Communication, BS

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)

As you explore the complex role of human communication in everyday life, you gain the critical analytical skills that will be valuable assets in whichever direction you wish to go in life.

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.

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission

Additional Requirements

Students who have previously attended 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.

Transfer additional requirements

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 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:

Global Management

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

Communication

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

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:

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).

Bright Outlook |

Green Occupation

Global Opportunities

Global Experience

With over 300 options available, Global Education programs allow students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students may engage in a unique and exciting opportunity to gain intercultural experience through tailored international programs of study. Students improve language and cross-cultural skills for effective communication, develop critical teamwork and problem-solving skills, and expand their knowledge of the liberal arts through lenses of different cultures.

Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in communication 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