Learn online business communications with online courses
No matter your field or role, you'll almost certainly use communication skills in your work as a business professional. Grow your business communication skills with online courses on edX.
What is business communications?
Business communications involve delivering information about an organization's operations from one party to another. It encompasses any organizational communication, from in-person conversations and emails to pitch decks, marketing materials, and stakeholder reports.
There are two types of business communication:
- Internal: Internal communications are messages exchanged between members of an organization. This type of business communication may include strategy documents, consumer data, and employee meetings.
- External: External communications are messages sent from a company to consumers. Public-facing business communications help companies create name recognition and spread the word about their offerings or services.
Benefits of learning business communications
- Develops transferable skills: Business communications are essential in nearly every industry, and studying this subject could make you a more competitive job applicant.
- Creates safe workplaces: Effective business communication, especially internal, helps people feel psychologically safe to express themselves, according to Amy C. Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School.
- Sways public opinion: Business communication informs the public about your offerings and builds public awareness.
- Reduces mistakes: Strong communication enables your teammates to be on the same page regarding strategies, projects, and goals.
- Builds stakeholder relationships: Communicating well and often with your stakeholders can make them feel more confident about their investments.
Browse online Business Communications Certificates
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What can you learn from business communications classes?
In business communication courses, you'll learn strategies for effective internal and external communications and explore how business communications work. You can also learn about different styles of communicating and determine when each is appropriate.
Plus, you can gain essential business communication skills like:
- Storytelling
- Active listening
- Emotional intelligence
- Messaging
- Audience
- Speechwriting
- Presenting data
- Visual design
How to choose the best business communications program for you
Whether you're a business comms pro who wants to gain leadership skills or you're just starting out in your career, you can find a program that suits your needs on edX:
Courses
Online courses teach business comms basics if you're looking to learn about public speaking, presenting, and writing in a business setting.
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Certificates
Certificate programs can provide you with the credentials you need to demonstrate your commitment to clear, accurate business communications.
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Executive education programs
Want to become a leader who prioritizes strong communication with your team? Find an executive education program for you.
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Economist Education: Professional Communication: Business Writing and Storytelling
Degrees
If you want to build or pivot to a career in communications, a full degree program may be the right fit for you.
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Maryville University Master's in Management and Leadership Online
How to get started in business communications
Your path toward developing your business communications skills depends on your skills, goals, and experience. Wherever you are on your learning journey, you can find your starting point on edX.
Beginner
Beginner business communications programs, such as DoaneX: Business Communications - The Basics, explore the fundamentals of written and spoken communication. These courses typically cover the fundamentals of business writing styles, storytelling, public speaking, and presentation design.
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Beginner
Beginner business communications programs, such as DoaneX: Business Communications - The Basics, explore the fundamentals of written and spoken communication. These courses typically cover the fundamentals of business writing styles, storytelling, public speaking, and presentation design.
Featured program
How long does it take to learn business communications
The time it can take to learn business communications depends on your unique situation, but it often doesn't take long to develop these skills. Some people are natural communicators, while others may need to put more effort into the learning process. Either way, you can learn to develop your business communication skills over a week, a month, or a year.
Mastering business communications, however, can take a lifetime. Many business communication skills come from first-hand experience, so the amount of practice you get may correlate to how long it takes to develop these skills.
Jobs that use business communications
Below, find jobs that you may qualify for by learning business communications, including salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Public relations specialists
Public relations specialists are responsible for shaping an organization's or a public figure's reputation. They use business communications to publish information that builds a positive public perception.
- Median annual salary (2024): $69,780
- Job growth outlook (2024-34): +5%
Public relations specialists
Public relations specialists are responsible for shaping an organization's or a public figure's reputation. They use business communications to publish information that builds a positive public perception.
- Median annual salary (2024): $69,780
- Job growth outlook (2024-34): +5%
Your next steps on edX
Hoping to move up to management? Learning business communications can help you level up. Discover how to develop your business communication skills with an online edX course. To get started:
- Take an online business communications course for a quick deep-dive
- Earn a degree and qualify for higher-paying roles in business communications
- Find an executive education program and master business communications strategies