Strong communication skills are vital in today’s workplace. As the U.S. economy continues to transition from goods-producing to service-providing employment, job candidates who have the ability to interact and communicate effectively with others—both interpersonally and through various forms of media—will be at a tremendous advantage.Service-providing industries are expected to account for approximately 15.7 million new wage and salary jobs generated over the decade ending in 2016.* Study to prepare for your role in this exciting industry by earning a Bachelor of Science in Communication online at Kaplan University.

 Program Highlights 

Through a combination of theory and application, this program is designed to help you develop strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills applicable in any career field. The Bachelor of Science in Communication curriculum emphasizes:

  • Writing and speaking skills, group dynamics, team building, and resolving complex issues that arise in the workplace
  • Planning and developing dynamic, interactive multimedia presentations and websites
  • Understanding the effects of technology, government and industry regulation, and legal and ethical issues in communication
  • Utilizing new media and software applications most frequently used in business, institutional, and home environments

 Emphasis Areas for the Bachelor of Science in Communication 

Today's employers are looking for talented, knowledgeable employees who can hit the ground running. Developing specific communication skills to complement your liberal arts education may help you stand out to employers in a competitive job market. At Kaplan University, you can tailor your communications degree to your unique talents and career goals. Choose an emphasis in organizational communication or technical communication and have an opportunity to acquire practical expertise for your future career.
    Apply interpersonal communication theories and concepts in organizational settings. Examine how interpersonal communication impacts workplace relationships among managers, subordinates, coworkers, and clients. Develop persuasion, bargaining, and negotiation skills and study how to use interpersonal communication strategies to improve your ability to lead, give and receive feedback, and participate effectively in a group. Understand diverse perspectives, develop skills to engage in constructive conflict, and develop research and reasoning skills in oral and written communication.
    Focus on developing the technical writing skills that are in high demand as a result of rapid advancement in the technology and electronics industries, such as writing users’ guides, instruction manuals, training materials, proposals, and presentations.‡ Analyze audiences and evaluate the components of successful business correspondence, technical reports, and other forms of written communication. If you choose this emphasis area you will create a portfolio of technical documents and demonstrate proficiency in technology and research, document design, and a writing style consistent with business and technical communication.

 Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Communication 

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Arts and Humanities Course 6
    Physical Science Course 6
    Social Science Course 6
    Courses Credits
    Academic Strategies for the Communication Professional 5
    Communicating in the Twenty-First Century 5
    Mass Communications 5
    Interpersonal Communications 5
    Public Speaking 5
    Technical Communication 5
    Writing for Multimedia 5
    Communication and Conflict 6
    Organizational Communication 6
    Rhetorical Analysis of Nonfiction Writing 6
    Statistics 5
    Emphasis Area Courses 24
    One
    Bachelor’s Capstone in Technical Communication 6
    Bachelor’s Capstone in Organizational Communication 6
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives 59
    Courses Credits
    Interviewing Skills for the Technical Writer 6
    Advanced Technical Communication 6
    Proposal and Grant Writing 6
    Technical Writing for the Professions 6
    Courses Credits
    Communication and Organizational Change 6
    Advocacy and Opposition in the Modern Workplace 6
    Public Relations Strategies 6
    Theories and Application in Organization Settings 6
    Total Program Requirements 180

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

This program is designed to prepare you to enter the fields of advertising, marketing, organizational communication, public relations, publishing, human resources, law, criminal justice, politics, public administration, ministry, social services, opinion and market research, fundraising, civil service, international business, and management. Career opportunities for technical writers who can understand and interpret complex information are expected to increase by up to 20 percent by 2016.†

The technical communication emphasis is designed to help you develop competencies required to pursue immediate employment or create your own opportunities as a contractor or consultant.† A communications degree may also prepare you for careers in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry—the fastest-growing industry in the economy with expected growth of 78 percent over the decade ending in 2016.‡

 Already Have College Credits? 

Let us evaluate your transcripts. You may qualify for our Advanced Start Bachelor of Science in Communication program and be eligible to earn your bachelor's degree from Kaplan University online in as little as two years.§

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements180
Total cost of tuition$63,540.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. The advanced start option assumes you have completed an associate's degree and requires a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours, including 90 from your requisite associate’s degree.* Additional courses and tuition costs and fees may be required to meet the prerequisites for the advanced start program. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

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* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Tomorrow’s Jobs, http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm (accessed May 2008).
† Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Writers and Editors, http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos089.htm (accessed May 2008).
‡ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Career Guide to Industries, 2008-09 Edition, Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services, http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs037.htm (accessed May 2008).
§ Speak to an Admissions Advisor or refer to our University Catalog for our Transfer of Credit policy.