Advertising and Public Relations
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Advertising is a communication strategy used to promote products, services, or brands through various media platforms. Public Relations (PR) involves managing the relationship between an organization, its image, and the public.
Overview
The major provides students with the skills needed to succeed in corporate, nonprofit, and government work. Students choose an emphasis in either advertising or public relations while gaining integrated experiences in both areas of study. Through copywriting, research, content creation, and more, you will learn to navigate media challenges in an agency setting.
You will explore a range of topics, including media campaigns, ethics and law, media planning, public relations writing, advertising and PR technology, management, graphic design, and social media analytics.
The curriculum adapts to the industry’s evolving standards, featuring courses recommended by national panels of advertising and public relations experts. Faculty members teach relevant communication skills through diverse lenses, applying communication theories in various settings. Students gain hands-on experience through classes, internships, GrandPR, and the National Student Advertising Competition, where Grand Valley has been a national finalist five times. Networking opportunities and memberships in local student chapters of the AAF and PRSSA provide valuable industry connections.
School of Communications
gvsu.edu/soc
290 Lake
Superior Hall
(616) 331-3668
Admissions and Recruitment Office
Career Opportunities
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Writing
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 27,543.28 | 10% |
| $ 34,531.32 | 25% |
| $ 48,143.53 | 50% |
| $ 64,671.97 | 75% |
| $ 90,015.78 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.
Top skills
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 71,128.62 | 10% |
| $ 88,790.86 | 25% |
| $114,031.10 | 50% |
| $147,388.98 | 75% |
| $183,507.59 | 90% |
Represent and promote artists, performers, and athletes in dealings with current or prospective employers. May handle contract negotiation and other business matters for clients.
Top skills- Persuasion
- Reading Comprehension
- Negotiation
- Speaking
- Active Listening
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 24,874.98 | 10% |
| $ 39,700.11 | 25% |
| $ 62,651.32 | 50% |
| $128,411.11 | 75% |
| $280,789.39 | 90% |
Employ search marketing tactics to increase visibility and engagement with content, products, or services in Internet-enabled devices or interfaces. Examine search query behaviors on general or specialty search engines or other Internet-based content. Analyze research, data, or technology to understand user intent and measure outcomes for ongoing optimization.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 36,766.77 | 10% |
| $ 47,574.51 | 25% |
| $ 64,081.53 | 50% |
| $ 89,640.84 | 75% |
| $126,214.75 | 90% |
Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.
Top skills- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 52,490.14 | 10% |
| $ 67,413.37 | 25% |
| $ 92,883.00 | 50% |
| $123,231.14 | 75% |
| $171,133.39 | 90% |
106K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
"One of the Top Public Universities in America"
- Niche.com
Scholarships
Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based
scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are
available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.
Grand Valley offers myScholarships
(a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match
with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities.
myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you
to scholarships for which you might qualify.
Student Organizations
Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:
Career Advising
Whether you are a first-year student, a transfer student, or a current student thinking about your career options, advising is an important part of your academic journey.
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