Program Overview
Gain insights into our online B.A. in Communication Studies program
Enhance your personal life and career by gaining new communication skills and studying human interaction in its many forms with the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies online program from Northern Kentucky University. This 100% online communication studies degree program will help you become a respected thought leader in any industry where you want to provide clear communication that improves understanding and inspires action.
You will gain proficiency in communication theory; interpersonal, family, small group, and organizational communication; and persuasion and public speaking. The program enables graduates to enrich people’s lives by practicing the art of sharing information.
In the communication studies curriculum, you will learn to:
- Apply effective communication skills
- Manage group projects
- Develop content
- Use critical thinking
- Negotiate and persuade
- Execute business-to-business communication
Potential careers:
- Corporate Communicator
- Trainer/Presentation Specialist
- Advertiser
- Marketer
- Content/Technical Writer
- Social Media Coordinator/Manager
- Public Relations Coordinator/Manager
- Fundraising Manager
- Sales Director
Credit for prior learning acknowledges your experiences and can save you time and money on your degree.
You might be closer to graduation than you think!
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Also available:
Northern Kentucky University offers value in a broad range of online undergraduate programs.
Tuition
Learn more about the affordable tuition at NKU
The B.A. in Communication Studies online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition to in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included in the total cost. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.
Tuition breakdown:
| Program | Per Credit Hour | University Fee Per Credit Hour** | Total Per Credit Hour** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies | $475 | $16 | $491 |
| With Path to Success Scholarship and Locked-In Tuition* | $275 | $16 | $291 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time.
*The Path to Success Scholarship with Tuition Lock is available to first-time NKU OnlineA students only; existing students may not participate. The Scholarship is comprised of savings off the original price of $475, for a $275 per-credit-hour tuition rate, bringing the total cost to $291 per credit hour, including the activity fee. The Scholarship cannot be combined with any other offer and is not available for the RN to BSN online program. Students who step out of the program for more than a year (thus requiring a new application) will no longer receive the $275 tuition lock; instead, they must pay the tuition or scholarship rate available at the time of new enrollment. Excludes some program-specific fees that will be divided and assessed by credit hour based on the number of hours taken.
Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.
Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022
Calendar
Know when to apply, when classes start, and when tuition is due
The B.A. in Communication Studies is delivered in a convenient online format with 7-week courses that start six times a year. View the full calendar to see all upcoming dates. When you're ready to get started, be sure to submit your application, registration, documents, and tuition by the corresponding deadlines.
Now Enrolling:
| Session | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | 05/08/2023 | 04/26/2023 | 05/01/2023 | 05/04/2023 | 05/08/2023 | 06/23/2023 |
| Summer 2 | 06/26/2023 | 06/14/2023 | 06/19/2023 | 06/22/2023 | 06/26/2023 | 08/11/2023 |
| Fall 1 | 08/21/2023 | 08/09/2023 | 08/14/2023 | 08/18/2023 | 08/21/2023 | 10/06/2023 |
| Fall 2 | 10/18/2023 | 10/05/2023 | 10/10/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 10/18/2023 | 12/08/2023 |
| Spring 1 | 01/08/2024 | 01/02/2024 | 01/04/2024 | 01/05/2024 | 01/08/2024 | 02/23/202$ |
| Spring 2 | 03/11/2024 | 02/29/2024 | 03/04/2024 | 03/08/2024 | 03/11/2024 | 04/26/2024 |
Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from Northern Kentucky University?
Admissions
Gather these admission materials before applying
The admission process is the first step toward earning your B.A. in Communication Studies degree online. Please reach out to one of our enrollment specialists for any questions you might have. Requirements for admission to this program include:
View full admission requirements
B.A. in Communication Studies Online Admission Requirements
Applicants for the B.A. in Communication Studies online program are evaluated on a holistic basis and must meet the following requirements:
Transfer Admission
Transfer applicants are students who have graduated from high school and have previously attempted coursework for credit (other than college credits taken while in high school) at another accredited college or university.
Students with a minimum 2.0 GPA from an accredited institution and 24 or more transferable credit hours must submit the following:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee. The fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
- Official transcripts from each college attended
- if applicable, transcripts from accredited Federal Bureau of Prisons or Police Academy program
Students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and fewer than 24 transferable credit hours are evaluated based on the freshman admission standards and must supply the following:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee. The fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
- Official transcripts from each college attended
- if applicable, transcripts from accredited Federal Bureau of Prisons or Police Academy program
- Final and official high school transcript or GED scores
- New transfer students who apply to the University with fewer than 24 college credit hours earned and a 2.75 and greater unweighted high school GPA will be offered admissions regardless of ACT/SAT scores. Please note: Nursing and respiratory care programs require ACT/SAT scores.
- New transfer students with a 2.7499 unweighted high school GPA and less will be required to submit ACT or SAT test scores:
- Required ACT scores:
18 (English, math, reading) - Required SAT scores:
Prior to March 2016: 430 (math, writing); 450 (critical reading)
March 2016 to present: 480 (evidence-based reading and writing); 470 (math)
- Required ACT scores:
Freshman Applicants
A freshman applicant is a prospective student who has not attempted coursework at an accredited college or university (other than college credit earned while in high school or during the summer immediately following high school graduation).
Students who are 21 years or older and have never attended college (other than college credits taken while in high school) must supply:
- Complete online application and pay $40 non-refundable application fee
- If you are an NKU alumni or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived. Simply submit the online application without payment of the application fee. The fee will be waived when your credentials are verified. No further action is required.
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores
Students who are under 21 years old and have never attended college (other than college credits taken while in high school) must supply:
- An online application form
- A $40 nonrefundable application fee
- Official high school transcripts or GED scores
- Freshmen applicants must have at least a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA to be considered for admissions.
- Freshman applicants with a 2.75 and greater unweighted high school GPA will be offered admissions regardless of ACT/SAT scores. Please note: Nursing and respiratory care programs require ACT/SAT scores.
- Freshman applicants with a 2.7499 unweighted high school GPA and less will be required to submit ACT or SAT exam scores:
- Required ACT scores:
18 (English, math, reading) - Required SAT scores:
Prior to March 2016: 430 (math, writing); 450 (critical reading)March 2016 to present: 480 (evidence-based reading and writing); 470 (math)
- Required ACT scores:
NKUWrite (English and reading) and ALEKS (math) scores are encouraged for placement. Some courses may require placement testing depending on transfer credit or ACT scores. Our Testing Services office can help you schedule these tests.
Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:
Northern Kentucky UniversityOffice of Admissions
Lucas Administrative Center
400 Nunn Drive
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.
Courses
Preview the classes in the online B.A. in Communication Studies program
For the online degree in communication studies, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours. The curriculum is comprised of 11 core courses (33 credit hours), one foundation course (3 credit hours), two professional skills courses (6 credit hours), with the remaining 78 hours consisting of general education courses and free electives.
Students must take 33 hours from the following course options:
CMST 220: Interpersonal Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theories and skills of dyadic interaction in professional and personal contexts; perception, self-concept, nonverbal communication, listening, assertiveness, relationships, conflict management, and problem solving.
CMST 230: Small Group Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theories and activities that increase understanding and skills of communication in groups: decision-making, problem-solving, leadership, listening, cohesiveness, climate-setting, conflict management, groupthink, and systems theory.
CMST 300: Research Methods in Communication Studies
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Course provides an overview of the concepts, methods, and tools by which research in Communication Studies is designed, conducted, interpreted, and critically evaluated. The course will specifically examine quantitative and qualitative research procedures, research question and hypothesis generation and testing, measurement, sampling, research design, and data analysis techniques.
CMST 303: Organizational Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Organizational communication theories, models, and processes with practical application of these principles in organizational communication speaking exercises; management and leadership communication skills.
CMST 355: Culture and Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theory, criticism, and practice of culture and communication, individual experience in communicating interculturally, and strategies in cross-cultural communication situations.
CMST 370: Advanced Public Speaking
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Organization, style, and delivery of speeches for social occasions, non-classroom settings, and complex setting; speech writing.
CMST 430: Communication Theories
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theories of interpersonal, group, public, and mass communication; historical developments, paradigms, and research that shape communication theory construction.
Choose one from these three:
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Theories of argument; practical applications of argument, in numerous contexts, including academic policy debate.
CMST 340: Strategies of Persuasion
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Persuasion theory practice, and ethics in preparing and presenting persuasive messages and campaigns.
CMST 410: Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Adaptation of classic and contemporary theories of rhetoric to modern practice of rhetorical criticism.
Choose two additional CMST courses at the 200, 300, and 400 level
Plus choose one other CMST, DFX, EMB, HCOM, JOU, POP, PRE, or 400/500-level COM course
Students must take one of the following courses:
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Development of understanding of the oral communication process; aid in improving oral communication skills; idea and message development; effective delivery of ideas. Offered every semester. A prerequisite to all other CMST courses.
CMST 110: Intro to Communication Studies
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to various theoretical perspectives for understanding human communication. CMST110 has been designed to introduce students to the study of human communication from a wide range of viewpoints. The course introduces foundational principles of communication theory: general principles and the elements of speech communication, perception, language and verbal symbols, nonverbal activities, and listening. Next, the course applies these principles to the various levels of communicating, i.e. interpersonal, small group, organizational, and intercultural. The course also covers communication and persuasion in public forums such as public speaking and mediated contexts.
Students must take two of the following courses:
CMST 396: Internship: Communication
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Selected placement of qualified students in off-campus communication studies-related professions; experience in corporate training, speech writing, interviewing, sales, and groups, communication.
BIS 101: Fundamentals of Business Computing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Understanding the basic concepts of informatics in a context including computer technology; examination of hardware and software; impact computers have on society including employment, privacy, ethics, and security; working with information as a resource. The course includes computer laboratory exercise in Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and internet technology applications.
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Practical experience in business writing proposals, resumes, letters, reports, and memoranda. For students majoring in business as well as other students who anticipate professional careers involving on-the-job writing tasks.
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Principles and techniques of technical writing, with particular attention paid to conveying technical content to lay audiences and nonspecialists. Students learn the value of visuals, style, and design in communicating complex content and are introduced to the types of documents central to the technical professions. WRITING STUDIES. Prerequisite: ENG 102, HNR 102 or equivalent
LDR 300: Foundations of Leadership
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and foundational theories of leadership to facilitate the development of a personal understanding of the nature of leadership. The evolution of leadership theory and research is explored and its implications for understanding leadership as a phenomenon and the practice of leadership. Course encourages the application of learning to analysis of practical leadership problems and examples of leaders from diverse sectors such as business, nonprofit, government, social change, military, science, popular culture, and athletics.
MGT 205: Business Management Principles
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to business firms, their organization, functions, and management in the context of global, legal, and ethical environments; business as a setting in which people work, make decisions, and contribute productively to society; management of people, information, and processes to achieve organizational goals. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
MKT 205: Principles of Marketing
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course covers the flow of goods from producer to consumer; demand-stimulated and demand-fulfilling activities of business enterprises; marketing concepts and systems analysis. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
You must take 37 credit hours of general education courses, selected from the following categories. Note: Some general education courses may be part of the major/minor/focus requirements. If so, those courses may be used to count for both general education and the major/minor/focus.
- General Education Courses:
- Communication; Written (3 credits)
- Communication; Written II (3 credits)
- Communication; Oral (3 credits)
- Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry
- Mathematics and Statistics (3 credits)
- Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry
- Natural Sciences with lab (4 credits)
- Scientific and Quantitative Inquiry
- Natural Sciences without lab (3 credits)
- Self and Society
- Cultural Pluralism (3 credits)
- Self and Society
- Individual and Society (3 credits)
- Self and Society
- Individual and Society (3 credits)
- Culture and Creativity (3 credits)
- Culture and Creativity (3 credits)
- Global Viewpoints (3 credits)
You must take an additional 44 credit hours of electives in order to reach the bachelor's degree minimum of 120 credit hours for graduation.
