Communication Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

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120 Credit Hours

to Graduate
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Up To 90 Hours

Transfer Credit
Cost per Hour

$421

Per Credit Hour
EKU Online > Online Communication Degrees & Certificates > Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies

Communication is the Backbone of Industry

Employers increasingly list communication skills as the heart of advancement, promotion and leadership opportunities. EKU’s 100% online communication studies degree provides students with the hands on, practical learning needed to become creative, effective communicators and successfully navigate our complex global society. Graduates are prepared to take on key positions in business, sales, human service agencies and nonprofit agencies, or to pursue law school or other graduate studies.

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Benefits
Minors & Certificates
Careers

Benefits of EKU Online

Today’s communicators require a breadth of understanding about our world. EKU’s curriculum blends academic and professional preparation through communication course topics such as conflict management, public speaking, and intercultural and organizational communication.

Program benefits include:

Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors for communication studies include:

  • Psychology
  • Social Intelligence & Leadership
  • Political Science

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for communication studies include:

  • Dispute resolution
  • Workplace communication
  • Public Administration

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree

Career Opportunities

Professional communication is the vehicle to success; employers recognize the importance of communication skills and repeatedly report this as one of the top requirements for new hires and advancement. Students gain the skills and knowledge necessary for both obtaining an entry-level communication position in various fields that relate to communication as well as advancement in their current field. The following industries specialize in communication, making them an ideal employment choice for communication graduates:

  • Corporate Training
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Mediation and Arbitration
  • Public Relations
Find your career

Curriculum

EKU’s online communication studies curriculum prepares students for a variety of rewarding career options as well as graduate and professional school programs including law, public administration, government, and business.

Bachelor of communication studies courses include conflict management, public speaking, and intercultural and organizational communication.

Degree Requirements

A total of 120 credits are required to graduate, including 42 upper-division credits.

View the communication studies program degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Transfer Credits

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation. Learn more about transferring to EKU.

Sample Courses

For a full list of course descriptions please see section 7 of the University graduate catalog.

CMS 205 – Advocacy and Opposition (3)
The study of the techniques and principles of formal argumentative discourse including developing, presenting, defending, opposing, and analyzing positions on controversial questions through research, writing and oral communication. Emphasis on the use of online mediums for promoting and opposing ideas.

CMS 325 – Communication in Conflict Management (3)
Study of the human communication and technology components contributing to the introduction, continuation, and resolution of conflict in personal and professional relationships. Learn to identify root causes of conflict and practice communication strategies for productive conflict management including active listening, perception checking, the healthy expression of emotions, power balancing, and problem-solving.

CMS 350 – Organizational Communication (3)
An introduction to the principles, theories, and practice of communication within organizations. Emphasis will be placed on different perspectives of organizational communication, in addition to emergent issues such as newcomer assimilation, organizational culture, networks, decision making, emotion, diversity, technology, and values.

CMS 375 – Intercultural Communication (3)
A practical and theoretical study of the basic elements of interpersonal communication and culture as the two relate to one another. Enhance cross-cultural communication competencies and strengthen understanding of the cultural and global flow of information.                                       

Enrollment

Kaitlin Dougherty

Kaitlin Kirkpatrick

Enrollment Advisor

Call or email Enrollment Advisor Kaitlin Kirkpatrick for information about the EKU Online Communication Studies program.

Contact Info:
859-622-7626
Kaitlin.Kirkpatrick@eku.edu

Application Deadlines

 

Term Application Deadline Classes Begin
Fall A  July 5 August
Fall B  August 31 October
Spring A  November 30 January
Spring B  January 31 March
Summer A  April 5 May
Summer B   May 31 June

 

Additional Contact Information

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Success

I attribute my success to the EKU Communication Studies major and the faculty in the EKU Communication Department. My dreams have become bigger than I could ever imagine.

Lacy Griffith AndrewsAssistant Commonwealth Attorney for the 29th Judicial Circuit of Kentucky

Online Military Students

EKU Online offers veterans and active duty military students an unparalleled online learning experience that provides accessibility, convenience and flexibility.

Special Tuition for Active Duty* Military
Eastern Kentucky University offers reduced tuition expenses to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and $325 per credit hour for graduate courses to all service members currently serving on active duty.

*Active duty is defined as on federal orders for 180 days or more.

“I’d like to thank the EKU College of Justice & Safety for the opportunity to complete my degree online. It’s very user-friendly, and everyone has bent over backwards to make this happen.”

– 1LT Heath Bergmann, EKU Online Graduate

Heath Bergmann
  • “I can confidently say that — as someone who doesn’t even live in the United States — EKU’s online program has been extremely accommodating and flexible. I can discuss advising appointments over email, and I can have my textbooks shipped to my address overseas.” – Sydney Garner Lewis
  • “After the birth of our first child, I knew I needed to go back and finish what I started,” said McKenzie. “I was happy that I could pick up where I left off at EKU even though I lived in a different state.” – EKU Online student and mom
  • “I chose EKU because I am a unique student with unique needs, and EKU provides an avenue for students like me to succeed.” – EKU Online Psychology student Jason Tate
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