Best Online Business Communication Degree Programs for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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What can I expect from an online business communication degree?

The curriculum of an online strategic communication degree centers on business strategy, viewed through the lens of high-impact communication. You’ll begin by building a solid foundation in core business disciplines—courses in management, marketing, and organizational behavior will help you understand how effective organizations function from the inside out.

From there, the focus shifts to mastering advanced communication skills tailored for leadership. This goes beyond presentation skills, diving into areas like conflict resolution, digital media strategy, and intercultural communication. The goal is to equip you to not only diagnose complex business challenges but also rally others around clear, persuasive solutions.

Where can I work with an online business communication degree?

One of the biggest strengths of an online business communication degree is that you are not locked into a single industry. These skills are in high demand everywhere, giving you incredible career flexibility. Graduates are sought after in high-growth, high-paying sectors like technology, finance, and healthcare.

These complex industries need professionals who can translate technical information, manage diverse teams, and shape company culture. Of course, you’ll also find abundant opportunities in traditional corporate roles, marketing agencies, and non-profit organizations. This versatility is a powerful asset, providing you with career stability and the freedom to pursue your interests.

How much can I make with an online business communication degree?

The earning potential with an online strategic communication degree is strong, offering a clear pathway to high-paying leadership and management roles. While starting salaries vary by role, industry, and location, the long-term financial outlook is highly promising.

A prime example is the role of a marketing manager—a common career for graduates of this program—with a median annual salary of $161,030, according to the latest data. Salaries in this field typically range from $81,900 to well over $239,200 for top earners in major sectors, showing both solid entry-level potential and substantial room for growth as your career advances.

List of the Best Online Business Communication Degree Programs for 2025

Strong business communication skills underpin every successful organization, from crafting persuasive proposals to managing brand reputation. Our List of the Best Online Business Communication Degree Programs for 2025 showcases top-tier curricula that balance theory with practical projects—offering the same leadership focus found in the fastest christian leadership degree online.

1. Arizona State University - Bachelor of Arts in Business – Communication

This program from the respected W. P. Carey School of Business at ASU provides a strong foundation in core business concepts alongside specialized communication expertise. Graduates are prepared with a versatile communication toolkit to effectively streamline operations and align teams in a variety of industries.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $763
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Cleary University - Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Business Communications

Cleary University’s program equips you with timeless writing, speaking, and technology skills that are in high demand in today's global marketplace. Through practical application in areas like advertising and media creation, you will learn to bridge the gap between corporate needs and public communication.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $823.13
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Southern New Hampshire University - Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a concentration in Business Communication

The program at SNHU focuses on developing effective communication strategies for internal and external audiences, taught by instructors with real-world industry experience. By concentrating in business communication, you will learn to strengthen interpersonal relationships and promote teamwork within any professional workplace.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $342
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

4. Liberty University - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and Data Analysis – Communications

Liberty University offers a unique, ACBSP-accredited program that integrates fundamental business skills with modern data analysis and communication strategies. Taught from a biblical worldview, the curriculum prepares you to serve as an ethical industry leader in corporate, small business, or global markets.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $390
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

5. Purdue Global - Bachelor’s in Communication

Purdue Global’s program focuses on mastering communication fundamentals as well as relevant modern topics like conflict management, diversity, and digital media. You can personalize your degree by choosing the business foundations concentration to gain specific skills in accounting, management, and marketing.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Quarter Credits to Graduate: 180
• Cost per Credit: $371
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Pace University - BS in Professional Communication Studies

This program from Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences provides a broad-based skillset by incorporating coursework in English, history, and psychology. Graduates are equipped with modern marketing and media tactics to make independent, effective business decisions and manage an organization's public image.

• Program Length: 3–4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $641
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

7. St. Cloud State University - BA Professional Communication

This interdisciplinary online program draws from Communication Studies, English, and Mass Communications at St. Cloud to ground you in communication theory and application. You will develop the ethical know-how and practical skills to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across written, oral, and social media platforms.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $312.87 (in-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

8. Florida International University - Bachelor of Science in Public Relations, Advertising and Applied Communications

This fully online program prepares you to develop and promote creative communication strategies for a global business environment. FIU Online provides a unique support system, including a personal success coach and access to the Communication Studio for professional coaching.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $235.57 (in-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How long does it take to complete an online business communication degree program?

A standard online bachelor's degree in business communication typically takes four years of full-time study to complete the required 120 credit hours. However, that four-year timeline is a benchmark, not a rule. The actual time it takes often depends on your specific background and needs.

For the High School Strategist

If you are entering college directly from high school, you can expect to follow the traditional four-year path. This timeline allows for a balanced course load and opportunities for summer internships. In some cases, Advanced Placement (AP) or dual-enrollment credits you earned in high school may allow you to start with a few requirements already met—similar to accelerated tracks like the fastest online space studies degree.

For the Career Pivoter

If you are returning to school with prior experience, you have several options to create a more efficient path. Most universities will accept transfer credits from previous college coursework, which can significantly shorten your program. Always ask an admissions advisor how your background can be applied.

How does an online business communication degree program compare to an on-campus program?

When the program is from a fully accredited institution, the degree itself is academically equivalent. Employers value the school's reputation and accreditation, not the delivery format. Your diploma will not say "online."

The primary difference is the experience: on-campus programs offer face-to-face interaction, while online programs provide unmatched flexibility to learn from anywhere.

Myth vs. Reality: Support and Opportunities in Online Programs

A common myth is that online students are left on their own. The reality is that reputable universities invest heavily in support for their online students. You will have access to the same expert faculty, academic advisors, and library resources.

Most importantly, you are not cut off from career opportunities. Modern online programs offer robust career services, including virtual career fairs, resume workshops, and dedicated advisors who help you find internships and capstone projects—mirroring the professional prep you’d find in best online CCNA training bootcamps.

What is the average cost of an online business communication degree program?

The cost of an online business communication degree program varies by institution, but you can expect to see average out-of-state tuition around $580 per credit hour. For a full 120-credit program, this totals approximately $72,000.

While this is a significant figure, it's essential to view it as a direct investment in your future earning potential. A quality online business communication degree is designed to deliver a clear return.

Translating Tuition into Earning Potential

This bachelor's degree is the foundational credential for a career in business leadership. It is the first step on a path that can eventually lead to the highest levels of management, where the doctorate of business administration salary reflects the peak of corporate earning potential.

This initial investment pays off by opening doors to lucrative positions right after graduation. As the data below shows, graduates can pursue roles like Communications Consultant, which averages over $91,000 annually, or Marketing Communications Manager, which averages over $84,000. This demonstrates a direct path from tuition to a high-value career.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online business communication degree program?

You have several powerful options to help fund your degree, and it's important to explore every one of them. Most students use a combination of sources to make their education affordable.

• Federal Aid: This is the starting point for most students and is accessed by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Scholarships: These are merit- or need-based awards you don't repay, and you can find many dedicated communications scholarships through university and private databases.
• Grants: These are typically need-based funds from federal or state governments that, like scholarships, do not need to be repaid.
• Employer Tuition Assistance: This is a fantastic benefit for working adults, as many companies will help pay for a degree that enhances your skills.

Your first step should always be to contact the financial aid office of the universities you're considering. They can guide you through the process and help you identify opportunities you might have missed, ensuring you only use safe and official sources for aid.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online business communication degree program?

The primary requirement for admission into a bachelor's program is a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Some more selective universities may also have minimum GPA or standardized test score (SAT/ACT) requirements. However, many online programs have become more flexible with test-optional policies.

The Bachelor's Degree: The Standard for the Field

While the entry requirements are straightforward, it's important to understand why this degree is so critical. You might find some entry-level communications jobs without a degree, but the bachelor's is the standard and expected credential for career advancement and leadership roles. Financial aid is also widely available for eligible students—completing the FAFSA is the first step to accessing federal grants, loans, and many institutional scholarships.

The data confirms this. As you can see in the chart below, a full 79% of corporate communications specialists hold a bachelor's degree. Pursuing this credential is the proven, necessary step to build a sustainable and successful career in the field.

What courses are typically in an online business communication degree program?

A great online business communication degree will feature courses that build a powerful combination of business acumen and communication expertise. You can expect your studies to be organized around these core areas:

• Business Fundamentals: These courses cover essential topics like management principles, marketing, and organizational behavior to ensure you understand how businesses operate.
• Communication Theory: You will learn the foundational theories behind persuasion, interpersonal dynamics, and mass communication.
• Written and Oral Communication: This includes advanced courses in business writing, corporate messaging, and executive presentation skills.
• Digital and Data-Driven Strategy: Modern programs teach you to communicate across digital platforms and use data to inform your strategy, skills that are reflected in the high business analytics salary.

Joining a Large and Established Profession

This curriculum is designed to prepare you for a strong and growing professional field. Public relations—a closely related field—is projected to grow by 6% between 2023 and 2033, with an estimated 27,100 job openings each year during that period. This means you’re entering a career with both a large, supportive professional community and steady job prospects, as the graphic below illustrates.

What types of specializations are available in an online business communication degree program?

A specialization allows you to deepen your expertise in one area of business communication, tailoring your degree to a specific career path. Most programs offer several options, including:

• Corporate Communication: This focuses on internal messaging, change management, and executive communications to ensure an organization runs smoothly.
• Public Relations: You will learn to manage an organization's external image, media relations, and brand reputation, a field you can advance in with a fast-track online public relations master's degree.
• Marketing Communication: This track blends communication strategy with marketing principles, focusing on advertising, content creation, and campaign management.
• Human Resources Communication: This specialization prepares you to handle employee relations, benefits communication, and recruitment messaging.

Connecting Your Specialization to High-Value Industries

Choosing a specialization can also align you with higher-paying sectors. For example, if you specialize in Public Relations, your skills are valued differently across various industries. Professionals working in government often see the highest average salaries, earning around $78,220 annually. 

How to Choose the Best Online Business Communication Degree Program

The "best" program is the one that aligns with your specific career goals and learning style. Use these four key factors as a checklist to find the right fit for you and ensure you are making a sound investment in your future.

• Verify accreditation first. This is the most important step. Ensure the university is regionally accredited, which guarantees the quality of your education and the value of your degree to employers.
• Review the curriculum in detail. Look beyond the course titles. Does the program offer the specializations you're interested in? Does it focus on the practical, modern skills you want to acquire?
• Investigate the faculty. Look for professors who have recent, real-world experience in business and communication. Their insights are invaluable and go beyond what you can learn from a textbook—akin to the subject-matter expertise in best online EdS degree in special education programs.
• Assess their career services. Ask what specific support they offer online students. Look for dedicated advisors, virtual networking events, and a strong track record of helping graduates find internships and jobs.

By carefully evaluating these four areas, you can confidently select a program that will not only teach you the right skills but also actively help you launch the next stage of your career.

What career paths are available for graduates of an online business communication degree program?

An online business communication degree is a launchpad into a wide variety of influential and well-compensated roles across the corporate landscape. Graduates are prepared for positions such as:

If you're considering a career change, you'll be entering a field with a well-established and active workforce. An estimated 28,215 professionals currently work in corporate communication-related roles across the U.S., reflecting a healthy demand for skilled communicators. 

What is the job market for graduates with an online business communication degree program?

The job market for these skills is strong and growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for public relations specialists will grow by 6% and for marketing managers by 8% through 2033.

Both of these growth rates are faster than the average for all occupations, signaling a sustained and healthy demand for professionals with this specific expertise.

Why Communication Skills Are More Valuable Than Ever

In a world increasingly shaped by technology and AI, the value of uniquely human skills is rising. The ability to lead, persuade, and build relationships cannot be automated. This makes communication a "meta-skill" that future-proofs your career.

This is why the earning potential at the highest levels is so significant, with the top 10% of marketing and advertising managers earning more than $239,200. This demand extends beyond the corporate world into the public sector, where leadership roles filled by those with an accelerated online public administration degree also depend on these core competencies. This degree positions you for lasting value in any industry you choose.

Are Advanced Degrees Beneficial for Elevating My Business Communication Career?

For professionals aiming to further distinguish themselves, advanced academic programs can offer specialized skills that amplify strategic messaging and persuasive storytelling. This additional expertise not only strengthens leadership potential but also complements the operational and analytical competencies developed during an online business communication degree program. For instance, integrating creative methodologies can enhance marketing and public relations efforts, making advanced studies a valuable differentiator. Explore what jobs can you get with an MFA in creative writing to understand how complementary creative disciplines can boost career prospects in a competitive corporate landscape.

What common challenges do students face in online business communication programs?

Students in online business communication programs often confront the need for enhanced self-discipline and proactive engagement in a virtual learning environment. Limited face-to-face interactions can impact collaborative learning and professional networking, making it critical to utilize robust online career services and digital communication tools. Additionally, students may need to address technological hurdles and time management issues while balancing coursework with professional commitments. Integrating insights from interdisciplinary studies, such as those offered by the most affordable MFA degree programs online, can further support creative problem-solving and adaptability in a competitive job market.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say about Their Online Business Communication Degree Program

Other Things You Need To Know About Business Communication

What is the difference between regional and national accreditation?

Accreditation ensures a university meets high academic standards. Regional accreditation is the most recognized and respected type in the United States. Credits from regionally accredited schools are more easily transferred, and employers generally prefer these degrees. National accreditation is also valid but is more common for vocational or trade schools. Always choose a regionally accredited university for a business communication degree.

Can I get an internship as an online business communication student?

Yes, you can and you should. Most reputable universities have robust career services that help online students find and secure internships. Many companies now offer remote or virtual internships, allowing you to gain valuable real-world experience from anywhere. An internship is a critical step in building your resume before you graduate.

Do I need a master's degree to get a job in business communication?

A master's degree is generally not required to get a good job in business communication. A bachelor's degree is the standard credential for most corporate, marketing, and public relations roles. A master's becomes valuable later in your career if you want to move into senior leadership, teach at the university level, or specialize in a highly technical area of the field.

What is a communication portfolio and why do I need one?

A communication portfolio is a collection of your best work that showcases your skills to potential employers. It can include writing samples, project plans, presentation slides, or mock campaign strategies you developed during your coursework. A strong portfolio is essential because it provides concrete proof of your abilities and helps you stand out from other job applicants.