Bachelor’s in Communications Degree
Bachelor’s in Communications Degree
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Interpersonal and organizational communication is the foundation of human societies. As a communications degree major at Grand Canyon University, you will explore the principles and best practices of communication exchanges. The BA in Communications is offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at GCU. It examines interpersonal and organizational communications, with an emphasis on the latter to help prepare you to pursue your professional objectives.
You will be immersed within an academically stimulating learning environment that encourages you to tackle communication challenges head-on and work toward personal and professional growth. This program examines effective communication strategies across different settings and situations while addressing professional ethics.
The comprehensive curriculum in this bachelor’s in communications degree program offers numerous opportunities for thoughtful reflection and skills development.
GCU’s online learning platform can provide greater accessibility to your coursework, which may offer more convenience and flexibility as you pursue higher education. As an online student, you can enjoy interactions with peers and instructors, and the same quality of instruction as our on-campus students.
In addition to the digital format, this degree in Communications is available via in-person classes for those who seek a traditional on-campus college experience. As an on-campus student, you will be immersed within our faith-based campus environment, which offers numerous and ongoing opportunities to reaffirm your faith through worship activities, peer groups and community service initiatives.
This degree program integrates a research-based approach into the curriculum, which is designed to provide you with a thorough framework for achieving your personal and professional goals. Beyond having opportunities to become an effective communicator and presenter of ideas, you will be taught key advocacy and conflict-resolution skills. This will involve exploring small group exchanges, public relations fundamentals, critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making.
Some of the core concepts that are integral to the communications degree program include the following:
The principles and elements of argumentation and advocacy
The fundamentals of public relations
Conflict and negotiation communication in interpersonal, organizational and international contexts
Communication research design, implementation and interpretation
As a private Christian university, GCU emphasizes the role of ethics in decision-making and business leadership. You are encouraged to explore the Christian worldview and understand how it applies to everyday situations. The instructors will help guide you in considering how to become an effective servant leader.
Some of the additional core competencies you will examine as a communications major include the following:
GCU strives to graduate work-ready professionals who are fully equipped to apply best practices in communications across a variety of settings and industries. You will be expected to develop foundational skills that are applicable to a wide range of professional functions, including public relations, sales and marketing, human resources and political communications.
Some of the skills you will be taught in this degree program include the following:
How to improve relational quality through communications
How to thoroughly analyze the effectiveness of a communications campaign
The implementation of communications theories in everyday situations
The development of leadership skills
Skills taught in a communications degree program can help enhance career paths across many fields and areas of expertise. Regardless of your career direction, you can continue to develop and apply your communication skills in diverse situations and settings.
An in-person or online communications degree can help lay the foundation for pursuing careers across various fields, industries and roles including:
Public relations specialist
Public relations manager
Broadcast announcer
Radio disc jockey
Media and communication worker
Median annual wage for media and communication occupations as of May 2023(See disclaimer 1)
Our instructors are qualified individuals who are knowledgeable in their fields. We prioritize the quality of our education with the intention of preparing our graduates to tackle modern challenges across every industry. GCU is proud to be continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Learn more about earning your bachelor’s degree in communications with our answers to these frequently asked questions.
Is a BA or BS in Communications better?
Is a bachelor’s degree in communications worth it?
Why is a communications degree important?
How much can you earn with a communications degree?
Is a communications degree hard?
Use a communications degree to pursue a variety of careers across industries.
Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).
