Essential Skills

In every career and organization, essential skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving are critical to success. The Essential Skills Pathway Program equips learners with these universal competencies, enabling them to be more effective and impactful within their organizations. Whether in public or private sectors, start-ups, or multinational corporations, graduates will gain the ability to:

• Communicate effectively across teams, cultures, and countries.
• Persuasively sell ideas and suggestions.
• Diagnose and solve problems with agility.
• Analyze data to make informed, data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and communicate confidently with leadership.

Who Should Register

This program is ideal for:

• Professionals seeking to enhance their effectiveness in the workplace.
• Aspiring leaders aiming to refine their problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Individuals preparing to take on roles requiring cross-functional collaboration and decision-making.

Why Choose Nexford

Nexford University provides career-focused education designed to meet the needs of modern learners. As a Public Benefit Corporation based in Washington, D.C., Nexford prioritizes public good over profit, delivering innovative, scalable learning solutions. Through curricular innovation and cutting-edge technology, Nexford empowers learners to gain the skills they need for lifelong success.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Government-issued identification.
• Passport-style photo or “selfie.”
• Evidence of English language proficiency.
• Official transcript verifying receipt of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or recognized international equivalent.

Additional notes:

• Documents not written in English must be accompanied by an official translation.
• Self-certification of high school completion or its equivalent is required.

Required Courses

COM1200 Professional Communication

Professional Communication places an emphasis on communication styles and approaches in today's workplace to include digital, verbal and nonverbal communication. The course focuses on the evaluation of case analysis and discussion and on practical business and professional communication skills, including writing, speaking, and listening. Emphasis is on clarity, organization, format, appropriate language, and consideration of audience, for both written and oral communication.

You’ll engage in self-assessment of communicative competence and learn strategies for enhancing their skills. The course explores how technology and other tools are integrated into communications within a professional setting and students will be able to identify appropriate and inappropriate professional communications.

BAN2100 Data Analytics

Advances in data collection, machine learning, and computational power have fueled institutional progress. The volume of available data has grown exponentially, and algorithms have continued to advance along with greater computational power and storage. As organizations become more inundated with data, having systems and processes in place to better understand and interpret data is highly important. This course focuses on how organizations can identify, evaluate and use data effectively. As consumers become increasingly savvy with their use of data, organizations need to change their responses. The use of data for all types of business from a large organization to a small retail shop will continue to become more sophisticated. This course provides an understanding of the data analysis process. Learners examine how technology has improved the ability to collect, analyze and interpret data, and they investigate data analysis tools and technologies to improve the decision making process.

CUL2200 Intercultural Communication

Intercultural Communication exposes learners to the principles of intercultural communication to advance their efforts to understand and attribute meaning to communicative behaviors among different cultures and social groups.

Learners study communication and culture, intercultural messages, the role of context in intercultural communication, the impact of culture on one’s identity, and communication style. Learners master the practical skills necessary to improve one’s intercultural communication competence in an international world.

PBS2250 Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Problem Solving and Critical Thinking considers how most successful professionals of the 21st century will be able to assess an environment, analyze a situation, design alternative solutions, and assist organizations in creatively overcoming challenges and reaching strategic goals.

This course focuses on the development of reasoning and problem solving skills by using the scientific method to analyze case studies and controversial topics. Learners consider cultural differences in reasoning, inductive and deductive logic, and how to use positive inquiry and synthesis to solve individual and organizational problems. Emphasis is placed on successful models and proven methods that are transferable within the work environment.

What You'll Learn

Graduates of this program will develop critical skills in:

• Effective communication and leadership.
• Problem-solving and diagnosing challenges in dynamic environments.
• Data analysis and decision-making based on actionable insights.
• Working collaboratively across teams and organizational functions.

Upon completion, graduates will:

• Be equipped to navigate organizational challenges with confidence.
• Excel in roles requiring data-driven decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.
• Communicate effectively with teams, leadership, and stakeholders at all levels.

Potential career opportunities include:

• Team Leader
• Business Analyst
• Project Manager
• Operations Specialist