Top Communications Degree Programs In North Carolina
North Carolina’s growing tech hubs and media networks create a thriving environment for communications professionals—and you could be at the center of it. With companies like Red Hat, SAS, and Blue Cross Blue Shield expanding their digital outreach, demand for skilled communicators who craft clear messages across platforms continues to rise. Whether shaping brand stories, managing social media strategies, or coordinating crisis responses, your ability to connect ideas with audiences becomes a career catalyst. Online communications programs offer a practical path to build these skills without pausing your current job, blending coursework in digital storytelling, public relations, and data analytics with real-world projects that mirror workplace challenges.
Salaries reflect the value of this expertise: marketing managers in the state earn an average of $120,000 annually, while public relations specialists see median wages around $65,000, with roles projected to grow 8% statewide over the next decade. Employers like Duke University Health System and Charlotte-based LendingTree actively seek candidates who combine strategic thinking with technical fluency—qualities reinforced through accredited online curricula.
What sets North Carolina apart is its mix of established industries and emerging startups, all relying on sharp communicators to bridge gaps between innovation and public understanding. By focusing on practical skills—from multimedia content creation to audience analysis—you position yourself not just for jobs, but for leadership roles in sectors driving the state’s economy. For those ready to explore options, Online Communications Programs in North Carolina offer tailored pathways to match local opportunities, blending academic rigor with the flexibility working professionals need. Your next career move might start with a click, but its impact could shape how entire organizations connect in a digital-first world.
Best Online Communications Degree Programs in North Carolina
Below are the top-ranked Online Communications programs in North Carolina, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Winston-Salem State University
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications
Key Highlights
- Winston-Salem State University's Mass Communications B.A. program offers specializations in Digital Media, Multiplatform Journalism, and Applied Communication.
- Students gain skills in Reporting, Investigative Journalism, Broadcasting, and Photojournalism.
- The program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- The curriculum includes courses in Media, Communication and Culture, and Minorities and Media.
- The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, writing, and global-intercultural awareness.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications at Winston-Salem State University prepares students for a wide range of careers in the media industry, including journalism, public relations, and digital media. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, writing, and global-intercultural awareness. Students can specialize in Digital Media, Multiplatform Journalism, or Applied Communication. The program offers flexible scheduling options, including online, on-campus, or hybrid classes.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Concentrations: Digital Media, Multiplatform Journalism, Applied Communication
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Reporting, Investigative Journalism, Broadcasting, Photojournalism, Editing, Public Relations, Sports Journalism, Art, Design, Production, Publishing, Technical Writing, Video Production, Social Media Management, Advertising, Fundraising, Events Planning, Multimedia Production
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $3,401/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,057/year
Sample Courses
Topics in Communication and Media Studies, Media, Communication and Culture, Minorities and Media
North Carolina Central University
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS in IT), Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Concentration
Key Highlights
- The program offers an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) concentration.
- Graduates can pursue careers in cloud solutions, IT direction, and project management.
- The curriculum incorporates coursework in Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Database Management Systems.
- Students gain skills in network management, web development, and systems analysis.
- The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) concentration provides skills in networking, wireless communications, and ICT tools.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS in IT) program at NCCU prepares students to thrive in diverse IT environments, managing and implementing advanced communication systems. The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) concentration focuses on providing skills in networking, wireless communications, and ICT tools, in addition to core IT skills like business programming and systems analysis. The program emphasizes a career-focused curriculum and personalized attention.
Program Features
- Concentrations: Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Network management, Entrepreneurship, IT strategy, Web development, Business programming, Systems analysis, Project Management, Database Management
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $3,728/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $16,764/year
Sample Courses
CSB 2000 Introduction to Computer Science and Business, CIS 2000 Business Programming I, CSEC 2000 Cybersecurity Fundamentals, CIS 2100 - Business Programming II, CIS 2500 Information Technology and Systems Software...
Why Study Communications Online in North Carolina?
Studying communications online in North Carolina positions you at the intersection of steady demand and strategic skill development, with regional employment trends showing targeted opportunities even as broader projections vary. While the state’s overall job market is expected to grow by 0.97% annually through 2030—adding 446,000 positions—according to state labor data, certain sectors like healthcare technology and corporate digital services outpace this average. Specialized roles blending multimedia production and strategic messaging are becoming critical as employers like Labcorp and Duke Health expand their remote teams, seeking professionals who can manage hybrid workflows. Programs emphasize project-based learning, mirroring insights that highlight hands-on class assignments as career preparation tools—creating portfolios with real client briefs or crisis simulation exercises that employers value.
Though O*NET data suggests slower growth for some communications roles (0% for niche categories through 2030), this reflects industry consolidation rather than decline, with 30 annual openings statewide emphasizing quality over quantity. Positioning yourself for these opportunities means leveraging North Carolina’s industry clusters: Raleigh’s tech startups need communicators fluent in AI-driven analytics, while Charlotte’s financial sector requires specialists skilled in regulatory messaging and ESG reporting. Online programs adapt quickly to these needs, integrating certifications like Google Analytics or HubSpot content marketing into coursework—direct responses to employer demands noted in local job postings.
Financial incentives further strengthen the case, with state-specific scholarships like the NC Tech Association Grants supporting online learners pursuing digital communications tracks. Regional networking channels—such as virtual career fairs hosted by Research Triangle Park companies—give remote students equal access to internships and mentorship programs typically concentrated in urban hubs. As industries prioritize adaptive communicators who can bridge gaps between technical teams and public audiences, your ability to gain experience while studying becomes a differentiator. Explore accredited online programs that align with North Carolina’s evolving sectors, and start building the hybrid skill set that turns statewide growth trends into personal career momentum.
Where Can You Work After Graduating?
If you’re pursuing online communications careers in North Carolina, you’ll find strong opportunities across healthcare, tech, and retail sectors. Labcorp, a global healthcare diagnostics company based in Burlington, frequently hires for roles like Communications Manager, offering salaries between $80,000 and $110,000 annually see current openings. These positions often involve managing internal messaging for their 70,000+ employees or crafting patient-facing content, with some roles offering full remote work flexibility. In the Raleigh-Durham area, tech giants like Amazon and Oracle actively recruit communications professionals for hybrid or in-office roles. Amazon’s North Carolina teams focus on corporate storytelling and logistics partnerships, while Oracle’s local offices seek specialists to translate cloud computing innovations into accessible content explore tech roles. Retailers like Target and Domino’s also maintain a presence, with Target frequently posting in-person roles for brand communications specialists in Charlotte and Domino’s hiring regional marketing coordinators to support franchise networks.
The Research Triangle Park (RTP) region serves as a hub for both established firms and startups, particularly in tech and biotech. Early-stage companies here often need communications generalists to handle everything from social media strategy to investor relations, offering hands-on experience in fast-paced environments. While remote opportunities exist—particularly with national companies like Kroger or Oracle—most in-person roles cluster around urban centers like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Greensboro.
To maximize your job search, focus on RTP networking events like Triangle Tech Careers Fair or local AMA chapters. Regularly check employer career pages for companies like Labcorp, which often promotes internal candidates, and set up job alerts on platforms like ZipRecruiter for “communications specialist” roles filtered by North Carolina locations. Alumni networks from UNC-Chapel Hill or NC State frequently share openings at mid-sized firms seeking digital content creators or public relations coordinators.
What Can You Earn With a Communications Degree in North Carolina?
If you're pursuing a communications degree in North Carolina, you can expect competitive salaries that vary with experience and location. Recent data shows communication specialists in the state earn between $54,712 and $63,902 annually based on career stage and regional demand. ZipRecruiter's 2025 data places the average at $60,895 per year, equating to $29.28 hourly or $5,074 monthly. This baseline often applies to mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience, particularly those managing social media campaigns or internal communications for mid-sized organizations.
Entry-level roles typically start closer to the $54,712 average reported by Indeed's salary survey, with recent graduates in cities like Charlotte or Greensboro often landing positions between $48,000 and $52,000. Specializing in high-demand areas like crisis communications or data-driven storytelling can push early-career salaries toward the $57,000 range. Senior professionals in strategic roles—especially in Raleigh-Durham’s growing tech sector—earn significantly more. Glassdoor’s 2025 figures show total compensation reaching $63,902 in this region, with base salaries averaging $56,197 plus bonuses tied to campaign performance or leadership responsibilities.
North Carolina salaries run slightly below the national average of $62,300 for communication specialists, but lower living costs in cities like Winston-Salem or Asheville offset this gap. Certifications like the Certified Communication Professional (CCP) or Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) can boost earnings by 8-12%, particularly in healthcare or technology industries. Professionals with expertise in multimedia production or AI-powered analytics tools often command premiums of $5,000-$7,000 above standard rates.
Job growth for communication roles in North Carolina aligns with national projections of 6% expansion through 2032, fueled by increased demand for digital content creators and corporate reputation managers. Salaries in metro areas like Raleigh and Charlotte are rising faster than state averages, with hybrid remote opportunities allowing professionals to work for out-of-state employers while residing in North Carolina. Staying current with emerging platforms like augmented reality storytelling or SEO optimization will position you for higher earning potential as the field evolves.
FAQs About Online Communications Degree Programs in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are online communications degrees accredited in North Carolina?
A: Yes—many programs hold regional accreditation, like Winston-Salem State University’s BA in Mass Communications through SACSCOC. Accreditation ensures employers and graduate schools recognize your degree’s quality. Always verify a program’s status before enrolling.
Q: What specializations are available in these programs?
A: Options include Mass Communications (Winston-Salem State) or Information and Communications Technology (NC Central University). Many programs also let you focus areas like digital media production, public relations, or data-driven storytelling through elective courses.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online communications degree?
A: Full-time students typically finish in 4 years. Accelerated online tracks may reduce this to 3 years, while part-time enrollment often extends to 5-6 years. Some programs offer year-round coursework to speed up progress.
Q: Can you work while studying online?
A: Yes—online formats let you schedule coursework around work hours. Many North Carolina programs design classes with asynchronous lectures and evening deadlines. Employers like Labcorp or Duke Health often accommodate employees pursuing degrees.
Q: What career paths do graduates typically pursue?
A: Common roles include PR specialists ($65,000 median salary), corporate communications managers, or digital content strategists. Graduates from NC Central’s ICT program often enter tech sectors, while others join media firms or healthcare communications teams.
Q: Do these programs offer hands-on learning opportunities?
A: Many integrate internships, client projects, or portfolio-building courses. Winston-Salem State’s Mass Communications program emphasizes real-world media production skills, aligning with local employers’ needs for campaign-ready graduates.
Q: Are scholarships available for online students?
A: Yes—North Carolina schools often extend institutional aid to online learners. State-specific options like NC Tech Association Grants and university merit awards can reduce costs by $1,000-$5,000 annually.
Q: How do these programs prepare you for local job markets?
A: Courses often address regional employer needs—like crisis communications for healthcare (Duke Health) or tech storytelling for Research Triangle Park firms. Many programs connect students with Charlotte/Raleigh-based internships through industry partnerships.