Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies
Develops oral, written, and digital communication skills
Coursework includes interpersonal communication, human relationships, and visual storytelling
Prepares students to solve communication challenges and build strong professional relationships
Live, real-time video sessions with instructors and classmates
Versatile degree applicable to careers in communication strategy, human resources, education, law, and management
Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
Apply by
May 25, 2026
Classes begin
Jun 29, 2026
I have no college credits
First-Time Freshmen
To be admitted to LSUA as a first-time freshman, you must:
- Complete the high school core curriculum in place at the time of graduation
- Not require more than one developmental (remedial) course
- Have a minimum 2.0 high school GPA
- Meet one of the following:
- Earn an ACT composite score of 20 or higher
- Have at least a 2.0 GPA in Core high school courses
I have some college credits
To transfer to LSUA, you must meet one of the following:
- Earned a transferable associate degree or higher
- Completed at least 18 college-level credit hours, including college-level English and math, with a grade of "C" or better in each, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Completed at least 12 college-level credit hours through LSUE or the CLTCC Bridge Program, including college-level English and math, with a grade of "C" or better in each, and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
If you do not meet the transfer criteria above, you may still qualify by meeting freshman admission requirements and being in good academic standing at your previous institution.
Tuition
LSUA’s online communications program offers competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $3401
- Cost per credit hour
- $10,200
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $40,800
- Total cost with fees
The final cost of this program will be determined once all transfer credits are evaluated. Transfer credits may apply for up to 75% of degree requirements. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits or industry credentials earned will apply toward your LSUA degree. For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Financial Aid Available
LSUA offers multiple ways to help you fund your education, including financial aid, veteran education benefits, and credit for prior learning. Learn More ›
1 Beginning Fall 1 2026, all LSUA fully online programs are expected to increase by 4% (tuition and fees).
Academics
Students who graduate with an online communication studies degree will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to pursue many different career pathways.
What Will I Learn?
Topics covered in the program include:
- Introduction to the design, creation, and critique of visual media
- Practice locating news sources, interviewing, and note-taking; evaluating and organizing facts; writing basic news stories; using wire service style
- A study of the legal rights of and the legal restraints on the mass media
- A study of research methods in the field of communication
- A study of the dynamics of interpersonal, small group, and public forums when mediated through technology
- Exploration of persuasion, compliance gaining, and social influence in communication
Courses
| General Education | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
ENGL 1001 - English Composition I |
3 |
ENGL 1002 - English Composition II |
3 |
General Education Social Science |
6 |
General Education Mathematics |
6 |
General Education Biology |
3 |
General Education Natural Sciences |
6 |
CMST 1061 to CMST 2060 |
3 |
General Education History |
6 |
General Education Fine Arts |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
39 |
| Core Major Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
CMST 2015 Visual Communication |
3 |
CMST 2151 Media Writing |
3 |
CMST 3080 Mass Media Law |
3 |
CMST 3500 Introduction to Communication Research Methods |
3 |
CMST 4120 Computer-Mediated Communication |
3 |
CMST 4160 Persuasive Communication |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
18 |
| Concentration Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
CMST 2010 Interpersonal Communication |
3 |
CMST 3100 Small Group Communication and Problem Solving |
3 |
CMST 3118 Intercultural Communication |
3 |
CMST 4119 Nonverbal Communication |
3 |
CMST 3115 OR CMST 3116 OR CMST 4104 OR CMST 4112 OR CMST 4114 OR CMST 4150 |
3 |
CMST Elective |
3 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
18 |
| Additional Requirements | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
Foreign Language Electives |
6 |
English Literature Elective |
3 |
Humanities or Fine Arts Electives |
9 |
Social Science Electives |
9 |
Free Electives |
18 |
Total Required Credit Hours |
45 |
Students must choose one of the two concentrations listed below.
- Communication Studies Concentration
- Communication in Human Relationships Concentration
Concentrations
The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from LSUA offers two unique concentrations.
General Communication Studies
You’ll explore core areas like strategic communications, human relationships, and visual communication, while gaining hands-on skills in media writing, visual media design and critique, communication research methods, and the dynamics of persuasion and social influence.
Communication in Human Relationships
This program is designed to sharpen your skills in analyzing communication dynamics and bridging gaps in understanding. You'll gain a deeper insight into the principles of human communication and learn how to navigate complex interactions with clarity and purpose. Graduates emerge equipped to resolve communication challenges, foster strong personal and professional relationships, and thrive in roles such as human resources analyst, strategic communications manager, event planner, lawyer, and more.
Topics include:
- Theories and research in dyadic (one-to-one) communication, including the roles of self-concept and perception in communication
- Communication skills theory applied to small groups and teams
- Exploration of the nature of communication within and between cultures, this course serves as an introduction to foundational and contemporary concepts, practices, and processes of intercultural communication, methods of critical intercultural analysis, and the scholarly field of intercultural communication
- Nonverbal message systems such as kinesics and proxemics; relationships between verbal and nonverbal communication
Careers
With a versatile degree that applies to nearly every industry, career possibilities are abundant—whether you’re interested in leading communication strategy, supporting teams in human resources, teaching, pursuing law, or managing workplace relationships, you’ll gain the skills to stand out.
Career Opportunities
- Social media content creator
- Web developer
- Corporate communication
- Event planner
- Social media manager
- Nonprofit executive
- Lawyer
- Strategic communication manager
- Television producer
- Media relations specialist
- Customer service representative
- Development officer
- Political campaign strategist
- Human resources analyst
- Multimedia journalist
