Online Associates Degree in Communications - Best of 2024

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Are you considering a career in the communications field? If you enjoy the creation process and are a motivated worker, an associate degree in communications may be a good fit for you. Graduates qualify for a wide variety of entry-level jobs as communications professionals, such as public relations specialists or technical writers. While there are numerous employment opportunities available, some of the most common industries include publishing, marketing, public relations, and broadcasting.

Students looking for an associate degree in communications can expect to take courses such as mass communication, communication theory, and interpersonal communication. You can earn an A.S. communications degree either on campus or through an online associate degree. Online programs provide learning opportunities for new students and those looking to switch careers and become a communications professional.

In most cases, communications professionals are expected to have some level of higher education, such as completing an associate degree program. While it may be possible to find work in the field without an associate in communications, advancing would be difficult without some level of degree. Most individuals interested in becoming communications professionals seek either an associate or bachelor’s degree. An associate degree in communications will provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to qualify for advanced employment opportunities, but this course of action is not for everyone. There are several advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of.

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PROS

There are many reasons to pursue an associate degree in communications. A key benefit is that earning an associate degree costs less than earning a bachelor’s degree. According to 2017-2018 statistics released by the College Board’s Trends in Higher Education Series, the average in-state tuition at traditional four-year institutions for a single year was $9,970. Associate degree students paid an average of $3,570.

Also, the speed of completion for an associate degree is significantly faster than a bachelor’s degree. While time frames can vary, most full-time students complete their learning and graduate in approximately two years. Those who choose to enroll in a traditional undergraduate program will likely need four years to complete the graduation requirements.

Similarly, bachelor’s degree holders must wait longer to join the workforce than do individuals with associate degrees. Associate in communications program graduates will qualify for employment as technical writers or a public relations specialist after only two years. This means they can begin paying off accrued education debt earlier, as well. While these communication professionals may not make as much initially as someone with a bachelor's degree in communications, they will earn more than people without any advanced education.

Additionally, communications associate program credits can be transferred. Whether you graduate or not, completed coursework often counts toward bachelor’s degree requirements if you choose to further your education in the future and gain a bachelor's degree in communications.

CONS

While there are many advantages of pursing an associate in communications, there are drawbacks as well. One that is particularly important to note is that graduates from both levels of education often compete for the same jobs. Because academic achievement is an easy way to narrow a candidate pool, employers may give preference to those with higher undergraduate degrees. Similarly, associate degree graduates may experience more difficulty securing advanced managerial or supervisory positions, even after they gain experience.

Further, depending on your industry of interest, an associate degree (A.S. Communications) could limit your ability to apply for some certifications. Many certification boards require applicants to have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field. This could prevent you from qualifying for certain jobs or promotions as a communications professional.

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Top 25 Best Online Associate in Communications Programs

Brigham Young University

Score: 81.88

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,496
- Out-of-State: $6,496
Net Price: $13,521
Acceptance Rate: 67%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 79%
Total Enrollment: 34,464
Undergrad Students: 31,411
Graduate Students: 3,053
Grads Salary: $47,100
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

American Public University System

Score: 77.79

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,400
- Out-of-State: $8,400
Net Price: $11,172
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 48,668
Undergrad Students: 39,206
Graduate Students: 9,462
Grads Salary: $53,700
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

City College of San Francisco

Score: 67.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,696
- Out-of-State: $14,656
Net Price: $8,569
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 16,134
Undergrad Students: 16,134
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,200
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Score: 67.14

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,724
- Out-of-State: $6,917
Net Price: $10,302
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 8,364
Undergrad Students: 8,364
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,600
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Central Penn College

Score: 66.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,404
- Out-of-State: $19,404
Net Price: $13,803
Acceptance Rate: 34%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 943
Undergrad Students: 918
Graduate Students: 25
Grads Salary: $40,400
Student-to-faculty: 9:1

Franklin University

Score: 63.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,577
- Out-of-State: $9,577
Net Price: $18,989
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 49%
Total Enrollment: 8,044
Undergrad Students: 5,647
Graduate Students: 2,397
Grads Salary: $48,700
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Colorado Christian University

Score: 63.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,266
- Out-of-State: $39,266
Net Price: $23,313
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 8,964
Undergrad Students: 7,602
Graduate Students: 1,362
Grads Salary: $42,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Sinclair Community College

Score: 61.39

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,569
- Out-of-State: $8,316
Net Price: $5,830
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 17,591
Undergrad Students: 17,591
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,700
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Waldorf University

Score: 60.29

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $25,220
- Out-of-State: $25,220
Net Price: $18,620
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 2,763
Undergrad Students: 2,295
Graduate Students: 468
Grads Salary: $49,800
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Montgomery College

Score: 59.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,398
- Out-of-State: $14,250
Net Price: $8,276
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 28%
Total Enrollment: 17,137
Undergrad Students: 17,137
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,100
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Northern Virginia Community College

Score: 59.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,703
- Out-of-State: $11,786
Net Price: $10,109
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 51,896
Undergrad Students: 51,896
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $40,000
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

Southeast Community College Area

Score: 58.72

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,540
- Out-of-State: $4,260
Net Price: $8,330
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 9,465
Undergrad Students: 9,465
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,400
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Bucks County Community College

Score: 56.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,221
- Out-of-State: $13,421
Net Price: $7,061
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 6,162
Undergrad Students: 6,162
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,300
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Cameron University

Score: 56.37

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,900
- Out-of-State: $16,320
Net Price: $9,674
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 25%
Total Enrollment: 3,418
Undergrad Students: 3,133
Graduate Students: 285
Grads Salary: $37,300
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Western Wyoming Community College

Score: 55.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,250
- Out-of-State: $10,550
Net Price: $5,993
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 2,391
Undergrad Students: 2,391
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $30,100
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Harrisburg Area Community College

Score: 55.48

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,918
- Out-of-State: $11,400
Net Price: $9,991
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 53%

Graduation Rate: 16%
Total Enrollment: 12,576
Undergrad Students: 12,576
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $42,100
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Minnesota West Community and Technical College

Score: 55.48

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,484
- Out-of-State: $12,332
Net Price: $11,577
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 3,352
Undergrad Students: 3,352
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Saint Paul College

Score: 54.54

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,318
- Out-of-State: $6,318
Net Price: $11,797
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 62%

Graduation Rate: 32%
Total Enrollment: 5,365
Undergrad Students: 5,365
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,300
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Bristol Community College

Score: 54.17

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,412
- Out-of-State: $10,356
Net Price: $6,204
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 5,822
Undergrad Students: 5,822
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,600
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Des Moines Area Community College

Score: 54.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,550
- Out-of-State: $11,100
Net Price: $9,292
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 34%
Total Enrollment: 21,637
Undergrad Students: 21,637
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,900
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Columbus State Community College

Score: 53.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,338
- Out-of-State: $10,917
Net Price: $6,964
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 25,129
Undergrad Students: 25,129
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,500
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

College of Southern Nevada

Score: 53.61

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,110
- Out-of-State: $12,209
Net Price: $7,685
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 28,901
Undergrad Students: 28,901
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,100
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

South Texas College

Score: 53.26

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,220
- Out-of-State: $7,500
Net Price: $1,692
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 27,894
Undergrad Students: 27,894
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $27,800
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Austin Community College District

Score: 51.67

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,580
- Out-of-State: $10,590
Net Price: $4,470
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: N/A

Graduation Rate: 14%
Total Enrollment: 34,527
Undergrad Students: 34,527
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $41,800
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Northampton Community College

Score: 50.75

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,980
- Out-of-State: $14,730
Net Price: $10,457
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 21%
Total Enrollment: 8,484
Undergrad Students: 8,484
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Certificate vs. Associates

In addition to communication associate degrees, there are also online certificate programs. While both options take less time to complete than an online bachelor’s degree, there are several differences you should be aware of.

An online associate business program usually includes coursework geared toward your field of interest, as well as general education classes. These non-vocational courses often include basic math, science, humanities, English, and foreign language. Communications certification programs, on the other hand, do not incorporate class like this in the curriculum.

As a result, certificate programs take less time to complete. Whereas an online associate degree requires approximately two years of time, students can graduate with a certificate in as little as a year.

What Communications Associate Degrees are Available Online?

Specific degree titles in communication vary from institution to institution. Most colleges and universities offer an Associate of Science (AS) and/or an Associate of Arts (AA) degree option. You may also find Associate of Applied Science and/or Associate of Applied Arts degrees in communication. While all of these variations prepare graduates for employment in the field, there are a few differences you should be aware of.

Online Associate of Science (AS) in Communications:
An AS in Communication usually appeals to individuals interested in math and science. Students usually complete additional coursework in these topics. While AS graduates can decide to seek employment, these degrees are usually intended for individuals who may want to enroll in a traditional, four-year undergraduate program later. A two-year AS in Communication degree is often considered equivalent to the first two years of an undergraduate degree.
Online Associate of Arts (AA) in Communications:
An AA in Communication usually appeals to individuals interested in social science and humanities. Students usually complete additional coursework related to one or both of these topics. While AA graduates may apply for employment right away, this degree option is usually preferred by individuals planning to pursue further education at a traditional, four-year institution. Completing a two-year AA in Communication degree program is often considered equivalent to completing the first two years of an undergraduate degree.
Online Associate of Applied Arts (AAA) and Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS):
AAA and AAS degrees are similar to AA and AS degrees. They tend to be, however, much more technical in nature. This is because most individuals receiving these degrees seek employment immediately after graduation. These programs prepare students to join the workforce right away instead of continuing their education. AAA degrees tend to be much rarer than AAS degrees.

Admission Requirements

Most online associate degree candidates must complete various institutional requirements before enrolling. Enrollment standards vary, but often include the following:

A high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Minimum overall academic grade point average

Most community colleges do not require SAT and/or ACT scores; however, these may be necessary if you plan to enroll in an undergraduate degree program online later. Additionally, transfer students are often asked to provide a transcript containing a record of any prior course completions and grades.

How long does it take to earn a Communications Associates Degree Online?

Generally, students can expect to graduate with an online associate degree in communications within two years. This time frame is contingent upon the student being enrolled full-time, however. Individuals who opt to take classes on a part-time basis will likely take longer to complete the graduation requirements. Part-time students may require one to three additional years. It is also worth noting that students with advanced placement credits may be able to graduate in fewer than two years.

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Potential Careers in Communications with an online Associates

There are numerous employment opportunities available to individuals who have graduated from an online degree program in communications. Some popular options include receptionist, customer service representative, administrative assistant, public relations (PR) specialist, and communications specialist.

Receptionist
Receptionists are often the first employee a visitor, customer, or client interacts with at a larger company. They frequently screen phone calls, take messages, and manage schedules. They must be able to juggle numerous tasks at once and may be required to prioritize the importance of responsibilities regularly.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a receptionist is $31,200.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives are generally the first point of customer contact for general inquiries. They are often responsible for delivering excellence customer service, accurately processing orders/requests, answering questions, and coordinating with other departments. These professionals also build and maintain business partnerships. Partnerships and relationships play a very important role in online business.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a customer service representative is $37,300.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants may work in a variety of different fields, but usually provide some form of administrative support for other employees. They are often responsible for greeting visitors or callers, routing requests, typing correspondence, and compiling data. These professionals must also schedule meetings, appointments, and travel, as well as coordinate the use of office space.
According to PayScale, the average salary for an administrative assistant is $39,100.
Public Relations (PR) Specialist
Public relations (PR) specialists are responsible for promoting and elevating awareness of an individual, company, or organization. They work to ensure that the general public views the represented entity in a positive light. These professionals often create and distribute publicity materials, coordinate press conferences, lead marketing efforts, and develop public relations strategies to influence public opinion.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a PR specialist is $47,300.
Communications Specialist
Communications specialists typically manage a company or organization’s internal and external communication efforts. This includes the creation and distribution of memos, job descriptions, management notes, press releases, and marketing materials. These professionals also often coordinate media and marketing for meetings, press conferences, and events.
According to PayScale, the average salary for a communications specialist is $50,700.

Salary by Occupation

Occupations	Entry-Level	Mid-Career	Late-Career
P.R .Manager	$44,500	$72,300	$75,400
News Anchor	$35,900	$60,400	$87,000
Social Media Manager	$40,300	$61,300	$58,900
Content writer	$38,100	$53,300	$61,800
News producer	$31,100	$54,500	$69,400
Communications Director	$48,800	$69,700	$91,400
Social Media Specialist	$38,800	$50,800	$60,000

Options to Advance

In most cases, the opportunity for advancement will come from within the company or organization you work for in the communications field. While many management and supervisory positions will require an undergraduate education, it may be possible to transition into one after accumulating years of professional experience. It is not uncommon for individuals with an online associate degree in communication to eventually become the lead in a specific department or division. These opportunities will, however, arise more frequently to candidates with advanced degrees.

Best Online Associate in Communications Degrees for 2024