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Communication ,BA

Communication, BA

Communication, Debate, Diversity, Gender, Identity, Intercultural, Interpersonal, Negotiation, Organization, Performance, Persuasion, Public Speaking, Race, Relationships, speech

In today's interconnected world there is a growing need for professionals who can engage effectively across cultures and communities. Learn how to listen deeply, respond thoughtfully and build trust through communication.

Program description

This communication degree program emphasizes qualitative research and human-centered inquiry. Through methods such as interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and discourse analysis, you learn to explore lived experiences, uncover patterns of meaning, and gain deep insight into how people connect and communicate.

Alongside research training, you develop strong cross-cultural communication skills --- learning to engage respectfully and effectively across differences in language, identity and worldview.

In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you are interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Learn more about this program
General contact
602-496-0450

Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional requirements:

Students who have attended previously ASU and are returning to the university with transfer credit must have a minimum ASU cumulative GPA of 2.00 in order to be admitted into the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.

Transfer admission requirements:

Students who are transferring into ASU must meet current university admission requirements.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

Current ASU students who would like to change their major to the BA in communication must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program options available to them, students may engage in a distinct and exciting opportunity to gain intercultural experience through international programs of study, which they can tailor according to their experience and specific interests and skills.

Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in communication develop critical teamwork and problem-solving skills, expand their knowledge of the liberal arts through lenses of different cultures, and improve their language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication across populations.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these study abroad programs for students majoring in communication.

Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to work with community groups, support advocacy and social change, and build meaningful relationships in both local and global contexts. Whether entering careers in nonprofits, education, business, government, or community outreach, graduates bring cultural competence, critical thinking and communication leadership to every role.

Graduates often attend leading graduate schools in communication, law or business or find gainful employment in the areas of:

  • campaign management
  • community leadership
  • diplomacy
  • event planning
  • health care management
  • human resource management
  • intercultural relations
  • nonprofit management
  • public relations
  • sales
  • training and development

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
11.3%
$51,850
10.8%
$69,280
4.8%
$61,160
5.0%
$149,280
23.2%
$123,860
5.0%
$146,910
4.8%
$74,750
4.7%
$148,270
6.4%
$80,390
2.2%
$50,160
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

Program term definitions

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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