Online Bachelor of Science in Communication

In this program, you’ll sharpen your communication, writing and data analysis skills while learning to apply evidence-based strategies in fast-paced, professional environments. Coursework emphasizes interpreting communication patterns, making data-informed decisions and managing change. You’ll also gain hands-on experience in skills valued across industries, including project management, team leadership and strategic messaging.

Courses focus on the technical side of communication, including surveys, experiments and statistical analysis. You’ll learn to design research, visualize data and tell compelling stories using evidence. Applied projects and internship options give you the opportunity to build a portfolio and practice what you learn in real-world settings. This is especially valuable for students returning to school with professional experience or unfinished degrees.

Communication degrees prepare for a variety of career paths

This degree prepares you for careers across business, tech, healthcare, education, media, government and nonprofit sectors. Whether you’re leading a team, managing stakeholder communication or solving strategic problems, you’ll graduate with versatile, job-ready skills that employers look for, especially in roles requiring strong communication, leadership and data literacy.

This program also supports long-term career growth by preparing you for leadership and management roles. You’ll learn how to influence organizational communication, manage stakeholders, and communicate across teams and cultures. Skills in conflict resolution, public messaging and inclusive leadership will position you to lead in today’s dynamic work environments.

BA vs. BS in Communication: Which path fits your goals?

Both the BA and BS in Communication build essential skills in interpersonal communication, data analysis and critical thinking while emphasizing global awareness. The BS takes a more technical, data-oriented approach with an emphasis on strategic communication and quantitative research. You’ll gain experience with surveys, experiments and data visualization, which is ideal for students interested in analytics, research or leadership roles in fast-paced industries.

The BA in communication focuses on communication in culture and society, includes a foreign language requirement, and highlights qualitative research methods like interviews and focus groups. It’s a great fit for students interested in community engagement, media or intercultural work.

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:

Program Field of Study
Bachelor of Science
Program Focus
Communication
Program Name Abbreviation
Communication (BS)
Program Category
Degree Image
A woman pursuing ASU’s online communication degree gives a presentation using a microphone.
Program Description Intro

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.

Plan Code
LACOMBS
Program code
UGLA
Start Date
Areas of Interest
Courses Summary

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.

Total Classes
40
Total Credit Hours
120
Program Fee Code
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Humanities and Social Sciences Programs
Courses Section Title
Online communication degree courses
CIP code
9.01
Title
Learn from distinguished communicators across industries
Description

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.
Accolade title
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
Accolade Description

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.

Accolade item
Accolades Title
31,572
Accolades Description

students enrolled as of fall 2024

Accolades Title
$161 million
Accolades Description

in research expenditures in FY23

Accolades Title
21
Accolades Description

interdisciplinary schools and departments

Accolades Title
100+
Accolades Description

undergraduate degrees

Accolades Title
150+
Accolades Description

graduate degrees

Accolades Title
Top 9
Accolades Description

for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation

Admission requirement title
How to apply
Manual Cost
false
Weeks per Class
7.5
Academic Career
Undergraduate
Program fee code for resident
UPO201
Program fee code for non-resident
UPO201
Program Description Title
Build practical, research-based communication skills for real-world careers
override admission requirement
Off
Apply Now URL
https://webapp4.asu.edu/uga_admissionsapp/?term=2261&session=SESA&campus=ONLNE
Slug
bachelor-science-communication
Program Generated Code
UGLA-LACOMBS
Title
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
Description

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.”

Schedule to talk
Academic Partner
Entity Type
Program highlights
Program Features