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About This Program
Explore the evolving and dynamic communications industry as you learn to create clear, concise, and content-rich communication with a BA in Communication from American Public University (APU).
APU’s Bachelor of Arts in Communication helps you prepare to communicate in a sound, professional, and responsible fashion. The program’s coursework explores public speaking; small group, interpersonal, and mass communication; theory and research; communication ethics; and social media.
APU’s online classroom will be an engaging laboratory for collaboration as you learn industry best practices from expert faculty, some of whom bring real-world media experience to your learning.
What You Will Do
- Use communication concepts and create messages appropriate to audience, purpose, and context
- Critically analyze messages
- Show how ethical communication principles and practices are applied
- Use communication to embrace difference and influence public discussion
- Show your ability to accomplish communication-related goals
Degree at a Glance
Number of Credits
120
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
$324**
Courses Start Monthly
Online
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Want to Learn More?
Interested in a specific program or wondering about the application process? Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll follow up with details tailored to your goals. Click here if you are a current student and need assistance.
Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version
Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:
The digital communication and media design concentration prepares students to know how to communicate in the ever-changing digital landscape. This concentration will give students the skills to understand how analytics relate to communication, the role of big data and communication, the importance of web, mobile, and visual communication, and how to build a digital presence.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Develop, design, implement, and use, digital communication and media technologies.
- Critically evaluate the communication needs of a target audience using communication analytics.
- Understand and use all available web, mobile, and social media platforms to best communicate with an intended audience.
- Gain tools and insights into the complex and ever changing digital communication landscape for long-term success.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 5049
|
This course is designed to introduce students to digital communication and media design principles and the dynamisms of communication in digital media. Students will cover many aspects of digital communication and media design principles: writing for digital media, visual communication, website, social media, and platform communication capabilities, communicating for organizations and individuals, crafting the narrative in digital media, establishing brand and presence, and flexibility with future technologies. Leadership and decision maker input will be covered in addition to the necessity of analytics and data to guide the scope and breadth of digital communication. (Prerequisite: COMM300)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5040
|
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the theory and application of how the use of analytics shapes communication decisions in today’s connected and complicated communication environment. This course will cover how data and the associated metrics have become the standard when making business decisions and how a proper communication strategy must coordinate with the use of analytics. Students will learn how to best use analytics to make data driven communication decisions while using standard reporting API to inform decision makers of the best plan for communicating with an audience. In addition, targeting and location will be discussed so communication can be focused on specific segments of an audience for potentially higher communication conversion. Student will examine the numerous analytics solutions that are available while always looking at future trends and technologies. By the end of the course, students will create a digital communication strategy that uses analytics and data to guide the way they communicate with an audience.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5042
|
This course is designed to provide students with the theory and application of how to communicate on different web, mobile, and social platforms. The most effective way to communicate will be examined in addition to how consumers consume messages depending on multiple platforms. The immediacy of digital communication will be covered along with the need to respond in a timely manner without a bias toward action. Students will have hands-on experience crafting messages that meet the technological and audience needs of each of the major platforms. By the end of the course students will know how to strategically approach communication across web, mobile, and social platforms while constantly adapting messages depending on the situation. (Prerequisite: COMM356)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5044
|
This course is designed to provide students with the theory and application of how and why visual communication is a critical aspect of digital communication and media design. Students will be introduced to the different ways web, mobile, and social media platforms communicate visually with their audience. The strengths and limitations of visual communication will be taken into consideration when formulating a digital communication and mobile design strategy. Real-world communication miss-steps and blunders will be studied to show how graphic design can confuse and obfuscate communication. Attention will be given to creating an aesthetically appealing experience that communicates an intended message while taking into consideration practical visual and accessibility concerns. By the end of the course, students will have created a visual communication plan that can be included in any digital communication strategy. (Prerequisite: COMM356)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5046
|
This course is designed to provide students with the theory and application of how to build and maintain a digital presence. Students will be introduced to the many facets of creating and maintaining a digital presence while continuously trying to reach and influence the intended audience. Every aspect of digital communication; the written word, visuals, audio, and video will be analyzed to help plan and build a well-rounded and effective presence. Great effort will go into crafting messages, creating visuals, and using audio and video to build a digital presence. By the end of the course, students will have planned and implemented their own personal digital presence on multiple platforms. (Prerequisite: COMM356)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5050
|
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of digital communication and media design career management to ensure long-term career success. Students will learn the tools and strategies that will allow them to change with their industry, change industries, be flexible, constantly learn, network, and always be advocating for their own success. The importance of career management will be studied to ensure that digital communication and media design students will have the tools and strategies that will allow them to change with their industry, be flexible, constantly learn, and have long-term career success. In addition, future technologies will be examined and how digital communication and media design will evolve depending on the communication platform. By the end of this course, students will be prepared to find employment in any industry as a digital communication and media design professional. (Prerequisite: COMM356)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
The strategic communication concentration prepares students to be a communication leader in their institution or organization. This concentration will give students the skills to create a communication strategy that includes input from stakeholders, considers the diversity and uniqueness of the target audience, is flexible and nimble, and uses all available communication platforms to deliver a well-crafted and professional message.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Develop, design and implement communication strategies.
- Critically evaluate the communication needs of a target audience using communication analytics.
- Use persuasive, informative, and inclusive language to reach the widest possible audience.
- Gain tools and insights into the complex and ever changing communication landscape for long-term strategic communication success.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 5038
|
This course is designed to introduce students to the planning, coordination, collaboration, and management needed to create a fully-fledged communication strategy that will deliver a message to achieve the desired effect for any organization or individual. Students will cover many aspects of strategic communication management: planning and analysis, considering audience demographics data analytics, incorporating input from all decision makers, media and platforms to be used, timeline, creating feedback loops, legal and compliance approval, implementation, and assessment of communication effectiveness and future considerations. Practical business skills, marketing, navigating organizational politics, intercultural communication, information flow, and data analytics will also be covered on during this course. (Prerequisite: COMM300)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5503
|
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how to effectively communicate across cultures within the United States and Globally from a critical and applicable perspective. This course will cover how communication is influenced by culture and cultural norms and how culture is perceived through communication. Students will self-reflect on their own cultural identity and examine how that influences their perception of communication and how they communicate in their own workplace. By the end of the course, students will create ways to identify and resolve cross-cultural communication conflicts and misunderstandings and incorporate cultural understanding into strategic communication. (Prerequisite: COMM351)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5041
|
This course is designed to prepare students to write dynamic content for any form of media or platform that will achieve the communication goals of the organization or individual. Great effort will go into crafting the content and word choice while being flexible to adjust content to any form or media or platform. Students will address content creation and application for traditional media, new media, be mindful of new technologies, and the need to communicate across multiple medias and platforms. By the end of the course, students will have created a strategic communication plan that can change depending on the situation, platform, or media. (Prerequisite: COMM351)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5043
|
This course is designed to provide students with techniques and practices that will allow students to gather input, information, and perspectives from decision makers and the targeted audience when planning and implementing a strategic communication strategy. Students will learn why it is critical to understand the targeted audience by listening to their needs, their wants, and how they like to be communicated with. Students will also learn why leadership input is critical when creating a communication plan and the need to create feedback loops. In addition, managerial courage, comfortable around senior leadership, and bias towards action will be addressed because of the political sensitivity of communication strategies and tight deadlines. (Prerequisite: COMM351)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5045
|
This course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practices of leadership communication and provide students with the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate as a people leader with messages that inspire understanding and action. Different communication situations will be examined that includes leadership updates, sharing mission and vision, communicating values and ethics, transformational messages, and difficult leadership communication. Attention will be given to a clear, concise, and informative style that focuses on a positive tone, and support. Each student will learn about their own leadership style and how their individual leadership attributes contributes to a more authentic message that connects with the target audience. By the end of the course, students will have created numerous leadership messages to suit a variety of communication scenarios. (Prerequisite: COMM351)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5047
|
This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of strategic communication career management to ensure long-term career success. Students will learn the tools and strategies that will allow them to change with their industry, change industries, be flexible, constantly learn, network, and always be advocating for their own success. The importance of career management will be studied to ensure that strategic communication students will have the tools and strategies that will allow them to change with their industry, be flexible, constantly learn, network, and have long-term career success. In addition, advanced topics in ethics will be explored to ensure that all communication efforts are ethical and align to the values of the student and the mission of the organization. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to find employment in any industry by presenting themselves as communication professional. (Prerequisite: COMM351)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Must take the following in this Section:
Course ID: 5037
|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4951
|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Select 1 course(s) from the following:
Course ID: 2856
|
ENGL220 introduces students to several different forms of technical writing while challenging them to engage regularly with the field at a scholarly level. Major concepts include collaboration, audience, document design, persuasion, the use of mobile technologies, and revision. In this course, readings are discovered by students in relevant technical writing journals in the AMU/APUS Trefry Library. As students hone their academic research skills, they are tasked with reporting back to their peers regarding the found articles that are relevant to that week’s writing objectives. Weekly class discussions are set up to simulate the technical writing work groups that are routinely found in companies and organizations, and should offer students a place to brainstorm and refine ideas for their larger assignments. Students will compose product proposals, instructions, labels, and a final web-based product manual. These assignments are designed to build on one another and culminate in the final project which can be included in a professional portfolio. (Prerequisites: ENGL101 or ENGL110)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 4920
|
This course is an introduction to communication studies, the broad areas of communication (interpersonal, oral, electronic, mass media, etc.), and artifacts. This course will familiarize students with the scope, basic terminology, and major career fields in Communication areas. Course topics include: communication, interpersonal communication, communication in groups and organizations, mass communication, media, digital communications, advertising, public relations, promotion management, digital communications and media, fund-raising management, writing, and teaching.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2891
|
Public Speaking introduces students to the field of public speaking, giving them a foundation in the issues relevant to communicating effectively in today’s global, technological, and divergent world. The history and theories of speech, ethics, the audience, developing and delivering a speech, and types of speeches and specialized speech situations will also be covered and practiced. Students enrolling in this course must be able to capture video (required) for their speeches. Video files are created and stored within the classroom for the students’ security.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4636
|
This course explores the practical and theoretical social impacts of computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems, including many different types of technologies, such as social networking sites, email, forums, chat, and online games. Students will engage in the analysis of CMC practices, the social processes and structures that emerge when people use these applications, and the problems and barriers that emerge from use.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2895
|
This course develops interpersonal, group, and presentational communication skills that are applicable in personal and professional cross-cultural relationships, and focuses on differences in values, message systems, and communication rules across cultural boundaries and in multicultural settings.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2919
|
This course is an introduction to major mass communication theories as a context to examine major issues surrounding mass media in American society. Students will trace the history and development of the major media, both nationally and internationally, and examine the connection to, and interdependence of, each medium to other media. Emphasis will be placed on the current status of each medium and its influence on society and vice versa.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2920
|
This course is a study of the ethical considerations in communication. It will examine the main ethical issues in interpersonal and mediated communication, including such topics as objectivity, freedom of expression, representations of sex, violence and other human behavior, privacy, confidentiality and obligations to the public.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4922
|
This course will introduce the research methods of communication processes and issues, which include scientific, interpretive, critical, and rhetorical research methods. During the course, students will evaluate existing communication studies and use both quantitative and qualitative approaches in order to understand research methods in the broad field of communication studies, answer questions, and solve problems.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4923
|
This course is an exploration of major communication theories and their practical application to social events and issues. This course will provide theoretical background in the field to students using case studies, films, and scenarios and opportunities to analyze and apply theories. Course topics include: seven traditions in the field of communication theory, interpersonal communication theories, interpersonal messages, relationship development, relationship maintenance, influence, group communication, organizational communication, public rhetoric, media and culture, media effects, intercultural communication, gender and communication, and integration. (Prerequisite: COMM101)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Choose 18 credit hours from this section.
Course ID: 3587
|
This course examines the similarities and differences in male and female communication styles and patterns. The content emphasizes implications of gender perceptions, values, stereotyping, language use, nonverbal communication, and power conflict in human relationships.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4921
|
Digital Tools and Media in Communication is a basic course in digital tools and media in communication, which enables our students to situate their communication studies within the modern technical world. The course gives students exposure to modern technology through the communication lens and provides students with opportunities to explore and evaluate digital tools and media for communication purposes. Throughout the course, students will progress in standards published in 2015 by the National Communication Association as those Communication majors should know, understand, and be able to demonstrate as part of the Communication degree program. This course introduces principles of composition and design, presentation, and evaluation across varied modes of communication using modern tools, apps, cloud services, programs, and social media.
Course topics include mass media communication strategies, music tools, podcasts, video conferencing, blogging, mobile messaging, social networking, internet broadcasting, live streaming, and new and emerging technologies, evaluation, and application.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2918
|
This course is designed to focus on communication within the workplace, personal activities, and family life in order to establish and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. This course serves as an introduction to major theories and empirical research regarding the role of interpersonal communication as it relates to personal, contextual, and cultural variables in the development of various types of relationships.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 2859
|
This course will introduce students to core journalism skills and the historical, social and political context of journalistic practice. The course provides instruction in on-line journalism, news writing, story structure, interviewing techniques and a working understanding of the code of ethics and legal issues which impact journalistic practice. (Prerequisites: ENGL101 or ENGL110)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4924
|
In this course, students will learn about the history and development of persuasion, the relationship of audience differences to the impact of persuasive messages, principles of argumentation and evidence, and applications to real-world situations and messages. Throughout the course, students will make connections with political, mass media, marketing, public relations, organizational, advertising, and internet-based messages by applying theories and concepts of persuasion.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 4925
|
This course introduces students to concepts in the study of human conflict. During the course, students will explore communication in conflict or crisis and emergency situations where ethics, risk, and uncertainty may exist, as well as where communication must be effectively managed. Through case studies and applied exercises, students will apply theory to practical situations to evaluate communication efforts and prepare a crisis communication plan, focusing on causes and dynamics of interpersonal conflict and strategies people use to manage conflicts.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 5223
|
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of media law from a communication perspective. Topic covered will include First Amendment law, prior restraint, copyright, defamation, and other legal aspects communication professional encounter. Students will investigate case studies that delve into the broad depth of media law issues that both help and inhibit communication and journalism.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
Course ID: 3430
|
This course is an introduction to public relations, covering strategies and tactics used by public relations professionals. The course emphasizes theory and skills needed to perform in the professional arena, including an introduction to research-based public relations campaigns. A major focus of the course for the student is a “walk through” of a public relations campaign that uses a checklist approach.
Course ID: 3431
|
This course is a study and analysis of advertising's role in marketing operations. Course topics will include such areas as the integration of advertising into sales promotion, event marketing, direct response, and other varied support strategies.
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.
Must take all courses for this section.
Course ID: 5048
|
The focus of this course is to review the major concepts, theories, and issues within the field of Communication and the application to current events and future possibilities. In this course, students will also have the opportunity to explore Communication philosophy from a variety of perspectives. As the capstone course in the Communication program, this course will also provide guidance as students develop a professional portfolio that can be used in seeking employment within the Communication field. (Prerequisites: COMM300 and Senior Standing and completion of all major courses prior to enrollment)
| Registration Dates | Course Dates | Session | Weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/23/26 - 07/31/26 | 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 | Summer 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 04/27/26 - 10/02/26 | 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 | Fall 2026 Session B | 8 Week session |
| 05/25/26 - 10/30/26 | 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 | Fall 2026 Session I | 8 Week session |
| 06/29/26 - 12/04/26 | 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 | Fall 2026 Session D | 8 Week session |
Admission Requirements
- All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
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Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].
Quality Education Should Be Affordable
So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.
Consumer Information
Disclosures
Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
*Cost Per Credit Hour
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
Cost of Attendance
Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.
