“The Time Is Going to Pass Anyway”: How Jessica Bellamy Earned Her Communication Degree Online
July 24, 2026
For Jessica Bellamy, returning to college did not mean putting the rest of her life on pause.
As a mother with a family schedule filled with athletic events and other responsibilities, Jessica needed a degree program that could fit into the life she already had. The flexibility of online learning allowed her to complete coursework and log into classes around games, family commitments and everything else competing for her time.
Her advice to others considering a return to school is simple:
“The time is going to pass anyway.”
Jessica acknowledged that earning a degree takes commitment. There may be long nights and moments when reaching graduation feels far away. But she encouraged future students to keep working and see the experience through because, as she put it, “it will be worth it.”
Making graduation a family milestone
Earning her Bachelor of Arts in Communication was an important personal accomplishment for Jessica, but she was not pursuing it only for herself.
She also wanted her sons to see her complete her degree and walk across the graduation stage. By continuing through a demanding season of life, Jessica was able to show them what can happen when someone commits to a goal and refuses to give up on it.
Her experience reflects a challenge many adult learners face: They want to advance their education, but work, family and community responsibilities do not disappear when classes begin.
UofL’s online communication program is designed to make those responsibilities easier to balance. Courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete their work online without being required to attend classes at a set time. Students also have 24/7 access to online course resources.
Building communication skills for a changing workplace
Clear and effective communication is valuable in nearly every professional field. Organizations need people who can understand audiences, develop messages, explain complex information and collaborate across teams.
The online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication helps students strengthen their writing, speaking, research, critical thinking and strategic communication skills. Students examine how messages are created, delivered and interpreted in interpersonal, organizational and public settings. These skills can support careers in fields ranging from business and healthcare to media, government, nonprofits and public service.
Students learn from UofL faculty while completing the same academically rigorous coursework associated with an on-campus UofL degree. Neither the diploma nor the transcript identifies the degree as having been completed online.
Choosing between the BA and BS in Communication
UofL offers two online communication degree paths, giving students the opportunity to choose the option that better reflects their interests and career goals.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication combines communication studies with a broad liberal arts foundation. It places additional emphasis on oral and written communication, foreign language study, critical thinking and an understanding of people and cultures.
The Bachelor of Science in Communication takes a more applied approach. Students can develop practical skills through coursework in areas such as copywriting, news writing, public speaking and debate. The BS also requires an internship, giving students an opportunity to apply what they have learned in a professional setting.
Both paths help students develop adaptable skills that can remain useful as their careers, industries and professional goals evolve.
Bringing previous college credit with you
Students who have attended college previously may also be able to apply eligible transfer credit toward their communication degree.
UofL allows students to transfer up to 60 credit hours from an accredited community college and up to 90 credit hours from an accredited four-year institution. Eligible KCTCS students may transfer a completed associate degree and begin upper-level coursework online at UofL. Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on university policies and degree requirements.
Enrollment counselors and academic advisors are available to help students understand the application process, explore transfer options and stay on track from admission through graduation.
Where could the passing time take you?
There may never be a moment when work, family and other responsibilities completely slow down. Jessica’s story shows that students do not necessarily have to wait for the perfect time to begin.
The time will continue to pass. The question is where you would like to be when it does.
With flexible online coursework, two degree paths and support throughout the student journey, UofL’s online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication can help you continue moving toward your goals — without putting the rest of your life on hold.
Watch Jessica’s story and explore the online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication at the University of Louisville.
Organic Marketing Specialist, Online Learning
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