College of Communication and Information
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Course Delivery
100% online
Total Credits
120
Approximate Tuition Cost
$49,900
Degree Features
Design your own individual communication-based program
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. This concentration is appropriate for those who have diverse academic interests. It permits students to take courses across the schools in the College of Communication and Information and provides space for electives that students could use to pursue a minor in another discipline.
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.
Program Concentrations:
Applied Communication
This concentration allows students to gain expertise in organizational communication, advanced presentational speaking, professional writing, and visual design. Students combine theoretical knowledge and technical skills while mastering professional tasks such as conducting training seminars, creating web content, designing promotional materials, managing communication campaigns, and writing press releases.
Communication Studies - General
This concentration 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. This concentration is appropriate for those who have diverse academic interests. It permits students to take courses across the schools in the College of Communication and Information and provides space for electives that students could use to pursue a minor in another discipline
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.
Freshman Students on the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy on the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, the strength of high school college preparatory curriculum, and grade trends. The Admissions Office at the Kent Campus may defer the admission of students who do not meet admissions criteria but who demonstrate areas of promise for successful college study. Deferred applicants may begin their college coursework at one of seven regional campuses of Kent State University. For more information on admissions, including additional requirements for some academic programs, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
Freshman Students on the Regional Campuses: Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull, and Tuscarawas, as well as the Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
English Language Proficiency Requirements for International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions) by earning a minimum 525 TOEFL score (71 on the Internet-based version), minimum 75 MELAB score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, or minimum 48 PTE score, or by completing the ESL level 112 Intensive Program. For more information on international admission, visit the Office of Global Education’s admission website.
Transfer, Transitioning and Former Students: For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.
Important Dates
Courses
Tuition and Fees
| Ohio Residents | Non-Ohio Residents | ||||
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost | Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
| $559.00 | $1,677.00 | $49,900 | $569.00 | $1,707.00 | $50,800 |
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.
*Out-of-state/International tuition includes a surcharge of $10 per credit hour for all students enrolled in an online program.