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Communication Studies B.A., B.S. and Communications, M.S.

Master of Science (M.S.)

Combined

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 144 Credits

Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer current qualified undergraduate 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.

Overview

Grand Valley's combined degree program in Communication Studies (B.A./B.S.) and Communications (M.S.) offers an accelerated path to earn both degrees. Designed for high-achieving undergraduates with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better, this 144-credit program integrates research experiences with classroom learning, preparing students to be critical thinkers and competent professionals while reducing the overall cost and time required.

Students will explore essential topics in communication studies, gaining skills in analyzing and designing messages, building persuasive appeals, and critically evaluating communication. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-prepared for careers in various communication fields.

This combined program offers innovative research projects with faculty, developing critical thinking skills, and leadership qualities. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in communication, teaching, and further studies. The program's structure allows students to complete both degrees in as little as five years, saving time and tuition costs.

Admission Information

Students with a GPA of 3.3 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.

School of Communications

290 Lake Superior Hall
(616) 331-3668

Program Director

Anthony Spencer, Ph.D.
(616) 331-3512

Career Opportunities

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 69,906.76 10%
$ 96,381.34 25%
$128,078.06 50%
$168,891.08 75%
$217,573.29 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 72,969.08 10%
$ 86,121.85 25%
$106,572.51 50%
$142,328.21 75%
$179,378.03 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Top skills
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 49,976.69 10%
$ 63,267.73 25%
$ 81,155.08 50%
$ 96,542.71 75%
$119,915.05 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client.

Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 75,676.08 10%
$ 91,009.38 25%
$114,354.20 50%
$159,180.87 75%
$196,247.54 90%

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 26,022.85 10%
$ 36,687.52 25%
$ 56,667.95 50%
$ 76,547.93 75%
$110,045.53 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 77,737.98 10%
$106,258.46 25%
$154,503.61 50%
$204,649.55 75%
$311,375.25 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.

Top skills
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 73,415.29 10%
$ 92,597.60 25%
$123,219.62 50%
$166,377.68 75%
$216,706.50 90%

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Top skills
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Service Orientation
  • Management of Personnel Resources
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 48,419.18 10%
$ 60,971.69 25%
$ 77,242.74 50%
$100,741.75 75%
$133,952.16 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
$ 78,109.66 10%
$101,494.16 25%
$137,854.69 50%
$197,867.02 75%
$302,211.23 90%

Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 31,774.82 10%
$ 45,530.34 25%
$ 69,909.92 50%
$ 97,371.67 75%
$142,808.15 90%
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Page last modified May 19, 2025