Communication, BA
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
-
Math Intensity:
General
- Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
Required Courses (Major Map)
Program Description
The BA program in communication focuses on how message processes create, maintain and transform identities, relationships, workplaces and communities.
This program provides a culturally based liberal arts focus with a second language requirement. Such courses and activities allow students to explore many fascinating questions, such as how messages can optimally advocate for a cause, sports team or organization; how people can communicate creatively in a variety of settings and styles; how valid messages differ from invalid messages; how and why cultural differences make communication difficult; and why some topics are difficult to discuss and consistently lead to conflict.
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 are able to convey complex ideas simply. They are prepared for employment in communication-intensive fields or 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.
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
Website | Locations: 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 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:
Social and Human Service Assistants
- Growth: 8.6%
- Median Salary*: 38520
Health Education Specialists
- Growth: 7.2%
- Median Salary*: 59990
Community Health Workers
- Growth: 14.1%
- Median Salary*: 46190
Compliance Managers
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 128620
Poets, Lyricists and Creative Writers
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: 73150
Advertising and Promotions Managers
- Growth: 1.9%
- Median Salary*: 127830
Medical and Health Services Managers
- Growth: 28.4%
- Median Salary*: 104830
Public Relations Managers
- Growth: 5.9%
- Median Salary*: 129430
Public Relations Specialists
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 67440
Social and Community Service Managers
- Growth: 9.1%
- Median Salary*: 74240
* 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 more than 300 Global Education programs options available, students may engage in a unique and exciting opportunity to gain intercultural experience through international programs of study which they are able to tailor according to their experience and their unique 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 are able to 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 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. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
- communication@asu.edu
- 480/965-5095