The Communication bachelor at ASU’s West campus utilizes the nationally-recognized CommLabASU (formerly the Communication Assessment Learning Lab), this program trains and prepares students for careers in social media and technology, global communication, communication philosophy, and risk and crisis communication.
Effective communication is essential for nearly any human endeavor. Your ability to convey ideas, share opinions and influence behavior are critical skills that directly affect professional and personal lives. This degree prepares you to communicate successfully with various audiences across a variety of settings.
The BA program in communication is a broad-based program that trains individuals to speak and write competently, manage relationships well, problem-solve effectively and understand the role and function of communication in public forums, organizational settings, relational exchanges and intercultural situations.
The curriculum provides an extensive understanding of the practical, theoretical and professional distinctions of today's field of communication. Utilizing the nationally recognized CommLabASU, students perform in-depth study of what contributes to and detracts from effective human communication, recognizing that the art of communication is far more nuanced than simple speaking and writing prowess.
Students may pursue one or more focus areas that are designed to amplify their academic and professional preparation in specific contexts.
At A Glance
Communication, BA
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: West, ASU@Lake Havasu
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
The Bachelor of Arts in communication prepares students for careers in social media and technology, global communication, public relations and strategic communications, risk and crisis communication, communication training and mentoring, sport communication and communication philosophy. Because communication skills are crucial to many professions, graduates work in a variety of fields, including:
- advertising
- customer service and customer relations
- education
- fundraising
- health and human services
- human resources
- international service
- legal professions
- lobbying
- management
- marketing
- media and public relations
- mediation
- ministry
- public administration
- public advocacy
- public office
- research
- sales
- social media design and implementation
- speech writing
- training and development
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Training and Development Managers | 10.3% | $108,250 |
| Human Resources Managers | 9.1% | $110,120 |
| Lawyers | 8.2% | $119,250 |
| Advertising and Promotions Managers | 5.5% | $106,130 |
| Marketing Managers | 10.1% | $132,230 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 10.4% | $60,670 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | 10.4% | $111,280 |
| Public Relations Specialists | 8.8% | $59,300 |
| Sales Managers | 7.5% | $121,060 |
| Technical Writers | 11% | $70,930 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.