School of Business · Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor's in Communication

Program Overview

Learn to thrive in today's media environment.

Everyone, from corporate executives to grade school children, uses today's communication tools. Learn how to master them. Maryville University's Bachelor of Arts in Communication prepares you to interact in today's media and communication environments.

What sets the program apart

    • Two areas of emphasis: Emerging Media Strategy & Social Media and Strategic Communication
    • Internship required as part of the program of study
    • Real-world experience with corporate, nonprofit, medical and academic organizations
    • Preparation for today's media and communication environments

An Overview of Communication at Maryville

 
The communications program at Maryville is quite broad in that there's many different avenues that they offer for you to be able to apply your skills. One of my biggest passions has always just been getting to know people and talking to them. I felt like communications was a great way to get to do that. And once I got into my classes, started everything, the professors were so awesome. There was never a doubt in my mind that this is what I was supposed to be doing. The instructors here are absolutely amazing. A lot of them are adjuncts. They actually have careers in Saint Louis in communications. In the communications classes, they're not the boring old traditional classroom lecture. I think that there is a great opportunity to be able to connect with students in in class discussions and to also work on real life experiments or scenarios that our professors set up. I feel that in every single class that I've taken, it's always been something that's going to pertain to me. And I really feel like that even now, second year, I can see that my experience is gonna skyrocket and these professors have really helped me gain my communications knowledge. If you're interested in studying communications at Maryville, come to campus. We love to show you around.
Why Maryville

Why students choose Maryville communication

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

With the rise of social media and the rapid changes in how we consume content, communications professionals are in increasing demand across business, healthcare, education, government, nonprofit organizations, and media companies.

A communication degree prepares graduates for careers in public relations, marketing, social media, digital communications, corporate communications, advertising, and related fields that continue to evolve alongside emerging media technologies.

Career Paths

Create and maintain a favorable public image for organizations through strategic communications.
Develop and manage social media content, campaigns, and audience engagement.
Develop internal and external communications across digital and traditional platforms.
Support marketing initiatives through content creation, branding, advertising, and promotional campaigns.
7%Projected Job Growth

Employment of public relations specialists is projected to grow 7% from 2023–2033.

$69,780Median Salary

Median annual wage for public relations specialists (May 2024).

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses

2 Areas to Choose From

The two concentrations of the Maryville Communication program – emerging media strategy & social media and strategic communication – reflect the major areas of today’s media and communication environment.

Emerging Media Strategy & Social Media

Digital

Consists of digital writing, social media campaigns, web design, and crisis management.

    • Create content for digital and social media platforms
    • Develop effective social media campaigns
    • Build foundational web design skills
    • Learn communication strategies for crisis management

Strategic Communication

Strategy

Consists of public relations, advertising, and marketing communication studies.

    • Develop public relations campaigns
    • Create effective advertising strategies
    • Build integrated marketing communication plans
    • Learn strategic campaign planning and execution

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Want to earn your bachelor's in communication online?

Build the communication, writing and media skills employers value with Maryville University's flexible online bachelor's in communication. Learn from experienced faculty while preparing for careers in public relations, digital media, marketing, corporate communication and more.

Explore the Program

See communication in action

Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Communication program.

Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges  2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Students can choose between Emerging Media Strategy & Social Media or Strategic Communication.
Yes. The program includes an internship requirement that allows students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings while working for corporations, nonprofit organizations, medical organizations, or academic institutions.
Students have partnered or interned with organizations including Energizer Holdings, Inc., Town & Style Magazine, Nestlé Purina, Ronald McDonald House, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the St. Louis Blues.
Yes. Maryville also offers a Bachelor's in Communication Online.
Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
A Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Maryville prepares you for careers in public relations, digital marketing, social media, advertising, corporate communication, media, nonprofit organizations and many other communication-focused roles. Students also complete an internship to gain real-world professional experience before graduation.