Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Communication is the cornerstone of success in today’s interconnected world. From effective persuasion, to improving interpersonal relationships, to critiquing a public statement, there are highly valuable and sought-after skills that you can gain by studying communication.
BA Communication Program Overview
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, listening, and writing abilities. They are concerned with understanding society and improving social institutions and the well-being of individuals.
In this program, students will study the practice of public speaking, interpersonal communication, public relations, and argument, and at the same time integrate the theory and research methods that form the basis for these effective strategies. Graduates will be prepared for roles in a wide range of industries and job categories. If they so choose, students can apply the skills learned in this degree program to graduate study in business, public relations, political science, law and more.
BA Communication Program Highlights
High Quality Education
- Career-relevant communication curriculum that builds advanced skills in strategic messaging, digital media, and audience engagement, preparing students for roles across corporate, nonprofit, and media environments.
- Instruction led by experienced faculty, combining academic rigor with practical application and online learning support that mirrors the quality of UC’s on-campus communication programs.
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Asynchronous coursework
- Transfer up to 90 applicable credit hours to graduate faster
- Enroll in the spring, summer, or fall semesters
- Affordable tuition rates and available financial aid
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your partner through the application process, getting enrolled, and starting your program
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
A BA Communication degree is versatile and our curriculum reflects that range. It is a 120 credit hour program, and, once admitted, you’ll work with your academic advisor and program director to build your unique curriculum guide based on your career goals and specific interests.
UC's commitment to providing learners with an exceptional online learning experience was recognized by Quality Matters (QM) – the international leader in quality assurance for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments.
UC’s Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program is a proud recipient of the Quality Matters Certification for the following courses:
- COMM 2004: Communicating Health, Science and the Environment
- COMM 3007: Introduction to Communication Theory
- COMM 3039: Communication Research Methods
| Course | Title/Description | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| COMM2081 | Business Communication This course introduces foundational business communication principles and practices. Students will learn to analyze different communication situations; to plan and design oral and written communications; to communicate effectively using appropriate formats, styles, and technologies; and to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to achieve desired communication objectives. |
3 |
| COMM3006 | Introduction to Rhetorical Theory This course is a survey of rhetorical and critical-cultural theories, definitions, characteristics, and history. Students will be equipped to understand and analyze public discourse in light of the speaker, medium, message, and context. Students will learn to identify their own world view and how this impacts communication in everyday life. |
3 |
| COMM1076 | Introduction to Interpersonal Communication Introduction to theory and practice in interpersonal communication. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, listening, emotions, relationship development, conflict and power. Focus is on the development of an understanding of fundamental interpersonal dynamics and basic skills. |
3 |
| COMM3007 | Introduction to Communication Theory This required course for majors is designed to review historically significant communication theories by genres and traditions. The course also explores the meta-theoretical foundation of communication theory and explores the key differences between scientific and interpretive worldviews and their respective research methodologies and resulting scholarship. |
3 |
| COMM3039 | Communication Research Methods This course introduces students to the major methods used in conducting Communication research from a social scientific perspective. The course explores the purposes and goals of social science research, issues and obstacles in conducting research with human subjects, and uses of social science research in advancing knowledge of human communication. Specifically, the course addresses:(a) the use and analysis of surveys, experiments, interviews, and focus groups, (b) validity and reliability issues in conducting social science research, and (c) ethical issues in conducting research with human subjects. |
3 |
| COMM1071 | Introduction to Effective Speaking This course introduces the principles of and practice in composition and presentation of speeches. Topics include speaker and audience relationship, organization of speeches, active listening skills, use of appropriate language, use of technology as an enhancement of speech, managing speech anxiety and developing a natural verbal and nonverbal delivery style. |
3 |
| COMM2004 | Communicating About Health, Environment and Science This course surveys theoretical and applied dimensions of communication issues pertaining to environmental, health, and science issues facing contemporary society. Students will learn about the symbolic and material dimensions of environment and health issues, ways in which risk is evaluated and communicated in a variety of contexts, and about the parameters of scientific argument in various technical and political arenas. |
3 |
| COMM2021 | Communication in Problem-Solving Groups This experiential course covers the basic principles and theories of small group communication. Students will learn to identify behavioral outcomes of others and analyze, adjust and improve on their own communication skills. Students will be equipped to demonstrate understanding of group participation variables including: individual roles, leadership, goal achievement, conflict management, power dynamics, decision making, impact of personal image and business, social and system's theory models. |
3 |
| COMM2002 | Advanced Public Speaking Advanced Public Speaking is a course that explores practices and develops skills in areas such as audience adaptation, advanced communication strategies, organization, use of technology, active listening, and verbal and nonverbal delivery. This course will help students refine their informative and persuasive speaking skills and ready them for professional settings. |
3 |
| COMM3077 | Communication, Identity, and Sport This course introduces students to ways in which communication processes and practices contribute to the enactment, production, consumption, and organization of sport. In addition, the course examines ways in which sports communication both reflects and shapes personal identity (race, ethnicity, class, sex, religion, ideology, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability), community, culture, politics, and other dimensions of human experience. Students will be exposed to theories drawn from interpersonal, organizational, mediated, and public communication that are relevant to communication and sport from player, fan, consumer, and societal perspectives; and will also examine a number of topical case studies within sports to understand the nature of equality and the development and perpetuation of inequality through interlocking systems of oppression, privilege, and power. |
3 |
| COMM2026 | Introduction to Mass Communication This is a basic course designed to examine the role of media in contemporary political and cultural contexts. It will cover historical perspectives on the development, nature, and functions of mass media in society, and will deal with governmental regulations, ethical issues, ownership, audience response, professional versus personal use, and career pathways. |
3 |
| COMM2048 | Event Planning & Fundraising Management Special event production utilized as a fundraising management tool is a blend of art and science needed to build awareness, increase member support and raise gifts for non-profit, health and education clients. This course will introduce the fundamentals of resource development: philosophy of philanthropy and the various motivations for giving; process (research, planning, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship & evaluation); and best practices by which managers can utilize event planning to develop an effective fundraising program. Through case studies and guest lectures, students will learn the essentials of how to create high quality events including developing objectives, invitation/marketing materials, selecting and negotiating price with venue and service providers, volunteer management, design, budget, logistic, publicity and promotion strategies and tactics. |
3 |
| COMM4029 | Media and Technology This course explores significant economic, political, cultural, social, and civic issues connected with the convergence of digital media. Students will study a variety of digital media and examine how digitalization has changed cultural patterns of media consumption, distribution, and production. |
3 |
| COMM2042 | Introduction to Public Relations Introduction to Public Relations is an introduction to the history, theories and practices of the public relations profession. The ethics of PR, and PR as a process that is integral to successful organizational functioning, will be explored. Students will also develop some of the writing, planning and organizational skills of a PR professional. |
3 |
| COMM4067 | Environmental Communication The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the emerging field of environmental communication. Course topics include the constitutive and instrumental dimensions of environmental communication, the dimensions and formation of the environmental self, the role of environmental communication in the formation of culture, and the nature of environmental advocacy efforts and campaigns. Students will consider the impact environmental communication plays and of their role as consumers in contemporary society through a variety of assignments, including field-based observation and participation. |
3 |
| COMM4013 | Gender and Communication The class examines relationships between communication and gender. Different perspectives about the role of communication in creating gender roles, including socialization in language, the family, and media are discussed and debated. The implication of gender construction for communication in interpersonal relationships, the workplace, health, and national/global politics are examined. The class considers the role of ethnicity, class and sexuality in constructing and enacting gendered roles. |
3 |
| COMM5000 | Capstone In Communication And Contemporary Issues This course will provide students with a culminating experience related to a communication topic or issue of current concern. Students will demonstrate capstone competencies of effective communication, critical thinking, knowledge integration and social responsibility related to the topic or issue selected. The course will also contain an experiential learning component. |
3 |
Admission into the University of Cincinnati’s online BA in Communication program is selective and based on the requirements outlined below.
To approximate which of your existing college credits will transfer, please visit Transferology.
Our Admissions Office is happy to work with you to answer any questions you may have and help determine your eligibility.
Prerequisites
First-Year Students:
- Official high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (unweighted) or 2.9 (weighted).
Transfer Students:
- Students that have not completed at least 24 semester (36 quarter) college credit hours:
- Official high school transcripts with a minimum GPA of 2.7 (unweighted) or 2.9 (weighted) and,
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (all prior institutions combined).
- Students that have completed at least 24 semester (36 quarter) college credit hours:
- Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (all prior institutions combined).
All transcripts must be official and students must request the transcripts be sent directly to UC Admissions.
Complete the online application and submit the application fee.
Standard Application Fees:
- $50.00 for domestic applicants to most degree programs
- $100.00 for international applicants to most degree programs
- Application fees for UC Online programs are waived through Summer 2026 for all applicants
- Fee waivers are automatically applied for applicants who:
- are currently serving in the US armed forces
- are veterans of the US armed forces
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
To apply to the University of Cincinnati as a transfer student, learners must submit a transfer application form and have official transcripts sent directly to UC from all prior institutions they’ve attended. High school transcripts will not be required for transfer applicants with 24 college credit hours or more.
To request these transcripts, please contact your previous institution’s registrar and ask them to send the official transcript to the University of Cincinnati via an approved electronic method such as Parchment, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar services. This is the preferred method. If electronic submission isn’t available, transcripts may be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH 45221
Students living abroad are eligible to pursue this program, but will not be qualified for F1 Visa applications.
Applicants with college coursework completed outside the United States are required to provide a course-by-course foreign credential evaluation for each college or university you attended outside the United States. This evaluation must be obtained from a service listed on the NACES member website.
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 November 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 January 11, 2027 |
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.
“I chose to pursue UC's online Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree because I could do it entirely online. I never expected to become a UC student, but I am so happy to be. UC is a wonderful school. I’ve loved all the people I have met and the professors I’ve had so far. The whole experience has opened my eyes to different career opportunities and skills that I possess.”
Cedar R.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Student
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