Overview
Complete your bachelor’s in communications with URI Online.
URI Online’s B.A. Degree Completion Program in Strategic Communication allows you to develop your writing and interpersonal communication styles, hone your public speaking skills and think critically about solutions to real-world communication challenges. Explore your interests through electives in areas such as advertising, marketing, digital media, web design and sports media.
Our online degree completion program is specifically for the adult learner who previously started, but did not complete, a four-year undergraduate degree and who has been away from his or her studies for a period of time; and, students who have completed their associates degree.
Courses
Courses are offered in 7-week sessions through our accelerated online calendar, with two sessions in each term (Spring, Summer, Fall). You can start the program in any term.
The degree requires a minimum of 36 credits including:
COM 302: Advanced Public Speaking
COM 381: Research Methods in Communication
COM 382: Communication Theory
COM 383: Rhetorical Theory
COM 442: Strategic Media Communication
At least two courses (6 credits) of COM 300 level
At least two courses (6 credits) of COM 400 level
Completion of three additional courses from one of the following elective areas:
Business and Organizational Leadership Skills
COM 351: Organizational Communication Skills
COM 402: Leadership & Motivation
COM 440: Telecommunications Processes and Audience Behavior
COM460: Environmental Communication: Local & Global
WRT/PRS 331: Writing Public Relations
Science, Environment & Health
COM 315: Environmental Dimensions of Communications
COM 320: Health Communication
COM 460: Environmental Communication: Local & Global
PRS 441: Public Relations Practices
WRT 334: Science Writing
Social Science & Media
COM 310: Topics in Communication
COM 321G: Social Media & Interpersonal Communication
COM 322: Gender & Communication
COM 415: The Ethics of Persuasion
COM 441: Race, Class, and Gender in the Media
- 120 credits total required for graduation
- At least 42 credits must be in courses numbered 300 or above
- General education requirements are the same for students completing a conventional four-year degree in Communication Studies as outlined in the University of Rhode Island catalog
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) can be granted to certain eligible students. Students are asked to consult with their advisor and arrange for PLA assessment within their first semester of the program.
- Students must have a GPA of at least 2.00 and earn a GPA in major courses of at least 2.00 in order to graduate.
- A maximum of 51 units in COM courses are allowable, not counting COM 100, 100H, or 110. COM units in excess of 51 cannot be used towards the degree.
Tuition per credit based on 2024/2025 academic year rates (subject to change): $610
Admissions
Students in this program are typically:
- Non-traditional, adult learners (approx. 25 years of age or older)
- Currently employed or have other responsibilities (e.g., family caretaker)
- Current or previous Military/Veteran status
- All students require flexibility and accessibility in order to successfully complete this degree program.
Applications may be submitted after completing 45 credits at an accredited Postsecondary Institution with a 2.5 minimum cumulative grade point average. If an applicant has received an associate degree from a regionally accredited institution, applicants must have earned a minimum 2.4 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), be in good standing and eligible to return to institutions previously attended. Associate degree applicants are not required to submit a high school transcript.
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Readmission
Applicants who have previously registered for courses at URI as a degree-seeking student are considered for readmission and must apply using the Readmission Application.
readmissionHarrington School of Communication and Media
The Harrington School of Communication and Media at URI offers hands-on, interdisciplinary programs that prepare students to thrive in today’s fast-changing world of communication and media.
Advance your career with URI Online.
A Strategic Communications, B.A. degree from URI Online opens doors to diverse career opportunities in public relations, marketing, and corporate communications. Graduates can excel as PR specialists, social media managers, and brand strategists, leveraging their skills in message crafting, media relations, and digital communication. This versatile degree equips students with the expertise needed to navigate and thrive in the dynamic world of strategic communications.
Crafts press releases, manages media inquiries, develops PR campaigns, and maintains a positive public image for clients or organizations.
Analyzes target audiences, selects appropriate media channels for advertising, develops media plans, negotiates media buys, and monitors campaign performance.
Develops and implements branding strategies, conducts market research, creates brand messaging, and ensures consistent brand voice across all channels.
“I see the Strategic Communication Degree Completion program as a terrific opportunity for adult learners. A Communication Studies degree prepares people for a wide variety of career opportunities, as employers are interested in graduates who can think; communicate in writing, speaking, and other modalities; and who can problem-solve in a nimble work environment. Teaching for this program has been rewarding for me because I’ve seen people come back to school after YEARS and find their way back to learning.”
– Kathleen M. Torrens, Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Communication Studies
Harrington School of Communication and Media
Assistant Director, Online Education Office for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning
Business and Leadership
URI Online offers a comprehensive portfolio of business and leadership programs tailored to meet the demands of rapidly evolving professional roles and responsibilities.
