An online digital communications degree is ideal for people who have already worked in an entry-level position. Online courses give students the freedom to live life outside of the classroom. They can work and study when it is easier for them. Keeping a full-time job isn't an option for some, it's a necessity. Without work, they are unable to provide for their families and meet other financial obligations. Online classes give them the privilege to do both and continue to pursue their career goals.
An online digital communications degree will provide you with the skills you need to work in a digital environment. Where you go from there is up to you. As digital communication is ever-changing, you can continue your education online to keep up to date with the latest technological advances. This allows you to take advantage of new opportunities and pursue your career goals at a pace that is comfortable for you. Online learning enables you to build a career you can be proud of.
Selected Schools
Methodology: Ranking of the best online courses in digital communication
Only the editors of the Graduate Center countreputable and reputable colleges and universitiesin our ranking of the best online careers in digital communication. Programs are ranked based on cost, graduate salary, and student ratings using IPEDS and niche data.
1. Purdue Global University
Purdue University Global offers a bachelor's degree in communications that is recognized as one of the most innovative online digital communications degrees available on the market. Purdue Global's Bachelor of Communications requires students to complete at least 180 quarter credits in ten-week periods. Applicants interested in Purdue Global's bachelor's degree in Communications offer students an accelerated option where they can earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree simultaneously, in less time and at a lower cost.
Purdue University Global was founded in 2018 as an online school designed to meet the learning needs of working adults. Purdue University Global is the distance education department of Purdue University with an enrollment of approximately 28,750 students.
what we like: Purdue Global was formed after the university acquired the existing adult education company known as Kaplan University.
Grad: BS-Communication
Global Bachelor of Communication from Purdue University
2. Northeast University
Northeastern University College of Professional Studies offers a Bachelor of Communications and Digital Media degree that is among the most innovative online digital communications majors in Boston. Northeastern University's bachelor's degree in communications does not require an F1 visa. Each year, NEU offers three entry points for your online digital communications degree. Regular students enrolled in the NEU course must complete at least 120 semester units in order to meet the requirements of the NEU course. Classes in this degree include fundamentals of visual communication and human-computer interaction, to name a few.
Northeastern University is a private school founded in the late 1890s and operates multiple campuses across the United States coast to coast.
what we like: NEU is primarily a residential university, with most freshmen living on campus and juniors and seniors having the option of living off campus.
Grad: Bachelor of Science in Communication and Digital Media
Northeastern University BS in Digital Communications and Media
3. Bellevue University
Bellevue University offers a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies that can be completed 100% online or on campus. Bellevue University's online degree in Digital Communication enables bachelor candidates to build a marketable portfolio for their careers. This BU degree in communications requires students to complete 127 credits, with 67 credits required for those who have an associate's degree. Bellevue's Bachelor's Degree in Communication courses include Communication in the Digital Age, Communication and Popular Culture, Business Communication and Critical Thinking and Communication, and a final project.
Bellevue University was founded in the mid-1960s as a private school to meet the needs of adult learners in the Bellevue area. About 10,150 students live on the university's Bellevue campus in the suburbs.
what we like: Bellevue University operates a careers and technology center in nearby Omaha.
Grad: BA Communication Online
BA in Communications from Bellevue University
4. Technical University of Texas
Texas Tech University College of Media and Communication offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Digital Media and Professional Communication that is available entirely online or on the school's Waco campus. Students enrolled in Texas Tech University's online digital communications degree program must complete 120 semester units to graduate. Tuition for this digital communications degree includes media literacy, visual storytelling, communicating in a global society, and writing for media and communications, to name a few. Texas Tech University is ranked as the best online university in Texas by some ranking companies.
Founded in the 1920s as a technical research institution, Texas Tech University is one of the largest schools by student enrollment in Texas with more than 40,150 students attending classes. TTU is organized into thirteen faculties/schools and hosts more than five dozen research institutes and centers.
what we like: Texas Tech University's campus was recognized by writer James Michener as one of the most notable.
Grad: Bachelor's degree in Digital Media and Professional Communication
Bachelor's degree in Digital Media and Professional Communications from Texas Tech University
5. Penn State Weltcampus
Penn State World Campus offers a Bachelor of Digital Journalism and Media degree with multiple starting dates per year. PS World's nationally recognized online bachelor's degree program in digital communications requires bachelor's candidates to complete 120 semester credits in order to meet undergraduate program requirements. Students who complete the Penn State World Campus online degree program in Digital Communications enter the workforce as digital content writers or producers or other journalistic organizations.
Founded and launched in the late 1990s, the Penn State World Campus now serves 14,550 undergraduate or graduate students. Penn State World Campus was designed to meet the needs of working adults who are unable to attend one of the many Penn State campuses across the state.
what we like: The distance learning offered by PSU dates back to the 1890s.
Grad: Bachelor in Journalism and Digital Media
Penn State World Campus Bachelors in Journalism and Digital Media
6. Ecampus der Oregon State University
Oregon State University Ecampus offers two of the best online digital communication majors in the state with its Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs in Digital Communication Arts. Graduate candidates enrolled in OSU's online digital communications degree must complete 180 quarter credits to graduate. Applicants can choose from four start dates with courses including Social Media Strategy, Viral Content, New Media and Culture and Applied Media Aesthetics, and Media Entrepreneurship to name a few. OSU is considered a military-friendly school, but requires that 45 of the final 75 semester units be completed at OSU.
Oregon State University (OSU Ecampus), established as a research school under the Morrill Land Grant Act, is also one of several schools that are also a Marine Grant, Space Grant, and Solar Grant School with more than 31,250 students.
what we like: Nearly ¼ million students have graduated from OSU.
Grad: Digital Communication Arts, B.A. or B.S.
Digital Communication Arts Oregon State University Ecampus, B.A. oder B.S.
7. University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota offers a Bachelor of Communications degree available in Grand Forks or entirely online through UND's distance learning platform. Students enrolled in the University of North Dakota's online digital communications degree program typically complete the 120 semester credits in four years. In addition, students have the opportunity to customize their focus on communication in areas such as advertising, public relations, digital journalism, strategic communication or digital analysis.
The University of North Dakota was founded as a research institution in 1883, several years before North Dakota became a state, and today serves approximately 13,450 students. The school's campus was initially just a few acres but now includes more than 200 buildings and more than 500 acres.
what we like: AND is home to the state's only medical and law schools.
Grad: Communication, B.A.
Bachelor of Communication von der University of North Dakota
8. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University offers a bachelor's degree in communications that is 100% online through the school's distance learning platform. Coursework for Grand Canyon University's online degree program in Digital Communication includes conflict and negotiation, public relations principles, reasoning and advocacy, and communication research methods, to name a few. Graduates find rewarding careers as account specialists, social media managers, or copywriters, to name a few.
Founded in the late 1940s, Grand Canyon University is a for-profit Christian school with over 100,000 enrolled students. GCU has grown significantly with over 89,000 students through its distance learning options.
what we like: GCU is organized into nine schools/colleges in education, business, nursing, fine arts, science, theology, humanities, technology and engineering, among others.
Grad: Degree in Communication
Bachelor of Communications von der Grand Canyon University
9. Simmons University
Simmons University offers one of the best online digital communication majors in Boston with its Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Communications. Applicants interested in Simmons University's Digital Communications major must complete 128 semesters to graduate. However, the school allows up to 96 credits to be transferred where permitted. Students enrolled in Simmons University's bachelor's degree in communications are required to complete courses in visual communication, content creation, strategic advertising and branding, and media, messaging, and society, to name a few.
Simmons University was founded as a women-oriented undergraduate university and now also operates a co-educational graduate school. More than 4,650 undergraduate and graduate students attend classes online and at the school's Bean Town campus.
what we like: Simmons University was one of the first to institute a policy of tolerance for transgender students, as the school has always sought to empower women.
Grad: BA Communication
Bachelor of Communication von der Simmons University
10. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University offers a bachelor's degree in Digital Innovation - Strategic Communications that is available entirely online. For this online degree in digital communication, applicants must complete 120 semester units in order to graduate. Arkansas State University's bachelor's degree in communications is designed to provide working students with flexibility. Courses for this degree include Social Media Measurement, Computer Mediated Communications, Integrated Marketing Communications, Communication in Law/Ethics, and Social Media in Strategic Communications to name a few.
Founded in the early 20th century, Arkansas State University (A-State) is the flagship campus of the state university system. As the second largest college in Arkansas, A-State is home to approximately 13,750 students.
what we like: The A-State campus sits on a hilltop site on more than 1,200 acres overlooking Crowley's Ridge.
Grad: Bachelor of Digital Innovation – Strategic Communication
Arkansas State University BS in Digital Innovation - Strategic Communication
11. Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University offers a bachelor's degree in Digital Communications that is fully available through the school's distance learning department. Oral Roberts University's online degree program in Digital Communication prepares professionals for the creative digital world and professional society. Graduates can find rewarding work as digital marketing managers, web platform developers, media campaign planners or social media specialists, to name a few. Coursework for a bachelor's degree in communications from Oral Roberts University includes storytelling, digital composition, digital newswriting, and integrated marketing communications, among others. Full-time students typically complete this degree (with no credits) in less than four years.
Founded in the mid-1960s, Oral Roberts University is an evangelical university in Tulsa serving approximately 3,950 undergraduate and graduate students.
what we like: The school's suburban campus spans more than 300 acres.
Grad: Degree in digital communication
Bachelor's degree in Digital Communications from Oral Roberts University
12. Regent University
Regent University offers a bachelor's degree in communications that is available on the school's Virginia Beach campus or entirely online. Regent University's online degree program in Digital Communications offers graduates a variety of concentrations: Drama, Advertising, Strategic Communications, Journalism, Social Media, Rhetoric and Public Culture, Organizational Communications, and Professional/Technical Writing, to name a few. Regent University's BA in Communication is taught from a Christian perspective. Students can also attend the program as an undeclared general major.
Founded in Chesapeake, VA by Pat Robertson in the late 1970s, Regent University is a non-denominational evangelical private school affiliated with the Christian Church. The university's campus in suburban Virginia Beach is home to approximately 8,450 students.
what we like: Regent University offers more than 65 degree programs from its eight schools/colleges/academic departments.
Grad: BA in Communication Studies
Regent University BA in Communication Studies
13. University of Wilmington
Wilmington University offers a bachelor's degree in communications with an academic degree in digital journalism that prepares students for rewarding careers in broadcast, print, or digital media. Wilmington University's online digital communications degree program with a concentration in digital journalism also includes a Bachelor's Certificate in Technical Communication (CPTC). Graduates find work in the fields of digital publishing, journalism, corporate communications or technical communication, to name just a few. Tuition for this bachelor's degree includes visual communication, story design methods, and broadcast media, among others.
Founded in the late 1960s, the University of Wilmington is a private college with more than a dozen campuses in New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The school's multiple campuses serve approximately 11,850 students.
what we like: The school offers more than 100 programs through its seven colleges/schools/divisions.
Grad: Bachelor of Communications with a focus on digital journalism
Wilmington University Bachelor of Communications
14. Franklin University
Franklin University offers a bachelor's degree in communications that requires students to complete 124 semester units to graduate. Core courses for Franklin University's online digital communications degree program include an introduction to media, digital design, video production, management principles, and digital photography, to name a few. Franklin University offers a generous credit transfer policy, allowing you to transfer up to 96 credits if you are eligible. The communication course includes, among other things, market research, communication theory and communication ethics as well as a final project.
Founded in 1902 as a private school to meet the needs of adult learners in the Columbus area, Franklin University today operates a variety of educational centers and campuses (more than two dozen), including international affiliations.
what we like: The majority of students enrolled at Franklin University participate in courses and programs offered online.
Grad: BS-Communication
BA in Communications from Franklin University
15. University of Southern New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University offers a bachelor's degree in communications that gives working students the flexibility to complete the bachelor's degree part-time. Southern NH's digital communications online degree program requires college applicants to complete a minimum of 120 semester credits. Students enrolled in SNHU's bachelor's degree in communications may choose one of four concentrations: new media, public relations, business communications, or professional writing. Some of these classes can apply for a master's degree offered by the University of Southern New Hampshire.
Southern New Hampshire University (Southern NH) is a private school that began as a secretarial/accounting school in the early 1930's and has recently experienced explosive growth due to its popular online degree programs.
what we like: The school operates two campuses in Granite State.
Grad: Degree in Communication
Bachelor of Communication von der Southern New Hampshire University
Why should I do my Digital Communications degree online?
In today's technologically advanced world, an online digital communications degree is one of the best career steps you can take. Not only do you have skills that you can use in both personal and professional life, but you can work in almost any industry that uses digital media to communicate with employees, other companies, and potential customers. Communication in any form is valuable, but digital communication allows you to reach the masses in seconds.
Online degree programs are also the best option for students who need to study with fewer distractions. Many students avoid going back to school because they don't want to be confined to one classroom. They may find it difficult to study while surrounded by a large group of people. For others, it may just be the noise or the environment. Distance learning allows the student to choose the environment that is most comfortable for them. The opportunity to learn in a comfortable environment ensures you get the most out of your lessons and can keep them longer.
What Can I Do With a Digital Communications Degree?
With aDegree in Digital Communication, your career opportunities are almost limitless. Whether you work in graphics, text, or video, you can find employment in almost any industry of your choice. Social media and video communication are two of the most common forms of digital communication. Text messaging and email are also high on the list and are common ways for businesses to communicate both with each other and with their customers. Exploring your options will give you an idea of the types of careers that allow you to work in an ever-growing and expanding field.
Individuals pursuing a digital communications degree online are in demand in both the media and marketing industries. With more and more companies using digital forms of communication, finding work in this field is easier than ever. An online degree in digital communication makes it even easier, especially since you can attend school alongside work. The more you learn, the more you can apply your new skills to your current position, making you a potential candidate for promotion.
How much can I make with a Digital Communications degree?
On average, a person who earns a digital marketing degree online can make up to $120,000 per year at the higher end of the salary scale. Depending on where you start, you can make as little as $50,000 if you don't have real work experience. As a recent graduate with no real work experience, an entry-level job allows you to learn your craft from scratch. This gives you additional skills that you don't get in a traditional classroom.
In digital communication, technology is always advancing. There is always something new for you to learn. Even after you've earned your online degree and landed your dream job, returning to school to keep up with the latest trends is a great way to boost your earning potential. Advanced degrees and certifications are great ways to show your employer that you're ready to climb the corporate ladder.
Your ability to win is limited only by your own ambition and dedication. With an online digital communications degree, you can take advantage of any opportunity you choose. You can move as slow or as fast as you want, take control of your run and choose the direction you want to go. Whether you are starting from scratch or returning to school after years of working life, your future is in your hands.
Related classifications:
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