Communication, BS
Program Description
The BS program in communication focuses on how message processes create, maintain and transform identities, relationships, workplaces and communities. This degree program provides a liberal arts grounding and a social science focus. The courses and activities allow students to explore many fascinating questions, such as:
- In what ways can messages convince people to eliminate negative health behaviors?
- When, how and why do cultural differences make it difficult to communicate?
- Why are some topics difficult to discuss and consistently lead to conflict?
- Why do people differ in how committed they are to their work?
- Why do some relationships flourish while others fade away?
Through rigorous coursework and rewarding applied experiences, students gain effective communication skills that are highly sought by employers. Students learn to write and speak effectively and to convey complex ideas simply, preparing them for employment in a variety of career fields as well as for graduate study.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
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Math Intensity:
General
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Students who have attended ASU in the past and are returning to the university with transfer credit must have a minimum 2.00 ASU cumulative GPA in order to be admitted into the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search 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 help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
Current ASU students who would like to change their major to communication must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Communication, MA
Are you ready for the next step in your career? Do you want to improve your communication and leadership skills? In this program, learn how to manage conflict, persuade others, and articulate complex ideas clearly. Effective communication is the skill most associated with professional and personal success.
Website | Locations: ONLNE
Global Management, MGM
This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings where you can gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.
Website | Locations: DTPHX,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates often attend leading graduate schools in communication, law or business schools, or find gainful employment in careers in the areas of:
- campaign management
- counseling
- event planning
- health care management
- human resource management
- intercultural relations
- marketing
- nonprofit management
- public relations
- sales
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Advocate
- Growth: 8.6%
- Median Salary*: $38,520
Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)
- Growth: 7.2%
- Median Salary*: $59,990
Community Health Worker
- Growth: 14.1%
- Median Salary*: $46,190
Compliance Manager
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: $128,620
Freelance Writer
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: $73,150
Marketing Associate
- Growth: 1.9%
- Median Salary*: $127,830
Medical and Health Services Manager
- Growth: 28.4%
- Median Salary*: $104,830
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)
- Growth: 5.9%
- Median Salary*: $129,430
Public Relations Specialist
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $67,440
Social Services Director
- Growth: 9.1%
- Median Salary*: $74,240
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.