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A GVSU student is in the foreground, wearing blue scrubs and motioning with their hands. In the background, a woman lays on a hospital bed and looks at the nursing student intently.

Health Communication

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

Undergraduate Major

Allendale • Face to face (?) • 120 Credits

Health communication is the study and practice of effectively conveying health-related information to patients, health care providers, and other stakeholders to promote wellness, prevent disease, and improve health outcomes.

Overview

The health communication major equips students with the skills to effectively convey health-related information and influence health behaviors. The program emphasizes the importance of clear, ethical communication in promoting wellness and managing health crises. Students gain practical experience through coursework and internships, preparing them for diverse careers in the health care industry.

Courses provide a foundation in biomedical sciences, blending scientific knowledge with health communication theory. You will take courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, health communication systems, health care management, fundamentals of advertising, and news reporting.

The major emphasizes a broad understanding of the field, combined with solid technical skills, fostering critical thinking and creative problem-solving through hands-on learning. You will frequently engage in creative performances, exhibitions, and publications related to your major, supported by state-of-the-art facilities that enhance your competence in current and emerging technologies. Additionally, internships in various professional settings provide valuable real-world experience to apply your knowledge and build your network. 

School of Communication

gvsu.edu/soc
290 Lake Superior Hall
(616) 331-3668

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

Career Opportunities

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%

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 62,973.32 10%
$ 79,351.07 25%
$ 99,920.25 50%
$122,958.64 75%
$136,572.46 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%

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
$ 36,465.67 10%
$ 41,008.49 25%
$ 47,118.36 50%
$ 60,503.73 75%
$ 77,122.57 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%

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

Top skills
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
Earnings statistics
Annual Earnings Percentile
$ 62,091.48 10%
$ 80,112.27 25%
$103,440.03 50%
$133,527.03 75%
$170,380.86 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%

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
$ 37,633.09 10%
$ 44,135.03 25%
$ 50,845.02 50%
$ 63,154.05 75%
$ 79,602.28 90%
#1
University in Michigan by Employers
117K
GVSU Alumni in Michigan
#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan

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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Page last modified May 20, 2025