Undergraduate

Professional Communication: Visual Communication and Social Media

Develop skills to create compelling visual content to communicate messages and engage audiences.

2026

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Online

Courses

26*

Credit

120 hrs.*

Full-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

Part-time

Varies (Transfer up to 90 credits)

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College of Professional Studies

The online Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication: Visual Communication and Social Media option at the University of New Hampshire prepares students to create compelling visual content to communicate messages and engage audiences. The program emphasizes essential skills such as analytical thinking, compelling writing, web development, and digital trends.

Through coursework, students develop skills in content strategy and multimedia storytelling, preparing graduates for visual communication careers in digital media, social media management, and visual communications within diverse industries.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Visual Communication and Social media Option in Professional Communication?

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication builds skills in analytical thinking, compelling writing, effective persuasion, and clear expression to prepare graduates to work in an information-based economy and to be engaged citizens of a media-driven culture. The major is well-suited to students interested in careers or further studies in such areas as public relations, public service, nonprofit advocacy, and corporate communications. Courses provide students the opportunity to study fundamental theory and multiple sectors of practice in the discipline of communication and to prepare to contribute to public and private enterprises that consistently need to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, and respond ethically and effectively to opportunities and to crises.

Why study the Visual Communication and Social media Option in Professional Communication at UNH College of Professional Studies?

The B.S. in Professional Communication prepares you for work in today’s complex information-based economy and media-driven culture. Advance your knowledge in public relations, public service, nonprofit advocacy, and corporate communications. You’ll develop analytical thinking skills that will help you craft and deliver effective messages through written, spoken, and digital channels. In your courses, you’ll learn to use communications best practices to help organizations respond to both opportunities and threats. Our option in Visual Communication and Social Media focuses on effectively utilizing emerging trends in social media and other forms of visual communication to convey messages effectively, clearly, and quickly. Particular emphasis is given to the intersection of visual communication with the fields of marketing and advertising.

Potential Career Areas

Social Media Manager
Digital Media Planner
Advertising and Promotions Manager
Marketing Manager
Public Relations Specialist
Technical Writer
Media Programming Director

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Communication hones the skills of analytical thinking, compelling writing, effective persuasion, and clear expression to prepare graduates to work in an information-based economy and to be engaged citizens of a media-driven culture. The major is well-suited to students interested in careers or further studies in such areas as public relations, public service, nonprofit advocacy, and corporate communications. Courses provide students the opportunity to study fundamental theory and multiple sectors of practice in the discipline of communication and to prepare to contribute to public and private enterprises that consistently need to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, and respond ethically and effectively to opportunities and to crises.

Degree Plan

This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
COM 440	Persuasive Communication	4
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 465	Communication Theory	2
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
MTH 402 or MTH 504 or MTH 510	Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus	4
	Credits	14
Second Year
Fall
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 504	Web Development I	4
COM 535	Visual Media Production	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
General Education Course		4
General Education Course		4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
ART 512 or COM 685 or MKT 510 or MKT 600 or MKT 720	Fundamentals of Design or Web Development II or Principles of Marketing or Social Media Marketing or Digital Advertising	4
COM 665	Media and Strategic Communication	4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Spring
COM 670	Advanced Visual Communication	4
COM 685 or ART 512 or MKT 510 or MKT 600 or MKT 720	Web Development II or Fundamentals of Design or Principles of Marketing or Social Media Marketing or Digital Advertising	4
COM 765W	Strategic Communication	4
Elective		4
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
COM 680	Trends in Digital and Social Media	4
IDIS 601A or IDIS 601B or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities	4
COM 660W	Leveraging AI in Workplace Communication	4
Elective		2 - 4
	Credits	14-16
Spring
COM 797	Integrative Capstone: Project in Professional Communication	4
Elective		4
Elective		4
	Credits	12
	Total Credits	120-122

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 120 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 30 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 is required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.

*GPA: Major and any state certification GPA requirements may be higher and are indicated in program details.

A minimum grade of C- is required in all Major coursework. Some programs may have higher grade requirements for Major coursework as noted in the Major requirements section below. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor, and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor. Please note that Option requirements are considered part of the Major. Students must complete 16 upper-level credits in majors within the College of Professional Studies, Online.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.

All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
CRIT 501	Introduction to Critical Inquiry	4
Select one of the following:		4
MTH 402	Math for Our World
MTH 504	Statistics
MTH 510	Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems		4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World		4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression		4
CRIT 602	Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking	4
IDIS 601A	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy	4
or IDIS 601B	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer
or IDIS 601C	Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities
Total Credits		40

Writing Program Requirements

All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
ENG 420	The Writing Process
One Writing Intensive course in the Major
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above
One Additional Writing Intensive Course

Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.

Major Requirements

Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete all General Education program requirements. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Refer to the Degree Plan for a sample course sequence. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major in Professional Communication
Foundational Courses
COM 440	Persuasive Communication	4
COM 460	Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics	4
COM 465	Communication Theory	2
COM 480	Visual Communication	4
COM 560	Intercultural Communication	2
or COM 562	Gender and Communication
Intermediate Courses
COM 590	Professional Communication	4
COM 665	Media and Strategic Communication	4
COM 670	Advanced Visual Communication	4
Advanced Courses
COM 765W	Strategic Communication	4
Option in Visual Communication and Social Media
COM 504	Web Development I	4
COM 535	Visual Media Production	4
COM 680	Trends in Digital and Social Media	4
COM 660W	Leveraging AI in Workplace Communication	4
Select two of the following:		8
ART 512	Fundamentals of Design
COM 685	Web Development II
MKT 510	Principles of Marketing
MKT 600	Social Media Marketing
MKT 615	Digital Storytelling and Brand Management
MKT 720	Digital Advertising
Integrative Capstone
COM 797	Integrative Capstone: Project in Professional Communication	4
Total Credits		60

Electives

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Survey foundational theories of communication relating to individuals, groups, and mass media.
Create and deploy distinct messages suited to specific audiences and situations, in written, verbal, and digital formats.
Compose, design, and deliver targeted and engaging presentations.
Identify and respond to complex communication practices and challenges within organizations, and effect strategic improvements thereto.
Analyze and critique rhetorical strategies and communication methods specific to cultural and industry norms.
Employ an understanding of the impact of cultural differences on communication in a global context.
Integrate individual reflection on questions of ethics and citizenship, particularly in digital contexts, to include the personal and professional ramifications of netiquette, digital footprint, and digital citizenship.
Demonstrate aptitude with research methods, both quantitative and qualitative, as these inform and are applied in the field of professional communication.
Develop specialized knowledge and skill in a specific aspect or professional practice within professional communication.

Course Highlights

Communication Theory
Visual Media Production
Persuasive Communication
Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics
Visual Communication
Media and Strategic Communication
Professional Communication
Communication for Training and Performance Improvement
…and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

Advantages

100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options.

Transfer Pathway

Whether you completed your associate degree or took a few courses, we have experience working with community college students nationwide and we are experts at maximizing your transfer credits. We are proud of our formal partnerships to support community college graduates through our Transfer Pathways.

Students pursuing an associate degree at a New Hampshire community college are encouraged to explore our Transfer Pathway below.

B.S. Professional Communication CCSNH Transfer Pathway

Admissions Requirements

Completion of our free, online application for admission
High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
- Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC

Connect with an Advisor

Get started by connecting with an advisor.

An advisor trained in our professional communication program will contact you to learn more about your academic and career goals.

We’ll also share our course schedule so you can read more about the College’s programs, students, and faculty.

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

Related Programs

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Professional Communication: Visual Communication and Social Media, B.S. - CPS, CPSO