Best Online Media 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 media communication degree?

You can expect a curriculum that balances foundational communication principles with practical, hands-on skill development. Top programs are designed to help you build a professional portfolio of work. You'll complete projects like creating media kits, developing social media campaigns, or writing strategic communication plans.

This approach ensures you graduate with more than a diploma—you leave with tangible proof of your abilities that you can show to potential employers. While most coursework is online, some programs may have occasional in-person requirements for specific hands-on learning experiences.

Where can I work with an online media communication degree?

Graduates with a media communication degree work in nearly every industry you can think of. Strong communicators are essential in tech, healthcare, finance, government, and nonprofit organizations. You aren't limited to just traditional media companies.

Many graduates begin their careers at PR or advertising agencies, gaining experience across multiple clients. Increasingly, companies are building in-house creative teams, offering more stability and industry focus. An online media communication degree equips you to thrive in both settings.

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

Your earning potential is strong and grows significantly with experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, public relations specialists had a median annual salary of $69,780 in 2024.

As you gain experience and move into leadership, that potential increases substantially. For example, marketing managers earned a median annual wage of $161,030. Your specific salary will depend on your chosen specialization, the industry you work in, and your geographic location, but the opportunities for financial growth are excellent.

List of the Best Online Media Communication Degree Programs for 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, earning a degree in media communication can open doors to dynamic careers in journalism, public relations, advertising, and digital media. Online programs offer flexibility without sacrificing quality, making them an ideal choice for working professionals and students balancing multiple commitments—much like a journalism degree online.

1. Southern New Hampshire University - Bachelor of Arts in Communication (New Media)

This program at SNHU develops your ability to strategize and deliver effective messages across various platforms, from interpersonal to mass media contexts. With a focus on strategic storytelling and branding, you are prepared for success in any industry that values strong communication skills.

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

2. Purdue Global - Bachelor of Science in Communication (Digital Communication)

Purdue Global's program equips you with the skills to succeed in an ever-evolving digital landscape, focusing on effective writing and marketing for new media. You will master communication fundamentals like conflict management and persuasion while learning from faculty with real-world professional experience.

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

3. Grand Canyon University - Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Broadcasting and New Media)

This program at Grand Canyon focuses on interpreting visual and verbal messages in both mainstream and social media, preparing you for a dynamic career in modern media. The emphasis teaches you to create effective press releases, podcasts, and social media stories to engage modern audiences.

• Program Length: ~4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $485
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of Massachusetts Global - BA in Communications & Media

UMass Global offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary foundation in media and messaging designed to launch careers in social media, journalism, or PR. The curriculum is directly aligned with employer needs, teaching you to create compelling stories and use data to inform media campaigns.

• Program Length: ~4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $500
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

5. University of Maryland Global Campus - Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

This program at UMGC builds relevant skills in ethical communication, public relations, and news writing that are designed to be immediately applicable across almost any industry. With convenient online courses, the curriculum teaches you to communicate effectively within legal and financial parameters.

• Program Length: ~4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $330 (in-state); $499 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Arizona State University - Bachelor of Arts in Communication

ASU's program delves into the humanities side of communication, emphasizing qualitative research to analyze complex social and professional interactions. You will learn to address communication challenges in diverse contexts, developing skills in conflict resolution, leadership, and intercultural communication.

• Program Length: ~4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $508.80
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Northeastern University - Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication and Media

This program at Northeastern prepares you for a fast-evolving digital career by providing a strong foundation in digital strategy, social media, and content creation. Through a unique Virtual PR Firm, you will gain hands-on experience by designing and executing real-world campaigns using SEO and mobile platforms.

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Cost per Credit: $560
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

8. National University - Bachelor of Arts in Communication

National University provides a unique blend of human and professional communication theory, preparing you for leadership positions in PR, advertising, and corporate communications. The program focuses on strategic thinking and message creation skills that you will apply through case studies and hands-on projects.

• Program Length: 2-4 years
• Required Quarter Credits to Graduate: 180
• Cost per Credit: $374.44
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

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

A bachelor’s degree in media communication typically takes four years of full-time study to complete the required 120 credits. This is the standard educational path for many of the over 308,000 public relations specialists currently working across the United States.

However, that four-year timeline isn't set in stone. One of the main advantages of an online program is its inherent flexibility.

Can you finish faster or take longer?

Yes, most programs are designed to fit your individual needs. If you're a working professional, you can choose to study part-time, taking fewer classes each semester and extending the time to graduation. Conversely, if you have existing college credits, you can often transfer them in and significantly shorten your path.

Some schools also provide accelerated options for students who want to finish sooner. For example, there are many accelerated online social media programs that allow you to take a heavier course load and complete your degree in as little as three years.

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

For any accredited university, the degree you earn online is exactly the same as the one students receive on campus. The curriculum follows the same academic standards, the courses are taught by the same expert faculty, and the diploma you receive is identical.

The only true difference is the delivery method—one happens in a physical classroom, the other through a flexible online learning environment.

The Unique Advantages of Learning Online

Choosing an online program offers some distinct strategic advantages. The most significant is flexibility, which is essential for anyone balancing school with work or family responsibilities. It also gives you access to top programs across the country without needing to relocate.

Furthermore, studying online inherently develops skills that are highly valued in today's job market. You'll master digital collaboration, independent time management, and the self-motivation required to excel in any modern, remote-capable workplace, much like the adaptability fostered in a management information systems degree online.

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

The cost of an online media communication degree will vary depending on the school. Based on our research, the average cost is around $434 per credit for in-state students and $455 for out-of-state students. This brings the average total tuition to between $57,000 and $61,000.

Do remember that these figures are for tuition only. As an online student, you avoid the significant expenses of on-campus housing, meal plans, and daily transportation.

Understanding Your Earning Potential

A smart way to look at tuition is as an investment in your future income. One way to make that investment more manageable is by completing the FAFSA to access federal financial aid. The chart below shows that while the average salary for a PR professional is about $48,000, the top 25% of earners make $60,000 or more per year.

As you gain experience and skill, you can climb that ladder. The top 10% of earners in the field bring in over $72,000 annually, showing a clear pathway for your educational investment to pay off—similar to how graduates from the shortest business communication degree online programs quickly see returns on their education.

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

Yes, students in accredited online programs are eligible for the same financial aid as on-campus students. This includes federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Many people assume aid is only for recent high school graduates, but there are many options for adult learners as well.

The first and most important step is always to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This single form is the key to unlocking most types of aid.

Your Guide to Financial Aid

A good strategy is to pursue all the "free money" options first before you consider taking out loans.

• Grants: This is funding from federal or state governments that you do not have to pay back. The Pell Grant is a common example for undergraduate students.
• Scholarships: Also free money, scholarships are offered by schools and private organizations based on merit, need, or other criteria. It's always worth searching for a bachelor of communications scholarship.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: If you are currently employed, check with your HR department. Many companies offer to pay for some or all of a degree program that benefits your role.
• Federal Loans: These government-backed loans must be repaid, but they offer fixed interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private loans.

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

The primary prerequisite for a freshman applicant is a high school diploma or a GED. If you are applying as a transfer student, you will need to provide official transcripts from any previous colleges you have attended.

While schools will look at your GPA, it's a mistake to think it's the only thing that matters. Most universities now use a holistic review process.

Building a Strong Application

Holistic review means the admissions team looks at your entire application to understand your potential. For a creative field like media, this is a huge advantage. A strong essay, a portfolio of your work, or relevant professional experience can make you stand out.

A bachelor's degree is the industry-standard credential, with 75% of PR specialists holding one. Your application is your chance to show you're ready to join them. This is true even for highly focused programs, like the fastest online professional writing degree programs. 

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

You can expect to take foundational courses in communication ethics and law, media writing, public relations principles, and communication theory. The curriculum is specifically designed to build what industry experts call a "T-shaped professional."

This means you gain a broad understanding of the entire communication field (the top of the "T") while also developing deep expertise in a specific area. This structure provides the strategic thinking that employers value most.

Common Core Courses: Building Your Foundation

These are the types of required courses that form the core of nearly every media communication program.

• Introduction to Media and Communication: An overview of the history, key players, and industries that make up the media world.
• Communication Ethics and Law: A critical look at the legal and ethical frameworks that guide responsible communication practice.
• Communication Theory: The foundational concepts that explain how and why different forms of communication are effective.
• Media Writing: Hands-on practice writing for different platforms and audiences, from press releases to social media content.

This strong foundation is essential, even in specialized fields like those covered in the best accelerated online journalism degree programs.

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

Most programs offer several specializations, commonly including public relations, journalism, digital and social media, and strategic communication. Choosing a specialization for your online media communication degree is how you build the deep, vertical stem of your "T-shaped" skill set.

This is your opportunity to focus on the area that most excites you and develop the specific, marketable skills that will shape your career.

Aligning Your Passion with a Paycheck

Your choice of specialization can directly impact your career path and earning potential. As the data below shows, salaries for communication professionals can vary significantly based on the industry they enter. A PR specialist working for the government, for instance, has a higher median salary than one working in education or healthcare.

• Public Relations: Focuses on managing reputation and communication for brands and organizations.
• Journalism: Emphasizes ethical reporting, storytelling, and news gathering for various platforms.
• Digital and Social Media: Centers on content creation, online community management, and digital marketing campaigns.
• Strategic Communication: A broad focus on designing long-term communication plans to help an organization achieve its goals.

Even highly creative fields like the fastest online animation degree programs benefit from this kind of strategic focus.

How to Choose the Best Online Media Communication Degree Program

The best program is always the one that best fits your specific career goals, budget, and learning preferences. While school rankings published by news outlets can be a starting point, they don't tell the whole story and should never be the only factor in your decision.

Your goal is to look past the marketing and find the program that will give you the specific skills and support you need to succeed.

Your Decision Checklist

Use this practical checklist to evaluate and compare schools. This will help you make a confident choice based on substance.

• Verify accreditation. This is the most important step and should always be your first check. Make sure the school is regionally accredited, as this ensures your degree will be respected by employers and other institutions.
• Investigate the faculty. Look up the professors in the communication department. You want instructors who have recent, real-world experience in the fields they are teaching.
• Review the curriculum. Does the program offer the courses and specializations that align with your career ambitions? Don't be afraid to request a detailed course catalog.
• Ask about career support. Find out what kind of career services the school provides. Look for dedicated internship placement support, portfolio reviews, and an active alumni network.

Following this approach helps ensure you select a program as career-focused and adaptable as the shortest online master of communication management degree.

Could an MFA in Creative Writing Be a Better Option for My Career Goals?

For professionals whose primary passion is storytelling through literature and creative expression, a specialized program may offer a more focused trajectory than a broad media communication curriculum. Evaluating the distinct methodologies, industry partnerships, and creative portfolio development processes in each pathway is essential. For those interested in pursuing a literary craft, exploring the most affordable online MFA creative writing programs can provide tailored instruction and immersive practice in creative writing without sacrificing quality.

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

A career in communication typically progresses from a hands-on, tactical role to a more strategic leadership position over time. For example, you might begin your career as a Communications Coordinator and eventually grow into a role like Director of Corporate Communications.

An online media communication degree gives you the versatile skills to explore different branches of the field as your interests and opportunities evolve throughout your career.

From First Job to Leadership

A common 10-year career path might look like this: You start as a Social Media Specialist, get promoted to Content Strategist, then move into a Marketing Manager role, and eventually become a Marketing Director. Top companies like McKinsey & Company, HP, and Amazon are known to hire communication graduates for high-paying roles.

The average age for a communications manager is 41, which shows a clear and viable path for long-term career growth. Many professionals aspire to the role of Chief Communications Officer (CCO), a senior executive position. You can also find niche paths, for instance by pursuing a fast-track online bachelor's degree in entertainment business.

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

The job market for skilled communication professionals is healthy and growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for public relations specialists is projected to grow 6% through 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

This growth is expected to result in about 27,100 new job openings for PR specialists each year over the next decade, showing a clear and sustained demand for these skills.

Staying Competitive in a Dynamic Field

While the job market is strong, it is also competitive. A degree is essential, but a compelling portfolio of your work and sharp, current skills are what will truly set you apart. Many people wonder if AI will replace communication jobs, but the reality is more complex.

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

Other Things You Should Know About Online Media Communication Degree Programs

Can you get an internship with an online media communication degree?

Yes, you can get an internship while studying online. Most accredited universities have career services departments that help online students find and apply for internships. These opportunities can be in your local area to provide hands-on experience or can even be remote internships, which are increasingly common in the communications field.

What technology do you need for an online media communication degree?

You will need a reliable computer and a stable, high-speed internet connection for any online degree. Specific requirements often include standard word processing and presentation software. Some creative courses may require access to design programs like the Adobe Creative Suite, which many universities offer to students at a significant discount.

How do you network in an online degree program?

Networking is an active part of online learning. You build connections through virtual class discussions, collaborative group projects, and by interacting with professors during virtual office hours. Many programs also have dedicated alumni networks on platforms like LinkedIn and host virtual career fairs, helping you build your professional circle.

Is this degree good preparation for graduate school?

Yes, a bachelor's degree in media communication from an accredited university is excellent preparation for graduate school. The program's focus on research, critical analysis, and strong writing skills builds a solid foundation for master's programs in communication, journalism, public relations, marketing, or even for law school.