Communications
Master of Science (M.S.)
Graduate Major
Grand Rapids • Face to face • 36 Credits
As the field of communication evolves, communication professionals gather, analyze, and interpret data to inform strategic decisions. Students often pursue graduate studies degrees in communications to dive deeper into communication theory, hone their skills, and advance into management positions.
Overview
Grand Valley's Master of Science in Communication (M.S.) is a flexible program tailored to meet the demands of today’s communication landscape. It empowers students to enhance their professional skills, strengthen their leadership abilities, and advance their careers. The program emphasizes strategic communication, leadership, and digital media skills, helping students thoroughly grasp communication processes to address real-world challenges effectively.
The program offers a diverse range of coursework designed to equip students with the comprehensive knowledge and skills of a nimble, communications professional. The curriculum includes courses such as system theory, communication law, communication research, communication management, ethics in professional communication, and emerging technologies. These courses provide a modern foundation for students to excel in various professional communication roles, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate and lead in the ever-evolving landscape of communication.
Communications faculty members specialize in teaching relevant and in-demand communication concepts and skills, ensuring students gain leadership abilities, theoretical and research knowledge, and practical problem-solving skills. The program is designed with working professionals in mind, offering evening courses at the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus and incorporating individualized career-focused projects. It can be completed part-time in two to three years, with competitive assistantships available. Additionally, the program’s strong ties with business, community, and cultural organizations, along with contacts with communication experts, provide valuable resources for both classroom learning and internships.
School of Communications
gvsu.edu/soc
290 Lake Superior
Hall
(616) 331-3668
Program Director
Anthony Spencer, Ph.D.
(616) 331-3512
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Deadline for fall semester start is July 15, winter is November 15, and spring/summer is March 15. The $30 nonrefundable application fee is waived if the applicant has previously applied to GVSU.
Career Opportunities
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Top skills- Speaking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Coordination
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 31,663.42 | 10% |
| $ 41,652.24 | 25% |
| $ 57,511.56 | 50% |
| $ 80,914.22 | 75% |
| $129,986.05 | 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 |
|---|---|
| $ 69,906.76 | 10% |
| $ 96,381.34 | 25% |
| $128,078.06 | 50% |
| $168,891.08 | 75% |
| $217,573.29 | 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 |
|---|---|
| $ 38,176.07 | 10% |
| $ 48,684.03 | 25% |
| $ 67,116.51 | 50% |
| $ 95,733.13 | 75% |
| $129,831.86 | 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 |
|---|---|
| $ 55,098.93 | 10% |
| $ 72,761.90 | 25% |
| $ 93,882.53 | 50% |
| $133,548.24 | 75% |
| $190,030.16 | 90% |
Coordinate activities of technical departments, such as taping, editing, engineering, and maintenance, to produce radio or television programs.
Top skills- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Coordination
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Earnings statistics
| Annual Earnings | Percentile |
|---|---|
| $ 31,663.42 | 10% |
| $ 41,652.24 | 25% |
| $ 57,511.56 | 50% |
| $ 80,914.22 | 75% |
| $129,986.05 | 90% |
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Communications 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. There are several communications scholarships available.
Communications Resources
Grand Valley students pursuing a degree in Communications have a wealth of resources at their disposal. From the Graduate School and CLAS Academic Advising Center to our Writing Center and Knowledge Market, you will have the resources you need to meet your academic goals.
Combined Degree Programs
Undergraduate students interested in graduate studies can save time and money by applying for one Grand Valley's combined degree programs. Several of these programs include the M.S. in Communications.
- Advertising and Public Relations B.A., B.S. to Communications, M.S.
- Communication Studies B.A., B.S. to Communications, M.S.
- Health Communication B.A., B.S. to Communications, M.S.
- Multimedia Journalism B.A., B.S. to Communications, M.S.
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