In addition to strengthening your verbal and written communication skills, this degree offers a foundation in evidence-based communication theory and research. You’ll gain analytical and practical expertise to interpret communication patterns, make data-informed decisions and adapt to a constantly shifting environment. You’ll also enhance your abilities in project management, team leadership and strategic communication planning.
Additionally, courses delve into the technical and empirical aspects of communication, covering quantitative research methods such as surveys, experiments and statistical analysis. Through internships and applied project opportunities, you’ll gain experiences that bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.
Communication degrees prepare for a variety of career paths
Earning this degree can support your career aspirations across the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Communication skills are sought by employers across industries, including business, education, technology, health care, media, government and more. No matter your area of interest, you’ll find roles that demand effective information exchange, leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Additionally, this program can be a stepping stone toward achieving a leadership or management position. Coursework provides opportunities to learn about influencing organizational communication and communicating with stakeholders. You’ll also be poised to navigate conflict, convey clear public messaging, and foster equity and inclusion in the workplace.
How our BA and BS in communication compare to each other
While both our BA and BS in communication share a commitment to global awareness and build skills in interpersonal communication, data analysis and critical thinking, there are key differences. Our online BA in communication centers on culture and society, and has a foreign language course requirement. You’ll also gain the ability to synthesize qualitative feedback from focus groups and other methods.
If you choose to pursue this BS, your courses emphasize strategic communication and include a science and society elective. There’s also a focus on quantitative research methods. You’ll gain expertise in surveys, data visualization and other tools to tell effective stories using quantitative data.
Both the BA and BS offer the opportunity to participate in our Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:
Explore your passion for analyzing communication patterns and developing data-driven solutions with a Bachelor of Science in communication online from Arizona State University. Emphasizing social science and quantitative research, this program offers insight into how communication shapes interactions in the workplace, organizations and society. Upon graduating, you can pursue roles in business management, sales, event planning, public relations, technology, social services and more.
Courses are taught by award-winning faculty in the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication who specialize in various communication approaches. Topics you may learn about include communication strategies in health care, organizational behavior and leadership, media dynamics and crisis communication. In this program, you’ll also have opportunities to participate in internships, research projects and other practical learning activities.
From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to accomplished students and faculty members. In the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, our faculty are some of the top scholars in interpersonal, organizational and intercultural communication, rhetoric and performance studies, as well as health communication, strategic communication and new media. Faculty highlights include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”