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GVSU student in a classroom on the Allendale campus.

Communication Studies, B.A., B.S.

Many of the most desirable and in-demand careers are related to communication. The program offers a wide range of coursework and allows students to study generally about communication or concentrate their study in a specific professional area.

Visit the program website for more information.

Students are admitted directly into this program.

Program Overview

The communication studies program stresses skills, such as the analysis of written and visual communication, designing clear and informative messages, building persuasive appeals, and critically analyzing the persuasive appeals of others. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, including courses from other major programs within and outside the School of Communications relevant to communication studies.

It is possible to combine communication studies with other major or minor programs, such as advertising and public relations, business, marketing, health communication, multimedia journalism, writing, photography, philosophy, sociology, political science, digital studies, and more.

Why Study Communication at Grand Valley?

  • Communication studies majors have flexibility, options, and electives within their curriculum.
  • Faculty members are engaged teachers and active scholars with various and complementary areas of academic and professional expertise.
  • There are many opportunities to develop talents and gain professional experience through the campus newspaper (Lanthorn), student-run television (GVTV), and radio (Whale), as well as with the visual and performing arts, and internships in professional settings (PBS/NPR) both on and off campus.
  • Coursework trains students to apply communication theories and concepts in a variety of work settings, while demonstrating the ability to think strategically, solve problems, and act ethically and legally.
  • Career opportunities are varied and wide-ranging for communications professionals.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

Location & Format

Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

Format:
  • Face To Face

Coursework

The curriculum includes coursework covering a wide variety of topics, including courses from other major programs within and outside the School of Communications relevant to communication studies.

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

Hands-on learning and other fieldwork not only deepen your mastery of your discipline but also give you the edge employers seek. Visit our experience matters page to see the work GVSU students are doing in their co-ops and internships.

Admission Requirements

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements.

For More Information

School of Communications

gvsu.edu/soc
290 Lake Superior Hall
(616) 331-3668

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions