The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
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Updated on October 18, 2023
An online media communications degree can lead to exciting careers in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, and digital marketing. While pressure from digital markets may spark a decline in jobs at some media outlets, such as newspapers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports a median salary of $55,960 per year in media and communications employment.
Best Online Bachelors
Media Communications
2023
Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyThe Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$8,208
- Out-of-state$12,048
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$9,216
- Out-of-state$12,672
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled21,685
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
#2 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$13,500
- Out-of-state$13,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled9,860
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
#3 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
#4 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
SUNY Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$11,310
- Out-of-state$23,100
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled7,830
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
#5 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Granite State College
- Concord, NH
- 4 year
- Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$7,536
- Out-of-state$8,760
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$8,610
- Out-of-state$9,690
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
#6 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$30,756
- Out-of-state$30,756
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$18,810
- Out-of-state$18,810
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled113,514
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
#7 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$40,551
- Out-of-state$40,551
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$19,584
- Out-of-state$19,584
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled22,064
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
#8 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$29,370
- Out-of-state$29,370
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$12,834
- Out-of-state$12,834
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled2,817
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
#9 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Loyola University New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$38,926
- Out-of-state$38,926
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$14,724
- Out-of-state$14,724
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
#10 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Point Park University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$31,180
- Out-of-state$31,180
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$15,858
- Out-of-state$15,858
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled3,929
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
#11 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Montana State University Billings
- Billings, MT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$4,485
- Out-of-state$17,678
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$5,598
- Out-of-state$18,611
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,416
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
#12 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$7,193
- Out-of-state$22,556
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$5,497
- Out-of-state$14,766
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled25,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
#13 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Fisher College
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$30,997
- Out-of-state$30,997
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$25,872
- Out-of-state$25,872
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled1,628
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
#14 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$15,552
- Out-of-state$15,552
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled10,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
#15 The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
Mid-America Christian University
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
- In-State$17,568
- Out-of-state$17,568
Average Graduate Tuition
- In-State$11,124
- Out-of-state$11,124
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,768
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
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Choosing an Online Media Communications Degree Program
Though media specialists today are expected to be conversant in modern technologies, writing and communication remain at the core of their duties. Communication media studies teach students about diverse writing styles, including journalistic writing and internal business communication. Students assess media’s impact on culture and society while completing a general education curriculum that develops critical thinking and analysis through diverse perspectives. Overall, a bachelor’s in media communications requires 120 credits for completion, about four years for a full–time student. Some schools may offer accelerated class formats and asynchronous online courses that provide more flexibility in course scheduling.
Many schools include specializations within the communication and media studies program, such as film and video production, professional communications, technical writing, or digital media. Expect to complete hands–on learning projects that demonstrate an understanding of communication aesthetics, visual communication, and the use of new tools and industry–standard software. Students learn professional ethics and the legal questions of privacy rights, libel, and intellectual property. Often, programs include course credit for internships and may require a capstone thesis project prior to graduation.
What Else Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Program?
Schools may offer either a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts online media communications degree. While either option provides a solid foundation for communications studies, you may find differences in the general curriculum requirements, such as more emphasis on science or math over humanities. The courses below demonstrate some of the media communications core curriculum.
Curriculum for an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communications
- Media Literacy
- Students learn to critically examine media and other information with a focus on assessing credibility and identifying possible bias. This course includes a variety of traditional and online media resources.
- Media and Society
- As society becomes more influenced by news organizations, popular films, social media, and politics, students explore the impact of communication in these areas.
- News Writing
- In this course, students learn the basics of reporting, from recognizing a newsworthy story to interviewing sources and finding information. Coursework focuses on grammar, spelling, and Associated Press style.
- Media Law
- Learners examine landmark court decisions about freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the privacy rights of individuals, and the legal questions emerging from the rise of social media and online communications. Students also study the Freedom of Information Act and applicable state laws regarding public records, public meetings, and journalist shield laws.
- Visual Communication
- This course examines the use of visual images — photography, animation, or video — to help communicate a message. Students explore how images can add impact to written communication, usage in various platforms, and the basics of visual design, such as composition, color selection, spacing, and typography.
Careers with a Bachelor’s in Media Communications
With an online degree, you become eligible for many media communications careers. The skills you acquire can secure your employment with traditional news organizations, growing digital publications, and broadcast stations. With this degree, you can work in social media marketing, inbound content marketing, or public relations.
- Reporter
- Reporters inform their audience by researching and gathering information from sources and records. They may cover a variety of topics or specialize in areas like education or healthcare. Many organizations seek reporters with multimedia skills who can use mobile reporting tools.
- Median Annual Salary: $55,960
- Public Relations Specialist
- These professionals work with clients to create messages that improve the public’s opinion of an organization or raise awareness of their services. Specialists write press releases, coordinate special events, field inquiries from the press, or write speeches for top-level management.
- Median Annual Salary: $67,440
- Proddcted Growth Rate: 6%
- Film and Video Editor
- Film and video editors use cameras, videos, and sound equipment to capture interviews or events. These professionals organize their footage and edit the final piece, working with a producer or director to capture relevant images.
- Median Annual Salary: $62,420
- Proddcted Growth Rate: 7%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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