10 Fastest Accelerated Communications Degrees Online 2025

If you're looking to fast-track your education, accelerated online bachelor's degree programs offer a flexible and efficient way to earn your degree without putting your life on hold.

An accelerated communications degree online allows you to dive into key skills like media, public relations, and digital communication, all while completing your studies in less time than traditional programs. Keep reading to discover the best options available and how you can start advancing your career path sooner.

Top Accelerated Online Communications Degrees

Explore the best communications degrees online that offer accelerated formats, allowing you to earn your degree faster while maintaining academic excellence and flexibility.

1. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers an accelerated communications degree online in the form of a Bachelor of Science (BS) in strategic communication with concentrations in communication studies, public relations and advertising, nonprofit, and social media management. Online students can transfer up to 90 credits, significantly reducing time to completion. The program emphasizes practical communication skills in digital media, campaign planning, and audience engagement, preparing graduates for diverse communication roles.

Average in-state tuition: $7,754

Average out-of-state tuition: $13,826

Time to completion: Less than a year (when transferring full 90 credits)

Accreditation: Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC)

2. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers a bachelor's in communication studies, emphasizing rhetorical theory, media analysis, and intercultural communication. The program provides flexibility for students to set their own pace, with coursework following a 12- to 15-week semester cycle. Full-time students have the option of pursuing an accelerated three-year completion plan, which includes taking 15 to 16 credits each fall and spring semester, plus six to nine credits over two or three summer sessions.

Average in-state tuition: $8,400

Average out-of-state tuition: $8,400

Time to completion: Three years

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Purdue University

Purdue University offers a bachelor's program in communication through Purdue Global, focusing on electives like strategic communication, digital media, and emerging technologies. Distance learners can pursue an accelerated five-year combined degree, earning both a bachelor's and master's in communication. This rigorous option is ideal for students seeking advanced critical thinking skills and career advancement.

Average in-state tuition: $10,110

Average out-of-state tuition: $14,421

Time to completion: Five years (for a combined degree)

Accreditation: HLC

4. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers online courses for communication majors, emphasizing social data analytics, science communication, and intercultural communication. Through the Accelerated 4+1 Track, undergraduate students can apply three 400-level courses toward both their Bachelor's of Arts (BA) and Master's of Arts (MA), enabling completion of the 30-credit master's program in just one year after earning their bachelor's degree.

Average in-state tuition: $10,951

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,570

Time to completion: Five years (for a combined degree)

Accreditation: HLC

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers a BS in communication, emphasizing social science and quantitative research. The program covers topics like conflict resolution, leadership, and data-driven strategies, preparing graduates for real-world career experiences in business communication, public relations, and more. Courses are taught by distinguished faculty from the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.

Average in-state tuition: $11,308

Average out-of-state tuition: $13,512

Time to completion: 2.5 years

Accreditation: HLC

6. National University

National University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in communication, designed for flexibility and accelerated learning. The program allows students to complete courses one at a time in four-week sessions, facilitating faster degree completion. With year-round enrollment, multiple start dates, and asynchronous classes, it's ideal for working professionals seeking one of the best communications degrees online.

Average in-state tuition: $13,320

Average out-of-state tuition: $13,320

Time to completion: Three years

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

7. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers an online BA in communication, designed for flexibility and accelerated completion. Students can transfer up to 90 applicable credit hours, significantly reducing the time required to earn the degree. The program emphasizes a theory-based understanding of communication processes, enhanced through experiential learning opportunities such as team-based projects, internships, and community engagement activities. This approach ensures that students develop strong communication skills grounded in real-world applications.

Average in-state tuition: $13,570

Average out-of-state tuition: $30,582

Time to completion: Less than a year (when transferring full 90 credits)

Accreditation: HLC

8. Penn State University

Penn State World Campus offers a suite of online communications programs, including a BA in strategic communications, digital journalism and media, or organizational and professional communication; a BS in organizational and professional communication; or a Master of Professional Studies in strategic communications. Courses follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, with flexible pacing options allowing students to complete their degrees in two to five years, depending on course load.

Average in-state tuition: $15,204

Average out-of-state tuition: $15,204

Time to completion: Two to five years

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. Florida International University

Florida International University offers a fully online Master of Science (MS) in mass communication with a concentration in global strategic communications. This 30-credit program is designed for professionals aiming to advance in advertising, public relations, and integrated communications. Courses are delivered in eight-week terms, allowing students to complete the degree in as little as one year.

Average in-state tuition: $25,000

Average out-of-state tuition: $25,000

Time to completion: One year

Accreditation: ACEJMC

10. Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU offers a fully online BA in communication, focusing on strategic storytelling, branding, and global communication. The program also features an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's track, allowing students to take up to two graduate-level courses during their undergraduate studies at the lower undergraduate tuition rate. These credits apply toward SNHU's online MA in communication, enabling faster and more affordable graduate degree completion.

Average in-state tuition: $29,700 with 30 transfer credits

Average out-of-state tuition: $29,700 with 30 transfer credits

Time to completion: 10 months (for a BA with maximum transfer credits); 15 months (for an MA)

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Rank Schools

We evaluate each school based on key factors that matter most to students seeking fast, flexible, and reputable online communications degrees.

• Accreditation: All listed institutions are fully accredited by recognized regional accrediting bodies to ensure academic credibility.
• Program length: We prioritize programs that can be completed more quickly through transfer credits, year-round courses, or accelerated tracks.
• Program reputation and quality: Schools are selected based on faculty credentials, curriculum relevance, student support, and national rankings.
• Tuition cost: We consider both in-state and out-of-state tuition to highlight affordability for a wide range of students.

FAQs About Accelerated Online Communications Programs

Have questions about earning your communications degree faster? Below are the most common inquiries about accelerated online programs.

How Fast Can I Get a Communications Degree?

You can earn a communications degree in less than a year with an accelerated program, especially if you transfer previously earned credits. Some bachelor's-to-master's tracks also shorten graduate study time, allowing you to complete both degrees in around five years or less, depending on your pace.

What Are the Prerequisites for Enrolling in an Accelerated Online Communications Degree Program?

Prerequisites for enrolling in an accelerated online communications degree program vary by institution. Generally, applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some programs may require a minimum GPA.

For example, the University of Cincinnati's BA in communication requires a GPA of 2.0 for transfer students with at least 24 semester hours of college credit. Check the specific admissions criteria of the institution you're interested in.

What Career Opportunities Are Available After Completing an Accelerated Online Communications Degree?

Graduates of communications programs can pursue careers in public relations, marketing, journalism, social media management, and corporate communications. Roles such as brand strategist, copywriter, and media consultant are common paths. These positions are in demand across industries, offering opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees

Accelerated online communications degrees offer a flexible, efficient path to launching or advancing your career. Continue exploring Learn.org to uncover diverse programs so that you can achieve your goals faster without sacrificing quality.