Communication, BA
Program Description
This communication degree program emphasizes qualitative research and human-centered inquiry. Through methods such as interviews, focus groups, ethnography, and discourse analysis, students learn to explore lived experiences, uncover patterns of meaning, and gain deep insight into how people connect and communicate.
Alongside research training, students 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, 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.
- Location: or
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: Yes
- Math Intensity: General
- Initial Math Course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman
Transfer
International
Readmission
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.
Students who are transferring into ASU must meet current university admission requirements.
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 the BA in 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 Studies
Website | Locations: WEST
Communication
Website | Locations: ONLNE
Public Administration
Website | Locations: DTPHX,HAINA,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 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 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:
Community Health Workers
- Growth: 11.3%
- Median Salary*: $51,030.00
Training and Development Specialists
- Growth: 10.8%
- Median Salary*: $65,850.00
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $59,440.00
Human Resources Managers
- Growth: 5%
- Median Salary*: $140,030.00
Medical and Health Services Managers
- Growth: 23.2%
- Median Salary*: $117,960.00
Public Relations Managers
- Growth: 5%
- Median Salary*: $138,520.00
Public Relations Specialists
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $69,780.00
Sales Managers
- Growth: 4.7%
- Median Salary*: $138,060.00
Social and Community Service Managers
- Growth: 6.4%
- Median Salary*: $78,240.00
Travel Agents
- Growth: 2.2%
- Median Salary*: $48,450.00
* 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 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.
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.
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. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- [email protected]
- 480/965-5095