Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree in Organizational Communication
Majors Overview May 18, 2014Instead of focusing on organizational management, undergraduate level programs focus on organizational communication, which is the effect that communication has on change and structure. These programs usually include management coursework in their curriculum but don’t particularly focus on management.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree Programs in Organizational Communication
Communication specialists are relied on by organizations of numerous sizes to get rid of the barriers to effective communication; to this end, these professionals institute policy changes, encourage the use of communication-enhancement technology, and train employees. The skills of students enrolled in four-year bachelor’s degree programs in organizational communication are honed to ensure that they perform an effective job as public relations specialists, corporate communications professionals, and business leaders. They learn to address management concerns, such as the impact of new technology and transparency, by completing coursework that includes subject areas such as communication dynamics, public speaking, social influence, and values.
Schools offer programs in Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) formats; admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework is devised to give students an understanding of the way business trends change work environments by learning about the traditional planning, leading, organizing, and controlling of various aspects of business through management. Apart from studies of leadership and organizational psychology, coursework includes topic areas such as:
•Intercultural communication
•Rhetoric
•Ethics
•Conflict management
•Media relations
Career Choices
Given that all boundaries of organization size, industry, and class are crossed by the principles of communication, these professionals can seek occupations in the technology, government, business, nonprofit, and social service sectors. In May 2008, the field was expected to be competitive (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). As a result, the best opportunities were expected to be enjoyed by individuals with hands-on experience gained through internship participation. Graduates of bachelor’s degree programs in organizational communication can seek work as:
•Human resources assistants
•Sales representatives
•Conflict managers
•Community-relations representatives
•Industrial relations representatives
Continuing Education Choices
Bachelor’s degree graduates can opt for continued education by earning a master’s degree in organizational communication through Master of Arts (M.A.) programs offered at schools. Dual-degree programs are offered by some schools where, in addition to the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Management, students can also access Master of Arts (M.A.) degrees in Organizational Communication.