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Communication, BA

Master the concepts behind humanity's most critical skill. You can explore how people share ideas, connect and understand one another, building fluency in the one ability that shapes what it means to be human.

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Around a library table, three students collaborate with a laptop, highlighting shared learning in ASU’s Communication 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

Communication degree description

In the Bachelor of Arts program in communication in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, you explore how communication processes create, maintain and transform identities, relationships, workplaces and communities.

Through the study, analysis and application of human communication, you gain the knowledge, creativity and skills you need to facilitate healthy relationships and workplaces, civil and sustainable communities, and constructive intercultural interactions. With an integrative and applied emphasis on culture and communication, community advocacy and communication technologies, the program allows you to have a concerted focus on the rapidly changing modalities of communication occurring today. You learn to speak effectively, communicate across cultures and critically analyze public controversy.

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 230 Teamwork and Collaboration
COM 308 Communication Research Strategies
COM 484 Internship

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)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Analyze communication messages and practices in relation to the contexts in which they occur.
  • Develop informed responses to real-world communication problems using communication theories and research.
  • Develop communication strategies and messages tailored to specific audiences and contexts.

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)

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

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.

Global experience

Students have the exciting opportunity to gain intercultural experience through tailored, international programs of study. Study abroad can help students improve their language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication. They can also develop critical teamwork and problem-solving skills and expand their knowledge of the liberal arts through lenses of different cultures.

Participation in one of more than 300 Global Education programs --- whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online --- provides students with personal enrichment and the opportunity to develop valuable skill sets that can give them an advantage in their career. Students build communication skills, are challenged to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to differences across the world, enhancing their ability to work with diverse groups of people.

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 receive 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
Community Specialist 5.5% $56,730
Corporate Trainer 10.8% $69,280
Employee Training Manager 6.4% $133,000
Event Planner 5.8% $61,160
Human Resources Manager 5.5% $149,280
Museum Educator 6.3% $38,120
Production Assistant 3.9% $73,620
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager) 5.7% $146,910
Public Relations Specialist 1.8% $74,750
Social Services Director 7.2% $80,390

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

Careers this communication degree prepares you for

Graduates pursue careers in public affairs, digital communication, community organizing and human resources. While growth across media and communication occupations is expected to be moderate, demand remains strong in key areas such as digital media, public relations and internal communications. The versatility of communication skills provides graduates with lasting career potential across many sectors.

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.

School of Applied Sciences and Arts | AZCNTR 383
CISA@asu.edu
480-965-4464

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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