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Communications, M.S.
As the field of communication has evolved, research-based decision making has become increasingly important. Specifically, communication professionals must be able to acquire and assess relevant information and effectively integrate their analysis into the decision-making process.
Visit the program website for more information.
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11%
Michigan Job Growth by 2024
Source: EMSI, 2020
Program Overview
The Master of Science in Communication is a versatile program that meets the needs of those in the field of communication. Students will enhance their professional effectiveness and their leadership skills, and they will find it beneficial to their career development. Visit the School of Communications website for admissions requirements: gvsu.edu/soc
Why Study Communications at Grand Valley?
- The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Courses are scheduled during evening hours and offered at Grand Valley's Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
- Taken part time, the program can be completed in 2-3 years, with assistantships available on a competitive basis.
- The program has many ties with business, community, and cultural organizations, and has contacts with experts in a variety of areas in communications. These contacts serve as outstanding resources both within the classroom and for internships.
Location & Format
Classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
A variety of coursework is offered, including:
- System Theory
- Communication Law
- Communication Research
- Communication Management
- Ethics in Professional Communication
- Emerging Communication Technologies
Career Options
The program is designed to enhance effectiveness and leadership skills central to various applications of professional communication, such as:
- Advertising
- Broadcasting
- Communication research
- Health communication
- Integrated communications
- Journalism
- Promotions
- Public relations
Skills Employers Want
The M.S. in Communications degree at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
- Strategic Planning
- New Product Development
- Forecasting
- Business Development
- Product Management
- Public Relations
- Marketing Strategies
- Budgeting
- Customer Relationship Management
- Marketing Communications
Source: EMSI, 2020
Application Deadline
Deadline for fall semester is July 15; winter is November 15; and spring/summer is March 15. Applications submitted after the posted deadlines will be given consideration as time permits. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU. Please visit gvsu.edu/gradapply/.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide all information required by the university. This includes official transcripts of all previous college/university coursework, a baccalaureate degree or equivalent international credential, and a 500-word essay that addresses the candidate's career goals and how the GVSU graduate program in communication is relevant to these goals. Please note the following additional criteria for admission:
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 credits of undergraduate work.
- Applicants with less than a 3.0 may meet alternate admissions criteria such as professional work experience, personal interview, or academic success in specified courses.
- Background coursework in communication theory and research methods advisable.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- A telecommunications interview with a representative from the School of Communications.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Communications
gvsu.edu/soc
290 Lake Superior
Hall
(616) 331-3668
Alex Nesterenko, Ph.D.
(616) 331-3668
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