Communication, BA
In today's interconnected world there is a growing need for professionals who can engage effectively across cultures and communities. Learn how to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully and build trust through communication.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
This communication degree program emphasizes qualitative research and human-centered inquiry. Through methods such as interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and discourse analysis, you learn to explore lived experiences, uncover patterns of meaning, and gain deep insight into how people connect and communicate.
Alongside research training, you develop strong cross-cultural communication skills --- learning to engage respectfully and effectively across differences in language, identity and worldview.
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| COM 100 Introduction to Human Communication |
| COM 207 Critical Thinking and Writing in Communication |
| COM 225 Public Speaking and Presentations |
| COM 308 Communication Research Strategies |
| COM 407 Qualitative Data Analysis in Communication |
| COM 201 Career Explorations in Communication |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
Students who have attended previously ASU and are returning to the university with transfer credit must have a minimum ASU cumulative GPA of 2.00 in order to be admitted into the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.
Transfer admission requirements:
Students who are transferring into ASU must meet current university admission requirements.
Current ASU students who would like to change their major to the BA in communication must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program options available to them, students may engage in a distinct and exciting opportunity to gain intercultural experience through international programs of study, which they can tailor according to their experience and specific interests and skills.
Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in communication develop critical teamwork and problem-solving skills, expand their knowledge of the liberal arts through lenses of different cultures, and improve their language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication across populations.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in communication.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Health Worker | 12.7% | $51,850 | Learn more |
| Corporate Trainer | 10.8% | $69,280 | Learn more |
| Event Planner | 5.8% | $61,160 | Learn more |
| Human Resources Manager | 5.5% | $149,280 | Learn more |
| Medical and Health Services Manager | 24.2% | $123,860 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) | 5.7% | $146,910 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| Sales Manager | 4.5% | $148,270 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Travel Agent | 0.2% | $50,160 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Graduates are prepared to work with community groups, support advocacy and social change, and build meaningful relationships in both local and global contexts. Whether entering careers in nonprofits, education, business, government, or community outreach, graduates bring cultural competence, critical thinking and communication leadership to every role.
Graduates often attend leading graduate schools in communication, law or business or find gainful employment in the areas of:
- campaign management
- community leadership
- diplomacy
- event planning
- health care management
- human resource management
- intercultural relations
- nonprofit management
- public relations
- sales
- training and development
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
Hugh Downs School of Human Communication
|
STAUF A412
communication@asu.edu
480-965-5095
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
