Communication Program Overview
Major employers, recruiting firms, and the U.S. Department of Labor agree that communication is one of the top skills today’s job candidates need. UT Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program covers a diverse range of communication types, empowering you with in-demand skills you can apply in practically any industry.
Our BA in communication emphasizes written and spoken communication and offers a comprehensive foundation in this multifaceted field, from the origins of rhetoric in Western thought to an analysis of modern communication media. Through our program, you’ll develop critical-thinking and research skills and acquire practical knowledge in topics such as public relations, small group communication, crisis communication, and interpersonal communication. Our program also offers an exploration of the dark side of communication and demonstrates the critical importance of an ethical approach.
Our convenient, collaborative online program enables you to complete classwork on your own schedule, anywhere. Online communication tools ensure your professors and classmates are always within reach to help guide and inspire you along the way.
Customize Your Communication Program With a Specialty Track
Our BA in communication program empowers you to align your studies with your interests by choosing one of four separate tracks:
- Communication Studies
Gain a broad understanding of communication that will help you in all your professional and personal endeavors. Our standard program track allows you to choose any electives that suit your interests and professional ambitions.
- Strategic Messaging
Discover how to effectively promote your organization’s products, services, and/or mission to a public audience. Learn more.
- Professional Communication
Communicate more effectively within an organization through the study of interpersonal communication, small group communication, leadership, and related topics. Learn more.
- Sports Media
Learn how to craft public relations and other media messages for sports organizations. Note: This track does not cover the technical aspects of media production. Learn more.
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:
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).
24 sch required for core
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.
Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Those hours will be chosen in consultation with their advisor.
Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Of those 15 hours, at least 12 must be selected from the courses listed below.
Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Of those 15 hours, at least 12 must be selected from the courses listed below.
Students pursuing this track will take an additional 15 upper-level credit hours in Communication. Of those 15 hours, at least 12 must be selected from the courses listed below.
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 that will apply through Fall 2023. 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
Use our transfer calculator to find out how your classes will transfer to UT Permian Basin and which classes will count toward your degree.
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 GoApplyTexas 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.