Best Communications Degree Programs In Ohio (2025)
Picture yourself shaping stories that influence how people connect across Ohio’s growing industries—from Cleveland’s healthcare networks to Cincinnati’s marketing agencies. With remote work and digital collaboration reshaping careers, communication skills open doors to roles you might not expect: managing social media for Columbus startups, coordinating PR campaigns for Dayton nonprofits, or crafting internal strategies for Akron’s manufacturing leaders. Ohio’s job market for communication professionals is expanding, with median salaries ranging depending on your specialization and experience.
Earning your degree online lets you build expertise while maintaining your current job, applying new skills immediately to projects that matter. Major employers like Procter & Gamble, Nationwide Insurance, and the Cleveland Clinic actively seek candidates who understand both traditional media relations and emerging platforms like podcasting or employee advocacy networks.
The flexibility of online learning means you can adapt coursework around internships with Ohio-based companies or freelance gigs that expand your portfolio. Whether you’re aiming to pivot into a creative agency role or lead corporate communications for a tech firm, credentials paired with hands-on experience make your resume stand out. Explore how blending Ohio’s industry connections with targeted training prepares you for a field where every message has the power to drive change.
Best Online Communications Degree Programs in Ohio
Below are the top-ranked Online Communications programs in Ohio, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Franklin University
Bachelor of Science in Communications
Key Highlights
- The Bachelor of Science in Communications program offers options in Human Communication, Digital Communication, Health Communication, Strategic Communication, and Public Relations.
- Graduates are equipped to deliver strategic communications programs and create targeted messaging.
- Students gain skills in communications planning, message development, media relations, and social media management.
- The curriculum emphasizes ethical, collaborative, and creative communications.
- Students can customize their major with electives in areas like marketing, writing, public relations, psychology, and human resources management.
- The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Students gain skills in generative AI in communications.
Program Description
Franklin University's online Bachelor of Science in Communications program prepares students to shape, lead, and execute integrated communications plans, strategies, and tactics across various mediums, including print, digital, and social media. The curriculum emphasizes ethical, collaborative, and creative communications, equipping graduates to deliver strategic communications programs, create targeted messaging, and develop comprehensive campaigns. Students can customize their major with electives in areas like marketing, writing, public relations, psychology, and human resources management.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Concentrations: Human Communication, Digital Communication, Health Communication, Strategic Communication, Public Relations
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
- Prerequisites: High School Diploma, Algebra competency, College Writing (ENG 120), Basic Learning Strategies (PF 121) or Learning Strategies (PF 321), Interpersonal Communication (COMM 150) or Speech Communication (SPCH 100)
Skills You'll Gain
Communications planning, Message development, Visual communication, Media relations, Public relations campaign creation, Generative AI in communications, Audience analysis, Social media management, Multi-media content creation
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Contact Information
- admissions
- [email protected]
Sample Courses
ENG 120 - College Writing, MATH 215 - Statistical Concepts OR MATH 160 - College Algebra, PF 121 - Basic Learning Strategies OR PF 321 - Learning Strategies, COMM 150 - Interpersonal Communication OR SPCH 100 - Speech Communication, ENG 205 - Business & Professional Writing OR ENG 220 - Research Writing: Exploring Professional Identities...
Why an Ohio-Based Communications Degree Works for You
Choosing an online communications degree in Ohio positions you at the intersection of growing industries and adaptable skill development. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting national employment growth of 3% for media and communication roles through 2033, Ohio’s localized demand is poised to outpace this average due to expanding sectors like healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. Major employers such as Cleveland Clinic and Nationwide Insurance are scaling internal teams to manage digital transformation, creating roles in health communications, employee advocacy, and crisis management that require both strategic thinking and technical fluency. Programs emphasize project-based learning—aligning with insights from Reddit discussions where graduates highlight the value of hands-on coursework like video production and audience analytics in building job-ready portfolios.
Ohio’s cost of living, 12% below the national average, amplifies earning potential for communications specialists, with salaries in sectors like fintech and AI-driven startups projected to rise 8-12% by 2030 as employers compete for hybrid-ready talent. Regional professional networks, including PRSA Central Ohio and Cleveland’s Media Corps, offer direct pathways to internships and freelance opportunities with companies testing new communication tools, from augmented reality training modules to AI content generators. These connections let you refine skills in real time while studying online, turning class assignments into resume highlights.
With Columbus ranked among the top 10 U.S. cities for tech job growth and Cincinnati’s marketing agencies increasingly serving national clients, your degree becomes a launchpad for roles shaping how industries adapt to AI, remote collaboration, and data-driven storytelling. Ohio’s blend of affordability, industry diversity, and program flexibility ensures you graduate not just with credentials, but with a network and portfolio aligned to where the field is headed. Start building expertise that meets tomorrow’s challenges—today’s job market won’t wait.
Where Ohio Communications Graduates Find Jobs
Ohio’s communications graduates find diverse opportunities across industries, with employers ranging from healthcare systems to tech startups actively hiring for specialized roles. Major companies like Nationwide Insurance frequently post openings for internal communications coordinators and media relations specialists, offering hybrid work models and access to professional development programs through their corporate university. Healthcare organizations such as Cleveland Clinic seek health communications specialists to manage patient education materials and crisis communications, often requiring adaptability to fast-paced environments with rotating on-call schedules.
Tech startups in Cincinnati and Columbus are growing hubs for digital content creators and public relations associates, with companies like Olive AI building teams focused on simplifying healthcare communications through AI solutions. These roles often emphasize collaborative, agile workflows and opportunities to shape brand voice from the ground up. Financial institutions like KeyBank list positions for corporate communications managers who develop employee engagement strategies and external stakeholder messaging, typically offering competitive benefits packages with tuition reimbursement programs.
Job seekers will find over 200 active communications specialist postings in Ohio on platforms like Indeed, with many roles concentrated in Columbus’ Fortune 500 corridor and Cleveland’s healthcare networks. Startups in Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub and Dayton’s technology parks also provide entry points for recent graduates willing to wear multiple hats in smaller teams. Building connections through Ohio-based professional groups like the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Central Ohio Chapter or attending industry meetups in Cleveland’s MidTown Tech Park can help uncover unadvertised roles. Focus your search on organizations aligning with your niche—whether healthcare messaging, fintech content, or nonprofit advocacy—to leverage Ohio’s varied industry strengths.
How Much Can You Earn as a Communications Specialist in Ohio
If you’re considering a career as a communications specialist in Ohio, salary expectations can vary based on experience and source. Data from ZipRecruiter’s March 2025 report shows an average annual salary of $63,702, breaking down to $30.63 hourly, $1,225 weekly, or $5,308 monthly. This figure reflects mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience, though salaries can climb higher in industries like healthcare or tech. Indeed’s 2025 data reports a lower average of $51,020 annually, which may include more entry-level roles or part-time positions. These differences highlight how factors like employer size, location (urban vs. rural), and job responsibilities influence earnings.
Entry-level positions (0-2 years) in Ohio typically start around $45,000-$52,000, aligning with Indeed’s lower average. Mid-career professionals often see salaries between $55,000 and $70,000, as reflected in ZipRecruiter’s data. Senior roles (8+ years) can exceed $80,000, especially in corporate or nonprofit leadership. Ohio’s salaries trend slightly below the national average for communications specialists, which hovers near $67,000, but lower living costs in cities like Columbus or Cleveland can offset this gap.
Specializations like digital media strategy or crisis communications can boost earnings by 10-15%. Certifications such as the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) or Certified Communications Professional (CCP) also add value. Employers in sectors like finance or higher education may offer higher compensation for niche expertise. Remote or hybrid roles, increasingly common post-2025, might align salaries with national averages depending on the employer’s location.
Job growth for communications specialists in Ohio is projected to remain steady, driven by demand for digital content creation and internal communications in expanding industries. As organizations prioritize brand visibility and employee engagement, professionals with multimedia skills or data analytics experience could see faster salary progression. Staying updated on tools like SEO optimization or social media analytics platforms will position you competitively in this evolving field.
FAQs About Online Communications Degree Programs in Ohio
Common Questions About Communications Degrees in Ohio
Q: What's the average cost of a communications degree program in Ohio?
A: Programs range from $300-$600 per credit, with Franklin University’s Bachelor of Science in Communications priced at $398 per credit. Total costs typically fall between $35,000-$50,000 for a bachelor’s degree, depending on transfer credits and fees.
Q: Can you work full-time while completing an online communications degree?
A: Yes—most Ohio online programs offer asynchronous classes and part-time enrollment. Students often complete degrees in 4-6 years while working, with coursework designed for immediate application to professional projects.
Q: Which Ohio schools offer AI-focused communications courses?
A: While specific AI-focused courses aren’t listed in provided data, Franklin University’s communications program emphasizes emerging technologies. Check curriculum details directly with schools, as many Ohio institutions integrate AI topics like automated content tools or data analytics.
Q: How long does it typically take to finish an online communications degree?
A: Full-time students usually graduate in 4 years. Accelerated tracks may shorten this to 3 years, while part-time learners often take 5-6 years. Prior college credits or work experience can reduce timelines significantly.
Q: Do Ohio employers value online degrees as much as traditional programs?
A: Employers like Nationwide and Procter & Gamble prioritize accredited degrees and relevant skills over delivery format. Ensure your program holds regional accreditation, like Franklin University’s Higher Learning Commission endorsement.
Q: What specializations are most in-demand with Ohio employers?
A: Digital media strategy, health communications, and corporate PR lead hiring trends. Ohio’s healthcare and tech sectors increasingly seek professionals with crisis management or AI-enhanced content creation skills.