Program Overview
| Program | Course Delivery |
|---|---|
| Communication - Major | On-Campus & Online |
| Communication - Minor | On-Campus & Online |
Anywhere. Anytime. 100% Online.
All University of Minnesota Crookston online programs are offered asynchronously, which means you learn where you want, when you want - all you need is an internet connection. You can earn a world class University of Minnesota degree, from the comfort and convenience of your own home - Talk about the best of both worlds!
Explore our communication program
Effective communication is perhaps the most important life skill, and in the workforce, it’s imperative. We have paths to guide you in exploring how we share on social media, how we understand and translate messages, and how we represent ourselves and others in the public eye. This is the place where you will work closely with engaging professors and peers to transmit and receive messages in concise, effective, and transformative ways. Communication is much like storytelling—your best story starts here.
Communication is a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree.
Maggie Melvin
Director of Admissions
Communication Major
The communication degree prepares students to be effective communicators in professional settings. Graduates are prepared for advanced study or to enter careers in general corporate management, human resources, marketing, public relations, social media, and sports information. Graduates may also hold jobs as communication consultants, communication directors, event planners, political campaign leaders, public affairs officers, public information officers, publication designers and editors, speech writers, and online and social media content managers.
The program provides transferable skills by emphasizing communication theory and practice in the creation, development, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages. Students use communication strategies to create publications, design online resources, plan events, and manage projects. The concentration areas let students select courses to focus their professional career preparation.
After completing the program, graduates will:
- Demonstrate proficiencies in applying theory, listening, reading, speaking, and writing in professional contexts.
- Demonstrate technology proficiencies in computer applications and social media.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating applied communication.
- Demonstrate proficiencies in interpersonal and group processes, conflict management, collaboration, team building, and leadership.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical behavior practiced in professional contexts.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity required for communicating in culturally diverse groups.
Communication Minor
The communication minor complements all University degree programs by preparing students to be effective communicators in any profession. The minor emphasizes communication theory and practice, as well as the creation, development, presentation, and evaluation of coherent messages.
The minor provides students with the flexibility to select courses that enhance their professional career preparations.
After completing the program, graduates will:
- Demonstrate proficiencies in applying theory, listening, reading, speaking, and writing.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating applied communication.
- Demonstrate proficiencies in interpersonal and group processes, conflict management, collaboration, team building, and leadership.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical behavior practiced in the profession.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity required for communicating in culturally diverse groups.
Awards and Accreditation
The University of Minnesota Crookston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Student Experiences
Future Online Students
Many of our online students are full-time employees or full-time parents, and lots are both! So whether you’re thinking about finishing a degree, adding a second one, or taking on a brand new career path - this is YOUR time. Our online programs are designed with you in mind, and are flexible to be taken anywhere, anytime, 100% online.
Online Cost of Attendance
| Expense Category | Full-time (12+ credits) | Half-time (6-8 credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition/fees | $12,148 | $6,772 |
| Books/supplies* | $279 | $279 |
Average Cost After Aid
$13,288
Average amount of grants & scholarships received (2022-2023 data)
$12,894
Average net price after grants & scholarships (2021-2022 data)
$22,883
Average TOTAL student loan debt after graduation (2022-2023)
Scholarship and Funding Options
The University of Minnesota Crookston provides quick and easy access to over $1 million worth of scholarship opportunities for new and returning students!
Your Future Professors
Student Stories
UMN Crookston freshman has poems accepted for publication
University of Minnesota Crookston freshman, Janie Tormanen, recently received notice that three of her poems have been accepted for publication. Tormanen is a communication major and writing minor from Menahga, Minn. and plays women's basketball for the Golden Eagles.
Leah and Hannah Macias - Communication Majors and Softball Players
Meet Leah & Hannah Macias, communication majors and golden eagle athletes from West Covina, CA. The small class sizes and close knit student body made U of M Crookston the perfect fit for the Macias twins.
Eleora DeMuth - Ag Education and Communication Major
Eleora DeMuth, of Grand Rapids, MN, an Agricultural Education and Communication double major shares her story on why U of M Crookston was her #1 choice. Also read "DeMuth Finds Her Identity at U of M Crookston as She Etches a Career Path in Agricultural Education".