Bachelor's Degree in Communication

Communication

Who is this program for?

A bachelor's degree in Communication is perfect for students interested in mastering the art of effective messaging, media strategy and interpersonal connection across diverse platforms. Students explore human interactions and evaluate communication processes. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in consulting, sales, human resources, crisis communication, media and audience research, media literacy, health education, hospital administration, social media management, event planning and sports communications.

Program Overview

Master the art of connection with our Communication bachelor's degree, a program designed to enhance your ability to inform, persuade and engage in today’s dynamic world. The communication major provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, manage and evaluate communication processes involving individuals, groups and the public. Graduates develop strong oral, written and interpersonal communication skills as well as an advanced ability to analyze and critique messages, behaviors and media. Whether your goal is a career in business and organizational communication, digital and mass communication, healthcare communication, human communication, or sport communication, this program prepares you to thrive in diverse industries. 

Students can choose from the following program tracks:

  • Digital and Mass Communication
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Sport Communication
  • Business and Organizational Communication
  • Human Communication

 

Related Careers

  • Communication Manager
  • Campaign Developer
  • Operations Manager
  • Media Critic
  • Media Research
  • Communication Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Project Manager
  • Public Information Officer
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Crisis Communication Specialist
  • Sports Communication Manager
Offered by the College of Communication and Information
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Credit Hours
120
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Credential
BA, BS
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Learn about Tuition and Fees
Online Option Available

Admission Requirements

  • Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
  • Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.

Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.

Application Requirements

Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).

Program Specific Requirements

Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Communication" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.

Application Deadlines

Freshman

  • Early Action
    • 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
  • Regular Decision
    • 02/15/2026

Transfer

  • Fall Scholarship
    • 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
  • Fall
    • 08/01/2025
  • Spring
    • 11/15/2025
  • Summer
    • 04/15/2026
Calendars & Deadlines

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What You'll Learn

The Communication bachelor's program (both a BA and BS option are available) explores how messages are created, shared and interpreted across various contexts, including interpersonal relationships, organizations, media and public discourse. Students gain critical skills in writing, speaking, research and digital communication while examining the role of communication in shaping culture, identity and social change. The program offers flexibility to tailor coursework to specific interests such as health, media or organizational communication, preparing graduates for careers in project management, marketing, media, advocacy, and more.

Within both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degree options, we offer five (5) tracks designed to prepare students for specific careers:

 

Digital and Mass Communication

Prepares students to work in media and audience research, mass media criticism, public information and media education and literacy. Advanced courses include interpersonal communication and social media, mass media and social influence, digital and mass communication literacy, and critical analysis of communication and persuasion.

Healthcare Communication

Prepares students to manage, deliver and evaluate health services, health education, hospital administration, and health communication campaigns. Advanced courses include health communication, studies in persuasion, interpersonal communication in health and health communication campaigns.

Sport Communication

Prepares students to communicate theories, methods and techniques about sports in a variety of contexts. Students will draw connections between sport, communication and society while also learning the strategies required to communicate sport information to a variety of audiences.

Business and Organizational Communication

Prepares students for teaching, research and practice in communication management, consulting, human resources, operations management, conflict resolution, risk management and crisis communication. Advanced courses include organizational communication, teamwork and leadership, negotiation and conflict and crisis communication. 

Human Communication

Prepares students for careers in general management of communication and information across various contexts. Students can create their track by choosing classes from the other specializations.

Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.

Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.

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Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway

This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.

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Accelerated Pathway

This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.

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These events are designed to answer your questions and give you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a part of our program.

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"Communication is ubiquitous, and the most valuable thing I learned while getting my degree is how to communicate effectively in a number of settings: in a large group, one-on-one, with upper management or in a crisis situation."

Scott Tomlin

Director of Basketball Communications for the Dallas Mavericks
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Live with and learn from others in the College of Communication and Information! LLP students will not only make meaningful connections with the LLP members who share their same major interests, but will also make solid connections with CI faculty and staff, who routinely use their own personal networks to help launch students into their careers.

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Things to do on this form:
Take away "Term" for Transfers - "Unknown Term"? As well as "Not in High School"
And the same for "Online"

Possibly remove the "Readmit" option.
Feel like it would be pretty easy to see if the person already exists in our system and has a program enrollment record associated with them, which would shift them from "Freshman" or "Transfer" to "Readmit"
Gatton College of Business and Economics
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