Communication Studies
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (B.A., B.S.)
Undergraduate Major
Allendale • Face to face • 120 Credits
Communication studies explores the creation, reception, and interpretation of human communication.
Overview
Students learn and apply effective communication strategies through speaking, listening, writing, and nonverbal outlets across various subjects. The curriculum closely examines the effects of space, time, media, and humanity on communication while offering a robust liberal education. Learn the ways messages are sent and received and the countless ways internal and external forces impact them.
Core courses include concepts of communication, speech, and communication theory. You will explore argument and analysis, media literacy, and intercultural communication. Electives offer further specialization in advertising and public relations, health communication, journalism, broadcasting, and digital media.
Studying communication at Grand Valley offers a dynamic and flexible curriculum guided by engaged faculty who are both dedicated teachers and active scholars. You will have numerous opportunities to develop your skills and gain professional experience through the campus newspaper (Lanthorn), student-run television (GVTV), radio (Whale), visual and performing arts, and internships with organizations like PBS/NPR. This comprehensive approach prepares you for a wide range of career opportunities after graduation.
School of Communications
gvsu.edu/soc
290 Lake Superior
Hall
(616) 331-3668
Admissions and Recruitment Office
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 activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
Top skills
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 65,300.32 | 10% |
| $ 81,023.38 | 25% |
| $106,597.72 | 50% |
| $137,004.94 | 75% |
| $182,349.13 | 90% |
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
Top skills- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
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% |
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Top skills- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 41,876.96 | 10% |
| $ 55,610.56 | 25% |
| $ 73,155.05 | 50% |
| $ 95,707.97 | 75% |
| $119,318.54 | 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% |
85%
GVSU Students Receive Offers Before Graduation
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
A "Best Bang for Your Buck"
By Washington Monthly
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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