Bachelor of Science in Communication Online

This online degree program integrates important aspects of communication theory and practice. You'll build skills in interpersonal communication, public speaking and media writing. Career options include advertising, sales, corporate communications, film, broadcasting and journalism.

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Start Date:

9/28/22
10/19/22
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Program Overview

Discover what the LU online BS in Communication program offers you

Lamar Online Degree Tuition Cost
$296*
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 hours
Transfer Credits
Degree Credit Hours Required
120
Credit Hours

Delve into communication—the top-requested skill in the job market—and turn your love for connecting with people into an exciting career. Learn to captivate audiences on social media, craft impactful articles and speeches, produce thought-provoking videos, and stir emotions through digital ads with our Bachelor of Science in Communication degree. This 100% online program emphasizes storytelling and digital fluency to give you the career-relevant skills employers seek.

Exercise your creativity throughout assignments and get hands-on experience producing campaigns and videos for external clients. You will build a portfolio that showcases your abilities, helping you stand out as an impressive job candidate.

In this flexible, affordable online bachelor's degree you will learn to:

  • Develop impactful content that engages your target audience
  • Communicate social media campaign results using Hootsuite and Google Analytics
  • Create compelling and visually stunning collateral and videos with Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Speak with poise and confidence
  • Contribute your expertise across any organization from corporate to non-profit to media and politics

Communication Career Options:

  • Social media manager
  • Content marketing manager
  • Public relations specialist
  • Corporate communications manager
  • Journalist

This program enables you to develop foundational communication skills while nurturing your career growth with an in-demand track tailored to your specific goals: Communication Studies or Public Relations.

Communication Studies Track

Explore how to produce persuasive content in a real-world setting and hone your creative skills by designing captivating campaigns in various media formats. You will navigate the development and analysis of social media strategies and gain experience interviewing individuals and groups. You will also focus on political communication, from researching specific challenges and solutions to presenting well-informed reviews of political campaigns.

Public Relations Track

Learn to create engaging public relations materials—such as fact sheets, press releases, feature stories, brochures and web pages—for print, digital, social and broadcast media. You will gain valuable PR experience collaborating with a client to write, produce and direct a promotional video. Curriculum also focuses on corporate training and development activities that expand your skills in planning, budgeting and publishing content in learning management systems (LMS).

Also Available

Lamar University offers a variety of specialized bachelor’s program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Read more Overview
Have questions or need more information about Lamar University’s online programs?
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Tuition

Find out how and when to pay your tuition

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing Bachelor of Science in Communication. Our tuition is affordable, and can be paid by the course.

$296 Per Credit Hour. Price includes distance learning fee.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.

Total program cost depends upon transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information,  contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.

Financial Aid

Ready to get started on your degree program online but need help finding ways to fund your education? We can help you discover student financing sources that include grants, loans and other payment options. Learn more about financial aid here.

Donna Starnes — Lamar University online BS in Communication

"I get off work, I cook supper for my family, and then I sit down and I do my assignments for a couple of hours. I’m putting that pressure on myself to do well."

Full Profile »

Calendar

Know LU’s online dates and deadlines

Our Bachelor of Science in Communication online program features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Find the start date that works best for you and apply before the application deadline associated with it.

Upcoming Start Dates:

Apply by:9/28/22
Start Class:10/19/22
View full calendar

8 week courses Program Start Date Application Deadline Document Deadline Payment Due Last Class Day
Fall 1 08/22/2022 08/01/2022 08/08/2022 08/15/2022 10/14/2022
Fall 2 10/19/2022 09/28/2022 10/05/2022 10/10/2022 12/06/2022
Spring I 01/17/2023 12/21/2022 01/03/2023 01/09/2023 03/07/2023
Spring II 03/08/2023 02/15/2023 02/22/2023 02/27/2023 05/02/2023

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online?
Apply Now

Admissions

Find your fit in our online communication studies program

The Bachelor of Science in Communication online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.

Online Application

Submit your application and one-time $25 application fee online.

Official Transcripts

Official Transcripts

Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended.

All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Send transcripts to: Lamar University Online Admissions, P.O. Box 10017, Beaumont, Texas 77710

Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.

View Admission Requirements

All applicants must complete an application packet, consisting of:

  • Complete online application and pay an application fee of $25.
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities you have attended.
    • All transcripts are required regardless of accreditation. Only regionally accredited institutions will be eligible for transfer credit.
  • Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
  • Verify specific requirements associated with chosen degree program.

High school graduates who have not attended college before are considered entering freshmen – even if they received college credit while in high school through dual credit, AP or IB programs. Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of college credit also must meet admission requirements for entering freshmen.

Incoming freshmen must do three things to qualify for unconditional admission to Lamar University:

  • Receive a diploma from an accredited high school
  • Complete at least 14 high school credits in college preparatory courses: 4 credits in English, 3 credits in mathematics, 2 credits in laboratory sciences, 2.5 credits in social sciences (U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history or world geography) and 2.5 credits in college preparatory electives (preferably including 2 credits of foreign language)
  • Meet the test-optional admission criteria, or achieve a minimum composite score on the ACT or SAT through the secondary review criteria. (Click here for criteria)

Students transferring from other Lamar University programs into a College of Business program must have a minimum overall 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and, if applicable, a minimum 2.0 GPA in business courses.

Students transferring from other colleges or universities into a College of Business program must:

  • Have an official copy of all college and/or university transcripts on file by application deadline.
  • Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all work attempted.
  • Students who transfer fewer than 18 hours must also submit and meet the entrance credentials and requirements of a first-time-in-college student.

Send all required documents to:

Lamar University Online Admissions
PO Box 10017
Beaumont, TX 77710

OR

Submit electronically to [email protected]

Courses

Take a look at the topics you’ll study for this online communication degree program

To earn your Bachelor of Science in Communication, you need to complete 120 credit hours of coursework. The program includes 42 credit hours of general education courses and 30 credit hours of communication core courses. Students must choose a specialization track: Communication Studies or Public Relations. The Communication Studies track and the Public Relations track each include 21 credit hours of specialization courses and 27 hours of general elective courses. Students can finish faster by transferring previously earned credit hours. Transfer credit hours will be evaluated during the admission process.

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Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses upon the nature of electronic information processes and their impact upon the emerging global culture, introduces the concept of psychological/mythic meaning in media and facilitates the reading of film and television images on both semiotic and symbolic levels. Majors should complete this course during their freshman year. (Fall 2, Spring 2)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Principles and practices of interpersonal communication in various settings. Majors should complete this course during their freshman year. (Fall 1, Summer)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory survey of the field. Includes major methodologies and theories as well as a historical perspective. Career options also are explored. Majors should complete this course during their freshman year. (Spring 1)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Covers all styles of writing for A/V, audio, television, film documentary, advertising, news, etc. Majors should enroll in this course in the semester immediately following successful completion of ENGL 1301. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 with 'C' or better.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory, principles and practice in public relations.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of the field of advertising, examines the economic, social, legal, ethical and creative nature of advertising.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of the principles and practices of public presentation. Recommended for majors taking teacher education. Prerequisites: COMM 1315 with a minimum grade of D, or student involvement in high school UIL speech competition.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and practice in the several types of interview current in the United States including information, employment and persuasive.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the legal issues surrounding and affecting communication. Focus is upon Constitutional Bill of Rights, conflicts which generate such issues as libel, privacy, fair trail/free press, obscenity, copyright, etc.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of the dominant theories, principles and practices of communication within the organization through an examination of recent qualitative and quantitative research. Departmental capstone course.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Designed to help students understand the art and production process of corporate video and television commercials. Students are introduced to writing, producing and directing promotional videos. Students will work with a real client to determine goals and expectations and then work in a team to design and produce the media content for an intended delivery system. (Summer)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to popular culture-based theories with an emphasis on all forms of media.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and practice of small group communication and conflict management processes. Emphasis in leadership, conflict management, group problem solving, productivity, and conference planning in corporate and public settings. Prerequisite: COMM 1318, Sophomore standing or approval of instructor. (Spring 1)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of learning theories, instructional design, technologies and organizational development practices for application in corporate setting. Prerequisite: COMM 1318, 1373 (FALL 2)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the theories and concepts of the use of communication, including all available media in the American political system. Emphasis will be given to analysis of campaigns, movements, and political personalities. (Fall 1)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The study of strategy and message production in social media.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Selected topics in major areas of media production (journalism, radio, television, film). May be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Fall 1, Spring 2 and Summer)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An intensive writing-laboratory course in the production of key public relations materials, including fact sheets, backgrounders, news/press releases, feature stories, brochures and web pages. (Fall 2)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and practice of small group communication and conflict management processes. Emphasis in leadership, conflict management, group problem solving, productivity, and conference planning in corporate and public settings. Prerequisite: COMM 1318, Sophomore standing or approval of instructor. (Spring 1)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods specifically applied to communication questions.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The study and analysis of historic and current public relations cases and campaigns with emphasis on professional applications. Prerequisite: COMM 2362 (Spring 1)
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The study of strategy and message production in social media.

Communication - 6 Hours
Mathematics - 3 Hours
Life and Physical Sciences - 6 Hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture - 3 Hours
Creative Arts - 3 Hours
American History - 6 Hours
Government/Political Science - 6 Hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Hours
Component Area Options - 6 Hours

Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic forms of expository writing. Frequent themes. Collateral reading in articles and essays of a factual and informative type.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Application of the fundamentals of speech production to the needs of the professional person. For non-communication majors only.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational, to business, economics and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming and probability, including simple value. Prerequisites: TSI complete or TSI exempt. Students with a TSI score of 336 or higher, or with a S in MATH 0370 may take this course with co-requisite course MATH 0224. Students who are registered for MATH 1324 and MATH 0224 are not allowed to drop these courses due to the state's TSI compliance requirements.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to contemporary environmental issues and human interactions with ecosystems. Not to be used as a biology major course.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of elementary inorganic/organic chemistry and gas laws for allied health science majors. Prerequisites: (High school chemistry or CHEM 1375 with a grade of "C" or better) and (Mathematics Readiness Score>= 700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a "C" or better).
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Elementary survey of structure, function and metabolic processes of molecules in organisms. Designed for students majoring in health sciences. Prerequisites: CHEM 1306, CHEM 1106. Offered: Summer
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Algebra-based review of chemical laws and theory for science, engineering and preprofessional majors. Prerequisites: Mathematics Readiness Score >=700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a C or better
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A continuation of CHEM 1311. Theories of solutions, equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111 both with a C or better.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to the relationship between human activities, geologic resources and processes and environmental quality. Topics include the relationship between human populations and geologic hazards, as well as how human activities may increase the chances of geologic hazards occurring. Emphasis will be from the geologic perspective, but will include all basic sciences. Field trips are an integral part of this course. Offered: Fall, Spring
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of many aspects of space exploration, including discovering the physical make-up of the universe and evidence surrounding its origin, learning the discoveries made in the solar system and evidence surrounding its origin. This course in addition to lecture material will include a class project to assess teamwork skills.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A close reading of related themes, authors or periods and/or a close viewing of films with related themes or makers. The course will focus on literature, the arts, politics, philosophy or culture. It will not take the place of other 2000 level courses that require ENGL 1301 and 1302. It will not take the place of ENGL 1302. It is intended for students who do not take 6 hours of composition. Course may be repeated when content varies. Pre-requisite: English 1301.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A historical examination of theories and principles of social and personal conduct ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Mill and Nietzsche. Applications to current issues. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 Offered: Fall, Spring.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course emphasizing the understanding and appreciation of visual arts (painting, sculpture, and architecture).
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the field of film with emphasis on current trends in cinema, past and present directors, and the historical development of film. Satisfies the Fine Arts core curriculum requirement.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The synthesis of computer games with a focus on the artistic elements of games, including graphics, animation, audio and narrative.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the art of dance and its role in world cultures, history and current issues. This course satisfies the fine arts core for non-dance majors. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Duration: 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of music for non-music students. Covers the major style periods from the Renaissance to the present with emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. Requires attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the development and history of Jazz as a musical form from its origina in earlier styles to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor specified recitals or concerts.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the development and history of Rock Music from its origins in earlier styles up to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts. No Prerequisites.
Duration: 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
United States history from the revolutionary period through reconstruction.
Duration: 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
United States history from the post-reconstruction period to the present.
Duration: 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Texas history from the beginning to the present time.
Duration: 15 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The national and Texas constitutions; federalism; political socialization and participation; public opinion and interest groups; parties, voting, and elections.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the bureaucracy; policy formulation and implementation including civil rights and civil liberties, domestic and foreign policies.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes monetary theory; national income analysis; fluctuation and growth; public finance; international trade; and current economic problems.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to economic principles; allocation of resources; determination of output and prices; distribution; and managerial economics.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Forms of expository and analytical writing. Topics from composition suggested from wide reading in at least two of the three genres: prose fiction, poetry, and drama. Research paper required.
Duration: 8 weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the quantitative methods of analysis as applied to business problems. Topics of study include collection of data, statistical description, probability theory, probability distribution, sampling theory, estimation of parameters and testing hypothesis. Prerequisite: MATH 1325 or MATH 1324.

*Price includes distance learning fee.

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