The Human Side of Business

Communication is crucial to business and organizational advancement. KCB Magazine highlighted this in a recent column called “Communication Is Good Business:”

Small business owners and corporate ladder climbers should recognize there is more to business than the ubiquitous MBA…There’s an equally important alternative that can be applied directly to the world of business—the Master of Arts in Communication Studies. Here’s the reason: Nothing happens until somebody communicates something to someone else. Everything we do in business is about effective communication to another individual, a group, an organization or to the masses. Our messages are intended to inform, guide, persuade, build relationships and close the sale. The soft skills such as effective communication are just as important as the hard skills. [Read more]

The writer, Nancy Zurbuchen, is Executive Director of the KC Council of Women Business Owners and earned her graduate degree in Communication Studies from the KU Edwards Campus in 2005. The 30-credit hour Master of Arts in Communication Studies can help you develop skills that are at the core of business and personal success.

• Coursework in communication research equips students with skills in evaluating messages and strategies in varied settings.
• An emphasis on practice develops students’ abilities in communication strategy and performance.
• Classes that examine communication context—such as interpersonal, team, organizational, legal, and mediated—provide insights that will set you apart.
   

Students can complete all requirements for the degree at the Edwards Campus in evening courses taught by the same nationally recognized KU faculty who teach in Lawrence. Recent courses include: Organizational Communication; New Communication Technologies, Communication in Coaching and Leadership; Training in Organizations; and Personal Relationships and Communication Technology.