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

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, Master of Science (B.A., B.S., M.S.)

Combined

Grand Rapids • 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 Health Communication B.A./B.S. and Communications M.S. offers an accelerated path to earn both degrees. This program is ideal for those interested in healthcare communication, providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for diverse roles in the field while saving time and reducing costs.

The curriculum includes undergraduate courses in health communication, such as health communication systems and healthcare management, alongside graduate-level courses in communications like advanced communication theory and strategic communication. This integrated coursework ensures students are well-prepared for complex communication challenges in healthcare.

Studying at Grand Valley State University offers personal attention from faculty, hands-on learning, and real-world experience through internships and fieldwork. The program's strong ties with business, community, and cultural organizations provide valuable networking and career opportunities, enhancing students' career prospects.

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
$ 65,063.36 10%
$ 94,588.20 25%
$126,025.96 50%
$162,963.02 75%
$211,764.68 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
$ 46,052.59 10%
$ 58,199.93 25%
$ 77,740.98 50%
$ 94,516.51 75%
$115,883.60 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%

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Top skills
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 34,817.07 10%
$ 37,176.12 25%
$ 45,763.64 50%
$ 53,363.30 75%
$ 69,858.97 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
$ 75,256.76 10%
$102,804.09 25%
$150,929.48 50%
$201,243.21 75%
$274,922.35 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
$ 47,059.68 10%
$ 59,113.73 25%
$ 75,724.14 50%
$ 98,937.03 75%
$132,440.72 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
$ 75,783.16 10%
$ 98,751.68 25%
$134,434.56 50%
$191,812.45 75%
$268,244.62 90%

Promote health within a community by assisting individuals to adopt healthy behaviors. Serve as an advocate for the health needs of individuals by assisting community residents in effectively communicating with healthcare providers or social service agencies. Act as liaison or advocate and implement programs that promote, maintain, and improve individual and overall community health. May deliver health-related preventive services such as blood pressure, glaucoma, and hearing screenings. May collect data to help identify community health needs.

Top skills
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 35,204.26 10%
$ 40,251.14 25%
$ 47,950.18 50%
$ 60,678.40 75%
$ 76,516.10 90%
4,963
Students Participated in Experiential Learning
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Page last modified May 14, 2025