Online Communications Degrees
Shilpee Singh
Shilpee Singh is an English Literature graduate and a Linguistics postgraduate from Delhi University. She believes in sustainable living and tries to lead a holistic life. She has a knack for writing and puts together the best facts for the reader’s benefit.
Degrees
BA. Hons. English Literature // MA in Linguistics // Batchelor in Education (Gold Medalist)
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
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Communication is the backbone of almost all human activity, without which people would find it nearly impossible to express themselves and be understood. Effective communication can bring about positive changes in one’s life and society as a whole and also minimize the possibilities of strife, conflict, and war.
A bachelor’s degree in communication focuses on theories and applications of communication, including cultural, interpersonal, political, and digital communications. Communication theory, research, ethics, law, technology, and business are taught in the required core courses. As part of its emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, the communication degree program offers students a chance to examine and put into practice their communication and leadership skills in a variety of professional contexts, such as social or political advocacy and media relations, all within a dynamic and challenging media environment.
With a online communications degree, positions are available in all sectors of the communications industry, from large corporations to small organizations and the government, with tremendous potential for professionals. As a matter of fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that employment in media and communication occupations is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, and will result in about 151,500 new jobs.
This page explores the online bachelor’s degree communications degree program. It informs readers on topics such as accreditation, the best colleges for a bachelor of communication, career options with an online communications degree, availability of funding, timelines, and more.
Best Online Bachelor of
Communication Courses
The ranking for best colleges for communications is based on a host of factors. These may include the college’s infrastructure, experience, and quality of teaching staff, availability of student support services, career guidance, choice of communication undergraduate courses, program flexibility, affordability, accreditation, and more. When looking for the best communications schools, these and other factors must always be examined and weighed to make informed choices. To make this easier for students, FBD has considered all parameters and drawn a list of the best colleges for communications majors. *
Here are the best online Communication degree programs:
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
Find Online Bachelor of Communication
Programs Near Me
Location is often a crucial deciding factor for students when choosing a bachelor’s in communication online degree program. Although, unlike traditional brick-and-mortar programs, online programs do not factor in location, students might still prefer to enroll at a college that is closer to their home or even at a college chosen for specific reasons. To make the find easier for prospective undergraduate students, FBD has drawn a list of ‘communications degree near me’, as follows:
What to expect from the Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Communications?
What is a bachelor of communication degree? A bachelor’s degree in communication is a four-year course of study intended to impart the kind of knowledge and skills needed for a career in the communication industry. The degree is usually studied full-time and completed in four years, which requires around 180 credits (on average). The communications degree curriculum may include classes in communication theory, oral communication, non-verbal communication, small group communication, research methods in communication, media management, and production, writing for media, advertising design and production, journalism, community and public relations, radio, and television production, media ethics and law, mass communication theories and many more.
So, what does a communications degree consist of? Generally, online bachelor’s degree communications will consist of core courses, elective courses, a capstone or project, and sometimes an internship or fieldwork (depending on the concentration one chooses). Needless to say, each college and program will be different and vary by several factors.
A bachelor’s in communications degree can be pursued in three ways – (a) entirely online, in which students take almost all courses over the internet, (b) in-person, in which students will have to fulfill residency requirements and take classes on campus, and (c) in a hybrid-mode, which combines online and in-person classes. It is important to note that all three delivery formats usually offer the same quality, are taught by the same faculty members, and culminate in the same degree.
Some of the core and elective courses students can come to expect in an online bachelor’s in communications program are:
- Strategic Storytelling
- Indigenous Peoples in the Modern World
- Visual Communication and Design
- Personal Brand Communications
- Digital Storytelling
- Leveraging Emerging Media for Mass Communication
- Fundamentals of Public Speaking
- Principles of Public Relations
- Introduction to Communication
- Communication with Diverse Audiences
- Stereotypes and Scandals: Exploring the Power of Mass Communication and Mass Media
- Communication Law and Media Ethics
- Communicating Through Media and Technology
- Modern Popular Culture
- Intercultural Communication
- Management of Communication Projects
- Writing for Public Relations
- Technical Writing Communication
- Organizational Behavior and Management
- Communication for Social Change
- World Religions
- Communication Theory
- Organizational Branding
- Emerging Media and Global Communication
- Global Communication
- Interprofessional Teamwork in Healthcare
- Social Media Strategy
- Crisis Communications
- Negotiation and Persuasion
- Communication, Media & Society
- Organizational Communication
- Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
- Information Management and Patient Care Technology
- Interpersonal Communication for Personal and Professional Success
- Dynamics of Group Communication
Types of Communication
Degrees
Prospective students often wonder – “is communications a BS or BA” or “what type of degree is communications”? There are predominantly two types of communication degrees – the Bachelor of Arts or BA Communication, and the Bachelor of Science or BS Communication.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
The Bachelor of Arts or BA in communication is an interdisciplinary degree that includes liberal arts and humanities studies. This degree type typically consists of core courses that emphasize communication theory and methods and covers modern language as well. The online BA communications degree is suitable for those who wish to continue their studies with an MA in communications (or later with a PhD) and/or take up teaching positions as their career.
Bachelor of Science in Communication
The Bachelor of Science or BS in communication is scientific and technical-oriented degree that includes mathematics and science subjects. This degree type typically consists of core courses that emphasize communication theory and research, along with math, science, statistics, and caucus. The online BS communications degree is suitable for those who wish to continue their studies with an MS in communications (or later with a PhD) and/or join the workforce immediately upon graduating.
Areas of Specializations for Online
Bachelor of Communication
Specializations are either a subdivision of one’s major or an interdisciplinary track in which a robust and specific curriculum is available. Taking up a specialization in communications can assist one in preparing for the right profession that suits one’s personal interests and meets one’s career goals. With the field of communications being far and wide in its scope, specializing in a particular sub-field or focus area within it can prepare a student for niche positions that can align them with unique jobs, thereby giving them a competitive edge. Here are a few specializations that bachelor’s in communications students can explore and consider:
| Specialization | Description | Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | This specialization provides students with the practical skills and theoretical perspective necessary to succeed as journalists in today’s rapidly changing media world. As an extension of the program’s core curriculum, students refine their writing and editing skills as well as their capacity to produce professional content while also introducing them to new and evolving facets of the field. | Journalists, sports journalists, media specialists, writers, reporters, news presenters, news analysts. |
| Public Relations – online Public Relations degree | This specialization encompasses a wide range of actions that assist an organization and its constituents in communicating successfully while using the power of public relations to produce third-party influence, among other things. Students learn how to build and maintain the reputation of an individual, group, brand, or organization and undertake various activities to maintain cordial relationships with people and stakeholders and increase goodwill. | PR writers, social media managers, crisis managers, event planners, media relations specialists, corporate communications specialists, brand managers, employee and customer communications managers, public relations officers. |
| Technical Communication degree | This specialization teaches students the art of writing for technical and scientific papers, journals, publications, manuals, etc. It covers the various aspects of technical writing and the use of software and other tools for effective presentation and communication. Students also learn proposal and grant writing, as well as research or writing in the domains of health, pharmaceuticals, medicine, or science. | Technical writers, grant writers, publications specialists, editors, document designers. |
| Strategic Communications degree | This specialization teaches students how to assist firms in developing a distinct voice for use in presentations, print, broadcast, and digital media in a wide variety of industries, including public relations, advertising, marketing, and corporate communication. It introduces strategic communication principles and concepts, which serve as a foundation for further advanced study in the field. Students learn about research and analytic tools that can be used to create and conduct effective communication campaigns that can be delivered through both conventional and new media channels, such as television, radio, and social media platforms. An emphasis is placed on the usage of digital technology and social media. | Marketing or public relations associates, advertising and/or promotions managers, marketing communications managers, fundraising managers, public relations specialists or managers, media relations or communications workers, marketing managers, strategic communications specialists. |
| Broadcasting | This specialization offers students the education and skills they need to seek a career in the cutting-edge broadcast news and digital production industries. In addition to writing and announcing broadcast news stories, working with television cameras, producing and directing television and radio news shows are also part of the hands-on learning experience. Students will learn how to broadcast television and radio programs and also participate in the production of these programs. | Broadcast journalists, program producers, videographers, camera operation technicians and assistants, copywriters. |
| Emerging Media | This specialization prepares students for professions in content programming, sales, advertising, and administration within both the traditional and emergent technology industries, as well as for graduate school. Students learn to understand the rising convergence within the media and have a fundamental awareness of how all components of media organizations operate in order to be successful in their positions (from planning to production to distribution to evaluation). Along with the core media lessons, students also cover a curriculum of sound business foundations. | Content creators, media producers, writers, editors, social media specialists and managers, copywriters, journalists, brand communicators. |
Some examples of other specialization programs bachelor’s in communications degree students can consider are:
Why should I do Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Communications?
Why get a communications degree? Communication is a core subject in the study of Arts and Sciences because of the importance of teaching students how to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts and situations. Through communications, students will have a better understanding of the value of ethical communication in the context of their academic and professional endeavors. Media and communication play a critical role in supporting democracy, civic participation, and an inclusive and diverse citizenry. As a result of their learning and experiences, communication students will be able to better comprehend and prepare for the problems they will face in their chosen career path.
With communications, people are often presented with the opportunity to reach out to others, build trust and goodwill, resolve conflict and issues and express themselves better to different people under varying situations. An online bachelor’s in communications can lead to rich and rewarding experiences and careers in a wide range of settings, spanning advertising, visual communications, film, and broadcasting, to education, human resources, journalism, law, and advocacy.
The job market for communications also looks promising. For example, O*Net OnLine reports that Public Relations Specialists earn a median annual wage of $62,810, with a growth estimate of 10% to 15% (faster than the average). Media and Communication Equipment Workers (all other) earn a median annual wage of $70,980, with a growth estimate of 15% or higher (much faster than the average).
Communications degree holders will generally be able to excel and many things in varying environments. Among the skills students will acquire in their bachelor’s programs in communications will be the ability to:
- assemble varied contexts and worldviews into effective communication practices that are tolerant of variety, displaying respect for individual differences and uniqueness, and providing chances for collaboration;
- distinguish the effects that organizational and societal structures (including practices and paradigms) have on access to communication modalities, as well as the content of messages sent through social media platforms, political discourse, mass communication, and interpersonal encounters;
- distinguish between communication platforms and tactics in order to identify the ones that are most appropriate for delivering a particular message to a specific target audience (or audience segments);
- explain the significance of deliberate message creation and delivery in all aspects of one’s life, including personal, family, job, social, political, and community affairs;
- effectively receive, process, and respond to oral and nonverbal communication supplied through a variety of communication channels requiring the demonstration of active listening abilities; and
- evaluate the ramifications of ethical decisions in a given circumstance, as well as their impact on the communication process and outcomes for all parties involved in the communication.
How to get an Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Communications?
To get into a bachelor of communications degree program, students must have a High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) with a minimum GPA, ACT, or SAT score that varies by college. Some bachelor of communication schools may additionally require students to take some prerequisite courses in communication, mathematics, or languages before being accepted into the program, particularly if they have no prior academic background in communications subjects.
The following are some of the essential online bachelor’s degree communications requirements for admission:
Note: Because entrance standards differ by institution and program, prospective applicants to a bachelor’s degree in communications should always check with the admissions office for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements.
How long is an Online Communications
Degree?
How long is a bachelor’s degree in communications? To earn a bachelor of communication, students will need to complete 170 to 190 credits (usually 180 credits) over the course of four years. An internship or capstone project could be included as part of the program’s final phase. Furthermore, online bachelor’s degree communications could also take anywhere from two to four years to complete, depending on the concentration one chooses, the length of their internship, how many credits are available and accepted for transfer, and other factors. While full-time students can graduate in around two to three years, part-time students may take up to five years to complete their studies. Fast-track and accelerated bachelor’s programs in communications are available at some universities, allowing programs to be completed in shorter durations by typically combining a bachelor’s and master’s degree program.
Here are some bachelor’s in communications degree duration specifics:
- Typical Length of a Full-Time Bachelor’s Program : 4 Years
- Typical Length of a Part-Time Bachelor’s Program : 5 Years or more
- Shortest Duration (Incl. Credit Transfers) : 2 Years
- Number of Required Credits : 170 to 190 (180 being typical)
Accreditation for Online Bachelor’s
Degree in Communications
Students who enroll in a recognized college or university will have a more comprehensive selection of educational options available to them. When other sources can validate a school or program’s accreditation, it shows that specified educational and external standards have been met. Students can also get credit for courses taken outside of their degree program, making it easier for them to move on to another program and save money on tuition. Any of the six regional accrediting agencies authorized by the U.S Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can accredit a college. The following is a list of regional accrediting agencies:
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Students can look for the accreditation status of a school or program by checking on the official U.S Department of Education website or using a recognized source like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Apart from regional accreditation for a college, a bachelor in communications program may be accredited by a specialist agency. A specialist-accredited bachelor’s degree is an excellent way to begin working with companies that accept a bachelor’s degree background, although graduating from a regionally accredited college will also suffice. A specialist-accredited communications degree shows that the institution met the specific requirements of communications in order to be considered for certification. An example of a specialist-accrediting agency is the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) that accredits professional journalism and mass communications programs in colleges and universities.
Find out more about accreditation by reading the detailed Accreditation Guide.
Accelerated Online Bachelor
of Communication
An accelerated communications degree online can be completed in a shorter period of time than the standard four years at some universities. In some cases, students may be able to cut one year off from the four to six-year time frame by taking a 3+1 or 4+1 program that combines their bachelor’s degree with their master’s degree. This may be the right option for students who want to earn a master’s degree before starting a career. Some universities allow students to transfer credits from other programs, such as a certificate program or associate degree, which reduces the time it takes to complete the bachelor’s degree. Getting real-world work experience can also cut down on the time it takes to earn a degree. A couple of examples of colleges offering an accelerated communications degree are:
Drexel University – Accelerated Degree in Strategic & Digital Communication (BA/BS + MS)
The Drexel University College of Arts & Sciences offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS), coupled with the Master of Science (MS) accelerated degree programs to incoming freshmen and current students. Students who have previously matriculated may apply after completing a minimum of 90 credits but no more than 120 credits. Accepted students will enroll in graduate-level courses in their fourth and fifth years.
NC State University – Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s in Communication
The NC State University offers students the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees in communication that can be completed in five years, instead of the standard six years.
Regis University – B.A. in Communication
Arizona State University Online – B.A in Mass Communication & Media Studies
The University of Texas Permian Basin – BA in Communication
Free Courses for Online Bachelors
in Communication
Free courses in communications are designed by communication experts and often by universities. They provide online bachelor’s degree communications students with an interactive and expanded learning experience. Although free online communication courses do not lead to a bachelor’s degree, they could help students improve their knowledge of communications, better their interpersonal skills, raise their confidence, and add value to their efforts. In most cases, online study portals offer entirely free courses and depending on the course or learning route one chooses, one can also get a certificate as proof of completion. Here are a few resources for free courses for bachelor’s degree in communications students:
| Course | Description | Offered by |
|---|---|---|
| Topics on Communications | Udemy offers some 90+ free courses across beginner, intermediate, and expert levels in various areas of communication, such as business writing, business communication, storytelling, email etiquette, public speaking, and more. | Udemy |
| Topics on Communications | Coursera shows some 1,800+ search results against the word “communications”, which include courses, specializations, professional certificates, guided projects, and more. Material is available for beginner, intermediate, mixed, and advanced levels of learning. | Coursera |
| Topics on Communications | Alison is home to several free courses related to communications. Topics include Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Workplace, Supervision – Effective Communication Skills, Understanding Cross-Cultural Communication in International Business, Group Communication, Teamwork and Leadership, etc. | Alison |
How to Pay for Online Bachelor of
Communication Programs?
The cost of a bachelor’s in communications programs amounts to several thousand dollars. Add other educational expenses, and the total cost may be prohibitive to many. Tapping into one’s savings too may not be enough to pay for college. Fortunately, students can apply for federal financial aid to help pay for their educational expenses by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They can also explore the option of applying for scholarships and grants that will help fund college. Here are some funding mechanisms for undergraduate students to consider:
Scholarships are based on academic success and other factors like community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, etc. As a result, they are usually the first and best alternative for students to support their education. Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, with the applicant’s academic record serving as the primary criterion, and may be privately provided, alumnae-funded, or awarded by cultural, religious, or commercial organizations. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed.)
While scholarships are generally merit-based, grants are more need-based in that they are frequently awarded based on the family’s finances. Aside from tuition, grants may cover other educational expenses such as transportation, lodging, study materials, and so on. Because grants do not have to be repaid, they are one of the most desirable types of financial aid accessible to students.
Student Loans
Students can look at raising a loan from federal agencies, banks, or private financial institutions. Unlike scholarships and grants, student loans must be repaid to the lender, along with interest, which, if defaulted on, will increase student debt and take years to pay.
Students can fill in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, to evaluate whether or not they are eligible for financial aid. This includes grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. More FAFSA-related information is available here.
Read the best Financial Guide to understand more about funding higher education.
Scholarships for Online Bachelors
in Communications
Scholarships are a common and popular way of funding one’s college education. Individuals, community and ethnic groups, for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies give out scholarships to meritorious and deserving students each year. Here are a few scholarships that bachelor in communications students may be eligible for:
| Scholarship | Description | Amount/Award | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodie McDowell Scholarship | The Bodie McDowell Scholarship is awarded annually to three or more students of outdoor communications fields, including print, photography, film, art, poetry, or broadcasting. | 3 awards of $1,000 to $5,000 | March 01, each calendar year |
| Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students | The Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students is awarded for religion journalism or mass communications undergraduate study. The scholarship promotes excellence by helping students continue their studies in communication, including electronic and print journalism. | $2,500 | March 15, each calendar year |
| Peter Agris Memorial Scholarship | The Peter Agris Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to Greek-American students pursuing careers in journalism and communications. Students should have current full-time enrollment as a journalism or communications major at the graduate or undergraduate level at an accredited college or university in the U.S. and must be of Greek-American descent. | $5,000 | TBA |
| Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship | The Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship focuses on the development of young reporters, helping them grow as journalists and as people. The scholarship will award financial assistance, a paid summer internship, and ultimately, an offer for full-time employment to Western Pennsylvania students. | Up to $30,000 | February 28, 2023 |
FAQs about Online Communications
Degrees
How to get a bachelors in communication?
To enroll in a bachelor’s in communications degree program, students must have earned their High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) and must meet all admission requirements, including submitting test scores, official academic transcripts, and a personal statement among others. This page includes a list of standard admission requirements. Once enrolled, students must complete around 180 credits hours of courses, assignments, capstone, internship, etc., as well as maintain the college’s desired Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout the program.
What are the best bachelors programs in communication?
The best bachelor’s program in communications must offer an excellent program structure and cover all the essential theories, skills, and know-how required for an individual to succeed in their careers. Apart from this, the college should have a good infrastructure, well-experienced and qualified faculty, a wide range of student support services, accreditation, and affordability. Based on all these elements and more, FBD has highlighted the best programs in communications for prospective undergraduates on this page.
What can you do with a bachelors in communication?
What is the average fee charged by the colleges?
What jobs are available with a strategic communications degree?
What does a communications degree consist of?
What type of degree is communications?
Career Opportunities and Salaries after Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications
What jobs are available with a strategic communications degree? Graduates can choose from a wide array of jobs you can get with a strategic communications degree. Sometimes, even a job that one thinks is beyond reach is actually accessible. For example: can you become a journalist with a communications degree? The answer is yes! Radio jockey? Yes. Sports commentator? Yes. All this is testimony enough that graduates of a bachelor’s in communications can seek employment in multiple industries, including education, law enforcement, government, health care, business, finance, and more.
What to do with a strategic communications degree? A bachelor’s degree in strategic communications and other concentrations can qualify graduates to work in entry-level positions in:
Some of the common job titles include but are not limited to:
A communications bachelor’s can attract decent pay packets. But a high salary is directly dependent on factors such as additional educational qualifications, certifications, years of experience, the sector one is employed in, etc. However, as an indicator, communication occupations are projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations in the U.S. Media and communication employees (such as announcers, interpreters and translators, and technical writers) earned a median annual income of $61,310 in May 2020, which was higher than the $41,950 median annual wage for all jobs.
Below is a list of a few roles in the communications sector and the bachelor’s degree in communications salary and job growth, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2030) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Editor | Good judgment, writing skills, interpersonal skills, detail-oriented, creativity. | $63,400 | 5% (slower than average) | An Editor plans, coordinates, and revises material for publication in books, newspapers, periodicals, or websites. They review story ideas, decide what material will appeal most to readers, offer comments to improve a product and suggest titles and headlines. |
| Technical Writer | Critical-thinking skills, imagination, detail-oriented, teamwork, writing skills, technical skills | $74,650 | 12% (faster than average) | A Technical Writer creates paper-based and digital operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, and “frequently asked questions” pages to help technical support staff, consumers, and other users within a company or an industry. A technical writer may also work with product liability specialists and customer-service managers to improve the end-user experience through product design changes after a product is released. |
| Public Relations Specialist | Speaking skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, writing skills, organizational skills | $62,810 | 11% (faster than average) | A Public Relations Specialists, also called Communications Specialist and Social Media Specialists, handles an individual’s, group’s, or organization’s communication with the public, including consumers, investors, reporters, and other media specialists. They write press releases and contact people in the media who might print or broadcast their material while also creating and maintaining a positive public image for their clients. |
| Write and Author | Adaptability, critical-thinking skills, social perceptiveness, creativity, writing skills, persuasion, determination | $67,120 | 9% (as fast as average) | A Writer and Author develops content for various media types, including advertisements, blogs, books, magazines, and movie, play, and television scripts. A Writer must establish their credibility with editors and readers through clean prose, intense research, and the use of sources and citations. A Writer and Author selects the material they want to use and then convey the information to readers. |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills | $51,560 | 18% or higher (much faster than average) | A Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner arranges all aspects of events and professional gatherings. They arrange and coordinate every detail of these events, such as meeting locations, transportation, finances, and other details. During the event, they handle logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audiovisual equipment. After the meeting, they make sure that all vendors are paid. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications
Professional certification offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and competence, as well as evidence of their exceptional qualities and capabilities. They involve and engage individuals in a process of lifelong learning that advances their professional development while also providing a framework for keeping their skills current and relevant. Certifications also lead to specific careers and easy employability that eventually lead to promotions, advancements, and higher salaries. Here are some certifications bachelor’s in communications online students can explore to make them ready for specialized work and better careers:
Communication Management Professional (CMP)
The Communication Management Professional (CMP) certification has been developed by the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a team of communication professionals assembled by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)’s international executive board. It is aimed at the generalist or specialist level, a mid-level stage in the communication professional’s development. The certification is apt for those with 6 to 8 years of work experience in the communications field.
Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP)
The Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) certification has also been developed by the Global Communication Certification Council (GCCC), a team of communication professionals assembled by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)’s international executive board. It is aimed at the senior level, a higher-level stage in a communication professional’s career. The certification is apt for those with 8 to 11 years of work experience in the communications field.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) Credential
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential affirms professional competence, reflects high standards of progressive practices in the public relations industry, and communicates professional expertise with personal and professional dedication and values in the public relations field. Administered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the APR credential comes in two forms – APR: Accredited in Public Relations, and the APR+M: Accredited in Public Relations and Military Communication.
Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) Credential
The Career Directors International (CDI) Certified Industry Resume Specialist offers the Certified Resume Specialist (CRS+X) designation in 20 areas of specialization believed to be the most sought after in the resume industry. For example, a Certified IT Resume Specialist (CRS+IT) can demonstrate one’s skills and competence in being a leader in IT resumes. Certifications include Public Relations and Marketing Communications – (CRS+PR), Sales and Business Development – (CRS+BD), Administration and Clerical – (CRS+AC), and more.
Additional Resources for Online
Communications Degrees
Communications, a broad subject, deserves much scrutiny and analysis on its various forms, effects, and diverse uses. Students would do well to network with communications experts from around the world and seek newer and enhanced knowledge of the field, and gain new insights and skills to further their professions. Here are a few resources for communications bachelors students that can help them in their students and future professions as communications specialists:
National Communication Association (NCA)
The National Communication Association (NCA) advances and promotes communication as the discipline that studies all modes, forms, media, and consequences of communication through social scientific, humanistic, and aesthetic inquiry. The NCA caters to students, teachers, and practitioners who are its members by enabling and supporting their professional interests in teaching, learning, and research. The organization publishes 11 academic journals, holds an annual convention, has a career center, provides teaching and learning tools and expertise, and advocates for public policy.
Association for Women in Communications (AWC)
The Association for Women in Communications (AWC) is the industry’s leading group for providing women with the strength, support, and resources they need to advance their careers and become change agents. The AWC is a professional association that recognizes quality, promotes leadership, and places its members at the forefront of the growing communications era.
Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP)
The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) encourages and supports marketing and communication professionals who offer their services and talents to nonprofits and public service organizations. The AMCP honors outstanding achievement and service to the communication profession through competitions at the national and international levels.
Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the country’s foremost professional association for the communications industry. PRSA is the leading advocate for industry excellence and ethical conduct. It offers members lifelong learning opportunities and cutting-edge resources to strengthen professional connections and provide support at every stage of their careers. PRSA has almost 30,000 members and is represented by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, as well as its student affiliate, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), on nearly 375 college and university campuses.
EBSCO – Communication Source
EBSCO provides libraries, health care and medical institutions, corporations, and government agencies with access to content and resources to serve the information and workflow needs of their users and organizations, from research, acquisition management, subscription services and discovery to clinical decision support and patient care, learning, and research and development.
Author Bio:
Shilpee Singh
Shilpee Singh is an English Literature graduate and a Linguistics postgraduate from Delhi University. She believes in sustainable living and tries to lead a holistic life. She has a knack for writing and puts together the best facts for the reader’s benefit.
Degrees
BA. Hons. English Literature // MA in Linguistics // Batchelor in Education (Gold Medalist)
Areas of Expertise & Credentials
I have been in the domain for about a decade
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