BA Communication at The Ohio State University

Programme overview

There is no greater tool in the world than successful communication in all forms—written, spoken and conceptual. The Ohio State University’s School of Communication provides students with the training and skills to harness the power of communication. The program emphasizes the power and influence of communication on society and equips students with practical and analytical skills and knowledge related to communication principles—how to understand audiences, shape messages and interact with individuals and technologies.

Faculty: Arts and Sciences | Study mode: full-time | Location: Columbus, OH, United States

What you will study

Students pursuing a communication major will complete a specialization within one of three areas of study: communication analysis and engagement, communication technology, or strategic communication. Each specialization is comprised of 34–35 credit hours of course work. Students in all three areas of study will take communication research methods along with an experiential learning course, which are critical foundations for careers in communication. Remaining courses in the major are chosen from those that define the various specializations, including electives that allow students to take course work to broaden their knowledge in communication issues.

Career pathways

Students in communication technology are prepared for careers as managers of technology-based communication campaigns, social media specialists, usability analysts, online content developers, and web and multimedia designers. Graduates of strategic communication train for careers in business and management or as communication specialists in organizations.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission to the university (and the Arts and Sciences college where applicable) applies; no separate programme-specific requirement published. Upon admission to the university, students interested in the communication major typically begin in the pre-major program in the School of Communication. As pre-majors, students complete introductory course work that prepares them to apply to the major.

Domestic applicants: USD 12,921 a year (2026-27). Columbus campus on-campus Instructional Fee (tuition) for students beginning Autumn 2026: $6,460.50 per semester at 12-18 credit hours, shown as two semesters (Autumn and Spring). The Ohio State Tuition Guarantee fixes this rate for four years for Ohio re Source

Entry terms for first-year applicants to the Columbus campus: Autumn 2027 and Spring 2027 (Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026). Summer first-year applications are not accepted.

Transfer applicants can start in Spring, Summer or Autumn 2027.

First-year, Columbus campus, Autumn 2027: early action (non-binding) deadline November 1, 2026; regular decision deadline January 15, 2027; financial aid priority date February 1; acceptance fee deadline May 1, 2027. Early action decisions: December 11 (Ohio residents and Stamps Eminence applicants) and January 22 (non-Ohio residents and international applicants); regular decision decisions March 5.

First-year applicants apply with the Common Application. ACT or SAT scores are required for first-year Columbus applicants (superscored; sent directly by the testing agency); applicants out of high school two or more years are not required to submit scores. The essay is not required.

Transfer applicants (Columbus campus): Spring 2027 deadline November 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027; Summer 2027 deadline May 15, 2027. Regional campuses: December 1, 2026, April 15, 2027 and July 15, 2027 respectively.

International transfer applicants: Spring 2027 deadline October 1, 2026; Autumn 2027 deadline March 1, 2027.

Apply through the official page: https://undergrad.osu.edu/apply

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