Best Communications Degree Programs In Pennsylvania (2025)
Effective communication shapes how ideas spread and businesses grow, making it a critical skill across industries. In Pennsylvania, where sectors like healthcare, tech, and media thrive, your ability to craft clear messages could open doors to roles in public relations, digital marketing, or corporate training. The state’s job market for communications professionals is growing faster than the national average, with median salaries ranging from $50,000 for entry-level positions to over $90,000 for managerial roles. Major employers like Comcast, UPMC, and Dick’s Sporting Goods consistently seek talent who can navigate both traditional and digital platforms.
Pursuing an online communications degree lets you build expertise without pausing your current job, positioning you for promotions or career shifts. Programs from respected institutions blend theory with practical skills like social media strategy and crisis communication, often incorporating real-world projects. Employers in Pennsylvania value candidates who stay ahead of trends, and an online degree demonstrates your commitment to growth in a field where adaptability matters. With remote work becoming standard, the ability to collaborate across virtual teams—a core component of online programs—gives you an edge in competitive markets.
Pennsylvania hosts several communications programs recognized for their academic rigor and industry connections. Whether you’re aiming to lead campaigns for Pittsburgh’s tech startups or manage internal communications for Philadelphia’s healthcare systems, local opportunities align with diverse interests. The state’s mix of Fortune 500 companies and innovative nonprofits means your skills could impact industries from education to entertainment. Exploring options through resources like Online Communications Programs in Pennsylvania can help you find a program that fits your goals while connecting you to networks that accelerate your career. As demand for skilled communicators rises, positioning yourself with relevant education ensures you’re ready to seize roles that match your ambitions.
Best Online Communications Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Below are the top-ranked Online Communications programs in Pennsylvania, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Penn State World Campus
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications
Key Highlights
- The Strategic Communications program uses disciplines including psychology, statistics, law, and research.
- Students gain skills in content development, campaign management, and public image cultivation.
- Skills gained include data analysis and social media strategies.
- Coursework includes COMM 428C Strategic Communications in a Global Environment.
- The Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications supports the program.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications program at Penn State World Campus equips students with the skills to create effective communication strategies using modern research techniques, messaging construction, and post-campaign analysis. The curriculum covers various disciplines, including psychology, statistics, law, and research, to build a solid foundation for effective communication in any organization. Students will learn to develop content strategically, cultivate an organization's image, evaluate communication efforts, and conduct organized communication campaigns.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Critical thinking, Problem-solving, Communication channel selection, Content development, Campaign management, Public image cultivation, Data Analysis, Social Media Strategies, Content Creation
Tuition & Costs
- Additional Cost Information:
Per Credit Costs:
- $632 / $678 per credit
Tuition Structure (Fall 2024 – Summer 2025):
- 11 or fewer credits:
- $632 per credit (for <60 credits)
- $678 per credit (for 60+ credits)
- 12-19 credits:
- $7,678 per semester (for <60 credits)
- $8,288 per semester (for 60+ credits)
Contact Information
- Michelle Baker, Ph.D.
- [email protected],[email protected]
- 814-863-5386
Sample Courses
COMM 160 Basic News Writing Skills, COMM 230W Writing for Media, COMM 428A Principles of Strategic Communications, COMM 428B Strategic Communications Law, COMM 428C Strategic Communications in a Global Environment...
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications
Key Highlights
- The program teaches students how to construct persuasive messages using industry software and tools.
- Graduates gain expertise in social media content creation and digital audience analytics.
- The curriculum covers laws and regulations affecting strategic communications.
- Students gain skills in crafting powerful messages, managing integrated marketing campaigns, and analyzing digital audiences.
- The curriculum covers integrated marketing campaigns and research and analytics skills.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications program teaches students how to construct persuasive messages using industry software and tools. The curriculum covers integrated marketing campaigns, laws and regulations affecting strategic communications, and research and analytics skills. Students gain expertise in social media content creation and digital audience analytics.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Persuasive messaging, integrated marketing campaigns, social media content creation, digital audience analytics, research, analytics
Tuition & Costs
Sample Courses
Introduction to Strategic Communications, Principles of Integrated Marketing, Digital Media Strategies, Social Media Management, Strategic Communication Campaigns...
Wilson College
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications
Key Highlights
- The Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications at Wilson College allows for a customizable education in digital communications, humanities, or business.
- Students will gain skills in oral communication, written communication, digital design, media marketing, and public relations.
- The curriculum includes courses in Media Law and Ethics, Web Communications and Design, and Strategic Communications.
- Wilson College has been named among the Top Performers on Social Mobility in the North by U.S. News.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications at Wilson College is designed to provide students with a customizable education in digital communications, humanities, or business. The program focuses on critical concepts in media studies, digital design, and strategic communications. Students will gain expertise in areas such as media history, laws, regulations, oral and written communication, digital design, media marketing, public relations, and strategic communications campaign development.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Oral Communication, Written Communication, Digital Design, Media Marketing, Public Relations, Strategic Communications Campaign Development, Visual Communication, Media Theory
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $26,976/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $26,976/year
- Additional Cost Information:
- Cost: Per credit hour
- Semester Load: 6-14 credits
Sample Courses
INTRO TO MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS, EFFECTIVE SPEAKING, DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND DESIGN, MEDIA WRITING, INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION...
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Communications Media/Media Studies
Key Highlights
- The program is a Bachelor of Science in Communications Media/Media Studies completion option.
- Students gain skills in multimedia production, scriptwriting, and persuasive media writing.
- Graduates are prepared for careers in media management and content creation.
- The curriculum includes courses such as COMM 493 Internship.
- Students develop skills in media literacy and critical analysis.
- Students can focus on areas of interest within communications with electives.
- The program covers topics from media theory and production to global communication.
- Students will take courses such as COMM 380 The History of African Americans in Film.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Communications Media/Media Studies program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a comprehensive online degree completion option. Students will take all required courses online. The curriculum includes courses such as COMM 493 Internship, writing intensive courses, production courses, and media studies courses. It also includes Liberal Studies courses and electives to reach the minimum of 120 credits required to graduate with a bachelor's degree.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Media literacy, critical analysis, communication, presentation skills, multimedia production, research
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $7,716/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,200/year
Sample Courses
COMM 101 Introduction to Communications, Media, and Culture, COMM 150 Media Aesthetics, COMM 201 Internet and Multimedia...
Why Pennsylvania is a Smart Choice for Your Online Communications Degree
Choosing Pennsylvania for your online communications degree positions you at the intersection of emerging industry demands and specialized skill development. With national projections forecasting 4% growth for media and communication roles through 2030, Pennsylvania’s job market is accelerating faster due to its concentrated healthcare, tech, and education sectors. Philadelphia’s corporate hubs and Pittsburgh’s innovation centers need communicators who can bridge gaps between traditional outreach and digital platforms, particularly as remote collaboration becomes standard in hybrid workplaces. The state’s emphasis on healthcare systems like UPMC and tech giants like Comcast creates demand for professionals skilled in crisis messaging, patient education, and investor relations—areas where Pennsylvania-based programs often integrate real-world projects directly into coursework.
Regional salary trends reflect this momentum, with specialized roles in internal communications and digital strategy seeing annual increases of 3-5% as employers compete for talent. You’ll gain access to localized networks like the Philadelphia Public Relations Association, which connects graduates to nonprofits, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies actively recruiting for roles in content strategy and stakeholder engagement. Programs designed with input from Pennsylvania employers prioritize skills like data-driven storytelling and platform-specific analytics, ensuring you graduate with tools directly applicable to the state’s evolving industries.
Remote work flexibility allows you to collaborate with national employers while benefiting from Pennsylvania’s lower cost of living compared to coastal metros. As industries like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing expand statewide, communicators who understand regional economic priorities will find opportunities in emerging sectors. By aligning your online education with Pennsylvania’s industry needs, you position yourself to lead campaigns for Pittsburgh’s startups, manage outreach for Harrisburg’s tech initiatives, or shape narratives for Philadelphia’s healthcare innovations. Start building connections through program partnerships and regional events—your expertise will meet ready demand in a market primed for growth.
Where to Work After Graduating with a Communications Degree
Pennsylvania offers strong opportunities for communications graduates, with platforms like Indeed listing over 300 specialist roles statewide and ZipRecruiter showing salary ranges from $53k to $105k. Dreamline, a home furnishings company in Warminster featured in Indeed’s corporate communications listings, hires specialists to manage brand messaging and internal communications. Their team-based structure provides mentorship for recent graduates, particularly in content creation and stakeholder engagement. Robert Half, a staffing firm with Philadelphia offices highlighted in current Indeed posts, recruits Communications Managers for projects in healthcare, finance, and tech. These contract roles let you build cross-industry experience while developing crisis communication plans and marketing collateral.
Philadelphia’s corporate sector remains a major employer, with companies like Comcast regularly seeking specialists for public relations and digital content roles. These positions often emphasize collaborative campaigns across multiple media platforms. In Pittsburgh, healthcare systems like UPMC hire coordinators to design patient education materials and manage community outreach, frequently offering hybrid schedules. Central Pennsylvania’s growing tech hubs, including Harrisburg, host startups needing communicators for investor relations and social media strategy—these smaller companies often value versatility in writing and analytics.
Look beyond job boards to regional networking groups like the Philadelphia Public Relations Association, where many nonprofits and government agencies post communications roles. Attend industry meetups in Pittsburgh’s Strip District or virtual career fairs hosted by PA-based economic development groups to connect with employers. Prioritize building a portfolio with measurable campaign results and multimedia samples, as many Pennsylvania employers now require familiarity with tools like Hootsuite or Google Analytics. Focus your search on companies aligning with specific industries you’re passionate about, whether healthcare, tech, or public service, as the state’s diverse economy supports specialized communications careers.
What Can You Earn as a Communications Specialist in Pennsylvania?
If you’re exploring communications specialist roles in Pennsylvania, salary expectations can vary based on experience and specialization. Recent data from ZipRecruiter’s Pennsylvania salary report shows the average annual pay is $67,167 ($32.29/hour) as of March 2025, with entry-level positions often starting closer to the lower end of the spectrum. By comparison, Indeed’s Pennsylvania salary data reports a slightly lower average of $54,692 annually, which may reflect differences in sample sizes or job titles. These variations suggest that early-career professionals (0-2 years) could earn between $50,000 and $58,000, depending on industry and location.
Specializing can significantly boost earnings. For example, ZipRecruiter’s internal communications specialist data highlights an average of $100,743 annually ($48.43/hour) for those focused on internal corporate messaging—a premium of over 50% compared to generalist roles. Mid-career professionals (3-7 years) in specialized areas like crisis communications or digital media strategy often see salaries between $65,000 and $85,000, while senior roles (8+ years) in high-demand niches like healthcare or tech can exceed $95,000. Pennsylvania’s salaries generally align with national averages for generalists but lag slightly behind coastal states like New York or California.
Certifications such as the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or proficiency in data analytics tools can increase earning potential by 10-15%. Employers in cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh may also offer higher compensation to match local costs of living. Demand for remote communications roles is growing, which could widen opportunities for Pennsylvania professionals to work with national employers while residing in lower-cost areas. Over the next five years, salaries are projected to rise by 3-5% annually as organizations prioritize digital storytelling and employee engagement strategies.
FAQs About Online Communications Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Common Questions About Pennsylvania Communications Degrees
Q: Are these online programs accredited? A: Penn State World Campus holds regional accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Always verify accreditation status directly with programs, as this impacts credit transfers and employer recognition.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online communications degree? A: Full-time students typically finish in 4 years, but Penn State’s structure allows faster completion at 12-19 credits/semester. Wilson College’s 6-14 credit semesters may extend timelines for part-time learners balancing work.
Q: What’s the average cost difference between these programs? A: Penn State costs $632-$678/credit or $7,678-$8,288/semester for full-time students. Wilson College uses per-credit pricing but doesn’t publish exact rates – expect lower costs than Penn State based on typical private college pricing.
Q: Can I work full-time while studying online? A: Yes. Wilson College explicitly designs its 6-14 credit semesters for working professionals. Penn State’s flat-rate tuition for 12-19 credits rewards those who can handle heavier course loads around work schedules.
Q: Do these schools offer career placement support? A: While specific services aren’t detailed in program data, ask each school about their career resources.
Q: Which program works best for digital marketing careers? A: Penn State’s Strategic Communications degree includes courses in audience analysis and campaign development. Their per-credit pricing lets you add digital marketing electives without exceeding full-time tuition caps.
Q: Are there scholarships available for online students? A: Check each program’s funding options and deadlines.
Q: How do Pennsylvania’s communications salaries compare nationally? A: Pennsylvania communications specialists earn 3% below the national average for generalists but match national pay in specialized roles like technical writing. Urban areas like Philadelphia offer salaries 12% higher than rural regions.