Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication

Communicate Clearly. Advance with Confidence.

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Program Overview

Bellarmine’s Professional Communication program prepares adult learners to communicate effectively in today’s fast-moving professional environments. Whether you’re starting your degree or returning to complete it, the program offers a flexible pathway to build the communication skills employers value most. 

Students learn how to write, present, and communicate strategically across a range of platforms and professional contexts. The online format allows you to advance your education while maintaining your work and personal commitments. 

Why earn your Professional Communication degree at Bellarmine?

Clear, effective communication is essential in every field—and this program is designed to help adult learners develop those skills with purpose and confidence. 

You’ll benefit from: 

  • Accessible entry point—start without prior college credit or transfer existing coursework 
  • Career-relevant communication skills you can immediately apply 
  • Focus on ethical and responsible communication, aligned with Bellarmine’s values 
  • Supportive, flexible online format designed for working adults 
  • Credit for prior learning (CPL)—earn college credit for relevant life, work, or military experience 

Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or pivot into a new career, this program provides the communication foundation to succeed. 

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At a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Modality
Online
Hours
120
Someone giving a presentation.

Professional Writing & Presentation

Build strong writing and presentation skills for business, nonprofit, and organizational settings.

Degree Requirements

Students in class working on laptops.

Media & Strategic Messaging

Learn how to craft and deliver effective messages across digital and traditional platforms.

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Interpersonal & Intercultural Communication

Strengthen your ability to communicate across diverse audiences and professional environments.

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99%

Graduates Employed or in Grad School within Six Months of Graduation

100%

Online Degree

6

Flexible Start Dates Throughout the Year

 

Degree Requirements

View the full degree requirements in the catalog.

Career Outcomes

The B.A. in Professional Communication equips students with the communication skills that employers consistently identify as essential for career advancement. Through a focus on writing, speaking, digital communication, and audience engagement, students learn how to communicate clearly and effectively across professional settings.
 
For working adults, the program is designed to strengthen day-to-day workplace performance while opening doors to new opportunities. Whether communicating with clients, leading presentations, managing internal messaging, or building a professional brand, students develop skills they can immediately apply in their current roles.
 
Graduates are prepared for positions such as communications specialist, marketing coordinator, public relations professional, social media manager, and corporate trainer. Just as importantly, they become more competitive for advancement by demonstrating the ability to translate complex ideas into clear, impactful communication across teams and audiences.
 
Potential career paths include:
 
  • Communications Specialist
  • Marketing or Digital Marketing Coordinator
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Social Media Manager
  • Corporate Trainer
  • Media Content Creator
  • Sales or Client Relations Representative
 
Graduates are equipped to communicate effectively across platforms and audiences, making them valuable contributors in business, nonprofit, media, and organizational environments.

Faculty

Name Title Email
Gary Fogle Instructor of Communications gfogle@bellarmine.edu
Lara Needham, Ph.D. Professor, Communications lneedham@bellarmine.edu
Stacie Shain Instructor of Communications sshain@bellarmine.edu

 

With a student-centered learning environment and flexible online courses designed for busy schedules, the B.A. in Professional Communication is perfect for people at all stages of their career. 

  • Who Should Apply: Adult learners—starting fresh or completing a degree 
  • Designed For: Professionals seeking stronger communication skills for career advancement 
  • Focus Areas: Business communication, media, interpersonal communication, applied communication 
  • Convenient Starting Options: Six different start dates throughout the year 
  • Accessible Term Length: Each term is only seven weeks long, offering flexibility for busy schedules

 

Contact

Office of Admissions
Bellarmine University
 admissions@bellarmine.edu
 (502) 272-7100

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Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.