U of A to Launch Online Bachelor's Degree in Communication This Fall

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – For the first time, students throughout the state and across the nation can now earn a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Arkansas without traveling to the Fayetteville campus. The state’s flagship institution will launch its fully online Bachelor of Arts in communication degree this fall.

This is the second fully online bachelor’s degree program offered by the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences and the fifth bachelor’s degree program offered online by the U of A. Fulbright College also offers an online bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.

“We are very excited about this program launch – particularly because communication is at the heart of all successful media, business and governmental agencies,” said Todd Shields, dean of Fulbright College. “Online programs like this also fulfill Fulbright College’s mission to make education accessible and, to paraphrase our college namesake, to enrich lives by cultivating free and inquiring minds to advance reason, justice and humanity in our society.”

The online program in communication will prepare students for leadership roles in fields like public communications, media and social media consultation, corporate training, sales and management, fundraising and development, and nonprofit advocacy, according to Robert Brady, chair of the Department of Communication and associate professor.

“Identical to our on-campus program, the new online degree in communication uniquely blends personal, group, corporate and social communication contexts with modern message technology and platforms,” Brady said. “In sharing this new degree option with students in Arkansas and across the nation, we hope to ultimately have a positive impact on the economies of the state, on the quality of life in our communities, and on the success of every student in today’s diverse and changing society.”

Students can begin the communication bachelor’s program and complete all four years of coursework online. Students with past college credit can also complete the rest of their bachelor’s degrees online. To graduate, scholars must complete at least 120 credit hours, including the university’s core requirements and select communication courses.

The program will follow a traditional pattern of 15-week fall and spring semesters. Two five-week sessions of summer classes are also available, and students have the option of taking self-paced online correspondence courses as well. Students can apply online.

The new program is one of about 40 online programs offered completely or primarily online by U of A academic colleges and schools.

"The U of A is committed to developing and delivering online degree programs that help students overcome barriers of time and distance to gain access to quality higher education,” said Donald Judges, the incoming interim vice provost for distance education and leader of the Global Campus, U of A’s distance education support unit. “We are proud of the faculty for their dedication and work in offering these programs.”

Online bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree options are showcased on the University of Arkansas ONLINE website, as well as online certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. Online programs are administered by the Global Campus, a U of A support unit.

About the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences: The J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences is the largest and most academically diverse unit on campus with 19 departments and 43 academic programs and research centers. The college provides the core curriculum for all University of Arkansas students and is named for J. William Fulbright, former university president and longtime U.S. senator.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.