Major in Communication (Bachelor’s)

Our increasingly digital business world means that today’s professionals need to know how to navigate global information systems, build long-lasting international relationships, and create diverse, inclusive organizations. Our Global and Intercultural Communication Pathway gives you the foundational knowledge you need to thrive in a global business environment. You’ll take courses that can help you launch a career in international business, journalism, global public relations, arts, media and entertainment, and more.

Career opportunities for the global and intercultural communication pathway include:

• International Communications Specialist
• Global Social Media Specialist
• Global Media Relations Manager
• International Programs Coordinator
• Director of International Programs
• Global Initiatives Manager
• Global Human Resources Officer 
   

Take courses that focus on developing your global and intercultural communication skills, with topics including:

Today’s rapidly changing health environment means that, more than ever, health is an essential part of our global conversation. The Health Communication Pathway offers you the knowledge and skills you need to create, analyze, and assess health communications in diverse communities around the world. You’ll take theoretically rich and practically relevant courses that dive into how health messages are created and understood across a wide range of communication contexts, from individual communication to mass media.

In addition to specialized courses in health communication, you can choose to take your career preparation further with a health-related internship, a capstone course, or a volunteer opportunity at a local healthcare organization. 

Common career paths for students who graduate from the health communication pathway include:

• Healthcare Public Relations Specialist
• Public Health Communication Coordinator
• Health Marketing Specialist
• Healthcare HR Manager
• Patient Representative
• Wellness Message Coordinator
• Medical or Health Writer 
   

Learn how to communicate vital health information to families and communities with specialized courses, including:

Our Strategic Communication Pathway focuses on the communication principles, strategies, and initiatives used to cultivate an organization’s mission, goals, and values. The courses in this pathway focus on organizational communication, public relations, culture and diversity, and media and technology. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how communication professionals create strong relationships within organizations and learn how to keep up with global transformations in information technology, media production, message distribution, and societal engagement.

When you graduate from the Strategic Communication Pathway, you will be prepared for communication positions within private business, government, and nonprofit organizations. Many of our students and graduates have interned and/or gone on to work for top companies including Bloom Marketing, Children’s Hospital Office of Public Relations, Ogilvy Public Relations, The Integer Group, Level 5 Marketing, Yelp, and more. 

Strategic communication graduates have a variety of career paths to choose from, including:

• Corporate Communication Specialist
• Social Advocate
• Marketing Coordinator
• Public Relations Specialist
• Political Strategist 
   

Create a career in strategic communication with focused course topics, including:

When you customize your communications degree with our Community Service and Public Affairs Pathway, you’ll explore how professionals and organizations can practice communication for the common good and cultivate the communication skills required to work in public affairs. Our courses focus on social change, diversity and inclusion, political communication, social justice, intercultural communication, and more. You’ll gain hands-on experience managing conflict and practicing leadership skills in real-world situations so that you’re ready to pursue a meaningful career in public service and communications.

Career opportunities for community service and public affairs graduates include:

• Community Relations Specialist
• Volunteer Services Coordinator
• Nonprofit Communications Specialist
• Fundraiser
• Community Liaison
• Lobbyist or Special Interest Advocate
• Community Organizer
   

Specialize your online communications degree in community service and public affairs with courses that include:

Our Media & Cultural Studies Pathway focuses on the role of media in society both historically and today. Our courses explore how a wide range of communication technologies impact our culture, from traditional media like broadcast television, radio, and print to new media such as blogs, social media, video games, and podcasts. You’ll learn to critically analyze and produce media messages in a variety of contexts including public relations, advertising, political communication, and social advocacy.

Many of our students pursue internships related to this pathway through local TV and radio stations, advertising and PR agencies, and nonprofits.

Career options in the field of media and cultural studies include:

• Journalist
• Communication Consultant
• Public Relations Specialist
• New Media Specialist
• Marketing Coordinator
• Corporate Communications Specialist
• Advertising Manager 
   

Build your knowledge in media and cultural studies with specialized courses, including:

To graduate with your Bachelor of Arts in Communication, you’ll be required to complete a total of 120 credit hours — 39 of which must be completed within your communication major. Our flexible 8-week courses are optimized for online learning, allowing you to focus on one course at a time and build on the skills you learn throughout your degree program. We offer start dates in the fall, spring, and summer semesters, allowing you to begin working toward your online communication degree as soon as you’re ready.  

The BA in Communication degree from CU Denver is offered 100% online, which means you will never be required to attend classes in-person. As a CU Denver student, you’ll have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with classmates from Colorado as well as throughout the United States and the world. You’ll take the same courses from our award-winning faculty as you would on campus, but with flexibility you need to balance your classes with full-time work or family commitments. Our fully online classes are recorded rather than live streamed, which means you’ll be able to learn on your schedule. You’ll be able to share ideas with your classmates, collaborate on projects, and connect directly with faculty through Canvas, our easy-to-use remote learning platform. When you graduate, you’ll receive a Bachelor of Arts in Communication diploma from the University of Colorado Denver without any indication that you’ve earned your degree online. 

When you join CU Denver, you’ll be connected with a Student Success Coach who will provide personalized support as you work toward your academic, professional, and personal goals. They will be by your side throughout your degree program, celebrating your successes and empowering you to overcome any obstacles.  

As your advocate at CU, your Student Success Coach will:  

• Help you register for online courses  
• Introduce you to online learning technologies  
• Act as your liaison for various university departments  
• Work with you to clarify your academic and professional goals  
• Address any challenges you encounter throughout your degree  
• Connect you with university services and resources to help you reach your goals  

From helping you stay on track with classes to connecting you with academic and career resources, we offer the support and encouragement you need to make it to graduation and enjoy your journey along the way.