10 Bachelor's in Media Communications Programs in 2025

Communications degrees prepare students for roles in a number of different career fields. Bachelor's degrees in communications and media, specifically, provide students with skills for careers in broadcasting, journalism, marketing, and public relations.

These degrees are available online for busy students or those who can't commute to learn on campus. The best communications degrees online give students flexibility to do assignments and exams at the time that works best, while still providing a high-quality education. Keep reading to discover some of the best bachelor's degrees in media communications.

Top Bachelor's Degrees in Media Communications

Multiple colleges and universities in the U.S. offer online media communications degrees. Below, we've highlighted some of the top options for online students.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research institution in Tempe, AZ. It offers an online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in mass communication and media studies through its prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

This program examines various media and communication subjects, including the history of mass communication, social media, pop culture, political communication, and more. Classes are 7.5 weeks long and taught by experienced award-winning faculty.

Average in-state tuition: $574 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $574 per credit

Financial aid: ASU accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Brenau University

At Brenau University, students can earn a BA in communication and media studies online. They'll learn about trends in media and how to adapt as it evolves. Courses include film, media writing, communication theory, and more.

Brenau University is a private, nonprofit school located in Gainesville, GA. The online degree is transfer-friendly and offers six start dates each year.

Average in-state tuition: $795 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $795 per credit

Financial aid: Brenau University accepts aid through FAFSA. It also accepts aid through private sources, like independent scholarships or employer tuition assistance.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers an online BA in journalism and media communication. CSU is a public research institution in Fort Collins, CO.

This program helps students build foundational communication skills necessary for a range of real-world careers. Core courses and electives include topics like media ethics, media technology, public relations, and video production.

Average in-state tuition: $476 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $476 per credit

Financial aid: CSU offers institutional aid and accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

4. City University of New York School of Professional Studies

A BA in communication and media is available online through the City University of New York (CUNY) School of Professional Studies. This program is focused on critical issues related to communications, with special emphasis on traditional and new media.

CUNY SPS, located in New York City, is a public university designed specifically for adult learners. Communications majors will be prepared for careers in advertising, public relations, broadcasting, journalism, digital media, management, and international organizations.

Average in-state tuition: $305 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $350 per credit

Financial aid: CUNY SPS accepts aid through FAFSA, like the Excelsior Scholarship from the state of New York. It also accepts private aid and offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. DePaul University

DePaul University is a Catholic research institution in Chicago. It offers an online BA in communication and media that provides students with fundamental communication and critical thinking skills.

Courses in this program cover topics like media analysis and literacy, media production, the media industry, and storytelling. This program is offered through the university's College of Communication and School of Cinematic Arts.

Average in-state tuition: $796 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $796 per credit

Financial aid: DePaul accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid including grants and scholarships, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: HLC

6. Lynn University

Students at Lynn University can earn a bachelor's degree in communication and media online. This program provides a broad foundation that encompasses advertising, public relations, the art of storytelling, general media production, and business communication.

This private, nonprofit institution is located in Boca Raton, FL. Courses in this program are mobile-friendly and taught by experienced faculty members.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit

Financial aid: Lynn University accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Montana State University Billings

Montana State University Billings offers an online BA in communication with a specialization in media studies. MSU Billings is a public university in Billings, MT.

This specialization focuses on mass media communications. It covers the construction and delivery of media messages and the effects of these messages on the audience.

Average in-state tuition: $208.21 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $432.74 per credit

Financial aid: MSU Billings offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private financial aid.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

8. Southeast Missouri State University

A bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in media management is available online through Southeast Missouri State University. This program prepares students to manage an organization's media strategy.

SEMO, located in Cape Girardeau, MO, is a public university. Its communication studies program includes courses on digital media production, media ethics, media history, and strategic media management.

Average in-state tuition: $285.29 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $285.29 per credit

Financial aid: SEMO accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional scholarships.

Accreditation: HLC

9. UMass Global

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit university affiliated with the public University of Massachusetts system and based in Aliso Viejo, CA. It offers an online BA in communication and media.

This program includes courses on media ethics, multimedia journalism, public speaking, and strategic social media. Multiple start dates are available each year.

Average in-state tuition: $500 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $500 per credit

Financial aid: UMass Global accepts FAFSA, including the state's Cal Grant, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

10. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers a BA in mass communication with a specialization in mass media online. This undergraduate degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to become perceptive media consumers and practitioners.

The mass media specialization covers topics like diversity in media, media policy and ethics, media research, and news media. Students also have the chance to choose 27 credit hours of electives that correspond with their career goals.

Average in-state tuition: $292 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $292 per credit

Financial aid: UALR offers institutional aid, including scholarships specifically for liberal arts students. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online media communications degrees listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited, meaning that it meets quality standards and allows for the transfer of credits.
• Program reputation and quality: In addition to accreditation, all schools are either public or nonprofit private in order to ensure high-quality programs.
• Tuition cost: All institutions offer affordable tuition rates or financial aid that can lower student costs.

FAQs About Media Communication Degree Programs

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about media communications degree programs.

Is a Media Communications Degree Worth It?

For many students, media communications degrees are worth it. Coursework in these programs covers media strategy, various media platforms, and media production, which prepares students for careers in mass media.

Additionally, these programs teach foundational skills like communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and media literacy. These are skills that are beneficial in nearly every career area.

How Much Does a Bachelor's in Media Communication Degree Cost?

The cost of a bachelor's degree in media communication can vary. Programs on this list range from just over $200 per credit to nearly $800 per credit.

What you pay will depend on several factors, including the school you choose, what state you live in, how many credits you need, and the financial aid you qualify for. All students should fill out the FAFSA to see what they qualify for; in addition to federal funding, you may qualify for state programs or programs through your school.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Media Communications?

A degree in media communications can lead to a variety of career opportunities, including:

• advertising strategist
• digital marketing manager
• journalist
• market research analyst
• news anchor
• public relations specialist

Many schools provide electives within their communications degrees, allowing students to choose courses that correspond with their career goals.

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees

Find the perfect online media communications degree by exploring the options featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to request information about undergraduate admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.