There are few skills more important than communication. The ability to converse clearly and effectively with another person is often taken for granted, but it is required for almost any job or career that you might want to pursue. Whether you’re a teacher who needs to transmit information effectively to your students or a salesperson who must connect with clients, having a strong foundation in communicative skills is essential.
One option for students with a broad array of passions and a desire to develop their communication skills is Texas State University’s online Bachelor of General Studies (BSG) program, which provides the opportunity to explore interests while developing a sense of direction. Students can choose to focus on the liberal arts, sciences or a combination of multiple disciplines, all while developing their creativity, critical-thinking and communication skills. It’s a flexible and adaptable degree path that will prepare graduates, not for a single specialized career, but rather for whatever life brings.
What Is Cross-curricular Learning?
For those with many interests, cross-curricular learning can be a powerful tool. But what is it? According to Bharat Manocha, a career counselor and motivational speaker who explains the topic on LinkedIn: “Cross-curricular learning, also known as interdisciplinary or integrated learning, involves the deliberate combination of knowledge and skills from multiple subject areas within a single lesson or project.” More specifically, the approach to learning is one that mirrors how knowledge is used in everyday life: People naturally make connections between different things they know, rather than siloing off different areas of knowledge.
This is the approach adopted by Texas State’s online BSG program. It’s an opportunity to explore diverse fields of study and learn how to integrate them. While specialization can be helpful, it can also take time to learn exactly what you want to spend your life doing, and the broad range of possibilities offered by cross-curricular learning can assist you in discovering your true passions.
Learn Active Listening and Discussion Skills Through Cross-curricular Learning
Cross-curricular learning can be approached through what is sometimes referred to as the 4Cs framework. According to a 2024 study published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, these include content, which refers to the subject area like history or math; cognition or the processes of thinking; culture, or the importance of going beyond facts to learn how other people perceive the world; and communication.
Each of the four areas is valuable on its own. However, when combined in a cross-curricular learning environment, they can help students attain important foundational skills in critical thinking, active listening and fluency with interpersonal discussion.
The Importance of Communication Skills in Real-world Problem-solving
But can the skills learned in an integrated studies degree program provide the basis for success in the real world? The answer is absolutely yes. Students can no longer expect to thrive in today’s competitive, fast-paced professional environment if they only have knowledge; they must also know how to synthesize and communicate that knowledge to others.
Effective communication is especially prized by today’s top employers. As Arhya Halder, a finance executive, points out on LinkedIn: “Communication skills have transcended being merely desirable attributes; they have become non-negotiable requirements in the contemporary job market.”
Gain Improved Academic Performance and Career Readiness With an Online BSG
There are important benefits to a general education degree. As Indeed points out, it “develops a broad base of knowledge and allows flexibility in career choice.” This can help students prepare for anything from further studies at the graduate-level or entry-level career options in a broad variety of fields. It is the perfect choice for anyone who cares about their future success and wants to efficiently leverage their interests and experiences within a single curriculum.
Learn more about Texas State University’s online BSG program.
