Communication — Professional Communication
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Clear, effective communication plays a vital role in nearly every industry. As a communication studies student with an emphasis in professional communication, you will learn leadership, persuasion and social influence for effective communication in professional settings and how to help businesses thrive through advocacy, campaigning, advertising, public relations and strategic communication.
Our award-winning faculty will help you enhance your communication skills through a combination of classroom instruction and practical application. In our program, you will have the opportunity to produce materials as part of class work, student publications, internships and more.
Online student?
To learn more about online delivery of this program, visit UMKC Online.
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts
- Standard credit hours: 120
- Delivery Mode: In-person, Hybrid, Online
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $49,344
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Make industry connections
Make connections with professionals in Kansas City who specialize in community outreach, political campaigning, grant management, public relations, advertising, sales, human resources, government, event planning or the non-profit sector.
Grow your professional experience
Build confidence and grow your professional experience in public presentation through our outstanding internship program.
Build your knowledge on diverse topics
Gain a breadth of knowledge with course offerings in organizational communication, public relations, community relations, marketing communication, advertising management, and health and science communication.
After Graduation
As a communications professional, you will have the option to work in a wide range of industries, including government, private companies and non-profits. As companies strive to increase their relevancy and positive public image, the demand for public relations, community outreach and human resource professionals is expected to grow.
Potential careers
- Public relations specialist
- Director of community outreach
- Social media manager
Where our students work
- Cerner
- T-Mobile
- Hallmark
$69,924
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Public Relations Specialists (27-3031.00)
Potential Courses
Persuasive Communication
Study the rhetorical, psychological and ethical principles of influencing individuals and groups.
Principles of Public Relations
Survey the function, purposes, procedures and practices of public relations and its role in society, industry, government and politics.
Interactive and Social Media Advertising
Examine advertising on the internet as a form of interactive communication, with a special focus on social media and search engines.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable)
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students
- Check admissions requirements
Some programs have specific admission requirements. Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: June 15
Classes begin in August
To Start Classes in Spring
Apply by: Nov. 15
Classes begin in January
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,168
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,063
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,090
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)