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Communications Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Do you want to be a great storyteller? A degree in Communication can support careers in everything from social media, public relations, advertising, sports communication to the arts

Our top-ranked Bachelor of Arts with a major in Communication gets you a career central to any job market. You’ll gain the teamwork, oral and written communication and analytical skills employers look for when hiring.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Customized Bachelor’s in Communication Degree

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


UND has the largest and most respected Communication program in North Dakota. It’s popular because you can customize your major in Communication with an area of focus to set you apart. Specialize in:

  • Strategic Communication
  • Digital Journalism
  • Advertising
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Digital Analytics

UND also offers a minor in Communication, master’s in Communication, Ph.D. in Communication, bachelor's in Journalism and minor in Journalism. Unique to our program, undergraduate students are allowed to apply directly to our Ph.D. program allowing you to earn your master’s in Communication at the same time you are working on a Ph.D.

We also have a number of online undergraduate certificates to allow you to expand on your communication credentials:

  • Conflict Mediation
  • Digital News Production
  • Digital Production for Media Industries
  • Health Communication
  • Professional and Executive Communication
  • Social Media Strategies
  • Sports Communication
  • Strategic Communication, Advertising & Public Relations

On-Campus or Online Communications Degree

  • Our department is located in O’Kelly Hall in the heart of the campus, featuring several interactive classrooms, podcasting studios, VR headsets and other digital tools.

  • Gain intercultural experience by studying abroad or earning a specialization in international communication.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

  • We’re proud to graduate students who can use various media to communicate persuasively to specific audiences.

  • Communicate with classmates through digital tools, sharing ideas and presenting information.

  • All Communication majors must fulfill an internship. We partner with many agencies, broadcast companies and advertising firms to ensure you get a quality work experience.

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in Communication?

 

6%

Projected job outlook for public relations specialists through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

157K

Median annual salary for advertising, promotions and marketing managers, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A Communication degree is a versatile qualification that equips you for success in a wide range of career paths. Here are some possible career paths:

  • Advertising: Communication degree holders possess the creativity and critical thinking skills needed to develop effective advertising campaigns that resonate with target audiences across various platforms.
  • Public relations: With expertise in crafting compelling narratives and managing relationships, Communication graduates excel in shaping public perception and maintaining positive reputations.
  • Brand management: Understanding the intricacies of branding and consumer behavior, Communication professionals are adept at building and managing brand identities that stand out in the marketplace.
  • Print and digital journalism: Whether reporting for traditional newspapers or navigating the digital landscape, Communication graduates excel in investigative journalism, storytelling and multimedia content creation. If you want this to be your specialty, consider UND’s bachelor’s in Journalism.
  • Broadcasting: From anchoring news segments to producing engaging radio shows and podcasts, Communication majors possess the skills to thrive in broadcast media, delivering information and entertainment to diverse audiences.
  • Social media: In an age where social media platforms serve as vital communication channels, Communication experts leverage their understanding of audience engagement and content strategy to drive impactful social content.
  • Fundraising: Effective communication is at the heart of successful fundraising efforts. Communication majors excel in conveying the mission and impact of organizations, securing financial support from donors.
  • Politics: With a keen understanding of persuasive communication and public opinion, Communication professionals play key roles in political campaigns, advocacy efforts and government communications. Some even may choose to run for office.
  • Video production: From scripting and directing to editing and post-production, those with a bachelor’s degree in Communication can produce engaging video content for various purposes, from corporate training videos to documentary filmmaking.

Communication Degree Jobs

Let UND’s Career Services help you find a job. Communication alumni from the University of North Dakota have gone on to a variety of successful careers, including:

  • Social Media Manager in the National Hockey League
  • Print and broadcast journalists across the United States
  • Press secretary for the U.S. Department of the Interior
  • Founders of public relations and advertising firms

Communications Degree Courses

COMM 346. Sports Communication. 3 Credits.

Introduces students to sports communication through an examination of athletics-related aspects of public relations, journalism, digital communication, organizational, and professional/executive communication. A significant component of the course focuses on aligning digital Communication technologies towards sports including digital imaging at games, sports writing, researching and reporting, web layout and presentation, public speaking/press releases etc. F.

COMM 305. Audio Production & Broadcasting. 3 Credits.

Investigates audio-related aspects of communication in digital sound production and broadcast dissemination. Beginning with the basic principles of audio, the course examines modern means of capturing, editing, and producing high-quality audio for the web and mobile devices, podcasting, and includes the use of a variety of software packages, plugins, and platforms. S.

COMM 310. Media and Diversity. 3 Credits.

Study of minority status within mass media organizations and in media content from historical, contemporary and speculative points of view. F.

COMM 339. Digital Video Production. 3 Credits.

This course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of modern digital video production utilizing a variety of production software techniques, industry best practices, and online/mobile technologies. F.

COMM 345. Social Media Strategy. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on scholarly and commercial aspects of social media strategy as a Communicative practice. In particular, course topics include a variety of social media driven outcomes including social activism, constituent engagement, outreach and advocacy, reputation management, analytics and optimization, and enhancing the quality and impact of message transmission in the social online environment. S.

COMM 404. Advertising and Society. 3 Credits.

Examines and evaluates the social, ethical and economic aspects of advertising. Attention is given to appraising the effects of advertising on the consumer and competition. F.

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Flexible Communications Degree Online

Earning your bachelor’s degree in Communication never has been easier. Our 100% online Communication degree program can be completed at any hour of the day (or night). You never have to come to campus.

You have two flexible and fully accredited options to pursue your online Communication degree. Both options are offered in an asynchronous format.

  1. Self-Paced Enroll Anytime Online Communication Courses: UND’s enroll anytime courses are offered online and are open for enrollment any day of the year. These courses are self-paced, so you can work at your own pace and have three to nine months to complete the course. Courses are not eligible for financial aid.
  2. Semester-Based Online Communication Courses: Take online courses that follow the standard University semester schedule. You’ll interact in a virtual classroom with your instructor and other students. Courses qualify for financial aid.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Communication Internships

As an online student, you’ll gain valuable practical experiences in career settings through internships. These experiences allow you to apply the knowledge you’ve gained through coursework to professional situation. You may complete internships at locations as close to your home community as possible.

Best Online Communication Bachelor’s Programs

#5 Best Marketing
#6 Bachelor's Degree Center
#6 Online College Plan
#8 Best Colleges
#12 Intelligent
#25 Edsmart

UND is ranked by many as a Top 10 best online Communication bachelor’s program in the nation. We are well regarded for our educational quality, affordability, flexibility and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

What can you expect from UND’s online Communications degree?

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

FAQs

A Communication degree equips you with strategic communication skills applicable to various careers, including advertising, public relations, digital reporting and broadcasting, social media, fundraising, video production, and science and health communication.

Certainly. UND offers a fully online Communication major with two accredited and flexible options: a self-paced format for greater autonomy and a semester-based program aligned with the University’s standard academic calendar.

A Communication degree typically takes about four years to complete, following a standard undergraduate program duration.

Yes, Communication graduates are in high demand. Overall employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 114,300 new job openings per year, indicating a robust demand for professionals in this field.

Yes, individuals with a Communication degree can earn a substantial income. For instance, the median annual wage for advertising and promotions managers is $127,830, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, earnings can vary based on the specific role pursued in communication.

The UND Communication degree stands out as the largest, most respected and most flexible program in North Dakota. What distinguishes it is the opportunity for students to customize their major with a focus on areas, including:

  • Strategic communication
  • Advertising
  • Public relations
  • Sports communication
  • Social media strategy
  • Digital journalism and media production
  • Health communication

Additionally, UND offers a minor in Communication, an online professional master’s program, and an academic M.A./Ph.D. program, which is a unique option for undergraduate students to apply directly to the Ph.D. program to earn their master’s and Ph.D. simultaneously.

Yes, Communication degrees are worthwhile due to their versatility and applicability across diverse industries. Graduates with strong communication skills are in high demand, opening up opportunities in various fields, making the degree valuable for those pursuing careers not just in media, advertising and public relations industries but also in marketing, science and health care.

Leader in Communication

Marcus Vivier transferred to UND to find his passion. It led him a bachelor’s degree in Communication.

Read Marcus’ Story

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