Introducing our new Digital Transformation certificate series from Emory Goizueta Business School - Learn More

BA in Communication

Program Type

Bachelor

Program Format

Online

Instruction Format

Instructor Led

Credit Hours

120

Next Start

01/21/2025

course 002

Earn your Bachelor of Arts in Communication at UMSL and develop the skills and confidence to communicate effectively across a range of environments and platforms.

The B.A. in Communication is a flexible degree program that exposes students to mainstream communication research and theory while allowing the student to emphasize his or her specific area of interest.

After completing the core requirements, students may tailor their course selection to meet their personal aspirations and career goals, or choose an optional emphasis area. Selecting Communication as a major is recommended for students interested in interdisciplinary fields such as organizational communication, mass communication, information science, public relations, marketing, advertising, training and development, as well as other fields heavily influenced by the need for effective communication strategies and skills. The goals of the program are to help students learn to communicate competently and effectively in a variety of contexts and mediums. In addition, students are able to develop a strong foundation in the theory and research underlying effective communication. At the conclusion of the program, students are able to demonstrate their competence through the internship and practicum requirements.

What can you do with a communication degree?

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from UMSL, you’ll open the door to vast opportunities in a broad range of career fields. Our communication degree will also prepare you for successful entry into graduate or law school. Popular jobs for communication majors include writer, editor, journalist, communications director or consultant, social media content strategist, public relations or marketing specialist, and human resources professional.

Our communication degree graduates work for St. Louis-based companies such as Emerson, Build-A-Bear, FleishmanHillard, Nestle Purina, Express Scripts (Cigna), the Missouri Department of Transportation and Switch, as well as with several other businesses and organizations across the U.S.

As you pursue your bachelor’s in communication, you’ll also benefit from UMSL’s personalized, comprehensive career services that go far beyond just the basic resume writing — so you can stand out from the crowd in a competitive job market.

$66,750

Median annual salary

9%

Employment growth by 2032

Career Opportunities

  • Advertising Manager
  • Air Traffic Controller
  • Broadcast & Sound Engineer
  • Communications Coordinator
  • Film & Video Editor
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Journalist
  • Marketing Communications Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Speechwriter
  • Technical Writer

Why earn your bachelor's in communication at USML?

Our B.A. in Communication can be tailored to meet your personal, professional or academic goals:

  • Specialize in one of four areas. Pursue a general communication bachelor’s degree or add an emphasis in Applied Visual Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Mass Communication or Strategic Communication. We also offer undergraduate certificates in Health Communication, Media Production or Public Relations.
  • Earn a degree that’s flexible and affordable. Our degree is a great value, with communication scholarships available for those who qualify. And with classes offered 100% online, you can pursue your communication degree on your own terms.
  • Gain real-world experience. Our communication majors are provided extensive opportunities to apply practical skills in real-life settings. Work with a client in our capstone public relations course or serve as an intern for The Barnett Agency, our student-run PR firm.

Curriculum & Tuition

Electives

Tuition

Cost per credit hour: $480

Total credits: 120

Why University of Missouri-St. Louis

Through UMSL, students can join an empowering and inclusive community of problem-solvers known as a force for transformation in the St. Louis region and beyond. The UMSL College of Business Administration is accredited by the world’s premier business school accrediting organization, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, in both business and accounting. This places UMSL among the top 2% of business schools worldwide.

Cost per credit hour: $480

Additional tuition reductions and flexible payment options may be available!

Career Pathways

Administrative Services Managers
Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys
Chief Executives
Editors
First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
Fundraising Managers
Marketing Managers
News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
Political Scientists
Public Relations Managers
Public Relations Specialists
Sales Engineers
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Technical Writers
Training and Development Specialists