Woman studying on laptop with young child playing

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies

Program overview: online bachelor’s in communication studies

Effective communication is the foundation of successful societies. As a student in communication studies, you’ll explore human communication in all forms: building communities, bridging cultures, and strengthening relationships. Along the way, you’ll develop broadly applicable skills that pave pathways to several career fields.

This is a degree-completion program designed for students with some prior college credit who want to earn their bachelor’s degree. Students should enter with at least 24 hours and optimally with 40 hours. These credit hours could have been obtained from KU, a community college, or prior university coursework elsewhere.

100% online

Applications are open

What careers are possible with an online bachelor’s in communication studies?

In this major you’ll earn practical experience in public speaking and written communication. These skills are in demand and increasingly critical to career advancement and public participation. That’s why, for KU communication studies graduates, the career potential is endlessly broad. Recent surveys by economic modeling firm Lightcast* show that our alumni go on to be public relations specialists, speechwriters, lawyers, marketing managers — just to name a few present pathways.

Contact an academic success coach

Ready to learn more?

We’re here for you.
Contact us to receive your program guide with info on admission, cost, career paths, and more.
Get info »

Online Bachelor’s in Communication Studies program snapshot

$445
per credit hour
$51k*
est. annual alumni salary

How flexible is online learning at KU?

KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses contain the same rigorous curriculum and instruction as communication studies courses taught on the KU campus.

Why get an online bachelor’s degree in communication studies from KU?

The Department of Communication Studies is one of the oldest programs at KU and claims award-winning faculty who lead their fields. Whether you’re interested in starting your own business, leading communities, forging workplace relationships, or collaborating with other cultures, the study of how humans communicate with one another will be central to your success.

This is exactly the same degree you would earn as an on-campus student in the same program. Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors and contain the same rigorous educational standards as our on-campus programs. All classes are managed by the departments that offer them and not by an outside party.  When you earn your bachelor’s degree online from KU, you earn a KU degree.

Take the next step

We’re ready to show you how an online bachelor’s in communication studies from KU can help you reach your career goals.

FAQ: online bachelor’s in communication studies

This program has a rolling application deadline with five start dates per year. We will work with applicants up to a month before the start of an eight-week course. If you’re unable to meet that deadline, you can wait until the next available start date.

Most students without prior college credits complete a bachelor’s degree within four to six years. This timeline depends on course workload and whether that student is enrolled full time (12-15 credit hours each semester) or part time (less than 11 credit hours). 



Students will work closely with their academic success coaches to ensure they progress toward a graduation timeline that best fits into their lives.

Yes, this program can be completed 100% remotely.

All students are eligible for the same financial aid and scholarships as on-campus students. Additionally, the College Online Scholarship may be awarded for up to $2,000 for one academic year.

Learn more about this online program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

Loading form...