|
A Business Communication degree program develops students’ abilities in written communication, media interactions, communications software use, and public speaking. Earning an associate or bachelor’s degree in Business Communication will provide opportunities to engage in internships or programs on direct hands-on experiences with media companies, public relations firms, corporations or other organizations.
Associate/Bachelor degree programs
Associate and bachelor degree programs are available in the field of business communications, with the former being the better choice if one prefers to combine his course with another major. Both these programs are usually aimed at students that have just begun in the field of business communications, and concentrate on the basic principles of organizational communication, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the dynamics of business in today’s industries.
Students in the program are trained in efficient written and verbal communication skills, business management, organizational structure and dynamics, conflict resolution, research, and multicultural aspects of communication styles. Students are taught personal communication methods, the history of communication, as well as the impact of technological advances on business transactions.
Technological advances in communication have affected international markets and the global economy as a whole. Students are encouraged to pinpoint strategies to optimize the use of these advancements to make interaction more efficient or inexpensive, as well as propose new methods or technologies.
One of the key areas in the program is speech communication, and heavily entails strengthening language skills, technical skills, and the flexibility needed to deal with different groups of people.
In addition, case studies, projects and assignments are given with emphasis on different communication styles as well as its practical application to the real world. These play a larger role in the master’s degree program.
Master’s degree program
A master’s degree program entails another two to three years of additional study, and most likely involves a thesis or similar capstone project. Students are expected to have completed a certain number of credits to apply for a master’s degree program, and these may vary among institutions. Earning a master’s degree will involve a higher level of understanding communications in the business arena. Classroom theory is still given importance in the program, however, subject matter is given through a perspective that is more in line with realistic communication experiences.
Doctor’s degree program
A doctor’s degree places emphasis on a more specific field of specialization, and may take longer to complete, depending on the type of study. Examples are studies on the varying practices of business ethics in certain types of corporations, or the impact of the multicultural factor in achieving conflict resolutions in small-scale companies. A doctor’s degree in business communications can land an individual lucrative teaching jobs on the university level.
Possible career paths
Statistics show that better chances of employment exist for graduates with a bachelor’s rather than associate’s degree. Graduates usually become communications managers, public relations specialists, or technical writers. They flourish in various fields, such as in politics and lobbying (writing speeches, outlining presentations, spearheading campaign messaging, public networking, etc.), media and broadcasting (researching, organizing media kits), and even law and government (acting as mediator, labor relations specialist, or social service worker). Other fields of employment include managing freelance or contact sales, and education.
Our Featured Education Partners:
 |
 |
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning
Commission, a member of NCACS, the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools In addition to NCACS accreditation, the College
of Business is accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate
Business Education (IACBE). |
Bellevue University's online degree programs and courses are designed
to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet career
and educational goals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of
prior learning including existing college credit, professional/military
training, and professional certification.
 BS in Corporate Communication
The Bachelor of Science in Corporate Communication degree program offered by Bellevue University emphasizes the development of a broad range of communication skills, and the application of those skills to communicating with internal and external stakeholders. The curriculum emphasizes self-knowledge and improvement, competence in a variety of communication settings, and a strong foundation in analytical and ethical principles.
|
 |
Duquesne University
Duquesne University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. |
Duquesne University, founded in 1878, is recognized as one of the top ten Catholic universities in the U.S. U.S. News & World Report's 2009 list of America's Best colleges recently ranked Duquesne University in the top tier of more than 1400 colleges surveyed. Duquesne
University is ranked in the top 20 small research universities in a new
index that is designed to gauge faculty productivity in doctoral
programs in the United States.
Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies - Strategic Public and Corporate Communication
The concentration in Strategic Public and Corporate Communication recognizes the importance of planning and directing strategic communications for all businesses and organizations. Students will learn both the theory and the practice of strategic, ethical, and persuasive communication to internal (e.g., employees) and external (e.g., customers, suppliers, the community, and the general public) audiences. Advertising and public relations will be taught as strategic functions of an integrated marketing communication (IMC) plan that works in tandem with promotions, events planning, and community relations to connect an organization to its multiple and diverse constituencies. This concentration provides students with a strong foundation for advancement in the professional world or to pursue graduate study in communication and related fields. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Courses are offered in an accelerated, 8-week format. Students can obtain a degree in four years (less with transfer credits). Those entering with an associate's degree or equivalent can earn their degree in about two years.
|
 |
Jones International University
Jones International University is proud to be the first fully online
institution in the U.S. to receive regional accreditation. JIU is
accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North
Central Association. The HLC is one of the six regional accrediting
bodies in the United States and offers the highest form of
accreditation available to a university. |
As the nation's first 100 percent online, accredited university,
JIU focuses on the needs of working professionals by using
online-developed programs that provide the tools to be
successful?without disrupting work or family obligations. JIU's
mission is to be an active partner in helping you reach your goals
through developing skills immediately applicable to your career
advancement. You will also receive one-on-one mentoring from an elite,
diverse faculty from some of the most renowned academic institutions in
the world.
BABC in Communication Management
Communication is key to your success. The value of exceptional communication skills in the corporate setting can't be underestimated. In fact, a company's or organization's performance can be directly tied to its ability to effectively communicate, both internally and externally. If you are looking for comprehensive knowledge of business communication and the know-how to strategically manage this valuable resource, this degree specialization is for you.
MBA in Leading the Customer-Driven Organization
Putting your customer first is key. The best and brightest leaders in any organization share one common secret: If you take care of your customer, success will follow. Despite most companies' claim that they are customer-centered, most organizational structures are, in fact, product-driven. But times are changing. This specialization examines the paradigm shift in business assumptions about the customer and enables you to implement important structural changes designed to meet the needs of your organizations customers ? both external and internal. You also will gain highly relevant and valued practical knowledge on positive leadership and how it functions in relation to the customer.
MA in Business Communication - Leading the Customer-Driven Organization
Putting your customer first is key. The best and brightest leaders in any organization share one common secret: If you take care of your customer, success will follow. Despite most companies' claim that they are customer-centered, most organizational structures are, in fact, product-driven. But times are changing. This specialization examines the paradigm shift in business assumptions about the customer and enables you to implement important structural changes designed to meet the needs of your organizations customers ? both external and internal. You also will gain highly relevant and valued practical knowledge on positive leadership and how it functions in relation to the customer.
|
 |
Western International University
Western International University is accredited by The Higher Learning
Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. |
Western International University (WIU) offers the advantages of
traditional education with the all the richness and convenience of a
non-traditional format. WIU faculty hold advanced degrees in their
teaching fields and are also highly successful practitioners in their
areas of expertise, and many of our faculty members have international
business experience. We provide a broad educational
foundation, including a focus on business and technology, designed to
prepare students for leadership positions in a dynamic, global
marketplace.
Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication
Are you challenged by the intricacies of communicating your vision to your teammates, boss, community, or stakeholders? Are you looking for the ability and knowledge you need to take your communication skills to a whole new level? Then a BA in Professional Communication may be the degree program for you! You'll develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies for specific target audiences based on social, cultural, and relational factors. With this program, you'll gain the edge you need for greater success in any career. This degree should be of special interest to anyone looking to enter the fields of public relations, the media, human resources, blogging, or sales.
|
 |
Ashford University
Ashford University is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. |
Your job doesn't have to get in the way of your degree. Ashford
University Online wants to show you how. Founded in 1918, Ashford
University is an ideal choice for working adults and those with
uncompleted degrees. This online college is dedicated to providing
quality learning opportunities for all students, with programs that are
affordable, accessible, and innovative.
BA/Organizational Management - Communications
The Organizational Management program examines the human side of managing organizations, allowing for skill development in communication, group behavior, decision-making, human resource management, and ethics. One of the best things about Ashford University's Organizational Management program is the ability to customize your degree to fit your professional and educational goals. Students with a background and/or interest in Communications can transfer up to 12 credits of Communications coursework into their Communications concentration resulting in a dynamic degree comprised of complementing areas.
Students with a concentration in Communications will have examined various types of communication and their applicability to specific situations and audiences. These students will combine their Communications education with organizational skill development in communications, group behavior, decision making, human resource management and ethics, culminating in a well-rounded degree. In addition, Ashford University's transfer policy will allow you to transfer in your Communications credits no matter when you took them.
|
 |
University of Maryland University College / UMUC Online
University of Maryland University College is fully accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education. |
University of Maryland University College (UMUC) is world-renowned for
its commitment to making higher education accessible to adult learners. UMUC holds the highest honor given in Web education: the Sloan
Consortium Award for Excellence in Institution-Wide Asynchronous
Learning Network Programming. The university has won many other awards
for its online programs as well, most recently for having the Best
Distance Education Course as determined by the Maryland Distance
Learning Association.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
UMUC's Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies provides for the growth of adult learners as expert communicators who can meet the challenges posed by the global workplace and the global presentation of public information. The communication studies major offers a multidisciplinary study of communication that integrates topics in business and technical writing, mass communication, journalism, public relations, and speech communication. This integrated major encourages thinking across traditional disciplines. Students explore various aspects of workplace communication, including the development of written and oral communication skills and an increasing understanding of human interaction. The major's multidisciplinary approach produces graduates who have the appropriate balance of theoretical background and sophisticated, practical communication skills needed in today's workplace.
|
 |
Kaplan University
Kaplan University is
regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North
Central Association of Colleges and Schools. |
With convenient class scheduling and online flexibility, you can
work toward a new career without giving up your day job. Get your
degree from a name you trust.
Advanced Start B.S. in Communications
Building careers for the information age-online. With our advanced start program, students with an associate's or bachelor's degree can earn a BS in Communication in under two years. You can learn to become an effective creator and conveyer of ideas, concepts, and information, with improved writing and communication skills and a deeper understanding of social issues and new media. The Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Communication program with an emphasis in either technical writing or organizational communication is designed to prepare you for career opportunities in not only public administration, advertising, grant writing, or publishing, but business, management, marketing, public relations, human resources, social services, and opinion and market research.
|
 |
The George Washington University
The George Washington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. |
Founded in 1821, The George Washington University (GW) has consistently been ranked among the top national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
Located four blocks from the White House, GW is offering online
programs through its graduate schools of business, education, political
management, and professional studies.
Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations
The George Washington University online Master of Professional Studies in Strategic Public Relations will position you to excel in this challenging profession by integrating core public relations skills and the practical application of strategic thinking. This master's degree delves into the underpinnings of the field and applied communications, ethics, research, public policy, politics, and the emerging demands of new media. This program will have particular relevance to public relations professionals who work in the public policy arena, the political arena, PR firms, and corporate and not-for-profit PR departments.
|
 |
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is regionally accredited
by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
|
Today's employers want strong leaders and you can
enhance your career through Gonzaga University's interactive
curriculum. Leadership comes from within. Gain the traits, skills and
ways of thinking that define leadership in a number of career fields
from Gonzaga University. A top tier university, Gonzaga offers small class sizes and the personal attention of a private university while conveniently offering completely online degrees to maximize your flexibility and mobility.
Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership
Gonzaga University's Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership is a rigorous program that blends communication theory with a practical leadership skill set. Students have the advantage of earning a degree in both communication and leadership. This sets Gonzaga's graduates apart in the workforce. Gonzaga's students come from a variety of backgrounds: broadcasting, public relations, corporate communications, advertising, human resources, consulting, lobbying and more.
The program is also popular with recent graduates, who want to earn their master's degree while also gaining practical work experience in their chosen field. Gonzaga's students learn the latest communication theory and also learn the leadership skills necessary to build alliances, change the status quo and handle a crisis head-on. In short, graduates have a mastery level of communication, and also the leadership acumen required to get things done.
|
![]() |
Bay Path College
|
Master of Science in Communications and Information Management
The MS in Communications and Information Management will augment your management skills and prepare you to lead projects and people across multiple disciplines and organizational sectors. More than ever, the ability to work across boundaries and nurture interdisciplinary connections is essential for success in today's global business environment. As the rapid growth of electronic communication and internet-based technologies revolutionize the way we do business and obtain knowledge, effective strategic responses and management of communication and information resources have become increasingly critical. Whether increasing the productivity of managers and coworkers through information processes, planning the integration of information and communication technologies, developing strategies for communication or information policies, or simply management mountains of data and leading people and projects, this degree will give you the tools, knowledge and perspective to guide your department, organization or business to develop a strong, more efficient operational foundation.
|
 |
New Jersey Institute of Technology / NJIT
NJIT academic programs are fully accredited by the appropriate accrediting boards, commissions and associations such as Middle States, ABET, and NAAB. |
NJIT offers 92 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in six
specialized schools instructed by expert faculty, 98 percent of whom
hold the highest degree in their field. Our extensive Continuing and Professional Education programs and online
courses offer important training for professionals already on the job
and our competitive industry internships help land you one of your own.
Master of Science - Professional and Technical Communication
NJIT's Master of Science - Professional and Technical Communication program is designed to prepare students for careers in the field of technical communication. The program is intended for students and communication professionals who want to develop abilities in digital media, user-centered design, usability testing and knowledge management, advanced communication theory and research methods, technical editing, writing and speaking in teams, in corporations, and in technology. Students must show a statement outlining how the degree will meet personal and professional objectives, a current resume, two letters of recommendation, a portfolio of work (writing, web development, CD-ROM or other appropriate showcase of work). International applicants are required to submit GRE scores and TOEFL scores of 550 minimum (pencil and paper) and 213 minimum (computer-based). Students must have an undergraduate degree in a field of science, computer science or engineering. The MS in Professional and Technical Communication requires 33 credit hours to complete.
|
 |
Walden University
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. |
At Walden, we believe that knowledge is most valuable when put to use
in organizations, communities, and families. We offer over 35 online
degree programs with more than 140 specializations and concentrations,
all designed to help professionals gain the knowledge they need to have
a real impact in their lives and the lives of others.
M.S. in Leadership - Sustainable Futures
Walden University's School of Management is committed to providing the knowledge base required for globally competent and ethical leaders to advance their communities, organizations, and the world. To fulfill this vision, Walden is offering an M.S. in Leadership degree program to help you explore your own leadership styles and use them to motivate others and build highly effective, diverse work teams. Through the M.S. in Leadership program, you can learn to develop a comprehensive approach to leadership that crosses functional areas and increases your capacity to influence people and lead them to a shared goal. In this specialization, you will focus on creating large-scale change that creates value, contributes to a sustainable future, and is responsive to organizational and societal needs. Explore multiple approaches to understanding and improving relationships among individuals, organizations, and communities. Develop the ability to practice social responsibility and learn to build new organizations that respond in sustainable ways to the community and the world. Incorporate global awareness into planning, operations, and decision-making.
|
![]() |
West Virginia University
|
Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (M.S.I.M.C.)
Gain an edge in today's dynamic marketplace by earning a master's degree from the Integrated Marketing Communications program offered online by the P. I. Reed School of Journalism at West Virginia University. The Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) program is the first IMC master's degree program in the world available exclusively online. The 39-credit master's degree program provides students worldwide the opportunity to earn a graduate degree in IMC. Designed to meet the needs of busy working professionals, the IMC program blends the flexibility of completing a master's degree online regardless of geographic location and professional/personal commitments, education in an innovative and cutting-edge discipline sought by employers and taught by successful practitioners in the industry, and the reputation of a respected major university. Students who complete this program are well prepared to fill the growing need for sophisticated practitioners of IMC throughout consumer and business-to-business firms, financial service companies, publishers, government, non-profits, the arts, and the media.
|
 |
Full Sail University
All degree programs
offered by Full Sail University are accredited by the Accrediting
Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. |
Founded in 1979, Full Sail University is home to more than 5000
students from all 50 U.S. states and 37 countries. We have been a leader in providing campus-based education for careers
in media and entertainment for almost 30 years. This role in academic
leadership combined with our unique approach to real world curriculum
development, gives us the needed perspective to create world-class
online degrees. We have built our own online education platform designed to create a
highly interactive and collaborative learning environment, where you
will develop your own professional network with your fellow students.
Master of Science in Entertainment Business
The Master of Science in Entertainment Business is designed to foster the development of highly trained individuals who want to develop careers in the business side of the entertainment field. Whether you want to work in artist relations, as a film producer, or run your own entertainment business, this multi-faceted degree will provide a well-rounded business foundation for your next step. The Entertainment Business Master's Degree Program at Full Sail University is built around two academic capstone projects ? the Leadership Portfolio and the Thesis Report. This degree will also prepare you for key components such as strategic planning, executive management, and marketing in a new media world. It's not just standard business education. Additionally, the Entertainment Business Master's Degree Program includes courses in emerging trends like mobile marketing, internet marketing, and globalization, and you can complete your master's degree in just 13 months.
|
|
