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GVSU broadcasting student in the booth.

Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media 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 offers a combined degree program in Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media (B.A., B.S.) and Communications (M.S.), designed to help students achieve both undergraduate and graduate degrees in an accelerated timeframe. This program prepares students to analyze written and visual communication, design clear and informative messages, build persuasive appeals, and critically analyze the persuasive appeals of others. Qualified undergraduates can apply during their junior year and complete both degrees, reducing the overall cost and time required.

The course topics in this program cover a wide range of subjects essential for communication professionals. Students will study communication theory, research methods, professional practice, and leadership skills. The curriculum includes hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration with faculty on research projects, and courses that count towards both the B.A./B.S. and M.S. degrees. This comprehensive approach ensures students are well-equipped to handle current and future communication challenges and technological advancements.

The program provides a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing students for the job market with valuable skills. Faculty members specialize in teaching relevant and in-demand communication concepts and skills. Additionally, the program's ties with business, community, and cultural organizations enhance the learning experience. Completing this combined degree accelerates career trajectories, giving graduates a competitive edge in the field.

School of Communications

290 Lake Superior Hall
(616) 331-3668

Program Director

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

Career Opportunities

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 20,505.96 10%
$ 27,509.23 25%
$ 39,613.88 50%
$ 62,483.57 75%
$112,867.91 90%

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 22,833.44 10%
$ 27,580.37 25%
$ 37,607.82 50%
$ 61,863.45 75%
$ 90,729.83 90%

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Service Orientation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 13,497.33 10%
$ 22,221.56 25%
$ 37,673.18 50%
$ 67,483.73 75%
$142,697.67 90%

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 25,581.76 10%
$ 31,480.60 25%
$ 43,138.58 50%
$ 60,156.82 75%
$100,177.21 90%

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio, television, or other communications media. May play and queue music, announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Critical Thinking
  • Social Perceptiveness
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 22,772.65 10%
$ 30,623.33 25%
$ 45,381.26 50%
$ 70,967.90 75%
$136,161.18 90%

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to acquire, edit, and transmit audio and video for radio or television programs. Control and adjust incoming and outgoing broadcast signals to regulate sound volume, signal strength, and signal clarity. Operate satellite, microwave, or other transmitter equipment to broadcast radio or television programs.

Top skills
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Complex Problem Solving
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 26,477.24 10%
$ 36,354.95 25%
$ 57,764.83 50%
$100,004.39 75%
$143,940.07 90%

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

Top skills
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Service Orientation
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 15,438.82 10%
$ 25,205.97 25%
$ 44,092.30 50%
$ 80,239.73 75%
$177,573.82 90%

Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation.

Top skills
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 27,216.78 10%
$ 34,267.71 25%
$ 53,593.79 50%
$ 86,824.26 75%
$155,122.33 90%
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106K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
94%
Graduates Employed

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Page last modified May 20, 2025