Online Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies
Complete your degree 100% online with the same faculty, curriculum and accreditation as SJSU on-campus students.
Become a Knowledgeable and Skillful Communicator
The Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies prepares competent, compassionate and ethical communicators for meaningful participation in diverse local and global communities. These skills are in demand at companies like Apple, the City of San José, Google, ServiceNow, TikTok and many more.
Examine the interplay of communication between individuals and groups, explore the complexity of communication across a multitude of communities and cultures and interrogate the implications of human communication in a technologically mediated world.
Program Information
Modality
Online
Program Format
8-week courses · 5 terms year-round
Program Length
2 years · 60 units
Cost Per Unit
$525* for Fall 2026 · Financial aid and scholarships available
Applications Open
February 1 – July 15 for Fall A start · June 15 – August 1 for Fall B start
Start Terms
Fall A · Fall B · Spring A · Spring B · Summer
How to Apply
General Requirements
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Complete at least 60 transferable semester or 90 quarter units. A maximum of 70 semester units from community colleges can be transferred toward the degree. Depending on the program, you could have as few as 50 semester units at the time of application.
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Complete all four CSU-approved general education requirements with a grade C- or higher.
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(A1) Oral Communication/Speech
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(A2) Written English Composition
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(A3) Critical Thinking/Logic
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(B4) Math/Quantitative Reasoning
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Have an overall grade point average of 2.0 or better.
Out-of-State Eligibility
If you live outside of California, check whether our program is approved to accept an application from you.
Students from Oregon enrolled in an SJSU Online and Professional Education program will be subject to Oregon State requirements for transferring course works. Specifically, a grade of “C” or better must be earned in all General Education courses.
Graduation Requirement
Complete all CSU Lower Division General Education requirements.
To view the program's courses, roadmap and more, visit the Communication Studies, BA catalog page.
To Begin in August (Fall Term A):
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Apply between February 1 – July 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous Spring term.
To Begin in October (Fall Term B):
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Apply between June 15 – August 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous Spring term.
To Begin in January (Spring Term A):
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Apply between August 1 – November 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous Fall term.
To Begin in March (Spring Term B):
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Apply between October 15 – December 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous Fall term.
To Begin in June (Summer Term):
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Apply between December 1 – April 1.
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Complete admissions requirements by no later than the previous Fall term.
Choose an Application Cycle
Review the application cycle dates and deadlines for this program to determine what timeline works best for you. We admit applicants on a rolling basis, so you should apply as early as you can during your preferred application cycle to secure your spot while it's still available.
Prepare Your Transcripts
Gather your transcripts from the colleges or universities where you have been enrolled so you can easily enter that information on your application and maximize the number of credits you transfer. All academic information you report on your application must be verified with your official transcripts. Any discrepancy affecting your eligibility could result in the withdrawal of your application or admission.
Review the Admission Requirements
Review our general admission requirements any program-specific admission requirements to ensure you can submit a strong application. If you don't meet all of the requirements at this time, our Enrollment Counseling team will happily work with you to get you in a position to submit a successful application in the near future.
Meet with Your Enrollment Counselor
Schedule an appointment with an Enrollment Counselor to discuss your questions, complete an unofficial transcript review and more.
Apply through Cal State Apply
Watch our video tutorial above or select any of the bookmarks below for steps to guide you through your application.
For more support, you can also view the Cal State Apply Transfer Application Guide.
Attend a Virtual Info Session
Join us to learn how our online Communication Studies degree-completion program will give you a real-world edge!
Register Today
Valuable Learning Experiences
Our program is designed around four cornerstones — democracy, diversity, technology and globalization — to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills for a wide range of career paths.
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Examine the historical formation of the communication studies discipline and how it shapes communication as a central problem in contemporary life.
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Apply a set of communication-related concepts to a problem or phenomenon in a significant relational, sociopolitical or cultural context.
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Learn how to design your future as a communication leader in contemporary society.
Featured Courses
What Can You Do With a Communication Studies Degree?
Our program prepares alumni for a wide range of careers in areas such as education, sales, marketing, public relations, human resource development, law, politics and community service.
Communication studies majors in California earn an average annual salary of $93,000 - $178,000, according to Zip Recruiter.
Take a look at some of the top sectors, top companies and examples of job titles of our alumni, according to LinkedIn.
Top Job Titles
- Career counselor
- Chief marketing officer
- Communications manager
- Disability management specialist
- Healthcare recruiter
- Project manager
- Workplace experience coordinator
Top Companies
- Apple
- Braven
- City of San José
- ServiceNow
- Stanford University
- TikTok
Top Sectors
- Business development
- Community and social services
- Education
- Human resources
- Media and communication
- Operations
- Sales
Get the Spartan Edge
Gain momentum through intentional learning, meaningful support and real opportunity. Whether you’re starting your journey, advancing your education or expanding your professional skills, SJSU helps you go further.
Undergraduate Admissions
Review our admission requirements and utilize our helpful enrollment counselors throughout your application experience.
View Admissions Info
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn how to minimize the cost of your program through financial aid, grants, scholarships and additional aid resources.
See Cost and Aid
Undergraduate Student Experience
Maximize your online learning experience with academic advising, helpful campus resources and diverse classmates.
View Resources