The Myth of the "Easiest Major": Communication
“What’s the easiest major?” This is a question I often hear, and more often than not, “communications” is the first answer that comes out of people’s mouths.
We've all seen the viral TikTok interviews where students are asked, “What’s the easiest major?” As expected, the majority of responses are the same: communications.
While it’s difficult to determine exactly how many people view communications as the "easiest" major, the perception is widespread. Since activities like talking, writing, and sharing ideas feel intuitive, many assume that communication is an effortless skill. This assumption likely arises from the fact that communication is something we all engage in daily. However, I hate to break it to you, but this idea is simply not the truth. It’s time to finally set the record straight and debunk these myths.
Myth #1: It's Simply Common Sense - Wrong!
In many fields, the answer is clear-cut. In areas like engineering, accounting, or law, success is based on mastering formulas, rules, or procedures. But communication isn’t about finding the right answer; instead, it's about exploring the deeper layers of meaning, context, and impact.
Communication allows you to dig beyond the surface. It’s about understanding why something resonates with an audience, how messages shape perceptions, and what makes communication truly effective. Rather than being tied to a set of hard-and-fast rules, communication invites you to think critically, adapt to various situations, and craft messages that are relevant and compelling.
This depth is what makes communication such a versatile and powerful field. It’s not about memorizing facts; it’s about exploring ideas, analyzing audiences, and understanding how language, culture, and context intersect. The skills you develop in communications go beyond the obvious, for they equip you with the tools to engage, persuade, and lead in ways that other majors simply can’t.
Myth #2: It Is a Soft Skill with No Real-World Application – Nope!
In the professional world, communication isn’t just a skill, it’s the foundation of success. It’s easy to assume that communication is something anyone can do. After all, we communicate every day, right? But what most people don’t see is the work that goes into making communication seamless. Professionals in the communications field make it look effortless because they understand the complexities behind every message, the strategic approach needed to engage audiences, and the frameworks that shape effective communication.
What might seem simple is the result of years of training, experience, and attention to detail. When communication is mishandled or overlooked, it creates chaos. Misunderstandings, missed opportunities, and disorganization can quickly follow. But when communication is handled well, it can unify teams, clarify objectives, and drive successful outcomes. In every industry, from healthcare to business, and politics to education, the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively can be the difference between success and failure.
Myth #3: The Work Is Easy – I Wish!
Some may claim that communications work is "easy" because it appears seamless to outsiders. However, the reality is far from that. The work often involves tight deadlines, high-pressure environments, and navigating complex, ever-changing issues. Whether it's handling a PR crisis, crafting a persuasive speech, or developing an effective marketing campaign, communications professionals must juggle multiple tasks at once while making strategic decisions that directly impact an organization’s reputation, brand, and success. It requires a combination of creativity, quick thinking, and careful planning to ensure messages are not only clear but also compelling and effective.
It isn’t all about the glitz and glam you see portrayed in the media. Behind the scenes, communications professionals are constantly adapting to shifting challenges, managing expectations, and ensuring their work resonates with audiences. Communication is one of the most rapidly changing fields, so it's impossible to just sit back and relax. It’s a demanding and high-stakes field that requires resilience, skill, and a deep understanding of both the subject matter and the audience.
At the end of the day, communication is far more than just words on a page or a conversation in a meeting; it is the force that drives understanding, creates connections, and paves the way for success across all industries. So, the next time you hear someone call communications an “easy major,” remember that it’s anything but. Behind every seamless message, tailored campaign, or strategic business proposal, there is a communication professional running the show.
Let’s remove these myths and start recognizing communication for what it truly is: an essential, demanding, and powerful skill that every professional needs.
One of my favorite TikToks about a Com Studies Major!
Just because my dreams are different than yours doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.
About Lindsey
Lindsey is a senior at Grand Valley State University, majoring in Communications with minors in Advertising/Public Relations and Human Rights. While she has developed a strong skill set in digital media, she has a deep passion for media writing and aspires to specialize in public relations through her role with GrandPR. After graduation, Lindsey hopes to join a public relations firm, focusing on media writing and campaign planning.