Online communications programs may teach students how to convey messages through a variety of mediums, including print, radio, and television. These programs are best suited for individuals who have strong problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Communications degree programs are available at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels, while certain schools offer a certificate option.

Students who graduate with a degree or certificate in communications may seek employment in a myriad of settings, including publishing, public relations, politics, and advertising. These online programs may provide students with an opportunity to seek a career as a translator, copywriter, public relations specialist, radio announcer, or broadcast technician.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An online certificate in communications program may help to develop a students’ basic communication abilities, such as public speaking, interpersonal and written skills. Students learn how to utilize these skills and apply them for future employment. Coursework may include ethics, corporate communication, public speaking, and public relations principles.

Online associate-level communications degrees may provide students with a solid foundation in the field, enabling them to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, or seek entry-level employment. The associate-level program may focus on enhancing students’ media, intercultural, and interpersonal communication skills. Courses may include mass communications, social media studies and communication tools.

Students enrolled in an online baccalaureate degree in communications learn what role language plays in establishing different communities, as well as how to analyze and fix communication breakdowns, and how to use communication technologies. These programs may teach students how to communicate with clients, coworkers, and the public. In addition to general education requirements, students may complete courses in desktop publishing, social media, international communication, new communication technology, and public speaking.

Online master’s-level programs in communications tend to be research-heavy and provide students with the tools to stay up-to-date with communication trends and utilize them in real-world situations. Some programs offer areas of concentration, including public relations or media and marketing. Typical coursework may include law and ethics, communication and media, communication theory, and personal branding.

Although not as common as other online communications programs, an online doctoral-level program in communications may focus on the research and technical side of the field. Students may learn about quantitative and qualitative research applications, historical trends in communication, rhetorical theory, and publications management.

Career Options

Online communications programs may provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a multitude of industries, including advertising, public relations, journalism, politics, and conflict resolution. Individuals pursuing a career in communications may benefit from internships or working at a school’s newspaper, broadcast channel, or other media outlet. Those who earn a communications degree may know how to effectively produce and distribute messages whether through print, broadcast, or social media.

Possible career fields include:

• Public Relations Specialist
• Radio Announcer
• Copywriter
• Broadcast Technician
• Translator