Cornerstone is one of America's Best Colleges according to the Wall Street Journal

Academics

Learn More»
Adult female meeting with female student at a table with a laptop and coffee cups

Admissions

Learn More»
De Witt Center for Science and Technology at Cornerstone University

Tuition & Financial Aid

Learn More»
Students giving high fives after Powderpuff football game

Student Experience

Learn More»
Cornerstone is one of America's best online colleges according to Newsweek

Online

Learn More»
Two Cornerstone students talking over coffee Two Cornerstone students talking over coffee Two Cornerstone students talking over coffee

Bachelor of Arts in

Communication

Online or On-Campus

REQUEST INFORMATION

Loading...
Wall Street Journal ranks Cornerstone University as one of America's best colleges 2026.

NEXT START
July 6, 2026
August 26, 2026
Schedule a Campus Visit
Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 75% of your program credits

Connect and Influence with a Communication Bachelor’s Degree

Great communicators shape industries, inspire change and lead with confidence. At Cornerstone University, our B.A. in Communication — available on-campus and online — equips you with the skills to engage audiences, build brands and drive impact. Rooted in a Christian worldview, this program will prepare you to communicate with effectiveness, influence, integrity, and purpose in fields like marketing, journalism, and leadership.

On-campus students may also choose our Strategic Communications Concentration, which focuses on public relations, digital marketing, corporate messaging and media strategy.

Develop Market-Ready Skills for Communication Degree Professionals

Gain these highly sought-after skills through Cornerstone’s Christ-centered curriculum. A Strategic Communication concentration is available for on-campus students.

Foundational Communication – Master interpersonal, group, cross-cultural, organizational, and nonverbal communication for effective collaboration.

Strategic Communication – Craft clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences.

Public Speaking – Present confidently in professional and public settings.

Digital Marketing – Leverage social media, SEO and online campaigns effectively.

Content Development – Create engaging written, visual and digital content.

Icon: Handshake

Public Relations – Build and maintain a strong brand reputation.

Crisis Communication – Navigate challenges with strategic messaging and response.

Leadership & Ethics – Communicate with integrity, make ethical decisions, and lead with purpose through a Christian worldview of relationships.

Courses

Cornerstone is ready to help you excel in your chosen field. The information below reflects just a few of the general education and industry-focused courses you will experience to achieve your degree.

Featured Courses

COM-311: Intercultural Communication

Examine communication across diverse cultures, focusing on similarities, differences, and key variables that shape interaction.

COM-312: Persuasion

Examine major theories and strategies of persuasion and social influence that shape attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors to design impactful persuasive messages.

COM-315: Communication Theory

Explore general, thematic and contextual communication theories and the philosophical assumptions behind them including their role in developing a Christian perspective on communication studies.

COM-321: Group Communication

Examine group communication theories and dynamics, with experiential learning in leadership, decision-making, conflict resolution, and teamwork.

COM-322: Innovative Message Presentation

Gain advanced training in designing and presenting ideas effectively with a focus on oral communication and message design for a variety of contexts.

COM-326: Organizational Communication

Examine communication theory and practice within organizations, emphasizing structure, culture, leadership, conflict management, and effective written and oral communication.

COM-339: Social Media

Review key platforms, strategies, and ethical considerations for finding, creating, and distributing information in online conversations.

COM-433: Nonverbal Communication

Analyze the influences, research, and applications of nonverbal behavior to enhance communication in personal and professional settings.

View all of the courses for your academic program.

Academic Catalog

General Education

The Cornerstone Core™ Statement

The Cornerstone Core offers a groundbreaking general education unlike any other college or university in America. Faith, civic understanding and career preparation are fully integrated into one coherent formation. Developed by our renowned Christian worldview scholars, this focused 33-credit-hour curriculum develops both depth of character and clarity of thinking. The Cornerstone Core new general education curriculum is an antidote to the rising popularity of relativism, skepticism, doubt and moral ambiguity. Graduates are prepared to succeed in their professions and strengthen the institutions and communities they serve as Biblically grounded moral leaders to influence the world for Jesus Christ.

Students in every major study three areas:

The Beauty of Christianity

Examine the beauty of God, the Gospel, and the core doctrines of the Christian faith. Discover the coherence of a worldview rooted in God’s truth through Scripture applied today —- shaping character, conviction, and spiritual depth. We believe that beauty is more important than arguments and these courses will introduce students to the grandeur and beauty of Jesus and His creation and our place in the redemptive work of Jesus.

The Wisdom of the American Experience

Engage with Cornerstone’s Great Works Canon of the American Experience, by exploring the original speeches, sermons and foundational texts that shaped the American Republic, wrestling with enduring questions of liberty, order, duty and self-government. Graduates will learn what it means to be Christian citizens who are dutiful, wise, and formed with character to influence themselves, their families, and our nation.

Marketplace Intelligence

Develop analytical reasoning, scientific thinking, ethical utilization of artificial intelligence, commitment to free market economics, ethical clarity, and truthful and effective communication strategies to create solutions to complex challenges and serve society and humanity with excellence. Graduates will be able to consider and discern what is true, beautiful and good.

Learn more about the Cornerstone Core.

Learn More

Communication Concentration

On-campus students can expand their opportunities and gain specialized skills with an optional concentration in strategic communication.

Strategic Communication

Strategic Communication Concentration

Develop strong communication strategies to connect with audiences and build brands. Through the lens of Christian insights, gain skills in marketing, digital media, and audience engagement, teaching you to craft persuasive messages, develop brand strategies, and drive impact.

  • COM-215: Public Relations – Learn key theories, functions, and practices of public relations, with skill development in planning, research, writing, and campaigns.
  • MKT-353: Marketing Communications – Learn to develop integrated advertising campaigns across all media platforms with real client collaboration and presentations including messaging, research, creative and copywriting elements.
  • COM-364: Special Events/Promotions – Explore the event planning process, including budgeting, sponsorship, and evaluation, with hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Along with the classes listed above, students will also choose two elective courses from a list of communication, media and graphic design classes.

Influential Careers with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Degree

  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Marketing Coordinator
  • Social Media Manager
  • Corporate Communications Specialist
  • Content Writer/Editor
  • Media Producer
  • Digital Marketing Specialist
  • Brand Strategist
  • Broadcast Producer
  • Human Resources Communications Specialist
  • Sales and Account Manager

Tuition

On-CampusOnline

On-Campus

$22,000 per year

Generous scholarship and payment options available.
Review information about student fees and housing packages on our Tuition & Fees page.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Online

$4,740 per semester for full-time students

Generous scholarship and payment options available.

ScholarshipsFile the FAFSA

Your Degree Starts Here

Start your degree at one of the most affordable Christian universities in the region. An admissions counselor is ready to help you begin the enrollment process.

  1. Apply — our application is free.
  2. Set goals — your admissions counselor is here to guide you.
  3. Maximize your credits — you could transfer in up to 75% of your degree credits.
  4. Discover affordability — scholarships and grants are available for qualified students.

Through my time at Cornerstone University, I was able to build meaningful connections with professors who helped me take clear steps towards my future. They changed the game for me.

—Elaiyna S.

Cornerstone has provided an environment where I am able to learn genuinely about what it looks like to follow Christ and be mentored by my professors and peers.

—Chelsee M.

All my communication classes integrated our relationship with Christ so well. We learn to be good communicators and in turn learn that God is the perfect communicator and that is why we are able to have such a good relationship with Him.

—Andrea M.

Related Programs

B.A. in Media Production

Create and amplify your professional storytelling techniques through Cornerstone University’s Bachelor of Arts in Media Production. Framed by a Christian worldview, learn…

View
Group of undergraduate college students studying in the lobby of Christ Chapel at Cornerstone University

B.A. in English

Imagine a career where your critical thinking, communication, and writing skills are in high demand. With a Bachelor of Arts in…

View

Cornerstone University

Contact

P:
616.949.5300
E:
info@cornerstone.edu

Address

1001 East Beltline Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed
Plan a Visit Apply

Want To Learn More About CU?

Request Info Apply Today

Connect With CU

Apply Today Current Students
Give to Cornerstone

Suggested

Common

Recent News