Great Communications Programs
- Teach a Variety of Skills
- Train in Speaking and Writing
- Model Real-World Applications
- Provide Options for Specialization
- Prepare Students for Leadership
When looking into communications programs, you want to know you’re getting the best. Well-rounded communications programs include a range of course types and offer opportunities to pursue specific areas within the field of communications.
Teach a Variety of Skills
Communications is a broad field, so you can expect course offerings to be diverse. Students are required to learn all the skills necessary to communicate well in a world where the modes of engagement with one another are constantly changing. A strong communications program should give you an understanding of how interpersonal communications work, how to articulate your thoughts out loud and on paper and how to be effective when you need to persuade others. Presentation skills in a variety of mediums are also important.
Train in Speaking and Writing
Speaking and writing skills work together when you communicate with others, and many careers pursued by communications majors involve both. You can’t be a media director, communications director, news anchor, editor or brand manager without the ability to be speak and write clearly to team members and coworkers. Dealing with customers, clients, investors and other people with an interest in the company for which you work requires clarity and an aptitude for keeping your messages consistent across all points of contact.
Model Real-World Applications
To make a smooth transition from a communications study program to a career, you need training in how to handle real-life situations. A good communications program includes coursework and projects designed to teach the skills required to connect with people in your own life, professional settings and across cultures. Technology has made the world a great deal smaller, and knowing the best ways to communicate with people whose backgrounds differ from yours is essential. For these connections to be truly effective, you also need to be skilled in conflict resolution.
Provide Options for Specialization
A communications major covers many different fields. It’s important to find a program with concentrations related to the career you wish to pursue, according to U.S. News & World Report. Common specializations include:
- Marketing and advertising
- Journalism
- Public relations
- Emerging media
Each specialization involves general communication skills. Every message you convey must be clear. You must also have the ability to maintain positive relationships in the face of potential conflicts. However, these skills have different applications depending on your chosen industry. Whether you’re preserving a brand image, becoming familiar with new communication technologies or reporting breaking news, specific knowledge is essential for success.
Prepare Students for Leadership
Just about every position related to communications requires strong leadership skills. Great leaders are those who can interact with many different groups of people and hold organizations together when conflicts arise. When you’re able to keep others focused and ensure work gets done, you’re a valuable asset to any company or group. Focusing on business or organizational communications provides more concentrated training in this area, but any good communications degree option should incorporate aspects of leadership into their coursework.
Be prepared to invest time researching communications programs at several different schools. Talk with admissions advisors, current and past students and professionals in your chosen communications field to learn more about the characteristics your course of study should have. With first-hand information and insights, you can be confident you’ll find a great program for communications.