Known as one of the oldest forms of human interaction and connection, the study of communication is considered one of the most popular degrees and disciplines in most universities. Typically tied to broader categories such as liberal arts or humanities, the National Center for Education Statistics has identified more than a third of degrees awarded were related to degrees in communication, sociology, and other social sciences – ranging to about 400,000 degrees. And though the study of communication has shifted over the years from radio and television studies to how we communicate via social media and the internet, the essential reasons for studying communication have remained the same. A degree in communication studies not only offers you opportunities to study the various branches of public discourse and communication ethics and dynamics, but it also prepares you for careers across many fields. Whether you’re looking to become an English teacher, marketing specialist, or public relations practitioner, the reasons to study communications can go beyond your imagination with ACU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication. 

Reason 1: Enhance Your Communication Skills

Learning and developing good communication skills can help you succeed in your career, make you a competitive job candidate, and build your overall network. While it takes time and practice, upgrading your communication and interpersonal skills can certainly be increased and refined. By studying communications, you will refine the main types of communication you use daily including verbal, nonverbal, and written. Through classes such as Speech and Rhetoric, Communicating Professional Identity and ePortfolios, and Interpersonal Communication, you will develop knowledge, skills, and effective practices to better communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and families in a verbal and nonverbal fashion. By combining rhetorical theory alongside proven listening and observing techniques, you can enhance your communication skills via email, text, in person, or through body language; making you a more well-rounded communicator 

Reason 2: Become a Better Active Listener

Active listening, oftentimes referred to as appreciative listening or mindful listening, is defined as paying close attention to who you’re communicating with. Whether by engaging with them or asking questions and rephrasing what they have said, becoming a better active listener starts by building respect and trust with your colleagues in the workplace. In classes such as Introduction to Communication and Organizational Communication, you will learn a wide range of terminology, methods, and topics within the discipline of communication-related skills. As you become more well-versed in communication practices and skills, you will grow in understanding how to become an active listener personally and professionally. Focused on making you an active listener, you will learn how to read and understand people more deeply by paying attention to people’s facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. 

Reason 3: Amplify Your Confidence and Leadership Skills

In the workplace, people are more likely to respond to ideas that are presented with confidence. 

And while many people have the notion that confidence equals arrogance, employers believe that having healthy self-confidence can make you a better employee and team leader, all the way around. In fact, one of the many ways you can grow your confidence and leadership skill sets is by clearly communicating your needs and goals. When employees are confident in their work, they’re more willing to speak up and share ideas. After all, employers don’t just want people who show up to work for a paycheck. They want leaders who are excellent decision-makers, great at handling pressure, and encouragers. Through classes like Crisis Management in Organizations, Leadership and Communication, and Training and Development, you can better understand how to lead from both a social science and a rhetorical perspective. Using a variety of approaches, you will explore how to communicate with stakeholders confidently. Communicating confidently is considered the number one attribute of successful leaders in the workplace. 

With the help of degree programs like ACU Online’s bachelor’s in Organizational Communication, you can start forming the communication skills needed to effectively impact and influence those around you positively. Pinpointing communication’s various branches including organizational, interpersonal, intercultural, and persuasive communication, you can become a primal figure in your future or current place of work because of your understanding of how communication influences crisis management, leadership, and human resources functions. Divided into three parts, the degree program allows you to take core courses (30 credit hours) alongside electives (22 credit hours) in an Organizational Change concentration (12 credit hours). Don’t wait for another moment to pass you by. Apply today and start cultivating your inner communicator with classes and concentrations designed to make you into the career-driven employee you’ve always wanted to be. Visit our website and see what’s possible.