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Best Online Communications Degree: Students Before Profits Award

Our Students Before Profits Award was created to promote nonprofit colleges and universities offering online degree programs that put students before profits and education before the bottom line.

For our Online Bachelor’s in Communication and Public Relations award winners, we selected online programs from accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities offering online or hybrid programs of study leading to a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or related fields and have ranked these programs according to their affordability.

Communications degrees are versatile and can lead to employment in a wide variety of careers: journalism, advertising, public relations, internal relations, politics, law, and the possibilities are nearly endless.  Effective written and verbal communication skills are increasingly found as the most in-demand skills in the widest range of careers available.  In Forbes, 2014, Warren Buffett and Bill Gates identified communication skills as “invaluable business assets.” Thus, these degree programs will prove to be useful for both individuals who have a particular communication oriented career path in mind, and those who simply want to increase their marketability for entry into any number of careers.

Though this ranking is primarily concerned with the affordability of the programs,  many programs here have consistently been ranked among the top of their kind by other national publications and we believe they deserve to be considered among the best online bachelor’s in communications programs available.

Degree completion programs in this ranking have been noted as such and tuition rates are calculated based on the national average tuition cost of 60 credits completed at 2 year institutions with the assumption that the majority of students enrolling in completion programs will earn the credits required at local community colleges before transferring into the online program.  This national average (as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics) is $6,644.  This figure was added to the cost per credit multiplied by the remaining required credits of each completion program to determine a reasonable estimate for total cost of the degree and placement within our ranking.

Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit and individual programs may have additional fees.

Ranking the Top Online Communications Degree Programs

#1. Ohio University

Ohio University is a public research university located in Athens, Ohio.  Founded in 1804 OU is the ninth oldest public university in the United States.  Ohio University continues to be recognized for its quality of academics in major national publications such as Fortune, U.S. News and World Report, Business Week, Forbes, and the Princeton Review.  Ohio University has almost 30 colleges or departments, which house more than 250 areas of study at the certificate, associate, undergraduate and graduate level. 

Online Communications Degree
The Scripps College of Communication at Ohio University offers an online Bachelor in Applied Communication degree completion program designed for students who already possess an associate’s degree.  The program offers intensive communication study in visual, written and oral mediums including courses in journalism, media production, web and print design, communication studies and telecommunication systems and focuses on both the practical application and theoretical foundation of communication strategies.

Accreditation: Ohio University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 63.6%

Tuition
In-State: $21,044
Out-of-State: $21,224

#2. Athabasca University

Athabasca University was founded in 1970 and specializes in distance education. Headquartered in Athabasca, Alberta, AU is an Open University committed to removing the different barriers that limit access to higher education. In 2006, the university became the first Canadian postsecondary institution to receive accreditation in the United States.  Athabasca enrolls over 40,700 students.

Online Communications Degree

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies at Athabasca University offers an online program leading to a Bachelor of Professional Arts in Communication Studies.  This is a degree completion program designed for students who possess an associate’s degree or other college level diploma and will broaden students intellectual and professional understanding of the contexts in which communication happens. The program works to build on students’ knowledge, expertise, and practical experience they have acquired in the workplace and from previous studies to prepare them to assume leadership positions, administrative responsibilities, and coordinating and consulting functions within their chosen field.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Athabasca University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: Statistic not avilable

Tuition: $22,844

#3. Indiana University East

Indiana University East is located in Richmond, Indiana. Founded in the mid-1960’s, the school grew out of an extension of Earlham College that was operated by both Earlham and Indiana University. IU East currently offers 12 fully online baccalaureate degree completion programs.

Online Communications Degree
Indiana University East offers students an online degree completion program leading to either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication. Students take classes in decision making, advertising, and telecommunications and eventually choose an area of specialization. The program is designed to help students develop interpersonal, public communication, cultural and teamwork skills which are the most important skills employers are looking for in the global age.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion 60 of which are included in the online program.

Accreditation: Indiana University East is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
6 Year Graduation Rate: 25.4%
Tuition
In-State: $19,004
Out-of-State: $24,464

#4. Fisher College

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Fisher College is a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning granting degrees at the bachelor’s and associate’s level as well as one Master’s degree in Business Administration. Founded in 1093 as the Winter Hill Business College, the school has always had a strong vocational emphasis.  In 1998 the college established its online division which has garnered a national reputation as a leader in distance learning.

Online Communications Degree
Fisher College offers its Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies online as a degree completion program for students 25 years of age or older who already possess an associate degree or equivalent college level diploma. This is an interdisciplinary program combining courses in communication, advertising, public relations, and journalism and emphasizing media industries and their relationship to society.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree 60 of which are taken online through the program.
Accreditation: Fisher College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
6 Year Graduation Rate: 60.2%
Tuition: $24,644

#5. Missouri State University

Located in Springfield, Missouri and founded in 1906, Missouri State University is the state’s second-largest public university. Recently recognized by the U.S. News & World Report in the Midwestern category, the university was founded as a normal school in 1905 and now serves over 22,000 students on the 225-acre urban campus

Online Communications Degree
Missouri State University offers an online degree completion program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Students transferring in with an Associate’s degree in communications will be able to take all courses from MSU necessary to complete the B.S. program fully online. The program is non-comprehensive, so it requires the student to select a minor, preferably in the career area of interest to the student. Minors available entirely online include: Criminology/Criminal Justice and Communication Studies.  Other minors are available through a combination of online and evening seated classes.  A minimum of 125 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Missouri State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 55.4%

Tuition: $25,169

#6. King University

Located in Bristol, Tennessee, King University is a private, nonprofit university with connections to the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.  The school was founded in 1867 by the Holston Presbytery and gained university status in 2013 when it began offering several master’s degrees.  King University offers over 80 undergraduate majors, minors, and preprofessional programs as well as three master’s degrees and one doctoral degree program.

Online Communications Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Communications degree program offered by King University is a degree completion program designed for students who have already completed some college credits and would like to finish their bachelor’s degree. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn useful writing, presentation, design, critical thinking, and public speaking skills to effectively communicate within and build their careers in any number of settings.  The program requires a minimum of 124 credits for completion and is delivered at an accelerated pace making the program completable in a as little as 16 months for students who have transferred the maximum number of credits into the program.

Accreditation: King University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 52%

Tuition: $25,844

#7. Lamar University

Lamar University is a public research university that was founded in 1918 in Beaumont, Texas.  Lamar enrolls over 14,200 students annually and is one of 29 public universities nationally classified as a Doctoral Research University by the Carnegie Commission of Higher Education.

Online Communications Degree
Lamar University offers a flexible online program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Communication. The program integrates important aspects of communication theory and practice and  gives students options to participate in award-winning communications student groups and events.  Students may go on to pursue a variety of careers, such as corporate trainer, law, public relations, sales, advertising, a/v production, corporate communication and more.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Lamar University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 32.5%

Tuition: $26,760

#8. University of Texas—Permian Basin

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) was founded in 1973 and is located in Odessa, Texas. UTPB is part of the University of Texas system and did not begin accepting underclassmen – freshmen or sophomores – until 1991. UT Permian Basin is part of the University of Texas Online Consortium, which means that some of their distance degrees are offered in collaboration with other online University of Texas System universities.

Online Communications Degree
The University of Texas—Permian Basin offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication program completable entirely online. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of communication theories and the impact of modern media on businesses, societies and cultures around the world. Students who pursue a communication degree will explore modern media and society, rhetoric in Western thought, crisis communication and public messaging.  The program requires 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: The University of Texas—Permian Basin is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 36.5%

Tuition: $33,120

#9. Granite State College

Part of the University System of New Hampshire, Granite State College is an institution of higher education located in Concord, New Hampshire and founded in 1972.  The college  enrolls over 3,100 students and is the State of New Hampshire’s leader in delivering online education.

Online Communications Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Communication offered at Granite State College offers flexible options of study including online formats.  Throughout this program students  will study the fundamental principles and theories underlying communication. Special emphasis is placed on analysis of communication strategies, construction of communication strategies, the ability to critique rhetorical strategies, and developing the skills to communicate the results of qualitative and quantitative research.  The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: Granite State College is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 66.7%

Tuition: $34,200

#10. University of Wisconsin—Superior

Established as the Superior Normal School for the preparation of teachers in the region in 1893, the University of Wisconsin is a public university enrolling over 2,600 students and offering over 30 different programs of study. UWS ranks #99 in Best Regional Universities (Midwest) and #33 in Top Public School by U.S. News. 

Online Communications Degree
The University of Wisconsin—Superior offers a Bachelor in Communication Arts degree with Emphasis in Speech Communication. The program is designed to create effective communicators and provide students with the skill set and knowledge base necessary to enter careers in a variety of fields. Students of the Communication Arts program study both the theories and principles of communication, as well as the effects of communication and develop analytical,  and creative skills while studying areas including interpersonal relationships, conflict, gender, and intercultural communication as well the dynamic role media plays in our lives.  The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Superior is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 35.2%

Tuition: $36,600

#11. Southern New Hampshire University

Founded in 1933 as the New Hampshire School of Accounting and Secretarial Service, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit university located between Manchester and Hookset, New Hampshire. The state granted the college its charter in 1963, and the first baccalaureate degrees were awarded in 1966. Its online campus boasts over 200 regionally accredited undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, and also has specialized accreditation for some of its degrees and programs.

Online Communications Degree
The Bachelor’s of Arts in Communication degree program offered through Southern New Hampshire University is offered entirely online and includes concentration options in New Media, Professional Writing, and Public Relations.  Students in this program will gain a variety of communication, computer and graphic design skills to help prepare you for careers in management, advertising, media, communications, public relations and more.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the program.

Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 59.4%

Tuition: $38,400

#12. Florida International University

Florida International University is located in Greater Miami, Florida. Classified as a research university with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation, FIU is the youngest university to be granted a Phi Beta Kappa chapter by the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the country’s oldest academic honor society. FIU is the 2nd-largest university in Florida and the largest university in South Florida. The most competitive public Floridian university – with the lowest admissions rate – FIU is able to boast the highest number of high school valedictorian students in attendance in the country.

Online Communications Degree
The Communication Arts department at Florida International University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts with a track in Organizational Communication Studies is available fully online.  The degree is a comprehensive communications degree, teaching students important organizational communication skills such as conflict and crisis management, decision-making, and leadership and team building  A minimum of 120 credits are required for the degree.

Accreditation: Florida International University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.  The communications program is recognized by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 48.8%

Tuition
In-State: $25,800
Out-of-State: $39,960

#13. University of North Dakota

Established by the Dakota Territorial Assembly in 1883, six years before the establishment of the state of North Dakota, the University of North Dakota is still located in Grand Forks. The campus sits on over 550 acres. US News and World Report ranked UND among the top 100 public universities in the country. 

Online Communications Degree
The University of North Dakota’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication offers students the option to design their own program of study based on their particular career goals and interests through choosing an emphasis in interpersonal and organizational communication, public relations, advertising, print journalism, or the media.  Graduates of this program will have gained a broad understanding of contemporary communication issues and the professional skills needed to be successful in a wide variety of careers.

Accreditation: The University of North Dakota is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 54.3%

Tuition: $40,375

#14. Colorado State University—Global

Colorado State University’s global campus, known as CSU-Global, is a non-profit, online, public university. Founded in 2007 as part of the Colorado State University system, CSU–Global is a separate and distinct institution headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Designed specifically for adult students who are unable to travel to a traditional campus, CSU-Global only offers degree completion programs – thereby allowing their students to combine previous college credit and life experience with current course offerings.

Online Communications Degree
CSU—Global’s Bachelor of Science in Communication degree program is available entirely online is designed around the key skills of oral and written communication, mass communications, new media, public relations, technical writing, and the leadership and management, needed to be an effective communicator and contribute to various kinds of organizations. Students will gain a knowledge base of critical thinking and strategic communication skills that apply to everyday business life. The program requires 120 credits for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 64%

Tuition: $42,000

#15. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University is a private nonprofit institution of higher learning offering over 70 programs of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.  The university is the world’s largest fully accredited university focusing on aviation and aerospace engineering and has been called “the Harvard of the sky” by Time Magazine.  The school was established in the early years of flight, just 20 some years after the Wright Brothers first flight.  Today the university enrolls over 30,600 students in a wide variety of disciplines and areas of study.

Online Communications Degree
The online Bachelor of Science in Communications degree offered by Embry Riddle is focused on the needs of technical and science minded students who want to gain the valuable knowledge not offered in a general communication degree program.  The program is designed to provide students with an advantage in understanding how to interpret, analyze and report on technological and scientific topics across all types of media.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree program.

Accreditation: Embry Riddle University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 58.3%

Tuition: $42,600

#16. Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University was founded as Lynchburg Baptist College in 1971 by the Reverend Jerry Falwell. It has long been considered a Christian academic community, the institution’s stated intention being the development of both the intellectual and spiritual nature. Enrolling well over 100,000 students, the majority of which are enrolled online, LU is the largest Evangelical Christian University in the world and the largest private nonprofit university in the nation.  Liberty University ranks #80 by U.S. News in best Regional Universities (South).

Online Communications Degree
Liberty University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—Communications is a communications degree for individuals interested in careers in business environments.  Students will successfully prepare for a professional career by enriching their knowledge and understanding of communication theory and best practices and gain insight into the consumer mindset, as they advance your expertise in time management, teamwork, research, organization, and critical thinking skills. Course work will prepare students to serve effectively as an expert in both a small business environment or in the global market.  The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 46.2%

Tuition: $45,000

#17. University of New Mexico

Located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the University of New Mexico is a public research university and New Mexico’s flagship research institution.  The university was founded in 1889 and today enrolls over 34,800 students in more than 215 degree and certificate programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.  The Carnegie Commission for the Advancement of Teaching classifies UNM as a Research University with Very High Activity.  

Online Communications Degree
The University of New Mexico’s Department of Communication & Journalism offers an online degree completion program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Organizational Communication which is available online.  The Organizational Communication Concentration offers a skillset that can be utilized in the workplace to facilitate the healthy development of both organizations and the individuals who work within them. It covers communicative processes such as conflict, leadership, technology, networks, group interaction and decision-making.  Though no associate’s degree is required for admission into the  program, as with any degree completion program, a significant portion of general education and prerequisite coursework will need to be completed prior to admission.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The University of New Mexico is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 45.8%

Tuition
In-State: $21,164
Out-of-State: $46,740

#18. Bellevue University

Established in 1966 and based in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is one of the largest private higher learning institutions in the state, enrolling over 10,000 students. The university’s mission has always been directed toward providing education for working adults.

Online Communications Degree
The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies program offered through Bellevue University provides a firm foundation for careers requiring strong communication skills. Graduates of this program will be prepared to develop interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills which are prized by employers, expand self-knowledge to increase their confidence as effective communicators, and understand relevant communication theory and how to apply it to modern formal and informal communications.  The program requires 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: Bellevue University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 31.1%

Tuition: $47,400

#19 University of Nebraska—Kearny

Established in 1905 as the state normal school, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is part of the University of Nebraska system. UNK’s campus spans 258 acres and boasts 32 buildings, not all of which are academic, but historical. The university was recently ranked 9th Public Regional University in the Midwest by US News & World Report and their online program also received accolades – 8th overall among all e-campuses in the nation in Guide to Online Schools’ 2013 College Rankings.

Online Communications Degree
The University of Nebraska at Kearney’s online Bachelor of Science in Communication degree combines aspects of organizational theory with mass communication. This is a degree completion program for students who have already obtained an associate’s degree. Courses include Persuasion and Propaganda, Rhetorical Theory, Leadership Communication, and Communication Inquiry.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The University of Nebraska—Kearney is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 55.9%

Tuition
In-State: $20.264
Out-of-State: $47,504

#20. National Louis University

Founded in 1886, National Louis University is a private nonprofit university with locations in Chicago, Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, and Poland.  The university has played a significant role in American education helping found the National Kindergarten Movement, and the National Parent Teacher Association.  The university currently enrolls over 4,700 students.

Online Communications Degree
National Louis University’s Bachelor of Arts in Applied Communications prepares students for the dynamic and competitive field of communication. The program uses a blended online and in-person format and takes an integrative approach to personal, professional and academic success by combining hands-on experience, connections to current professionals in the field, and modern academics that address past, present and future trends.  Students can further hone their studies by choosing a concentration in Entrepreneurship. A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: National Louis University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 44.4%

Tuition: $49,020

#21. Aurora University

Aurora University is a private, nonprofit liberal arts university located in Aurora, Illinois.  AU enrolls approximately 5,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level degree programs.  The university was founded in 1893 as Mendota Seminary which at the time was focused on education rooted in the Advent Christian Church, but within a few years of its founding changed its name to Mendota College as it took on a more broadly focused liberal arts curriculum.

Online Communications Degree
The online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Communication offered by Aurora University is a broad-based degree that provides skills and experiences highly desired by companies hiring the next generation of communication professionals.  Graduates go on to work in fields including advertising, public relations, promotional marketing, and other communication and business/nonprofit careers. The IC degree prepares students to engage audiences and deliver consistent and compelling messages across multiple media platforms.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the program.

Accreditation: Aurora University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 51.7%

Tuition: $51,000

#22. Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech University offers both baccalaureate and graduate degrees in a range of fields. Founded in 1909 as an agricultural school, Arkansas Tech has always been located in Russellville, Arkansas, and obtained university status in 1976. Many degrees can be completed entirely online, though due to other states’ current regulations, Arkansas Tech University is not providing online instruction to students in several states.

Program Overview
Arkansas Tech University offers an online Bachelor of Professional Studies with a concentration option in Public Relations that provides adults with the education they need to enhance their current careers and prepare them for new opportunities in multiple industries. This degree program is offered in an accelerated format that is idea for working adults and community college graduates. General coursework includes classes like Business Information Systems, Technical Writing, and Professional Communications.  The program requires 120 credits for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Arkansas Tech University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 41.2%

Tuition
In-State: $25,800
Out-of-State: $51,600

#23. University of Minnesota—Crookston

The University of Minnesota-Crookston is a four-year public university founded as a satellite campus of the University of Minnesota. It was established in 1966, and today enrolls over 1,800 students. UMC is a “ laptop” campus giving all students and faculty laptops to aid in academic success.

Online Communications Degree
The Bachelor of Science in Communication online offered through the University of Minnesota—Crookston offers students valuable career skills in a variety of communication mediums while pursuing one of three specializations: Communications Studies, Writing, or Organizational Communication/Public Relations. The program emphasizes communication theory and practice in the creation, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The University of Minnesota—Crookston is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 47.3%

Tuition: $51,720

#24. Drexel University

Enrolling over 25,500 students between three campuses in Philadelphia, and one in Sacramento, California, Drexel University is private, nonprofit, research university founded in 1891.  Drexel University is consistently ranked as having one of the best cooperative education programs in the nation.  Named “the Ultimate Internship,” Drexel’s Co-op program grants students a variety of hands on, paid, full-time working experiences before graduation through some 1,600 corporate, governmental, and non-profit partners in 28 states and 25 international locations.  DU has offered online courses since 1996 and is recognized as one of the nation’s pioneers in distance learning.  U.S. News ranked the university #95 in Best National Universities and #10 in Up-and-Coming Schools.

Communications Degree Online
The online Bachelor of Science in Communication from Drexel University is designed to prepare students for senior level positions in any corporation or organization. The program is delivered fully online and begins with a common core of courses that emphasize communication theory and methods, followed by a concentration in Corporate Communication or Public Relations.  The program includes coursework in areas such as Journalism, Mass Media, New Technologies in Communication, Public Relations, and Publication Design.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 65.3%

Tuition:  $54,840 (This is 40% off Drexel’s regular tuition rate and is available for the 2015-2016 school year)

#25. Franklin University

Franklin University is located in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Other branch campuses are located in Beavercreek, Dublin, Delaware, Westerville, and Indianapolis, Indiana. Additionally, Franklin University offers degree programs with two international universities – the Wroclaw School of Banking in Wroclaw, Poland and St. Clement of Ohrid University in Bitola, Macedonia. The university was founded in 1902 under sponsorship of the YMCA in Columbus and acquired its current name in 1933.

Communications Degree Online
Franklin University’s Bachelor of Science in Communications degree program is oriented toward business professionals who want to gain valuable skills to shape, lead, and execute integrated communications plans, strategies, and tactics through a variety of mediums including print, digital, and social media. A minimum of 124 credits are required for completion of the program.

Accreditation: Franklin University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 13.1%

Tuition: $57,536

#26. Arizona State University

Founded in 1885 and located on several campus across Phoenix, Arizona, Arizona State University is a national space-grant institution and the largest public university in the country by enrollment. Arizona State University’s online campus was ranked #1 in online Student Services and Technology by U.S. News & World Report and offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Communications Degree Online
The Bachelor of Science in Communication offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University is geared toward providing students with conceptual knowledge as well as practical skills to successfully manage communication issues in the context of contemporary workplaces. Students gain foundational knowledge of communication theories and research methods with courses that will provide you with the tools to understand, analyze, and respond to communication problems and opportunities in a variety of contexts, including workplace teams and community, civic, and cultural groups. A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion.

Accreditation: Arizona State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 56.8%

Tuition: $57,600

#27. University of Louisville

A public university located in Louisville, Kentucky, the University of Louisville was founded in 1798 as one of the first universities chartered west of the Allegheny Mountains. Known as a “Preeminent Metropolitan Research University,” the university is perhaps most well-known for its health sciences departments; U of L is credited with the first successful self-contained artificial heart transplant surgery, the first successful hand transplantation, and one of the first blood banks and emergency rooms in the U.S. The school’s admissions process is considered fairly selective, and their undergraduate program ranked 160th among national universities in US News & World Report’s 2013 edition.

Communications Degree Online
The Bachelor of Science in Communication offered through the College of Arts and Science at the University of Louisville is available 100% online and is based upon research and coursework that emphasize the rhetorical, organizational, interpersonal, and mediated contexts and perspectives which define the field of communication. Students will be familiarized with a range of theories, methods of inquiry, philosophies and practices of the communication discipline, and develop skills for analyzing, interpreting and critiquing communication problems and questions.  The program requires 121 credits for completion.

Accreditation: The University of Louisville is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 52.1%

Tuition: $58,443

#28. Thomas Edison State College

Namesake of inventor Thomas Alva Edison, Thomas Edison State College was established in 1972 and is one of New Jersey’s 11 public universities and colleges. The school has been located in downtown Trenton, New Jersey since 1979.  TESC enrolls nearly 30,000 students.

Communications Degree Online
Thomas Edison State College’s Heavin School of Arts & Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree designed to provide adults for career change, advancement or graduate education, while providing personal enrichment. The program explores the various aspects of creating, transmitting and analyzing messages which flow among individuals, groups, organizations and societies. Students may focus on communications courses relating to oral communications and/or mass media communications. Students develop a broad general knowledge of the traditional liberal arts disciplines while developing a greater depth of knowledge in Communications. 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Thomas Edison State College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: Statistic not available

Tuition
In-State: $48,840
Out-of-State: $58,920

#29. University of Maryland University College

University of Maryland University College is a development of the University of Maryland’s evening program for adults that began in the 1920’s. UMUC is an open university and one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world. The school serves over 90,000 students worldwide in a combination of on-campus courses and online courses and has campuses located all over the world. UMUC offers face-to-face courses to deployed military at bases in Afghanistan and Djibouti, Africa.

Communications Degree Online
University of Maryland University College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies degree program that balances theoretical knowledge with sophisticated communication skills. Students will have the opportunity to learn how people create and use messages to generate meaning within and across various contexts, cultures, channels, and media. This multidisciplinary program includes curriculum which covers speech communication, mass communication and new media, journalism, public relations, business writing, and technical writing.  120 credits at minimum are required for completion of the program.

Accreditation: The University of Maryland University College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 4.3%

Tuition
In-State: $31,920
Out-of-State: $59,880

Note: In-state residents who possess an associate’s degree from a Maryland community college are eligible for significant tuition reduction when transferring into UMUC to complete their bachelor’s degree.

#30. University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire

Located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, UW Eau Claire is a public university belonging to the University of Wisconsin system.  The university was founded in 1916 as “Normal School” for the preparation of teachers in the region.  Today UW Eau Claire is a comprehensive university enrolling over 11,000 students in over 100 programs of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Communications Degree Online
UW-Eau Claire’s Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Communication degree completion program is available to students who already possess an associate’s degree.  For students who do not have an associate’s degree general admission to any university within the UW system will allow students to begin work on prerequisite, general education coursework.  With an emphasis on communication, business, information literacy, and leadership, this program eatures a real-world focus that integrates critical and creative thinking skills with your work and life experience. A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 65.5%

Tuition
In-State: $29,648
Out-of-State: $59,968

#31. Northeastern University

Northeastern University was founded in 1898 as the “Evening Institute for Younger Men” at a YMCA in Boston, Massachusetts. It is now an increasingly competitive and esteemed private research university. Northeastern University’s online school offers over 70 certificates and degree programs that adhere to the rigorous academic standards of the on-ground campus.

Communications Degree Online
The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication offered through Northeastern University is designed to deepen the understanding of communications, and its effect on organizational processes and performance. Students will establish a strong foundation in communications by delving into a host of key topics: crisis communication, intercultural communication, media relations, interpersonal conflict, emerging technologies, negotiation techniques, meeting dynamics and strategy, and professional speaking. Students can also refine their focus by choosing from two degree specializations in public relations or corporate and organizational communication.  A minimum of 160 quarter credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Northeastern University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 78.6%

Tuition: $60,480

#32. University of Denver

The University of Denver is a private nonprofit university founded in 1863 and is the oldest private university in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S.  The school was founded as Colorado Seminary by John Evans, a former governor of the Colorado Territory who also established the noteworthy Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.  DU enrolls over 11,800 students.

Communications Degree Online
The University of Denver offers a degree completion program leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts available online. There is no required minimum of transfer credits, but DU will count up to 96 transferred quarter credits (64 semester credits) toward the bachelor’s degree. The program prepares graduates to solve problems, resolve conflict, and increase communication options. A communications degree, offered online and/or on campus in the evenings, allows students to explore how the media, entertainment industry, and commercial institutions affect individuals and society. In addition, students will enrich their understanding of verbal and non-verbal communication, such as writing, speaking, and body language; and will learn how to use art, photographs, and other media in presentations.  The program requires 180 quarter credits for completion.

Accreditation: The University of Denver is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 76.2%

Tuition: $60,554

#33. California Baptist University

A private Christian university located in Riverside, California, California Baptist University is a liberal arts institution managed by the California Southern Baptist Convention. Founded in 1950 as California Baptist College, the school boasts such notable alumni as Drew Shirley, guitarist for Christian rock band Switchfoot; Rick Warren, internationally-acclaimed motivational pastor and author of The Purpose-Driven Life; and Fraser Kershaw, founder of the charity Water Works.

Communications Degree Online
California Baptist University’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and its Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations are both available online as degree completion programs for students who have already completed significant credits toward their degree.  These are similar programs of study, bot equipping students with the foundational knowledge and necessary skills to succeed in a variety of occupations.  The Communication Studies program is a broader program of study in communications, while the Public Relations program focuses specifically on issues and skills related to PR.  Both programs require a minimum of 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: California Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 58.8%

Tuition: $61,320

#34. Valley City State University

Valley City State University is a public university located in Valley City, North Dakota and member of the North Dakota University System, enrolling over 1,300 students annually.  VCSU has been recognized by U.S. News as #1 or #2 in the Best Regional Universities (Midwest) 5 years consecutively.  Established as a Normal School, or Teacher’s College in 1890, VCSU still remains dedicated to producing some of the best educators in the upper midwest with Education and Teaching being among the most popular majors.

Communications Degree Online
The Communication Arts Department at Valley City State University offers a completely online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Communication with Corporate Concentration that is designed for students seeking to gain knowledge of communication practices in the corporate setting. The program deals in detail with issues of organizational, interpersonal, and intercultural skills in marketing, development, and training. 120 credits are required for graduation.

Accreditation: Valley City State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 41.2%

Tuition: $61,320

#35. National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a private nonprofit university located in La Jolla, California and is the second largest private nonprofit institution of higher learning in the state as well as the 12th largest in the country.  The university has satelite campuses located across California and in the states of Florida, Georgia, Nevada and Virginia.  NU also maintains extensive online course and program offerings.  The school currently enrolls over 24,400 students in over 130 degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Communications Degree Online
The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications degree program at National University is designed to prepare students for careers in public relations, advertising, marketing, and corporate communication. The program is designed to help students solve problems through research, critical analysis, and strategic thinking. The program covers the theory behind and execution of integrated marketing communication campaigns, disseminated in interpersonal, intercultural, organizational, and public settings.  A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 22.9%

Tuition: $61,920

#36. Colorado Christian University

 Located near Denver, Colorado, Colorado Christian University is a private Christian university.  Founded in 1914 as the Denver Bible Institute, CCU has since grown to comprise three academic colleges, the College of Liberal Arts, the School of Theology, and the Bible Institute.  CCU enrolls over 5,000 students.

Communications Degree Online
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from Colorado Christian University is offered online.  The program is designed to provide students with knowledge of communication theory and practical application. Students will develop an understanding of interpersonal, group, and organizational communication, including a grasp of social media and communication via emerging technologies. A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Colorado Christian University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 41.5%

Tuition: $62,720

#37. Regent University

Founded by Pat Robertson in 1978 as Christian Broadcasting Network University, Regent University is a private interdenominational Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. In the late 1980s, Regent began offering what is now an extensive distance education program in addition to its on-campus degrees. Full-time and part-time faculty consist of graduates of Yale, Harvard, Oxford, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, and other schools. The university’s current motto is “Christian Leadership to Change the World.”

Communications Degree Online
Through the College of Arts and Sciences at Regent University, students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Communications online.  Students will examine the role of communication in all areas of life, including organizational communication, interpersonal communication and public media, just to name a few. All concentrations within this flexible online communication degree program allow students to learn the fundamental concepts of journalism and become prepared as reporters and writers able to understand and communicate large concepts in relatable stories. Regent’s online communication degree programs will prepare students spiritually and academically for communications career options as well as positions in teaching, business, law and other related fields. 120 credits minimum are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Regent University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 36.4%

Tuition: $63,600

#38. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a major research institution located in the north Florida college town of Gainesville. This school is the oldest public university in the state and has a ranking of 17 on the U.S. News and World Report list of the top twenty national public universities. The Princeton Review finds the school the seventh best value in public education. With over 50,000 students, the campus is quite impressive in size and scope. There are 16 different colleges set on the main campus. Students can choose from a wide selection of online degree programs ranging from Bachelors to Doctorates.

Communications Degree Online
The Department of Journalism and Telecommunication offers an online Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication Media & Society that is one of the countries premier programs in electronic mass media and is designed for students who desire a strong foundation in communication skills and want to study both traditional and digital media and their effect on society.  Graduates of this program will be prepared to take their careers and/or further study in any number of directions from pursuing law school to careers in areas such as sports, health, environment, politics, international communication or the corporate world.   The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its communication programs are recognized by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 85.1%

Tuition
In-State:$15,480
Out-of-State: $66,360

#39. Pace University

Located in the New York metropolitan area, Pace University is a private, nonprofit university.  Pace was founded in 1906 as a school for accountancy and business and has since grown to encompass 8 different schools and colleges and enrolls over 12,700 students.

Communications Degree Online
Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences offers an online Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication Studies designed to develop students into strong, effective communicators with people across cultures and media.  Graduates of this program will have developed critical, in-demand skills with coursework in communications, computing, digital media, writing and administration and will be prepared for careers in advertising, corporate communications, media and web development, sales, and email marketing. The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion.
Accreditation: Pace University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 55.7%
Tuition: $66,600

#40. Montana State University—Billings

Montana State University Billings is a public university. Its main campus is located on a 110 acres in downtown Billings, Montana. The school was founded in 1927 as Eastern Montana Normal School and was established for the preparation of teachers in the region, it was then renamed in 1949 to Eastern Montana College before being renamed to its present name in 1994.  Currently, the university offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees through the University’s five colleges. It has the third largest campus population in the Montana State University System enrolling around 5,000 students.

Program Overview
Montana State University—Billings Bachelor of Science in Public Relations degree program is offered online and is designed to prepare students in a variety of PR settings including: Corporate, Non-profit, Government, Healthcare, and Education.  Students in the program will be provided with significant communication training and internship opportunities, learn essential writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills, be exposed to a variety of theoretical approaches to the practice of public relations, learn knowledge of computers, video equipment and editing equipment.  The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Montana State University Billings is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 51.9%

Tuition
In-State: $22,841
Out-of-State: $66,905

#41. City University of New York

The CUNY School of Professional Studies is part of the City University of New York (CUNY), and is home to CUNY’s first completely online degree programs. Established in 2003 with the mission of meeting the educational needs of working adults in New York City, CUNY offers undergraduate and graduate degrees both on-campus and online.

Communications Degree Online
The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media offered by CUNY’s School of Professional Studies is available online and includes an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on critical issues related to communications, with special emphasis on new and traditional media. Students also examine how social and organizational cultures influence how people communicate. Graduates of this program will have developed the abilities to interpret and evaluate various forms of communication, with special emphasis on web-based content, use communication strategies that are responsive to cultural and audience differences and the requirements of new media, and understand the global reach of communication and media and how they serve as powerful links between and among the world’s cultures.  The program requires a minimum of 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: CUNY is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 45.7%

Tuition
In-State: $25,320
Out-of-State: $67,200

#42. Villanova University

Villanova University is a private, Catholic university located in the suburbs of metropolitan Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Named after Saint Thomas of Villanova, VU is the oldest Catholic university in the state of Pennsylvania, established in 1842.  Villanova is known to be a highly selective university and has ben named by multiple national publications including U.S. News and World Report, BusinessWeek, Financial Times, and the Princeton Review for it’s exceptional programs and educational offerings. 

Program Overview
The online Bachelor of Arts in Media and Technology at Villanova University offers a broad field of study, which can include digital media, electronic publishing, film and video technology, media formats, Internet, web development and design, multimedia software, and much more. The program offers hands-on experience in creating digital works using industry-standard software. Communications and management combine with technology to utilize the full range of social media and communications tools and techniques.  The program is designed for students who wish to enter or further their career in areas such as journalism, media, multimedia, advertising, public relations, public administration, business, military and transitioning veterans, government and education.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: Villanova University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 88%

Tuition: $68,400

#43. Pennsylvania State World Campus

Established in 1855, Pennsylvania State University is a state-related research university with 24 statewide campuses. In 2010, the university’s enrollment, including online learners, totaled 94,300 students. Pennsylvania State University World Campus is often referred to as “Penn State Online” and is the virtual campus of Pennsylvania State University. The World Campus was founded in 1998, but Pennsylvania State University has been offering distance education courses since 1892, when it developed one of the nation’s pioneer correspondence study programs for statewide farmers.

Program Overview
Penn State Online offers a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Public Relations with an emphasis in Strategic Communications program which covers  aspects of advertising, marketing, public relations, communications, technology, law, research, social media, and many other disciplines. By studying a diverse range of topics in these fields, students can learn how to select the appropriate medium to reach their chosen audience — and design a powerful communication strategy to influence them.  The program requires 120 credits for completion.

Accreditation: Pennsylvania State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 85.6%

Tuition
In-State: $64,200
Out-of-State: $69,480

#44. North Dakota State University

Located in Fargo, North Dakota, North Dakota State University is a public land grant university with a strong focus on agriculture and applied science.  NDSU is considered a comprehensive doctoral research university with very high research activity by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.  The university enrolls over 14,700 students.

Program Overview
North Dakota State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations available entirely in an online format. This program is designed to orient students to the principles and practices of public relations as both a practice and field of study. In order to best prepare students for life after graduation, NDSU requires students to earn a B or better in all of their pre-communications classes before allowing them to declare their major in public relations. While all courses can be completed in the online format, NDSU encourages students to take an internship for practical experience in a public relations setting, which requires pre-approval. The program requires a minimum of 122 credits for completion.

Accreditation: North Dakota State University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 52.85

Tuition
In-State: $27,048
Out-of-State: $72,224

#45. University of Texas—El Paso

Founded in 1914 as the State School for Mines and Metallurgy, the University of Texas—El Paso is a public university and part of the University of Texas System.  UT—El Paso enrolls approximately 23,000 students and is the largest university in the U.S. with a majority Latino student population (about 70%).  UTEP offers nearly 170 degree granting programs of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Communications Degree Online
The University of Texas—El Paso offers a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational and Corporate Communication offered 100% online.  The program is designed  to meet the needs of modern communicators who seek to excel within a corporate setting. Students will have the opportunity to study the theory and practice of organizational and corporate communication, as well as explore research methodologies and real-world case studies.  A minimum of 12o credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The University of Texas El Paso is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 37.8%

Tuition
In-State: $28,232
Out-of-State: $72,672

#46. University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee

University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee is a public research university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1885, UWM is one of two doctoral doctoral degree granting public universities and the second largest university in Wisconsin.  UWM has a total student enrollment of 27,813 It is located in Milwaukee’s upper East Side close to Lake Michigan, and is home to the only graduate school of freshwater science in the U.S., the largest School of Architecture, College of Nursing, and College of Health Sciences in the State of Wisconsin. The university offers a total of 181 degree programs, including 94 bachelor’s, 53 master’s and 33 doctorate degrees and is categorized as a Research University with High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Communications Degree Online
The College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee offers its Bachelor of Arts in Communication online. UWM’s communication curriculum is organized around five broad areas: Organizational/Professional Communication, Intercultural/Global Communication, Interpersonal Communication/Conflict Management, Rhetoric/Public Communication, and Health Communication.  Students in this program gain a broad understanding of human symbolic behavior. Communication courses train students to communicate more effectively; to understand and use various formats of communication including oral, written, nonverbal and visual; and to analyze human communication patterns in educational, interpersonal, inter-cultural, group, organization, rhetorical and public settings. A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the program.

Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 42.5%

Tuition:
In-State: $34,816
Out-of-State: $73,720

#47. West Virginia University

A public land-grant research university founded in 1867 and located in Morgantown, West Virginia, West Virginia University currently enrolls approximately 30,000 students. WVU has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal and is designated a High Research Activity University by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Program Overview
West Virginia University offers a Bachelor of Arts in  Public Relations available online designed for adult learners. The program is built around teaching students how to build and maintain relationships with external audiences and how to utilizing communication strategies, tactics, and media to create favorable images for clients. Online PR degree students can choose an area of emphasis in Business Administration, Marketing, Health Promotion, or Political Science. A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: West Virginia University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  The communication programs are recognized by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 56.2

Tuition
In-State: $22,848
Out-of-State: $76,704

#48. University of Southern Maine

Located on three main campuses across the State of Maine and offering many programs and courses online, the University of Southern Maine is  a comprehensive university and part of the University of Maine System.  The university was founded in 1878, originally as two separate schools (the Gorham Normal School, and The University of Maine—Portland) which merged in 1970 to form USM.  Today, USM enrolls nearly 10,000 students in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.

Communications Degree Online
The Communication and Media Studies department at the University of Southern Maine offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication available in a fully online format.  The program takes a broad view of communication including the examination of face-to-face contexts and mediated ones. The program examines communication theories and their practices including intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organization, intercultural, gender and family, and mass media. Communication majors take two senior seminars. One seminar is chosen from a list of topics and the other is a capstone seminar designed to be a culmination of their undergraduate work and as a transition to graduate studies. 120 credits minimum are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The University of Southern Maine is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

6 Year Graduation Rate:

Tuition
In-State: $30,360
Out-of-State: $79,800

#49. Dominican College

Dominican College is a private, nonprofit four year college located in Orangeburg, New York.  The school was founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt as a teacher training school for religious sisters.  Today the college is nonsectarian and identifies itself as Catholic in origin.  The college enrolls approximately 2,000 students.

Communications Degree Online
Dominican College offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at an accelerated pace. The program is designed to prepare a new workforce of effective communicators, ethical leaders, and innovative media practitioners through the study of communication theory and strategy.  Students of this program will become well-rounded communication professionals prepared to manage a changing and advanced organizational environment.  With Dominican’s accelerated online format, students can complete their degree in as little as 3 years.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the program.

Accreditation: Dominican College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

6 Year Graduation Rate: Statistic not available

Tuition: $87,000

#50. The New School

The New School is a private nonprofit university in New York City. The school was founded in 1919 by progressive New York educators and has since been renowned for the quality of teaching and its open intellectual environment.  The school enrolls over 9,800 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Unlike most U.S. universities, The New School has a “student-directed curriculum”, which does not require its undergraduates to take general education courses. Instead, students are encouraged to explore before focusing on a major, selecting topics that are of interest to them. Although all “New Schoolers” are required to complete rigorous core training—usually of a literary, conservatory, or artistic nature—students are expected to be the primary designer of their own individualized and eclectic education.

Program Overview
The New School’s school of Public Engagement offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Media Studies available online and designed specifically for adults and transfer students who want to be well prepared for professional work in a range of media fields such as film, video, web, mobile, print, games, and social media.  The major also offers pathways to a Bachelor’s-Master’s option with the MA in Media Studies. The program is distinguished by its interdisciplinary breadth and its commitment to creating media in the service of a more just and humane world.  Students choose from a number of concentrations including: Cinema Studies, Film Production, Media Entrepreneurship, Media and Social Change, Screenwriting, and Self-Designed Study.  A minimum of 120 credits are required for completion of the degree.

Accreditation: The New School is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6 Year Graduation Rate: 65.4%

Tuition: $75,644$138,000

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This concludes our listing of the top 50 online communications degree programs at non profit colleges.