Communication Program Online

  • Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts
  • College of Arts & Letters
  • Department of Communication & Theatre Arts

Degree completion

  • For students with some college credits
  • Complete at least 30 credits online from ODU

Full degree

  • A start-to-finish curriculum for students to earn a degree online from ODU
  • 120 credit hours

Employers in every field say strong verbal and writing skills are a top priority in hiring. We're here to help you develop those abilities further with a bachelor's program in communication.

Our online communications program teaches a broad range of skills to help your career thrive. We feature small online class sizes and award-winning faculty with a wide range of experience.

Choose from majors in:

  • Communication Studies
  • Media Studies
  • Strategic Communication
  • Professional Communication (Bachelor of Science only)

When you graduate, you will earn a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Communication. Note: Only the Bachelor of Science is available as a full program online. If you have prior credits, you can apply them toward either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree-completion programs.

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  • To earn a bachelor's degree from ODU, you must complete at least 30 credit hours with us. This bachelor's program (BS or BA) requires 120 total credit hours minimum.

    You will complete courses in communication fundamentals and as well as courses specific to your chosen major. Your choice of the BS or BA degree will also determine some of your course selections.

    Talk with our enrollment team to determine how your credits will transfer. The catalog can serve as a guide for planning your course of study.

    Interested in earning a master's in communication? You may be able to accelerate your path to a master's degree with ODU by taking courses that count towards both degrees.

  • Access course materials online from any location. Some classes will have live, regular online meeting times, while others will not. The instructor may schedule assignments and exams at specific times. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

  • In-state Virginia Residents
    $408 per credit hour*
    Out-of-State Students
    $439 per credit hour

    Active duty military students may qualify for a discounted undergraduate tuition rate.

    These tuition rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. 
    * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

    Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

  • Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

    At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
    Learn more about our scholarships.

  • Great communication skills are essential for any modern career. Our graduates may find careers in virtually every field, including:

    • Public Relations and Corporate Communication
    • Training and Development
    • Media Production and Publishing
    • Broadcast Journalism
    • Human Relations/Resources
    • Sales, Advertising and Marketing
  • Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
    — Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, March 2023

Our dedicated enrollment team will guide your transition to ODUGlobal.

  • The Bachelor of Science degree in Communication is available entirely online. If you’ve never taken college classes before, you'll apply to ODU as a freshman. 

    The Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science also are available as degree-completion programs, which assume you have prior college credits for lower-division courses that can transfer to ODU. 

    Talk to our enrollment coordinators to see if you have credits that will transfer and to start the admissions process.

  • ODU has partnered with the Virginia Community College System and select educational institutions to make transferring easy. 

    Learn more about Guaranteed Admission to ODU.