Communication Studies
Program Overview
When employers are asked what they look for in new hires, communication skills top the list every time. The key to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies is flexibility. The curriculum allows students to design an individual communication-based program of coursework that prepares them for the future. The Communication Studies major provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed across professional industries - from the government to business to nonprofits and education. The program’s mission is to teach students to communicate effectively, lead responsibly, understand how communication affects identities, communities, and cultures, think analytically, and reason critically.
The School of Communication Studies offers the Bachelor of Arts degree fully online and features flexibility and choice. Students create a personalized plan of study tailored to their specific academic interests and career goals in areas such as global and intercultural communication, advocacy, social media, corporate communication and workplace consulting, presentational and motivational speaking, campaign design, and more.
Students may apply early to several master’s degree programs and double count 9 credit hours of graduate courses towards both degree programs. See the Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree Program Policy in the University Catalog for more information.
There are many study abroad/away opportunities. For more information contact the Office of Global Education or the coordinator of the college’s International Study Programs.
Graduation Requirements:
- Minimum Overall GPA 2.0000; Minimum Major GPA 2.250
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Display competence in verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
- Advocate courses of action to stimulate improved decision-making.
- Influence others through demonstrated presentational speaking skills.
- Communicate ethically.
- Foster inclusive dialogues and tailor messages that respect diversity, empower others and bring about social change.
- Articulate creative, effective, and evidence-based solutions to communication problems.
- Coordinate action, solve problems, foster well-being, engage in critical thinking, and participate in civic life.
- Communicate effectively in a technological, multicultural, and global society to bring about meaningful social change.
- Apply information and media literacy in an effective and ethical manner.
Program Structure
- 120 minimum total credits: 40 program requirements, 34 Kent Core credits, 37 general elective credits, and 9 CCI core elective credits
- Communication Studies-General concentration comprises 6 credits of Communication Studies (COMM) electives, and 12 credits of Communication Studies (COMM) upper-division electives (30000 or 40000 level)
- Applied Communication concentration
Admissions Requirements
The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents, and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.
First-Year Students on the Kent Campus: The first-year admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon cumulative grade point average, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. Students not admissible to the Kent Campus may be administratively referred to one of the seven regional campuses to begin their college coursework. For more information, visit the admissions website for first-year students..
First-Year Students on the Regional Campuses: First-year admission to Kent State’s campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas, as well as the Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg, is open to anyone with a high school diploma or its equivalent. Check with a regional campus admissions office to determine application requirements, as they may differ among campuses.
International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency unless they meet specific exceptions. For more information, visit the admissions website for international students.
Transfer Students: Students who have attended any other educational institution after graduating from high school must apply as undergraduate transfer students. For more information, visit the admissions website for transfer students.
Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $575.70 | $1,727.10 | $50,700 full-time1 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $585.70 | $1,757.10 | $50,800-$50,900 full-time2 |
1The flat-rate semester fee of $6,336.70 applies to full-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester. This program is calculated at 8 semesters. For part-time semesters: The $575.10 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $6,336.70 applies to full-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 12-18 credit hours, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credits taken (between 12-18 semester credits or $120-$180). This program is calculated at 8 semesters. For part-time semesters: The $585.70 per-credit-hour tuition rate applies to part-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Total program cost based on Tuition Guarantee Program for a full-time student taking 12-18 credit hours for 8 semesters. Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs please contact the One Stop for Student Services at 330-672-6000, or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
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