Academics

New Penn State bachelor's degrees teach essentials of effective communication

The degrees in organizational and professional communication are being offered exclusively online through Penn State World Campus

Penn State is accepting applications for the new bachelor's degrees in organizational and professional communication. Credit: Digitial Vision/ThinkStockAll Rights Reserved.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched two new undergraduate degrees aimed at helping students learn the skills they need to drive effective communication strategies within businesses and organizations.

The degrees are being offered exclusively online through Penn State World Campus. In the bachelor of arts in organizational and professional communication, students will learn to participate in decision-making and problem-solving in professional settings. The bachelor of science in organizational and professional communication has been designed to prepare students to analyze, interpret and facilitate communication using quantitative and qualitative research.

Faculty from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts will teach the courses.

“Employers consistently report valuing communication skills. This includes writing, speaking, presenting, as well as effectively interacting with others,” said Amber Walker Jackson, associate teaching professor and assistant director for the new program. “Effective communication is critical in any field.”

In the program, students will learn about communication as an art and science through coursework in theory, ethics, research methods and applications. They also will learn to think critically, analyze and solve problems, understand and manage conflict, and make persuasive arguments.

“The ability to communicate effectively is critical for professionals within organizations. This ability helps organizations to function at their optimal level,” Walker Jackson said.

Penn State World Campus has been offering online degree and certificate programs for the past 20 years and has been ranked in the top 10 of U.S. News’ best online programs over the past five years.

“Penn State has a proud tradition as a leader in the liberal arts, and the online format of these new degrees opens up a Penn State education to people who live anywhere in the world,” said Karen Pollack, assistant vice provost for online and blended programs. “We are excited to expand access to a Penn State education.”

Applications are now being accepted.

Visit the Penn State World Campus website to learn more about the new degrees.

Last Updated March 1, 2018

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