What you’ll learn in this article…
- Georgia offers communication degrees at eight or more public universities, with annual net prices often falling below $10,000 for in-state students.
- Concentrations range from public relations and multimedia journalism to digital media, letting you tailor coursework to specific career paths.
- Atlanta's media and corporate sectors anchor a strong job market where communication graduates can pursue roles in PR, marketing, and broadcasting.
- Admission requirements vary widely, from competitive honors universities to accessible regional campuses welcoming a broad range of academic profiles.
Atlanta is home to CNN, Cox Media Group, and one of the densest concentrations of Fortune 500 corporate communications departments in the Southeast, making Georgia one of the more strategically valuable states in the country for communication students. That industry footprint creates real demand for graduates trained in public relations, multimedia journalism, broadcast production, and strategic messaging.
Across the state, 27 programs compete for that pipeline, ranging from the University of Georgia's flagship campus in Athens to HBCUs such as Morehouse College, Albany State University, and Clark Atlanta University, to smaller private colleges scattered from the Blue Ridge foothills to coastal Savannah. In-state tuition at public institutions runs as low as roughly $5,000 annually, while private colleges can exceed $47,000 before aid, a spread wide enough to dramatically change the math on return on investment.
The sheer volume of options, combined with meaningful differences in selectivity, concentration offerings, and geographic proximity to Atlanta's job market, makes program choice consequential rather than cosmetic. A degree earned near a major media market is not automatically superior, but internship access, alumni networks, and employer familiarity with a program's name still carry weight when candidates compete for entry-level roles at media companies and PR agencies headquartered in one of the South's fastest-growing metros.
Top Communication Programs in Georgia
The ten schools below represent the strongest bachelor's level communication options in Georgia right now, spanning flagship research universities, an HBCU, private colleges and regional campuses across the state. Each entry highlights what the school does especially well for communication students, from hands-on media labs to accredited clinical programs, along with the specific majors and concentrations you can actually enroll in.
How we ranked these
- On-time completion rates
- Earnings ten years after entry
- Retention and student-faculty ratios
- Net price after aid, lightly weighted
- Institution-wide graduation rate, modest weight
- Original research on individual programs
- Federal institutional data (NCES-IPEDS) covering graduation rates, retention rates and student-faculty ratios — nces.ed.gov
- State cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities — bea.gov
- College Scorecard post-completion earnings data — collegescorecard.ed.gov
- Program-level records maintained in house
University of Georgia
#1Athens, GA · ~$14,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Georgia residents wanting a flagship research campus
The University of Georgia anchors this list as the state's flagship public research university, and it offers two distinct communication paths on its Athens campus: a cohort-based BSEd in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a journalism A.B. The CSD program admits only about 60 to 80 students a year and leans on the on-site UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic, where students observe and serve north Georgia clients. The journalism degree builds reporting, ethics and digital storytelling skills, with internship pipelines into Atlanta outlets and advanced courses that have students covering the Georgia General Assembly. Institution-wide, roughly 90 percent of students complete their degree within six years.
- Cohort-based program admitting 60 to 80 students each fall
- Minimum 3.4 GPA plus a proctored writing sample required
- Prerequisites include ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102, MATH 1101, BIOL 1103
- Application deadline is January 24th
- Classes meet in the same building as the UGA Speech and Hearing Clinic
- Curriculum covers anatomy, physiology and neurology of speech and hearing
- Designed as a stepping stone to master's or doctoral study
- Community outreach includes volunteering as reading buddies
- Campus-based program with multiple storytelling platforms
- Core emphasis on reporting skills, ethics and diversity
- Internship opportunities available
- Digital media training and newsroom experience
- Several specialty course options within the major
Mercer University
#2Macon, GA · ~$24,000/yr (est.)
Best for: Working adults balancing evening and hybrid classes
Mercer University pairs a selective, hands-on journalism program in Macon with a flexible strategic communication degree built for working adults at its Atlanta and metro-area locations. Journalism students work with the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism, which embeds them with middle Georgia news organizations and local government coverage. The strategic communication program runs in eight-week terms with evening, online and blended options and a capstone built on real client projects. About seven in ten Mercer students complete their degree within six years institution-wide.
- Bachelor of Arts limited to about 100 students
- Hands-on work through the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism
- Emphasis on ethical reporting and rigorous research practices
- Located in Macon, Georgia
- Two concentration options
- Five start dates per year
- Online, on-campus or blended format with eight-week terms
- Atlanta, Douglas County and Henry County locations
- Capstone with real-world client projects
- Internships available for academic credit
- Evening classes meet one night per week
University of West Georgia
#3Carrollton, GA · $13,000/yr (est. net price)
Best for: Budget-conscious students exploring multiple media tracks
The University of West Georgia offers an unusually broad menu of media pathways under one affordable public roof, from mass communications tracks in film and video, journalism, digital media and public relations to an ASHA-accredited speech-language pathology degree. Students begin hands-on production work in their first term, and the Carrollton campus keeps costs among the lowest in the state system. Institution-wide, about 43 percent of students graduate within six years.
- Four concentration options covering journalism, digital media, film and public relations
- Hands-on workshops and collaborative projects from day one
- Student work distributed through film festivals and online platforms
- Face-to-face instruction on the Carrollton campus
- 120 credit hours delivered face-to-face on campus
- Emphasis on single-camera narrative production and screenwriting
- Coursework includes media law and research methods
- $40 application fee; official transcripts required
- Institution holds SACSCOC accreditation
- 120 total semester hours
- Hands-on experience with campus media outlets
- Training across multiple media platforms
- Curriculum includes an ethical communication focus
- 120 total semester hours
- Face-to-face and online course options
- Campus media experience alongside digital and traditional media training
- 120 total credit hours with a required capstone
- Work with real clients through the student-run bluestone PR firm
- Courses in media relations, crisis planning and management
- Portfolio-building capstone campaign
- Active PRSSA chapter for students
- ASHA accredited
- 123 total credit hours; starts fall, spring or summer
- Includes 25 hours of guided clinical observation
- $30 application fee
- Prepares students for graduate study in speech-language pathology
- Coursework covers anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing
Georgia State University
#4Atlanta, GA · $9,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
Georgia State University puts communication students in downtown Atlanta, walking distance from major news outlets, public relations agencies, corporate headquarters and the state capitol. The journalism B.A. splits into multimedia reporting, public relations and media and society concentrations, with structured internship pipelines and coursework that frequently centers on covering Georgia institutions and the city's diverse communities. The media and society track is designed partly as preparation for graduate work, including Georgia State's own master's in mass communication. The institution-wide six-year graduation rate is about 53 percent.
- On-campus program with a multimedia reporting focus
- Builds critical thinking, concise writing and cross-platform storytelling
- Experiential learning paired with specialized reporting skills
- Downtown location near major Atlanta news outlets
- Public relations concentration built on experiential learning
- Develops modern media skills for agency and corporate work
- Multimedia reporting options available within the concentration
- Academic study of communication across multiple contexts
- Preparation for graduate study, including Georgia State's master's program
- Emphasis on critical analysis and diverse communication skills
Georgia Southern University
#5Statesboro, GA · $15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.)
Georgia Southern University combines a communication studies core with dedicated public relations, multimedia journalism and communication sciences and disorders degrees across its Statesboro and Armstrong campuses. Internships and student-run media are built into most pathways, and alumni have landed at employers such as CNN, Delta Air Lines and State Farm. The public relations program is PRSA certified and runs a student firm that works with real clients, while the communication disorders degree includes a required service-learning semester. Institution-wide, roughly 55 percent of students graduate within six years.
- $30 application fee; scholarships available
- Immersive internship required for the major
- Elective coursework in health communication or persuasion
- Offered on the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses
- Covers public speaking, conflict resolution and intercultural communication
- Student organization: Society of Communications Scholars
- Alumni work at CNN, Delta Air Lines and State Farm
- Students work with real clients through the student-run PRestige firm
- Active PRSSA chapter
- L.E.A.P. certification program available
- Curriculum is PRSA CEPR certified
- Internship opportunities for majors
- 124 total credit hours with 25 clinical hours
- Service-learning semester required
- Student organizations include NSSLHA and SAA
- CSD-specific scholarships available
- Pre-professional preparation for graduate study
- 124 total credit hours
- Liberal arts foundation with practical media experience
- Campus publication opportunities
- Convergence media focus; internship encouraged
Morehouse College
#6Atlanta, GA · ~$39,000/yr (est.)
Morehouse College, a historically Black men's college in Atlanta, pairs a theory-rich communication studies major with a multimedia journalism program in sports, culture and social justice founded with Spike Lee's involvement. Small classes and faculty mentorship shape the experience, and Atlanta connections open internships across Georgia corporations, nonprofits, government agencies and cultural institutions. Coursework in the journalism track often uses Atlanta and Georgia as case studies for reporting on civil rights, voting and local activism. The institution-wide six-year graduation rate is about 59 percent.
- 18 core credits plus 18 elective credits
- Core courses include public speaking, persuasion and African American rhetoric
- Electives in organizational communication, negotiation and mass media law
- Develops presentation, listening and conflict management skills
- Prepares graduates for public relations, advertising and corporate communications
- Small classes with faculty mentorship
- Specialized sports journalism track
- Multimedia journalism focus with technology and storytelling training
- Internship opportunity included
- Minimum grade of C required in major courses
- 18 core credits plus the concentration
- Multimedia journalism foundation with three specialized tracks
- Program founded by Spike Lee and Ralph Wiley
- Requires an additional minor outside the major
- 12 concentration credits on top of 18 core credits
- Internship opportunity included
- Focus on multimedia journalism and social justice reporting
- Minimum grade of C required
- Internship component included
- Students add a required minor outside the major
Georgia Southwestern State University
#7Americus, GA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Georgia Southwestern State University keeps its Communication and Emerging Media degree small, practical and hands-on, centered on a newly built media lab in Americus. Students build portfolios through internships with local businesses, the university's marketing team and athletics, and can tailor electives with courses from business, IT and nursing. The curriculum covers media studies, intercultural communication, video production and sports communications, preparing graduates for small-market and rural Georgia communication roles. Institution-wide, about 41 percent of students graduate within six years.
- Newly built media lab with state-of-the-art technology
- On-campus and off-campus internships
- Portfolio of projects and creative work
- Electives drawn from business, IT and nursing
- Coursework covers media studies, intercultural communication and video production
- Also covers sports communications within the major
- Prepares students for advertising, journalism, public relations and social media roles
Savannah College of Art and Design
#8Savannah, GA · $49,000/yr (est. net price)
The Savannah College of Art and Design brings a portfolio-first creative approach, offering a writing B.F.A. whose professional freelance writing concentration teaches the business side of an independent writing career. The 180-credit degree spans fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting, convergent journalism and writing for emerging media, and a required portfolio course helps students polish professional storytelling skills before graduation. The program is offered on SCAD's Savannah and Atlanta campuses. Institution-wide, about 69 percent of students graduate within six years.
- 180 total credit hours
- SCAD Core plus 25 hours of foundation studies and 55 hours of general education
- 80 hours in the major and 20 hours of additional electives
- Coursework spans fiction, creative nonfiction, screenwriting and emerging media
- Professional Freelance Writing course covers pitching and story-selling
- Required portfolio course polishes professional storytelling skills
- Offered on the Atlanta and Savannah campuses
University of North Georgia
#9Dahlonega, GA · ~$10,000/yr (est.)
The University of North Georgia, the state's designated senior military college, delivers its communication major with multimedia journalism and public relations concentrations, and the public relations track is available fully online for students who cannot commute. Internship partnerships with regional outlets such as Jacobs Media and Public Broadcasting Atlanta give students north Georgia media experience rather than national brand names alone. The program sits within the School of Communication, Film and Theatre on the Gainesville campus, and the university participates in the state's transfer articulation system for students arriving from other Georgia colleges. Institution-wide, roughly 37 percent of students graduate within six years.
- Hands-on newswriting and media production
- Focus on professional ethics and responsible journalism
- Internships with organizations such as Public Broadcasting Atlanta and Jacobs Media
- Offered on the Gainesville Campus
- Part of the School of Communication, Film and Theatre
- Prepares students for converged media platforms
- Available on the Gainesville Campus and fully online
- Curriculum follows PRSA guidelines
- Balances liberal arts coursework with applied communication courses
- Internship placements include UNG Athletic Communications
- Prepares students for public relations roles across sectors
Valdosta State University
#10Valdosta, GA · $10,000 – $15,000/yr (est.)
Valdosta State University serves south Georgia and north Florida with one of the widest communication course menus on this list: a B.A. in Communication with interpersonal, organizational and public relations tracks, a B.F.A. in mass media with broadcast, digital and documentary production options, and an ASHA-accredited communication disorders degree with an on-campus clinic. The public relations programs lean into health and medical communication, and practicum placements connect students with regional hospitals, school systems and social service agencies. Institution-wide, about 42 percent of students graduate within six years.
- Five concentration options within the major
- 120 total credit hours; 2.3 GPA minimum
- Track covers advanced interpersonal, nonverbal and family communication
- Capstone or internship required
- Six credits of foreign language required
- Media law, ethics and journalism electives available
- 120 credit hours; 2.25 GPA requirement in core courses
- Coursework in persuasion, social media strategies and data analytics
- Includes crisis communication and intercultural communication
- Team leadership and presentational skills development
- Capstone or internship experience
- Public relations track within the B.A. in Communication
- Upper-level major electives available
- Courses in visual communication, persuasion and conflict management
- Study abroad opportunities
- Capstone or internship included
- Focus on medical and health communication
- Prepares students for corporate communications, media relations and social media marketing
- Skills in strategic message design and project management
- Practicum links with regional hospitals, schools and social service agencies
- 126 total credit hours
- ASHA accredited
- Access to 11 therapy rooms and an audiological suite
- On-campus speech and hearing clinic supervised by licensed SLPs
- Curriculum includes observation, writing and intervention skills
- Prepares students for graduate study and ASHA certification
- Broadcast-focused track within the B.F.A. in Mass Media
- 120 total credit hours; 2.50 GPA requirement
- Hands-on production in recently renovated facilities
- Senior portfolio preparation
- Digital journalism track within the B.F.A. in Mass Media
- Strong faculty-student interaction
- Covers multiple media disciplines
- Community project opportunities
- Video, audio and documentary production track
- Dedicated media building and production workshops
- Hands-on production experience
- Study abroad opportunities
How We Ranked Georgia Communication Programs
What actually goes into a ranking of Georgia communication programs, and why should you trust the order? Most lists leave that question vague. Here is exactly how we built ours.
The Four Factors We Weighted
We scored 27 Georgia institutions offering communication bachelor's degrees, covering 90 distinct program listings across CIP codes spanning communication studies, mass communication, public relations, journalism, and related concentrations. Each school was evaluated on four factors:
- Net price (30%): What students actually pay after grants and scholarships, not the sticker tuition. This is the institution-wide average reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Graduation rate (25%): The share of first-time, full-time undergraduates who finish within six years. This is also an institution-wide figure, not communication-specific.
- Program-level earnings (30%): Median earnings of communication graduates one to four years after completion, drawn from College Scorecard. Unlike the first two factors, this number is tied directly to the communication program itself.
- Debt outcomes (15%): Median federal loan debt carried by communication completers at graduation, also program-specific.
What the Numbers Mean (and Don't)
Be aware that net price and graduation rate are proxies. They tell you something real about institutional affordability and student support, but they reflect the whole campus, not just the communication department. Earnings and debt figures, by contrast, are pulled at the program level and reflect the actual experience of communication graduates. For a broader look at how communication degree salary data varies nationally, our ROI analysis is worth a read.
Where a school had multiple qualifying programs, we used the strongest performer to represent the institution in the main ranking and listed the additional concentrations separately so you can see the full menu of options.
Georgia Communication Degree Costs at a Glance
Sticker prices tell only part of the story. The chart below compares annual in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition, and the average net price after financial aid at eight Georgia institutions offering communication degrees. Because most students receive some form of aid, the net price column often reveals a much more affordable reality than published tuition suggests.
Georgia Communication Degree Tuition and Cost Comparison
Every school on this list belongs to the University System of Georgia, which means Georgia residents enjoy significantly lower tuition than out-of-state students. To qualify for in-state rates, you generally must have lived in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months before the semester begins and demonstrate intent to remain in the state. The net price column reflects what the average student actually pays after institutional grants and scholarships are applied, so it is often the most useful number for budgeting. Program-level debt figures are not yet available for these communication programs, so the median debt shown here is the institution-wide figure at graduation. Schools where the ratio of median earnings to median debt is especially favorable, such as the University of Georgia and the University of North Georgia, signal a strong return on your educational investment. On the other end, Fort Valley State University carries the highest median debt on this list at $31,000 against lower median earnings, which means graduates there may face a longer payback timeline.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Avg. After Aid) | Median Debt at Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton State University | $5,180 | $16,532 | $8,365 | $25,706 |
| Middle Georgia State University | $5,038 | $16,390 | $12,361 | $19,000 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | $5,220 | $16,572 | $12,019 | $18,851 |
| University of North Georgia | $5,444 | $16,956 | $9,823 | $17,750 |
| Fort Valley State University | $5,526 | $16,878 | $10,338 | $31,000 |
| Albany State University | $5,656 | $17,008 | $11,898 | $25,024 |
| Savannah State University | $5,750 | $19,043 | $8,172 | $28,000 |
| Kennesaw State University | $5,808 | $17,736 | $15,048 | $23,833 |
| Columbus State University | $5,898 | $17,610 | $13,115 | $26,000 |
| Georgia Southern University | $6,022 | $17,734 | $15,267 | $23,250 |
| University of West Georgia | $6,088 | $17,800 | $12,786 | $23,970 |
| Valdosta State University | $6,124 | $17,836 | $10,945 | $24,779 |
| Augusta University | $8,414 | $24,734 | $13,787 | $20,500 |
| Georgia State University | $8,664 | $24,840 | $15,931 | $20,903 |
| University of Georgia | $11,450 | $31,688 | $13,936 | $18,500 |
Communication Specializations and Concentrations Available in Georgia
The concentration you choose within a communication degree directly shapes where you land after graduation. A public relations track, for example, positions you for agency work, corporate communications, and brand management roles, while a multimedia journalism concentration prepares you for newsrooms, digital content production, and broadcasting. Niche specializations like sports communications or film production can open doors to industries that general programs may not address. The table below maps specific concentrations offered across Georgia schools so you can align your academic focus with your career goals.
| School | Program Title | Concentration or Focus Area | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Georgia | Communication Major | Multimedia Journalism | Hands-on newswriting and converging media platforms |
| Clayton State University | Communication and Media Studies | PR, Advertising, Media Studies | Most courses offered fully online |
| Georgia State University | Communication, Journalism B.A. | Multimedia Reporting | Cross-platform production in the Atlanta media market |
| Mercer University | Journalism | Ethical Reporting | Reg Murphy Center collaboration with 100-student cohort |
| Valdosta State University | Communication | Interpersonal Communication | Five concentration options including nonverbal and family communication |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | Communication and Emerging Media | Emerging Media | State-of-the-art media lab with advertising, journalism, and PR preparation |
| Piedmont University | Sports Communications | Sports Media | Required sports media internship with print, video, audio, and digital training |
| Albany State University | Mass Communication B.A. | Public Relations and Strategic Communication | Two concentration options: PR and Media Arts |
| Morehouse College | Communication Studies | PR, Advertising, Corporate Communication | Emphasis on communication theory, ethics, culture, and strategy |
| Oglethorpe University | Communication Studies | Three concentrations available | Internship pipeline to CNN, NBA TV, and CDC |
| Toccoa Falls College | Communication Studies | Mass Communication | Student-run radio station, web newspaper, and yearbook production |
| Reinhardt University | Communication and Media Studies | Digital Media, Interpersonal Communication | 11:1 student-faculty ratio with professional internship included |
| Truett McConnell University | B.A. in Communication | 12 concentration options | Broadest concentration menu among Georgia programs |
| Brenau University | B.A. in Mass Communication | Digital Technology; PR and Journalism | Industry certification opportunities and campus TV and radio access |
| Berry College | Communication Major | Public Relations | Award-winning student media teams and speech and debate team |
| Kennesaw State University | Communication | Journalism and Emerging Media | Three concentrations with grammar competency exam and capstone |
| Augusta University | B.A. in Communication | Journalism | Professional portfolio required for graduation |
| University of West Georgia | B.S. in Mass Communications | Multiple concentrations available | Film festivals and online distribution projects |
| Fort Valley State University | Media Studies B.A. | Public Relations | Active media production with Mass Communications Club |
| Savannah State University | B.A. in Mass Communications | Journalism, PR, Digital Media | ACEJMC accredited with certificates in social media, film, eSports, and post-production |
| Middle Georgia State University | B.A. in Media and Communication | Film Production | Three concentrations covering digital and traditional media |
| Clark Atlanta University | Speech Communication | Public Address and Rhetoric | Forensics Society for debate and Lambda Pi Eta honor society |
| Georgia College & State University | Mass Communication B.A. | Documentary Studies Certificate available | State-of-the-art TV and podcast studios with professional-grade equipment |
Online vs. On-Campus Communication Degrees in Georgia
Choosing between an online and on-campus communication degree in Georgia comes down to your schedule, your career goals, and how much you value face-to-face networking. The majority of Georgia's bachelor's programs in communication are offered on campus, which makes sense given the state's strength in media, particularly in the Atlanta market. However, a few schools, such as Clayton State University, deliver most coursework fully online, giving working professionals a flexible alternative. Program-level earnings data is not yet available for these programs, so the comparison below uses institution-wide figures to help you weigh costs and outcomes.
| Factor | On-Campus Programs (Majority of Georgia Schools) | Flexible or Mostly Online Options (e.g., Clayton State University) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Net Price Range | $8,172 to $39,013 depending on public vs. private institution | Approximately $8,365 at Clayton State University |
| Graduation Rate Range | 25% to nearly 90% (University of Georgia leads at 89.7%) | About 39.9% at Clayton State University |
| Median Institutional Earnings (10 Years After Entry) | $36,630 to $68,726 across listed schools | $49,179 at Clayton State University |
| Schedule Flexibility | Fixed class schedules; best suited for full-time students | Asynchronous or hybrid coursework fits around a work schedule |
| Networking and Industry Access | Direct access to Atlanta's CNN, Turner Broadcasting, and agency internships; campus media organizations and faculty mentoring | Internships still available, but students must be more proactive in building professional connections |
| Student-to-Faculty Ratio | Ranges from 11:1 (Mercer, Reinhardt) to 25:1 (Georgia State, Georgia Southern) | 20:1 at Clayton State University |
| Best Fit | Traditional-age students, career changers who can attend full time, anyone wanting immersive media market exposure | Working professionals balancing jobs and coursework, students outside the Atlanta metro area |
Career Outcomes and Salary Potential for Georgia Communication Graduates
What will you actually earn with a communication degree in Georgia?
Georgia communication graduates enter a robust job market anchored by Atlanta's media, public relations, and corporate communication sectors. The state's diverse economy, spanning broadcasting, airline corporate communications, healthcare marketing, and entertainment, creates multiple pathways for degree holders. Understanding current salary benchmarks and employer landscapes helps you set realistic expectations and target your job search strategically.
Median Wages Across Communication Roles
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data, communication professionals in Georgia earn competitive wages that vary by role and metro area. Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031) in Georgia report median annual wages around $64,000, with the Atlanta-Roswell-Sandy Springs metro area typically offering slightly higher compensation due to the concentration of corporate headquarters and agencies. Media and Communication Workers, All Other (SOC 27-3099), a category encompassing social media managers, content strategists, and communication coordinators, earn median wages near $58,000 statewide. For those advancing into management, Advertising and Promotions Managers (SOC 11-2011) command median salaries exceeding $115,000 in Georgia, though these positions typically require several years of experience beyond the bachelor's degree.
Metro Atlanta consistently shows stronger wage floors than rural Georgia markets, reflecting the density of Fortune 500 companies and major media operations. Entry-level graduates should expect starting salaries in the $40,000 to $50,000 range, with steady progression as skills and portfolio depth increase.
Major Employers in Georgia's Communication Landscape
Atlanta serves as a national hub for communication careers, hosting employers across multiple industries. Turner Broadcasting (now part of Warner Bros. Discovery) remains a cornerstone media employer, offering roles in content production, digital strategy, and public relations. Cox Enterprises, headquartered in Atlanta, employs communication professionals across its media properties, automotive divisions, and corporate communication teams. Delta Air Lines maintains one of the largest corporate communication departments in the state, covering internal communications, crisis management, social media, and brand marketing.
Beyond these anchors, Atlanta's thriving startup ecosystem, healthcare networks like Emory Healthcare and Piedmont, and agencies such as 22squared and TURNER create diverse opportunities. Professional association job boards, including those from the Public Relations Society of America Georgia chapter and the Atlanta Press Club, regularly list openings across nonprofit, agency, and corporate settings. For a broader look at where these roles can lead, explore careers with a masters in communication.
Industry Outlook and Growth Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook projects steady demand for communication specialists nationwide, with public relations roles expected to grow faster than average through 2032. Georgia's Department of Labor workforce data mirrors this trend, driven by Atlanta's expansion as a tech and film production center. Digital communication skills, particularly video production, analytics, and social platform management, continue to strengthen employability. Graduates who combine foundational communication training with technical competencies position themselves for the strongest outcomes in Georgia's evolving job market. Those considering advanced study can review options for a master's in communication in Georgia to further accelerate their trajectory.
Salary Snapshot: What Georgia Communication Graduates Earn
Program-level earnings data for Georgia communication programs is not yet available through the College Scorecard. The figures below reflect broader national earnings benchmarks for communication graduates one year after completion. Keep in mind that program choice, specialization, and location (Atlanta metro vs. rural Georgia) can all meaningfully shift starting salaries.
Admission Requirements for Georgia Communication Programs
Highly selective honors universities and open-access regional campuses anchor opposite ends of Georgia's communication admissions landscape. Understanding where programs fall on the selectivity spectrum, and what each tier expects from applicants, helps you target schools that match your academic profile and preparation.
Selectivity Tiers Across Georgia Communication Programs
Georgia communication programs span three distinct selectivity bands. The University of Georgia admits fewer than 38 percent of applicants and remains the state's most competitive option, requiring SAT scores between 1220 and 1400 or ACT composites of 27 to 32.1 UGA recalculates GPA based on core courses with extra weight for Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate work; competitive applicants typically present a 4.0 weighted average.2
Moderately selective programs admit between 44 and 69 percent of applicants. Georgia State University (55 percent admission rate) and Mercer University (69 percent) fall into this middle tier, balancing access with academic standards. These programs often feature test-optional policies and holistic review processes that weigh extracurricular involvement, essays, and demonstrated interest alongside grades.
Open-access and near-open institutions, including Valdosta State (72 percent), Georgia Southwestern State (75 percent), and Piedmont University (93 percent), welcome the broadest range of students. These programs prioritize completion over exclusion, making them ideal entry points for non-traditional students, career changers, and those rebuilding academic records.
Department-Level Admission Requirements
Some Georgia communication specializations require a second application after general university admission. The University of Georgia's Communication Sciences and Disorders program, designed as a pre-speech-language pathology track, admits students as a cohort each fall.3 Applicants need a minimum 3.4 GPA (3.7 preferred), prerequisite courses in English composition (ENGL 1101, 1102), college algebra (MATH 1101), and introductory biology with lab (BIOL 1103/L).4 Every prerequisite must earn a B or higher. The program also requires a proctored timed writing sample and caps enrollment at 60 to 80 students per cohort.3
Most general communication studies programs do not require separate department admission. At UGA, for example, students declare the major after completing introductory courses in public speaking and interpersonal communication, then progress through the curriculum without additional gatekeeping.5
Welcoming First-Generation and Lower-Income Students
Pell Grant participation rates signal institutional commitment to access and affordability. Clayton State University (78 percent Pell recipients), Albany State University (72 percent), Georgia State University (73 percent), and Valdosta State University (68 percent) serve the highest concentrations of first-generation and lower-income students. These campuses typically offer extensive academic support services, emergency aid funds, and flexible scheduling to help working students complete degrees. Lower Pell shares at the University of Georgia (51 percent) and Mercer (56 percent) reflect more affluent student bodies, though both institutions maintain need-based aid programs and actively recruit Pell-eligible applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Communication Degrees in Georgia
Choosing a bachelor's in communication program in Georgia brings up plenty of practical questions, from cost and format to career potential. Below are answers to the most common questions prospective students ask, drawn from current program data across the state.
More Communication Programs to Consider in Georgia
Not every strong fit lands in the top 10, and priorities such as location, format, and specialty often matter as much as any ranking. The directory below gathers additional Georgia communication programs from across the state, grouped by region so you can browse by where you want to live and study. Each entry notes the campus city, the delivery format, and the focus areas the department emphasizes.
Metro Atlanta
Oglethorpe University
Clayton State University
Reinhardt University
Kennesaw State University
Northeast Georgia
Piedmont University
Young Harris College
Truett McConnell University
Toccoa Falls College
Brenau University
Northwest Georgia
Berry College
Central Georgia
Georgia College & State University
Fort Valley State University
Augusta Area
Augusta University
Southwest Georgia
Albany State University
Columbus Area
Columbus State University
Bachelors by State
Southeast11
Northeast11
Midwest12
Southwest4
DC & Territories1
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