Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies

Build strong communication skills for today’s digital world.

UT Dallas > Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology > Degrees, Minors & Certificates > Undergraduate Degrees > Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies

Take a look at our entire Communication Studies Program and all of its offerings.

BA in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies Program Overview

The BA in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies helps students master spoken, written, and visual communication across a variety of platforms. You’ll study the core principles of communication while developing real-world skills you can use in fields like digital media, corporate training, technical communication, and more.

Students can choose a general path through the major or tailor their degree by choosing one of two concentrations: Professional and Technical Communication or Digital Media Studies. The Professional and Technical Communication concentration is ideal for students interested in writing, editing, presenting and designing information in professional settings. The Digital Media Studies concentration is a great fit for students who want to explore how media shapes culture, politics and communication in today’s digital world. All students have the option to complete a capstone project or gain hands-on experience through a semester-long internship.

This program is flexible, practical, and focused on how communication shapes the way we live, work, and connect via concepts, principles, theories, and practices.

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Career Paths with a Degree in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies

Communication professionals are in demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication jobs are expected to grow, with more than 100,000 openings projected each year. In 2024, the projected median annual salary for professionals in this field was $70,300, which is well above the national average.

Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies Careers

Communications specialist, corporate communications specialist, corporate recruiter or trainer, copywriter, digital media content developer, human resources representative, instructional designer, public relations specialist, social media specialist, technical communicator or editor, web designer or developer

Undergraduate Prof Comm and DMS Program Options

BA in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies

View Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies in the University Catalog

View Degree Requirements (120 semester credit hours)

View an Example of Degree Requirements by Semester

Fast Track

The Fast Track program is designed to permit exceptional undergraduate students in Arts, Humanities, and Technology majors to begin work on a master’s degree before graduation.

Qualified seniors may take up to 12 semester credit hours of approved graduate courses in the Bass School during their senior year and apply these semester credit hours to their undergraduate degree plans as either major and related courses or electives. The Fast Track courses also will be used to satisfy up to 12 graduate semester credit hours towards the master’s degree.

Fact Sheets

BA in Professional Communication and Digital Media Studies Fact Sheet

Scholarships & Awards

Ragen S. and Roy D. Elterman Endowed Scholarship

Dennis Kratz Research Fund

Nina and Thomas Lambert Scholarship/Fellowship

Marvin and Kathleen Stone Scholarship/Fellowship

Victor L. Worsfold Grant Program

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Minors

Related Minors

Minor in Communication Studies

More information about the minor

To minor in the Arts, Humanities, and Technology, students must take a minimum of 18 semester credit hours for the minor, 9 of which must be upper-division semester credit hours. Students who take a minor will be expected to meet the normal prerequisites in courses making up the minor, and should maintain a minimum GPA of 2.000 on a 4.00 scale (C average). Core courses offered by the school may count as lower-division semester credit hours toward the minor. Students may choose to minor in any of the following fields of study:

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Undergraduate Certificate in Professional Communication

The Certificate in Professional Communication helps students sharpen their oral, written, and visual communication skills for workplace success. Whether crafting persuasive messages, refining professional writing, or mastering visual communication, this program equips students with the tools needed to communicate effectively in professional settings.

Designed for students from all fields of study, the certificate offers coursework in professional writing, communication ethics, leadership, and career-focused communication. Students gain valuable experience in adapting their communication strategies to different audiences and industries.

Open to baccalaureate-seeking students in good standing at UT Dallas, the certificate requires 12 semester credit hours, including an introduction to professional communication and a selection of advanced courses in specialized communication topics. This program is an excellent addition for students looking to strengthen their professional presence and communication expertise in any career path.

More information on the Certificate in Professional Communication can be found in the University Catalog.

Undergraduate Prof Comm and DMS Courses

Students who complete communication studies courses at UT Dallas learn the theories, concepts and skills that will enable them to adapt to the rapid change and global interdependence that characterizes the 21st century. Courses are designed to foster skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and collaborative teamwork—qualities that are essential in today’s evolving work environments.

Consider minoring in Communication Studies.

Communication Studies Courses →