Purdue Global BS in Communications | Concentrations & Career Paths

Do you want to earn a degree in communications from the comfort of home? Take a look at how to secure an online communications degree from Purdue Global.

Purdue Global is a part of the Purdue system and delivers dozens of degree programs for undergraduate and graduate students.

Whether attendees want to start a career in information technology or further their career in criminal justice, degree programs are available to help them excel.

Purdue Global is known for prioritizing working adults by offering 100% online degrees students can complete from anywhere with an Internet connection.

There are many accredited online bachelor's degrees available.

Among the degree options available from Purdue Global is an online communications degree for undergraduate learners.

Is an Online Communications Degree Offered at Purdue Global?

Yes. Purdue Global offers an online communications degree. Keep reading to learn more about this program.

About the Online Bachelor of Science in Communication

The Bachelor of Science in Communication from Purdue Global is a 180-credit program comprising 34 courses students complete in an average of four years.

The program teaches organizational communication, marketing, public relations, advertising, and management.

Students also develop written and verbal communication skills, look at emerging media, and learn about digital media, persuasion, and conflict management.

The cost of this program is $371 per credit. The effort students typically give to complete this course is 15 to 18 hours per week.

Prerequisites and Program Requirements

To enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Communication program, students must possess a high school diploma or equivalent like the General Educational Development (GED) diploma.

Students are also encouraged to complete orientation before starting classes.

Once enrolled, students can choose between two program options to earn 180 credits.

Both options require 45 core credits and 78 major credits. Students then choose to earn 57 elective credits or 29 to 37 elective credits and 20 to 28 concentration credits.

Core Course Examples:

  • Technical Communication
  • Communicating Professionalism
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • College Composition
  • Arts and Humanities Requirement

Major Course Examples:

  • Mass Media and Broadcasting
  • Communication Program and Profession
  • Communicating Persuasively
  • Organizational Communication
  • Strategic Communication
  • Communication and Conflict
  • Public Speaking for the Professional

Some degree requirements can be waived for students eligible for advanced start credit. Electives are found within concentration areas.

Optional Concentrations

The following are optional concentrations available to Bachelor of Science in Communication enrollees.

Business Foundations

Courses in the business foundations concentration include:

  • Accounting Fundamentals for Management
  • Marketing
  • Introduction to Marketing

Digital Communication

Digital communication concentration courses include:

  • Digital Marketing
  • Writing for Multimedia
  • Social Media Marketing

Public Relations

Courses for the public relations concentration include:

  • Communication Law and Ethics
  • Digital Public Relations and Communication
  • Public Relations Strategies

Concentrations range from 20 to 28 credits.

Online Communications Degree FAQs

Still have questions about Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Communication degree? Read these frequently asked questions to learn more.

Can Students Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience?

Yes. Purdue students can earn undergraduate credit for life, military, and professional career experiences that could shave two years and offer degree completion.

Does the BS in Communication Program Offer More than One Start Date per Year?

Yes. Students have the option to choose from multiple start dates to accommodate their busy lives.

Does Purdue Global Offer a Master's Degree in Communication?

No. However, students enrolled in the BS in Communication program can simultaneously earn an accelerated master's degree in another area like criminal justice, psychology, education, or legal studies.

What are Ways to Make the BS in Communication Affordable?

Purdue Global offers a low tuition rate of $371 per credit.

Also, students can reduce costs via military and international tuition reduction, corporate partner benefits, and financial aid.

Is a Purdue Global Degree Respected?

Purdue Global has been recognized as one of the top national universities in the country and has been ranked among the top public schools and top performers on social mobility.

Research shows that most online degrees are respected. More than 80% of executives say online degrees are as credible as traditional ones, particularly when accredited.

The good news is the Bachelor of Science in Communication from Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is also an institutional accreditor for Purdue.

Is a Degree from Purdue Global the Same as a Degree from Purdue Global?

Just as Purdue Global programs are accredited by the same agency as Purdue Global, courses are taught by top faculty members who have had works placed in nearly 400 publications.

The faculty consists of real-world practitioners, 98% of whom have advanced degrees and 51% of whom possess doctorates.

The school also provides students with helpful support services like an interactive online classroom, individual educational advising, and career counseling services.

Students can take advantage of free tutoring in math, writing, and science.

Upon completion, graduates receive an official competency report to show employers their skills.

What Careers Can Students Get with a Communication Degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than 2.8 million communication degree holders were employed in 2021.

Many workers with a communication degree had roles in management, business and financial operations, sales, or fields like design and entertainment.

The top employing occupations for individuals with a communication degree include market research analysts, marketing managers, and human resources specialists.

In addition to these roles being among those employing more communication degree holders, they have the greatest expectation of growth between 2022 and 2032.

Enroll in an Online Communications Degree from Purdue Global Today

Are you interested in starting your career in advertising, public relations, marketing, or another communication-related field?

Enrolling in the online communications degree program from Purdue Global might be the right choice.