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Communication, BS

In a world increasingly driven by technology, strong human communication skills are more essential than ever. They foster collaboration, spark creativity and help reduce misunderstandings and conflict. Across industries, effective communication remains one of the most valued skills employers seek.

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Students work on laptops in a classroom, building communication skills in ASU's Communication, BS program.

Quick facts

Courses

120 credit hours
Math intensity: General program math intensity general
First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
View more details

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 Bachelor of Science program in communication combines the power of human connection with the precision of data-based research. With a strong foundation in social science and quantitative research methods, you learn how to understand human behavior, collect and interpret data, and back up your ideas with evidence.

Alongside developing critical research skills, you build expertise in speaking and writing effectively. You learn how to communicate complex information in engaging ways, which is essential for leading teams, managing client relationships, and creating a positive work climate that promotes productivity.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options selection 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 408 Quantitative 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.

What If

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 previously attended 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 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:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450
Learn more about this program

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.

Global experience

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students may engage in distinct and exciting opportunities to gain intercultural experience through tailored international programs of study. Students improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, develop critical teamwork and problem-solving skills, and expand their knowledge of the liberal arts through lenses of different cultures.

Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in communication are able to 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 opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Business Analyst 10.1% $101,860
Business Intelligence Analyst 34.6% $120,230
Event Planner 5.8% $61,160
Fundraising Consultant 5.5% $72,550
Human Resources Manager 5.5% $149,280
Marketing Associate -3.7% $133,660
Marketing Manager 6.9% $166,790
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) 5.7% $146,910
SEO Specialist 7.0% $78,760
Sales Manager 4.5% $148,270

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 for a wide variety of career paths --- including business, tech, government and beyond. Graduates often attend leading graduate schools in communication, law or business, or find gainful employment in the areas of:

  • business consulting
  • data analysis
  • event planning
  • fundraising
  • human resource management
  • marketing
  • public relations
  • sales
  • social media
  • 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.

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