Online communication degree completion programs can bring transfer credits in writing, media, business and humanities into a focused bachelor’s plan. The choices here include general communication, strategic communication, and communication and media studies. Compare the exact BA or BS, final portfolio or project, and supporting requirements before turning an accepted credit total into a completion schedule.
Communication degree completion programs may emphasize strategic messages, media practice, theory or a broad liberal arts curriculum. Compare those requirements with the courses you already have and the work you want to complete next.
This shortlist includes 20 online degree offerings at 20 colleges. Compare transfer credit policies with the requirements of your chosen major. Check each program’s schedule and any laboratory, fieldwork, or campus commitments before enrolling.
How we select programs
We select online communication bachelor’s options with published transfer routes and identifiable final requirements. Exact BA and BS choices, communication focus and supporting courses shape the comparison. Quarter credits retain their stated units throughout the evaluation.
Submit the application and official transcripts for the university's transfer-credit determination.
The programs, with context
Online Communication Degree Programs and Transfer Credit Requirements
Two Concentrations and a Senior Portfolio
American Public University System
BA in Communication
OnlineTransfer entry route
American Public University's communication degree lets you choose between digital communication and media design or strategic communication. That distinction gives returning students a practical way to compare prior media, writing or organizational coursework. The digital route includes web, mobile and visual communication, while the strategic route considers audiences and stakeholders. A senior portfolio brings work from the major together, providing a clear final requirement to discuss with an advisor.
Before you apply: The portfolio requires senior standing, the communication research course and completion of the major courses. Place those prerequisites on your schedule before selecting a final term.
Cincinnati combines communication theory and research with persuasion, interpersonal communication and the analysis of media. Its online BA accepts up to 90 applicable transfer credits and publishes separate admission routes for students above and below 24 semester credits. That makes it useful for a returning student who wants to check both entry eligibility and degree structure. Asynchronous classes provide scheduling flexibility, while the final capstone has a specific seasonal constraint.
Before you apply: The capstone is offered in fall semesters. Include the required foreign-language or cultural-study credits and the science laboratory requirement when asking for a realistic remaining-course plan.
Where You Start
Applicants with at least 24 semester or 36 quarter credits need a 2.0 college GPA. Those below that threshold also need the published high school GPA requirement of 2.7 unweighted or 2.9 weighted.
Transfer Credits
Up to 90 applicable transfer credits toward the degree.
Degree Requirements
120 total credits, including general education, communication requirements, and 10–12 foreign-language or cultural-study credits.
Study Schedule
Asynchronous online courses with spring, summer and fall entry; the capstone is offered in fall.
More About the Curriculum +
Communication study:Courses address theory, persuasion, interpersonal communication and media analysis.
Foundation courses:Business communication and communication theory must be completed previously or during the initial semester.
Final-term planning:The capstone's fall-only schedule can affect the order of remaining coursework.
A Communication BA With Liberal Arts Supporting Study
University of Louisville
BA in Communication
OnlineTransfer entry route
Louisville's Communication BA pairs 36 communication core credits with 35 supporting-course credits, including foreign-language and liberal arts study. The university also offers a BS, but the structures differ, so this comparison uses the BA specifically. Its published breakdown helps a returning student inspect how earlier humanities and communication classes might fit. The online courses are asynchronous and follow standard terms, making a semester-by-semester review particularly useful.
Before you apply: The BA requires 121 credits. Do not substitute the university's BS requirements: that degree has a larger communication core and a required internship that differs from the BA structure.
Where You Start
Transfer applicants with at least 24 credits generally need a 2.0 college GPA. Below 24 credits, additional high school and testing or test-optional review requirements apply.
Transfer Credits
Have earlier college work evaluated against the BA's general education, Arts and Sciences, communication and supporting-course requirements.
Degree Requirements
121 total credits: 31 general education, 19 Arts and Sciences, 36 communication core and 35 supporting-course credits.
Study Schedule
Asynchronous online coursework in standard terms.
More About the Curriculum +
BA structure:The communication BA includes 36 core credits and 35 supporting-course credits.
Supporting study:Foreign-language and liberal arts coursework forms part of the BA's degree structure.
BA and BS distinction:The separate BS has a 48-credit communication core and a required internship; compare the exact award's plan.
UA Grantham's Strategic Communication BA centers its subject more narrowly than a general communication degree. Courses address interpersonal communication, public speaking, conflict, business communication and public relations. A public relations project asks students to develop and implement a communication plan. For a returning student with earlier business or media classes, these named requirements offer a useful starting point for comparing course content and deciding which kind of communication study to finish.
Before you apply: Up to 75% of the degree may transfer. Ask how previous business, writing and media courses apply to the strategic communication requirements, especially the public relations project sequence.
Communication and Media Study in a Quarter-Credit System
Eastern Oregon University
BS in Communication and Media Studies
OnlineTransfer entry route
Eastern Oregon combines communication principles with media and professional practice. The online program offers BA and BS routes; this listing selects the BS, whose supporting requirements emphasize science rather than the BA's language requirement. An optional public relations concentration adds campaign and social media coursework. The school's transfer tools and published maximum provide a starting point, while the quarter-credit system needs careful attention in comparisons.
Before you apply: The degree requires 180 quarter credits and allows up to 135 quarter credits in transfer. At least 20 EOU credits are required in the major; keep these units separate from semester credits.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review of previous college coursework for the online Communication and Media Studies BS.
Transfer Credits
Up to 135 quarter credits may transfer. EOU's registrar explains quarter and semester credit conversion.
Degree Requirements
180 quarter credits, including the BS requirements and at least 20 EOU credits in the major.
Study Schedule
The program is offered fully online.
More About the Curriculum +
Communication and media:Study includes public speaking, interpersonal communication, digital media, theory and professional ethics.
Public relations option:An optional concentration includes public relations techniques, campaigns and social media.
BS distinction:The BS uses science supporting requirements; the alternative BA includes a foreign-language requirement.
Purdue Global combines communication courses with a substantial elective component, giving returning students a reason to examine where earlier coursework fits. Its BS also offers business foundations, digital communication and public relations concentrations. Compare the concentration plan with the general degree before choosing the courses you still need.
Before you apply: The degree uses quarter credits; convert earlier semester credits before comparing totals.
Park's Organizational Communication BA puts workplace relationships and leadership at the center of the remaining major. Its liberal arts structure also requires a minor and language study. Students bringing business, writing or humanities credits should ask for a plan that evaluates those supporting requirements alongside the communication major.
Before you apply: Include the minor and language requirement when estimating remaining coursework.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Columbia Southern publishes a 90-credit transfer ceiling for its Communication BS, making it a useful option to evaluate with a substantial college record. The curriculum combines media literacy, professional writing and organizational communication. Its large elective block deserves a separate review from the required communication courses when calculating a finish.
Before you apply: The transfer maximum does not establish how many of your credits satisfy this major.
Where You Start
Previous coursework may be reviewed against the program's transfer allowance.
WGU's Communications BS connects communication study with business strategy and applied projects. Students build work such as audience analysis and crisis communication plans before completing a project with an organization. A returning student should compare the official transfer evaluation with the remaining competencies and the time available for independent study.
Before you apply: WGU's associate-degree transfer illustration is an estimate, not an individual evaluation.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Colorado State's Communication Studies BA combines rhetoric, media and interpersonal communication in an online liberal arts degree. For someone returning with general education completed, the upper-division requirements are a key planning question. Ask how earlier communication courses fit the major and which advanced courses must be completed through CSU.
Before you apply: Meeting the total credit requirement also requires completing the specified upper-division work.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Media Production: Media Innovation
OnlineTransfer entry route
Washington State's Media Innovation major leads to a BA in Journalism and Media Production. It pairs communication foundations with multimedia creation, mobile media and web usability. Students with earlier media or writing courses can evaluate a practical production route while checking the prerequisites for entry into advanced communication coursework.
Before you apply: This is a journalism and media production award; check its fit with your communication goals.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Degree Requirements
120 credits, including at least 30 through WSU and 40 at the upper-division level.
More About the Curriculum +
Production Coursework:The curriculum includes multimedia content creation and writing in communication.
Digital Media:Major work covers mobile media, web design and usability, and communication technology.
Professional Context:Students study media law, ethics and intercultural communication.
North Dakota's Communication BA lets students focus their remaining study on areas such as strategic communication, public relations or digital journalism. The major includes a senior capstone and approved experience credits. Those requirements give returning students concrete projects to plan alongside the general education and elective credits on their evaluation.
Before you apply: The optional International/Intercultural specialization adds language proficiency and study abroad requirements.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Bemidji State combines campaign planning with media production in its Marketing Communication BS. A portfolio and internship make the remaining degree more than a collection of online courses. Students transferring business, communication or general education work should compare those credits with both sides of this interdisciplinary major.
Before you apply: Plan for the required internship as well as the online coursework.
Minnesota State Mankato's online Communication and Media BS is an explicit completion route for students with an associate degree or the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum. Its major progresses through foundation, advanced and senior seminars. The required minor adds an important decision for students whose earlier coursework spans several disciplines.
Before you apply: Departmental major and minor courses cannot be double-counted; review both parts of the plan.
Where You Start
Online delivery requires an associate degree or completion of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum.
More About the Curriculum +
Major Size:The communication and media major requires 36 credits.
Seminar Sequence:Students complete Foundation Seminar, Advanced Seminar and Senior Capstone Seminar.
Minor Requirement:A minor is required in addition to the major.
St. Cloud State brings communication studies, English and mass communication into one Professional Communication BA. The catalog identifies asynchronous online delivery and a curriculum with workplace communication, a capstone and internship. Students returning with writing or media credits can ask how those courses apply across the interdisciplinary requirements.
Before you apply: Arrange the internship requirement while planning the remaining online classes.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Degree Requirements
120 degree credits; the program lists 45–47 credits.
Missouri State's online Communication Studies BS pairs its major with a required minor. That structure may be useful when earlier college work includes a second subject you want to continue. Review the communication coursework and an available online minor together before estimating how much of the bachelor's remains.
Before you apply: Online general education science labs are limited; confirm any outstanding lab requirements.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Appalachian State's online Advertising BS offers a focused communication route for students interested in campaigns and brand messages. It accepts transfer applicants and includes a minor. Earlier marketing, media or writing courses are worth evaluating against this specific advertising curriculum before choosing it as a degree-completion option.
Before you apply: Coursework requires creating and managing social media accounts and posting assigned content.
UA Little Rock's Applied Communication BA has an online degree option centered on using communication concepts in real situations. Students analyze cases, consider ethical messages and work with stakeholder perspectives. For returning students, the class format deserves attention alongside the transfer evaluation because the department also offers synchronous and hybrid sections.
Before you apply: Confirm section meeting times; some classes use live Zoom or other synchronous formats.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
ASU's Communication BS emphasizes quantitative research, surveys and evidence-based messages. Its online curriculum gives students with earlier communication or social science coursework a data-oriented direction for finishing. Compare the research and analysis requirements with your transcript, then consider the applied projects and internship opportunities within the remaining plan.
Before you apply: The BS emphasizes quantitative work; ASU's separate Communication BA has different requirements.
Where You Start
Request a transfer review using official transcripts from your previous colleges.
Mizzou's online Communication BA publishes a course plan that helps returning students identify the remaining core and electives. Public speaking, research methods, persuasion and professional writing anchor the major. The admissions office evaluates official transcripts, while the degree's online courses allow students to complete the academic work without campus visits.
Before you apply: Course availability can change; confirm the sequence for your chosen electives before fixing a graduation date.
Where You Start
Submit the application and official transcripts for the university's transfer-credit determination.
Degree Requirements
120 credits for the degree.
More About the Curriculum +
Major Plan:The published course plan includes 15 required communication credits and 15 elective credits.
Core Coursework:Study public speaking, research methods, professional communication and persuasion.
Online Delivery:The program's courses are online with no required campus visits.
Organize your previous college credits in the degree planner, then take your course list and questions to a school’s transfer advisor. The school’s evaluation determines which credits count toward your degree.
Compare Communication Transfer Credits for the BA and BS
Louisville offers both awards, but this list uses its BA with 36 communication core credits and 35 supporting-course credits. Its BS has a different core and a required internship. Eastern Oregon also offers both; the BS selected here uses science supporting requirements, while the BA includes a language requirement.
Ask for a transfer-credit evaluation for the exact award. Prior humanities or science courses may meet different requirements in a BA and a BS, even when both degrees sit within the same communication department. Compare the supporting courses still needed alongside the remaining communication major.
Keep the Capstone Calendar in Your Completion Estimate
Cincinnati's communication capstone is offered in fall semesters. A student finishing other requirements in spring therefore needs to check the timing of that final course. At American Public University, the senior portfolio requires the communication research course, senior standing and completion of all major courses.
When comparing communication degree completion programs, build the schedule backward from the final experience. Confirm the prerequisite courses first, then decide whether a proposed start date and course load produce the finish you expect.
Compare Credit Units and the Kind of Communication Work
Eastern Oregon lists 180 quarter credits for the degree and up to 135 in transfer. Keep those units separate from the semester-credit totals used elsewhere; its registrar explains conversion during transfer. Louisville's current Communication BA requires 121 credits, another reason to use each school's actual plan.
Then compare the work itself. UA Grantham centers strategic communication and a public relations project, while American Public University offers digital and strategic concentrations. A generous transfer allowance should support the curriculum you want to finish.
Questions About Communication Degree Completion Programs
Can I Transfer Into Communication Degree Completion Programs?+
Yes. American Public University permits up to 90 approved transfer credits, and Cincinnati lists up to 90 applicable credits. Eastern Oregon uses a separate quarter-credit system. Each school evaluates placement within its own requirements.
Is Strategic Communication the Same Award as Communication?+
UA Grantham's award is specifically a BA in Strategic Communication, with public relations and organizational communication study. The broader Communication degrees and Eastern Oregon's Communication and Media Studies degree have their own required curricula.
Does Louisville's Online Communication BA Require 120 Credits?+
The current program page lists 121 credits for the BA. It separates general education, Arts and Sciences, communication core and supporting courses. Use that full BA structure in a transcript evaluation.
EOU uses quarter credits. Its 180-credit degree and 135-credit transfer maximum should not be compared as if they were semester credits. The registrar explains quarter and semester conversion for transfer review.
Which Communication Degree Completion Programs Have Seasonal Capstones?+
Cincinnati states that its capstone is offered in fall semesters. Include that calendar constraint when planning the remaining courses, even if your transfer evaluation leaves only a small total to complete.
Program details come from the schools’ own degree, admission, transfer, and tuition pages. Program selection follows the criteria stated above. Each school determines how your previous coursework applies.