Overview

The Communication programme at Portland State University provides students with a robust foundation in human behaviour, communication theory, and modern research methods. This degree is designed to cultivate effective and strategic communicators who can navigate the complexities of digital and interpersonal interactions in a professional environment.

Why Communication at Portland State University?

The university leverages its prime location in downtown Portland to offer students unique hands-on opportunities with local community partners. Students benefit from guest lectures by industry professionals and alumni panels that bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. The programme also offers flexible learning options, including fully online and hybrid classes that meet on campus once a week.

For those looking to accelerate their education, a unique 4+1 pathway allows students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in a shorter timeframe. Additionally, a specialised advertising minor is available for those wishing to focus on consumer behaviour and campaign execution.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 34599 per year
National fee: USD 34599 per year
Local fee: USD 12999 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum combines core theoretical knowledge with applied skills in statistics and analytics. Modules may include:

Media Literacy
Family Communication
Environmental Campaigns
Research Methods
Statistics
Public Engagement Plans
Advertising Analytics
Social Media and Mental Health

Careers with Communication

Graduates from Portland State University are well-equipped to enter a variety of growing industries that require sophisticated messaging and data interpretation. The programme prepares students for roles with major regional employers, including Nike and Oregon Health & Science University.

Common career paths for graduates include:

Marketing and Public Relations: Social media strategy, advertising, and corporate communications.
Healthcare and Education: Patient communication and academic advising.
Media and Journalism: Digital media, reporting, and content creation.
Nonprofit and Advocacy: Fundraising, community outreach, and political campaigns.
Public Sector: Community engagement and public information officer roles.

The well-rounded nature of the degree ensures that alumni can adjust and innovate as communication technologies evolve, whether they enter the workforce immediately or pursue further postgraduate study.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Methods in Communication

Interpersonal Communication

Media Literacy

Persuasion

Metaphor in Communication

Problems of Intercultural Communication

Political Communication
Cooperative Education/Internship

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-22 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-05 00:00:00
Starting 2026-09-30 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-08-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-06 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-05 00:00:00
Starting 2027-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-05 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Portland, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies View 1456 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must have a cumulative (overall) grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 when converted to the U.S. 4.0 grading scale.
Meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement. You may be admitted to Portland State University and an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) pathway if you do not meet PSU's English Language Proficiency Requirement. Learn more about PSU’s English language programs.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Out-of-State

34599 USD / year

≈ 34599 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

12999 USD / year

≈ 12999 USD / year

Living costs

Portland

United States

1271 - 2262 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Communication.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Portland

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners