Online Associate of Arts in Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of success in today’s interconnected world. The ability to relay key information to the right audience, enabling them to make informed decisions, is a valuable skill.
What is a Communication Degree?
Communication is an excellent major for students interested in working with people and groups in a variety of fields.
Communication majors are professionally desirable because they have excellent critical-thinking, oral communication skills and writing abilities. They are concerned with understanding society and improving social institutions and the well-being of individuals.
AA Communications Program Overview
Whether you are crafting compelling stories in a marketing agency or delivering a strategic communication plan in a corporate environment, conveying the right message effectively is crucial. The University of Cincinnati’s 100% online Associate of Arts in Communication is designed to help you master these skills, providing a strong foundation for your future success.
When you commit to bettering yourself with an AA in Communication, you are starting on a journey that will offer you plenty of opportunities to not only advance your career but transform into the career you envision. This fully online two-year program is designed to provide you with the basic principles related to a communication degree. After these two years, it is a smooth transition into the Bachelor of Arts in Communication where you can then complete your degree and move into a number of tracks within the professional world.
Communications Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Industry-relevant curriculum designed by UC faculty with real-world communications experience, ensuring students build foundational skills in writing, media, and digital communication that transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s programs and careers.
- Academic rigor with personalized support, combining the strength of a nationally recognized research university with small-class engagement, accessible faculty, and resources tailored to online learners.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Option to transfer credits
- Courses offered in spring, summer and fall semesters
- Financial aid available
- The program can be completed in as few as 18 months
Support from Application to Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
First-Year:
- You are currently a high school senior or have a high school diploma, GED, or home-school equivalent.
- As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English or mathematics courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.
Transfer:
- Transferability is based on school accreditation, course/content comparability (including evaluation of practical assignments), year taken, and final grade.
- Submit all official transcripts for every school attended. Learn more about requesting your transcripts.
- If you have earned fewer than 30 semester or 45 quarter college credits, you must submit high school transcripts as part of your transfer application.
Complete the online application and submit a $50 application fee.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
"My expectations were downright exceeded by UC's online Associate of Arts in Communication program. All assignments were thoroughly explained, and the expectations were clearly laid out from day one of each semester. I had great interactions with my professors."
Angela B.
Associate of Arts in Communication
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