Bachelor of Arts
Communication Studies Degree
Become a communications expert with the skills to lead.
Communication Studies Degree
Make yourself marketable with a communications degree and portfolio.
Graduate ready to stand out. Through every course in this online communications degree program, you'll complete projects you can reference with potential employers, including writing samples for a variety of styles and media, as well as research papers, annotated bibliographies, audience analyses, and public relations plans.
Further graduate study in Business and Professional Communication can set you up for advancement and leadership roles in many types of businesses and organizations who benefit from leaders who are great communicators. Communication studies is also an excellent foundational degree if your goal is to go to law school. Find out more about our Pre-Law options and pre-professional programs.
Apply your life experience-and your credits – toward your BA in communications.
We value the experience you bring to the table, which is why you won’t have to start from scratch when you enroll with existing credits, work experience or military experience. At Bellevue University, we let you use it all toward your communications degree—cutting your credits needed by nearly half (if you transfer an entire associate degree).*
Encounter a robust learning experience as an online student.
Clear, engaging public speaking skills are a must for communications professionals. That's why, in this communications degree program, you’ll get comfortable crafting speeches in a variety of formats—from Ted Talk-style presentations to informal elevator pitches. And if you’re studying online, you can simply record yourself speaking in front of a small group from where you are.
Master the skills employers want as a communications pro.
We've designed our communications major curriculum to be as relevant as possible. Follow a track in Mass Media or Organizational and Strategic Communication, and enter the workplace ready to:
- Deliver persuasive and engaging presentations
- Tailor messaging in digital and traditional platforms and social media
- Approach messaging strategies with a mind for diversity, inclusion and intercultural communication
Find a flexible path to a career you’ll love. Earn your Communications Studies Degree online.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
Graduates of the Communication Studies degree will be prepared to:
- Apply communication theories, perspectives, and concepts to a variety of communication contexts.
- Create messages appropriate to audience, purpose, and context.
- Explain the academic discipline of Communication and characterize the role communication plays in career development and civic engagement.
Communication Studies Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details) Unless noted, all courses are 3 credit hours.
15 Credit Core:
This course provides training in the fundamentals of public speaking in the 21st-century, mediated environment. By learning the principles of presentation development, organization, and delivery, students will be empowered to share their messages in a variety of forums.
This course introduces argumentation as a model of critical thinking. Students will learn the foundation of critical thinking and how critical thinking positively impacts communication.
This course provides a wide range of communication theories with a special emphasis on direct application through the introduction of models/concepts designed to improve communication skills in a variety of contexts and communication environments. Competencies in the areas of relationship development, listening, socialization, cognitive processing, reducing uncertainty and dealing with conflict are addressed.
This course explores the profound influences of digital communications on our professional and personal lives. Emphasis is placed on how communication technologies have developed, grown, and converged as well as an overview of wide-ranging disruptions caused by emerging devices, methods, channels, and platforms.
This course requires students to reflect on and synthesize the knowledge and skills they have developed in Communication Studies courses. Emphasis is given to the nature and significance of Communication Studies as an academic discipline, the role of communication in civic life, and preparation for careers in communication. Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of Communication Studies core (CA 107, CA 208, CA 309, CA 351) and senior standing.
Select seven additional Communication Arts courses (21 credit hours) to complete the major requirements; 12 of these hours must be upper-level courses. Additional CA courses may include the Course Clusters, Corporate Communication, and Effectively Communicating Yourself. https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/course-clusters/gen-ed
Emphasis in Mass Media (21 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course examines the origins, development, and current role of mass media in shaping and reflecting society. Emphasis is placed on informed, critical consumption of mass media products and processes.
This course introduces the basic concepts of newsgathering and reporting for contemporary media. Emphasis is placed on developing writing and information gathering skills, using Associated Press style, and understanding the legal and ethical obligations of media writing. Prerequisite: EN 101
In a media-saturated world, it is vital that we become informed consumers of mediated messages. This course focuses on the development of media analysis skills and explores the many ways our lives are affected by media. Topics include media addiction, news partisanship, and media influences on identity.
Select four additional Communication Arts courses (12 credit hours) to complete the major requirements; 6 of these hours must be upper-level courses. Additional CA courses may include the Course Clusters, Corporate Communication, and Effectively Communicating Yourself. https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/course-clusters/gen-ed
Emphasis in Organizational and Strategic Communication Requirements (21 Credit Hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course introduces foundational communication skills for business and professional situations. Emphasis is placed on the skills of developing effective workplace relationships, collaborating with others in groups and teams, and presenting information to meet audience needs.
Students will learn how to apply the foundational information learned in CA 105. This course provides theory and practice of written skills needed in business through models, concepts, and case studies relevant to the workplace, while addressing business ethics and diversity issues. Competencies in the areas of writing, organization of thought, creativity, and decision-making are addressed. Prerequisite: CA 105
This course surveys the history and present state of public relations. Emphasis is placed on process, strategies, and tactics of public relations. Prerequisite: CA 228
Communication is critical to the success of modern organizations. This course overviews key organizational communication approaches, theories, and concepts. Particular attention is given to ethically and effectively responding to organizational communication challenges and assessing one’s own perspective as a communicator in the organizational context.
Complete Corporate Communication Cluster
Corporate communication professionals must have knowledge of and be able to manage an array of communication situations and media. In this course students will learn the basics of how to create messages and manage various corporate communication situations.
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course is designed to provide a foundation for understanding professional communication and for developing basic corporate communication skills. This course orients the student to essential features of communication and develops competencies in conceptualizing oral and written communication and problem solving.
This course introduces the practices and principles of communicating with internal stakeholders—specifically employees. The course emphasizes interactive employee communication programs, strategies and the manager’s role in establishing an environment that encourages dialogue and the flow of information.
This course focuses on training the competent communicator to train others in the organization. The course also emphasizes developing the skills necessary to design and develop interventions. Competencies include problem solving, coordinating and visioning.
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
Students applying for professional license or certification should verify the University’s offerings meet the requirements with the professional organization.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
Prepare for an exciting career with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Format
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
On-campus classes offered on a convenient schedule.
If you prefer an in-person learning experience, our Omaha-area campus offers classes that accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2023 / 2024 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $335 In-Class Cost Per Credit (Daytime Residential Only)
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $339 In-Class Cost Per Credit (Daytime Residential Only)
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Gain a degree, not a financial burden. Choose a communications major at Bellevue University.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to busrtranscripts@bellevue.edu or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Communication Studies Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
