The Best Online Bachelor’s in Media Communications Programs
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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
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,208
- Out-of-state$12,048
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled21,685
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Webster University
- Saint Louis, MO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,500
- Out-of-state$28,500
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate57%
- Students Enrolled9,860
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
SUNY Oswego
- Oswego, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,070
- Out-of-state$16,980
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate54%
- Students Enrolled7,830
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Granite State College
- Concord, NH
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$7,536
- Out-of-state$8,760
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,005
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,756
- Out-of-state$30,756
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate88%
- Students Enrolled113,514
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment94%
- AccreditationYes
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$40,551
- Out-of-state$40,551
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled22,064
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Brenau University
- Gainesville, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$29,370
- Out-of-state$29,370
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled2,817
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$38,926
- Out-of-state$38,926
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Point Park University
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,180
- Out-of-state$31,180
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled3,929
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
Montana State University Billings
- Billings, MT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,485
- Out-of-state$17,678
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,416
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
The University of Texas at El Paso
- El Paso, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,193
- Out-of-state$22,556
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled25,177
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Fisher College
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$30,997
- Out-of-state$30,997
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled1,628
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
Regent University
- Virginia Beach, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,220
- Out-of-state$17,220
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled10,365
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Mid-America Christian University
- Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$17,568
- Out-of-state$17,568
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled1,768
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
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Choosing an Online Media Communications Degree Program
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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