Communications Degrees Online

Grow Communication Skills That Apply in Many Industries

Online communication degrees can equip students with skills that translate across industries. Communication professionals play an essential role in any field, responsible for crafting persuasive messages, engaging audiences and facilitating collaborations. These degrees can help you to develop practical and theoretical communication abilities and explore how to convey ideas clearly and navigate group dynamics. Whether you’re interested in public speaking, marketing, content creation or interpersonal communication, you can position yourself for the demands of diverse career paths with Grand Canyon University’s communications degrees online. 

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Bachelor’s

The BA in Communications focuses on developing essential communication skills for a global environment. Students are taught to create persuasive messages, analyze communication strategies and navigate ethical considerations. The program covers advocacy, conflict resolution and public relations while providing practical experience in group dynamics and communication campaign analysis.

Within the communications program there is an emphasis track available in interpersonal communication and human relations. This area of study allows you to focus on honing your skills in conflict resolution, relationship-building and collaboration, ideal for roles focused on human interaction. 

Master’s

The Master of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Education is tailored for those interested in applying communication theory in academic environments, particularly at the college level. While it doesn’t lead to teacher licensure, the program’s focused curriculum benefits students aspiring to teach at two-year or four-year institutions, both on campus and online. Some universities may require a doctoral degree to qualify for full-time or tenure-track teaching positions at the collegiate level.

This master’s program blends theory with pedagogical strategies, covering adult learning, ethics in messaging and digital media literature. Through practical coursework and case studies, students are taught to craft messages, evaluate communication campaigns and engage diverse audiences within an educational context. The skills acquired can be applied to corporate training, nonprofit outreach or communication-centered careers.

Certificates

The Graduate Certificate in Communication is for professionals aiming to enhance their communication skills, particularly within academic settings. This online program may be ideal for those with a graduate degree who seek to meet the requirements to teach communication courses at the undergraduate level. Students explore advanced communication concepts and refine their instructional abilities, critical thinking and leadership skills. 

Career Possibilities After Graduation

Graduates of our online communication programs may have the opportunity to pursue various career paths in business, media, education and public service. The curriculum is structured to help students develop essential communication skills applicable to content creation, strategic communication, education, and media relations roles.

Here are some career paths that align well with a communication degree:

  • Public relations specialist
  • Reporter or journalist
  • Postsecondary communications teacher
  • Editor, writer or author

$70,300

Media annual wage for media and communication occupations in May 20241

Frequently Asked Questions

Considering Grand Canyon University’s online communication degrees? This section answers common questions about the programs and how an online degree can support your goals. 

Pursuing an online communication degree may be a worthwhile choice for individuals seeking flexibility while acquiring skills that are applicable across various industries. These programs cover strategies for effective messaging, collaboration and audience engagement, which are valued in professional environments. With the convenience of online learning, students can continue their education while managing other life commitments. 

GCU’s online communication degrees offer a solid foundation in strategic messaging and critical thinking. The bachelor’s program aims to equip students to apply communication theory, analyze campaign effectiveness and enhance relational and organizational communication. The master’s program, with a focus on education, explores adult learning theory, media literacy and ethical messaging to help students position themselves for potential teaching roles at the postsecondary level. Note that some universities require a doctoral degree to teach at the collegiate level. The graduate certificate can help deepen knowledge of interpersonal theory, communication ethics and media impact in diverse contexts. 

Writing is a component of learning to communicate effectively. Students pursuing an online communication degree will engage in a variety of writing assignments. These may include research papers, analytical essays, persuasive messages and content creation and other assignment methods. These assignments help students develop clarity, precision and strategic thinking in written communication — valuable skills for media, marketing, business and other careers. 

Choose GCU’s Online Degrees in Communications

Grand Canyon University’s online degrees in communications can help you develop skills in conflict resolution, digital media and business communication. Benefit from flexible online learning and supportive faculty as you are taught to apply communication strategies for professional settings. We provide a supporting virtual learning environment with online resources, interactive learning tools and access to tutoring for undergraduate students and career services. If you’re interested in honing business communication skills, check out our communication degrees. 

Admission requirements for online communication degrees can vary based on the program level. Whether you are a first-time college student, transferring credits or returning to complete your degree, our university counselors are here to guide you every step of the way. To learn more about what you need to start your journey in communication, please visit our admission requirements page or complete the form to connect with a university counselor.

Grand Canyon University has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. This ongoing accreditation demonstrates our commitment to providing quality academic programs and maintaining rigorous standards in higher education. The College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers GCU’s online communication degrees, adheres to these principles established by our accrediting bodies.

Our students are supported by an engaging and user-friendly Learning Management System that can help you stay connected while learning online. This interactive platform provides access to course materials, discussion boards, digital textbooks and assignment calendars. You will be able to collaborate with classmates on group projects and easily reach out to instructors with questions. GCU also offers access to technical support, student services counselors, online tutoring for undergraduate students and research tools, creating a comprehensive virtual environment.

6%

Estimated job growth for public relations specialists expected from 2023-20332

Online Student Resources

Grand Canyon University students pursuing communication degrees online through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences can access resources demonstrating our commitment to academic excellence and meaningful connections, regardless of the learning format. Guided by a Christian worldview, our programs recognize the purpose and dignity of every learner, helping students develop their potential as effective communicators and global contributors to their communities and industries.

Online learners benefit from experienced faculty, personalized academic support and flexible, accommodating scheduling. GCU also offers competitive tuition rates for online and evening programs as well as scholarships and grant opportunities for those who qualify. With access to virtual libraries, online tutoring, student services and engaging digital classrooms, the online experience is crafted to support you as you confidently pursue your communication degree.

1 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Media and Communication Occupations as of May 2024, retrieved April 11, 2025. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2024 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as media and communications workers, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.

2 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Public Relations Specialists, retrieved April 11, 2025.

Boost your voice and communication skills with GCU.