Students who want to apply to an online communications degree program will need to meet their school’s admission requirements and complete their school’s admission process. Although these will vary from school to school, the content below introduces some of the most common requirements.
Admissions Requirements
Students who apply as a freshman to a four-year program will need to submit a copy of their high school transcripts. Some schools have general prerequisite requirements for admission. These usually include four years of English, such as composition or literature, and two to three years of math, such as algebra or geometry. Two to three years of science may also be required, such as biology, chemistry and physics. Most schools require incoming students to have two to four years of social science, such as American history or government, and may require two years of a foreign language.
Undergraduate students who want to pursue an online master’s degree in a communications program will need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. Most schools require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0. Graduate programs may also require previous relevant coursework and relevant professional experience.
Admissions Process
Most online schools require students to submit an online application. Graduate programs or undergraduate online schools that consider relevant work experience for credit will require a comprehensive resume. These resumes should include any part-time or full-time work, internships, practicums and volunteer history. Graduate schools may require a statement of purpose that explains why the student wants to pursue their communication degree and how it will help the student’s career.
Some schools will require two references or recommendations, which are usually from academic and professional acquaintances. Communication degree programs that are selective about admission may require a writing sample, which is usually just a brief paragraph. Schools may require GRE, ACT or SAT scores. Students must often submit their official or unofficial transcripts with their application. Fortunately, many online colleges and universities only require transcripts and a comprehensive application.
Communication Degrees
Online communication degree programs will help students learn the practical skills and conceptual knowledge needed to become successful communications professionals. These programs offer contemporary courses on topics like organizational leadership, effective persuasion, social influence, business writing and professional ethics. There may be electives on conflict and negotiation, evidence-based research, intercultural communication and global diversity. Students are trained to understand their audiences through a variety of lenses, such as race, gender and socio-economic class.
Classes on the modern digital age will explore how interpersonal and commercial communication is changing around the world. Students will learn how people may access, understand and process information in the future. Topics may include creating credible websites, effective internet advertising and social networking platforms. Classes on persuasive communication teach students the psychology of behavioral changes within individuals, groups and communities. Class projects may involve topics related to purchasing products, voting for candidates, adopting new health habits and joining social networks.
In closing, those who successfully apply to an online communications degree program may graduate to pursue careers in marketing, journalism, public relations, event planning and organizational management. Communications professionals who want to advance their careers generally pursue graduate-level degrees. There are many credible online degree programs available in communications.
Related Resource:
Top 10 Best Online Communications Degree Programs