- Overview
- Courses
- Requirements
- Faculty
Communication Program Overview
Communication is consistently one of the top skills today’s employers seek in their workforce. Our online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program covers a diverse range of essential types of communication, empowering you with in-demand skills you can apply in practically any industry.
Our BA in communication program emphasizes written and spoken communication and offers a comprehensive foundation in this complex field, from the origins of rhetoric in Western thought to an analysis of modern communication media. As you move through the program, you’ll develop critical-thinking and research skills and acquire practical knowledge in topics such as small group communication, crisis communication, and interpersonal communication, all of which are critical to workplace productivity and harmony. The program also offers a course that delves into the dark side of communication and demonstrates the critical importance of an ethical approach.
This convenient, collaborative online program enables you to complete classwork on your own schedule, wherever you are. Online communication tools ensure your professors and classmates are always within reach to help guide and inspire you along the way.
Careers for BA in Communication Graduates
An online BA in communication from UT Permian Basin empowers you with knowledge and abilities that can prepare you for greater success in positions associated with communication and beyond, including:
- Public Relations Professional
- Journalist
- Broadcaster
- Social Media Manager
- Media Specialist
- Marketing Manager
- Government and Public Affairs Director
- Corporate Communications Manager
- Publication Editor
Students must complete 42 credits from the following areas of study to complete general education requirements: communication (6 credits); U.S. history (6 credits), language, philosophy, and culture (3 credits); mathematics (3 or 4 credits); life and physical sciences (8 credits; 2 courses with labs); political science (6 credits); creative arts (3 credits); social and behavioral science (3 credits); component area (3 credits).
36-45 credit hours. All communication majors must complete at least 39 sch: a 21-hour required core plus 15 sch of elective communication courses, chosen in consultation with their faculty advisor.
15 sch, at least 12 upper-level.
You need 48 upper-level hours to graduate. Since most courses are 3 semester credit hours, you will need about 16 upper-level courses. At UTPB, any course number starting with a 3 or a 4 is an upper-level course. The number of upper-level elective hours you require will depend on the courses you take in your major and minor. Most COMM students need 2-3 upper-level elective courses, and you should visit with your adviser to see how this applies to your degree plan.
In general, the minor is 18 sch with 12 sch at the upper level. Please talk to your advisor for specific minor requirements.
Admission Requirements
In order to prevent delays in processing applications, UT Permian Basin is temporarily modifying the freshman admission process by moving to a test-optional policy for Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021. See the Test-Optional Policy section below for additional details.
Transfer Student Admission Requirements
- Minimum of 24 transferable credit hours from a regionally accredited college or university
- GPA of 2.0 or higher in previous college-level coursework
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Dual-credit high school courses must be included
- Completed application
Incoming Freshman Admission Requirements
If you have completed less than 24 hours of transferable college-level work from a regionally accredited college or university after graduating from high school or receiving your GED, please provide the following:
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (including dual-credit work while in high school)
- Official high school transcript showing GPA, class rank, and expected graduation date or GED scores
- SAT and/or ACT scores from within the last five years (see below for minimum score requirements)
- Completed application
Official Transcripts
Official copies of transcripts must come directly from the school in a sealed envelope and should be mailed to:
UT Permian Basin
Office of Admissions
4901 E. University Blvd.
Odessa, TX 79762
Official transcripts in electronic format can be sent to admissions@utpb.edu.
Minimum Score Requirements for Freshman Admission
High School Graduation Class Rank | SAT | ACT |
Top 25% | No minimum score | No minimum score |
2nd Quarter | 1020 | 20 |
3rd Quarter | 1160 | 24 |
4th Quarter | 1280 | 27 |
Application Fee
The application fee is $40.
If you are a freshman applicant, you may request a fee waiver when you apply by sending us your official college application fee waiver form provided by the SAT or ACT. You may also request a fee waiver if the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) listed on your Student Aid Report is zero.
Test-Optional Policy
Students will be reviewed on a holistic basis focusing on the strength of the high school record, overall grade point average, grades within the core subjects, dual credit work, and additional information (resume and/or extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and work experience provided with the ApplyTexas application). We also recognize the value of standardized tests as a piece of the review process and will consider scores alongside the other required application credentials, if provided.