical career paths for graduates.
- Flexibility and Pacing: Determine whether the program structure accommodates your schedule needs and learning platform preferences.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Communications Degree?
In most cases, it takes 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree, and 18 months to 2 years for an associate's degree. You may need more or less time to finish a degree depending on program requirements and your unique circumstances.
Getting Started with an Online Communications Degree
As the communications field continues to evolve alongside emerging communication technologies and changing media channels, online communications degree programs offer flexibility, convenience and accessibility that may help you develop your expertise.
Ready to learn more? Explore program requirements, admission requirements, and financial considerations for our Bachelor of Arts in Communication or Associate of Arts in Communication to start your journey.