Overview

The B.S. in Health Communication at San Diego State University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to address the complex communicative needs of the modern healthcare sector. As one of only a few such programmes in the United States, it provides students with a robust foundation in communication theory while specialising in health-related contexts. This degree prepares graduates to navigate the evolving landscape of medical information and public health outreach.

Students explore a diverse range of topics, including the dynamics of doctor-patient interaction, the management of health risk and crisis communication, and the development of effective health campaigns.

Why Health Communication at San Diego State University?

San Diego State University hosts the first Health Communication major in the State of California, positioning it as a leader in this specialised field. The programme is supported by the Center for Communication, Health, and the Public Good, providing students with unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research and community-based projects. The faculty includes experts dedicated to studying the politics of health and the impact of communication on well-being.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14130 per year
National fee: USD 14130 per year
Local fee: USD 6838 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum includes foundational courses, specialised health communication modules, and interdisciplinary electives. Modules may include:

Conceptualizing Communication
Investigating Communication
Health Communication
Politics of Health Communication
Patient-Provider Interaction
Health Communication and Relationships
Health Communication Campaigns
Communication in Health Risk and Crisis
Medical Ethics

Careers with Health Communication

Graduates of this programme are prepared for professional roles in a variety of health-related industries. The degree provides a strong foundation for careers in health administration, public relations for healthcare providers, and health education. Many students also choose to pursue graduate study in health communication, which is currently one of the fastest-growing areas within the broader communication discipline. Potential career paths include roles in government health agencies, non-profit organisations, and private medical corporations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Argumentation

Communication and Community

Advanced Public Speaking

Interpersonal Communication

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Communication Studies Public Health View 1463 other Bachelors in Communication Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

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

Completion of high school/secondary level. A certified copy of graduation certificate or diploma will be required prior to enrollment at SDSU. Review the Requirements by Country for country specific information.

A minimum U.S. equivalent GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 (B grade or 80 percent) or higher.

English Proficiency.

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

14130 USD / year

≈ 14130 USD / year
Out-of-State

14130 USD / year

≈ 14130 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6838 USD / year

≈ 6838 USD / year

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 USD / month

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

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Health 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

San Diego

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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