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Combined Degree: Advertising and Public Relations B.A., B.S., and Communication, M.S.

Formats: Face To Face, Hybrid Credits: 144 Individual Course Length: 15 weeks

Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.

Visit the program website for more information.

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Program Overview

The combined degree curriculum is a versatile program that meets the needs of those in the field of communication, stressing 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.

Interested students should contact the program during the fall semester of their junior year. Application requirements:

  • Grade point average of 3.3 (B+) or greater;
  • A minimum of 75 hours undergraduate academic credit completed or in progress; and
  • Completion of or registration for CAP 495 Capstone.

Applicants are required to submit:

  • Online application
  • Current resume
  • A 500-word essay
  • GVSU transcript
  • Two letters of recommendation

Application deadline is April 1. Student must meet with the program director to verify the course schedule for senior year.

Why Pursue Combined Degrees at Grand Valley?

  • Combined bachelor's/master's programs allow high-achieving students to complete both a B.A./B.S. and M.S. in as little as five calendar years, saving time and tuition.
  • Accelerate your career trajectory and complete your degrees one step ahead of the competition.
  • Faculty members specialize in teaching communication concepts and skills that are relevant and in-demand.
  • Students will gain leadership skills, knowledge of theory, research, and professional practice; the ability to access information to solve communication problems; and the ability to effectively implement information into the decision-making process.
  • The program has many ties with business, community, and cultural organizations, and has contacts with experts in a variety of areas in the field of communication.

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

All undergraduate students begin their academic career at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus; classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Formats:

Coursework

Students accepted into the program may take up to four, three-credit graduate-level communication courses for a total of 12 credits their senior year. Taken in lieu of free electives, they will count toward the fulfillment of requirements for both their baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

  • COM 600
  • COM 634
  • COM 620
  • COM 642
Visit the online catalog for courses and program details.

Admission Requirements

Students with a GPA of 3.3 (B+) or greater may apply to the combined degree program in their junior year. Visit the online catalog for more information about combined degree programs in communication.

Helpful Links

For More Information

School of Communications

Alex Nesterenko, Ph.D.
Graduate Program Director
School of Communications
290 Lake Superior Hall
(616) 331-3668
[email protected]