5 Key Courses in a Master’s in Communication Program

Master's in Communication - Key Program Coursework

• Persuasive Communication
• Communication in Leadership
• Healthcare Communication
• Crisis Communication
• Strategic Communication

Today's Master's in Communication is a progressive and very valuable degree program that includes a strong path of courses from which students can really grow. What kinds of coursework is this particular curriculum likely to cover? Here are five classes virtually all students can expect in a Master's in Communication degree.

Resource: 30 Top Affordable Master's in Communication Online

1. Persuasive Communication

One of the key purposes in human communication is that of persuasion, or convincing others of a particular idea. As time has gone on, this particular benefit to communication has become increasingly demanded by an exploding population and business-world. In fact, Encyclopedia Britannica (George N. Gordon) cites this as one of the three main focuses of professional communications today. As a result of its importance in the overall discipline, all communications degrees present with coursework, such as the persuasive communication course, covering persuasive communications in a number of capacities.

2. Communication in Leadership

Another important focus area of communications today is that of communications in leadership and management. Communication in leadership is thus a common requirement in any communication master's program. This course will teach students how to utilize different types and styles of communication and when in all areas of business leadership. Learn how to drive an organization forward with well-crafted communique here.

3. Healthcare Communication

Even for students not planning to work directly in the healthcare industry, the opportunity to learn more about communication in general persists in the medical arena. Enter the commonly-encountered healthcare communication course. This course will specifically teach students the finer points of communication methods and styles used in medicine, and as a result, also help instill some of the greater nuances possessed by only the greatest communicators. Learn how stakeholders, payers, practices, and many others communicate here.

4. Crisis Communication

Per the Institute for Public Relations: "Crisis management is a critical organizational function. Failure can result in serious harm to stakeholders, losses for an organization, or end its very existence". These are powerful but incredibly true words, and crisis communications is the specific type of communications methodology used to professionally address such crises today. The commonly-required crisis communication course assures students of at least some basic command over this important area of practice.

5. Strategic Communication

Last but certainly not least by way of importance is the required course on strategic communications. Strategy is the greater area of planning utilized by all businesses to get and stay ahead. Its use in communication technique is therefore incredibly important to business success at times. In this course, students can expect to learn about theories and actual methods, where and when certain strategies materialize within communications, and even how to craft a specific communications plan or strategy.

Communication is as ingrained in all we that we do about as much as any other human practice or shared experience. Because of this, the Master's in Communication is a great and always-valuable educational option for all. With a look to some of the above-mentioned courses, one can begin to then see what exactly the Master's in Communication degree is all about.