As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly transforms the workplace, the skills employers value are shifting. LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise 2025 report identifies AI literacy as the fastest-growing skill professionals need to stay competitive. But organizations aren’t just looking for AI-savvy technical experts. They also need professionals who can make thoughtful, human-centered decisions about how and when to implement AI. This presents a unique opportunity to stand out in the job market.
Professionals with strong communication skills and a working knowledge of AI will be well-positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape. The University of Texas at Tyler’s (UT Tyler) online Master of Arts in Communications program equips students with this in-demand skill set, offering coursework that prepares graduates to lead at the forefront of communication, technology and trust.
AI in the Modern Workplace
When generative AI first entered the spotlight, it sparked widespread concern that entire career paths might be rendered obsolete. However, recent data offers reassurance. A new report from Indeed’s Hiring Lab shows that today’s AI tools are largely incapable of replacing skilled human workers, especially in roles requiring critical thinking, creativity and emotional intelligence. That said, the demand for AI fluency is still growing rapidly.
With 92% of companies planning to invest in generative AI over the next three years, there’s an urgent need for professionals who can translate complex AI technologies into actionable strategies, foster collaboration between human teams and AI systems and communicate with clarity and empathy. For emerging graduates as well as working professionals, AI proficiency will likely be a key differentiator in the job market for years to come.
What Types of AI Skills Do Today‘s Employers Value?
There are three essential skills experts recommend sharpening to thrive alongside AI. The most comprehensive way to gain these skills is through an advanced degree, such as the one offered by the University of Texas at Tyler. The program’s robust curriculum, which blends foundational communication concepts, real-world expertise, research methods and AI theory and practice, helps students develop AI literacy in the following areas:
- Prompting: Learning how to properly phrase questions or queries is a critical skill if you want to receive useful, relevant information from a generative AI tool. The better your prompts are, the better your results and insights will be.
- Creative Problem-solving: Knowing when and how to apply AI tools is just as important as knowing how to use the tools themselves. To become adept at leveraging AI tools, try visualizing a certain workflow or problem and theorizing the best ways AI could be used to help.
- Collaboration: Many experts recommend working collaboratively with AI, almost as if it were another human teammate. This means leveraging effective communication, active listening and being open to other perspectives.
While developing AI fluency is essential for success in the modern workplace, Forbes also urges professionals not to neglect human-centered skills. Core soft skills like communication, conflict mitigation and adaptability will likely become even more crucial in our increasingly digital work environment. That’s why pursuing a master’s degree that blends both AI literacy and human skills is so valuable.
Advancing Your Career With an M.A. in Communications From UT Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler’s online Master of Arts in Communications program combines AI literacy with essential human-centered communication skills, preparing students to successfully navigate the evolving demands of today’s workplace. Students learn the inputs, outputs and effective applications of AI technologies, while also exploring how AI is altering how we perceive communication forms such as reading, writing and speaking.
Graduates complete the program ready to meet the growing demand for professionals who can not only leverage AI technologies but also guide their ethical and strategic implementation. In an era where 92% of companies are investing in AI, earning this degree equips graduates with the rare combination of technical fluency and human insight that will define workplace success for years to come.
Learn more about The University of Texas at Tyler’s online Master of Arts in Communications program.