APPLIED COMMUNICATION B.S. ONLINE & B.A. ONLINE-PLUS

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Program Description

Choose the path that fits your goals: a fully online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or an online-plus Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Applied Communication from UVU. Both degrees build practical, career-ready communication skills through hands-on, community-connected learning — preparing you for careers in public relations, human resources, training and development, marketing, and beyond. The B.S. is delivered 100% online. The B.A. is online-plus and requires 12 credits of foreign language coursework, all in the same language, which is why it includes an in-person/transfer component. Whichever path you choose, you'll graduate ready to communicate strategically across professional, organizational, and public contexts.

  • Choose Your Path: Earn a fully online B.S. or an online-plus B.A., depending on your career goals and language background.
  • Versatile Career Opportunities: A degree in Applied Communication opens doors to diverse career pathways, allowing you to tailor your profession to your interests and aspirations.
  • Community Engagement: Gain practical experience by actively engaging with our local community and putting your communication skills into action.
  • Network Building: Develop a robust network of contacts, resources, and support within our local community, enhancing your professional growth.

What You'll Learn

By the time you graduate, you'll be ready to excel in:

Applied Communication Minor

  • Applying foundational communication concepts and theories to real-world professional and social situations.
  • Communicating effectively across local and global contexts while understanding a range of perspectives.
  • Strengthening critical thinking and professional communication skills that transfer across industries.

Applied Communication B.A. (Online-Plus)

  • Analyzing communication in personal, organizational, and social contexts to make thoughtful, audience-centered decisions.
  • Crafting strategic messages for different audiences, purposes, and cultural settings.
  • Using intercultural awareness, conflict management, and negotiation skills to communicate effectively in professional environments.

Applied Communication B.S. (Fully Online)

  • Producing professional written and oral communication for careers in marketing, advertising, human resources, training, and related fields.
  • Using data literacy, digital and media literacy, and ethical reasoning to guide communication decisions.
  • Developing creative solutions to relational, organizational, and public communication challenges through applied, community-connected learning.

Online Plus icon

Online-PLUS programs enhance the student experience by combining online, flexible, and in-person learning formats. These programs may include online classes, live video sessions, field or clinical experiences, or a mix of these. Livestreamed sessions may have fixed times, and occasional, required on-campus activities forge stronger connections with instructors and peers. For more information, contact your Academic Advisor.

Applied Communication B.A. Online-Plus Requirements:

12 credits of the same foreign language are required. Foreign Language courses are not currently available online. Students should work with a languages advisor to explore options such as transfer credit or credit for prior learning (CPL) offered by UVU's Language Department.

More information about UVU's Language Department policies and costs can be found on the Prior Language Learning Credit document. If you are ready to purchase credit or have further questions, you can schedule an appointment with the corresponding languages advisor.

PROGRAM STACKABILITY

Applied Communication pathway is stackable. This means you can build your education step by step. The Applied Communication minor can stack into the Humanities and Social Sciences A.S. degree. Separately, the Humanities and Social Sciences A.S. can stack into the Applied Communication B.A. or B.S. The minor and the bachelor's degree are different programs, so minor coursework does not carry over into the bachelor's degree. Building your education this way can save time and help you move toward a bachelor's degree and a strong career.

Compare your Online Options.

Stackable Degrees

Associate of Science

Humanities and Social Sciences

60 Credits

Bachelor of
Arts

Applied Communication

120 Credits

AND

Bachelor of Science

Applied Communication

120 Credits

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APPLIED COMMUNICATION Careers

  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Training & Development Specialist
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Communications Specialist
  • Corporate Trainer

Program Spotlight

What is My Tuition?

UVU Online provides a top-quality education for in-state and out-of-state students:

 
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I am an undergraduate student residing WITHIN the state of Utah

Fully online undergraduate students residing within the state of Utah while attending classes pay the same tuition rates as students attending in-person classes, as determined by their residency designation.

 
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I am an undergraduate student residing OUTSIDE of the state of Utah

Fully online undergraduate students residing outside of the state of Utah while attending classes pay a flat tuition rate of $285 per credit.

(Must be residing within the United States. Non U.S. citizens residing internationally do not qualify for the flat tuition rate.)

Learn More About Paying for College:

Credit for Prior Experience & Education

UVU offers Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) to help students earn college credit for skills and knowledge they already have from work, training, or past education. This process recognizes prior learning and helps make college more affordable and accessible. Students complete an assessment to demonstrate their knowledge before credit is awarded. CPL saves time and money by matching real‑world experience to UVU college classes.

Learn more about CPL

UVU IS NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR ONLINE QUALITY & AFFORDABILITY

UVU's commitment to providing accessible and high-quality online education has earned it national recognition from respected publications. With a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, UVU offers students the flexibility they need to pursue their educational goals wherever they are!

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WE ARE ONE OF
AMERICA'S TOP
ONLINE COLLEGES 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Applied Communication B.A. and B.S. at UVU?

The B.S. emphasizes applied, professional communication skills for fields like marketing, HR, and training, and is delivered fully online. The B.A. emphasizes audience-centered, intercultural, and strategic communication, and is offered online-plus, which includes a 12-credit foreign language requirement.

Is the Applied Communication program fully online?

The B.S. in Applied Communication is 100% online. The B.A. is online-plus, meaning most coursework is online but the degree includes a foreign language requirement not currently offered online.

What are the language requirements for the B.A.?

The B.A. requires 12 credits in a single foreign language (1010, 1020, and 2010 levels). Since language courses aren't available online, students typically complete this requirement through transfer credit, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), or in-person coursework.

How long does it take to complete the degree?

Both the B.A. and B.S. are 120-credit programs. Time to completion depends on transfer credits, course load, and whether you stack in from the Applied Communication minor or the Humanities and Social Sciences A.S.

Can I transfer credits or use Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?

Yes. UVU accepts transfer credit and offers CPL, which allows you to earn credit for relevant work experience, training, or prior education after completing an assessment. CPL is also a common path for meeting the B.A.'s language requirement.

What can I do with an Applied Communication degree?

Graduates pursue careers such as Public Relations Specialist, Human Resources Specialist, Training & Development Specialist, Marketing Coordinator, Communications Specialist, and Corporate Trainer, across industries including business, nonprofits, healthcare, and education.

How much does the online program cost?

In-state students pay standard UVU in-state tuition rates. Out-of-state students pay a flat rate of $285 per credit for fully online coursework.

Can I start with a minor or associate degree and work toward the bachelor's later?

Yes. The Applied Communication minor stacks into the Humanities and Social Sciences A.S., which stacks into both the B.A. and B.S., so credits earned along the way count toward your bachelor's degree.