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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Advertising and Public Relations

The School of Communications core, B.A./B.S. degree requirements, Ad/PR major core, major electives, and capstone experience totals 60 credits.

Requirements for a Major in Advertising and Public Relations

B.A./B.S. Degree Requirements

All undergraduate programs in the School of Communications offer both the B.A. degree and the B.S. degree. All students selecting majors in the School of Communications must choose either the B.A. or B.S. degree requirement that is intended for a particular undergraduate program.

B.A. Degree

The B.A. degree requires a third semester proficiency in a foreign language of the student's choice.

B.S. Degree

School of Communications Core

All students majoring in the School of Communications must complete the following core courses, for a total of nine credits:

Advertising and Public Relation Major Core

There are seven (7) courses (21 credits) required of the Ad/PR Core:

Advertising and Public Relations Elective Courses

Select six (6) courses (18 credits) from the list below to fulfill your major/program elective requirement. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor before selecting courses.

*Complete these three courses (9 credits) to unlock the social media and analytics undergraduate badge

Advisor-Approved Additional Elective Courses

A minimum of six (6) credits is required. With the assistance of an advisor, select an additional two courses at the 200 level or higher. This may include courses from the above group as well as complementary courses from other units. Courses from other units are encouraged.

Capstone

There are three credits required.

Suggested Order of Coursework

Year One

Year Two

Year Three

Year Four

*Students should complete an average of 30 credits per year to earn the required 120 credits to graduate within a 4-year time span

*The block tuition rate is for 12-15 credits. You will pay additional tuition for any credits over 15.

*Please pay attention to pre-requisite classes. Generally speaking, 100's before 200's, 200's before 300's, and so on gives you the skill scaffolding you need for success.

*The internship (CAP 490) may be taken during the summer or fall/winter semesters, repeatable for up to 9 total credits.

*Adviser-Approved Elective Courses are chosen by you but must be approved by your advisor and must be 200-level or above

1Students who self-place into WRT 120 should take this course in the fall semester and then take WRT 130 in the winter semester of their first year. WRT 150 can take it in either semester during their first year. Students will not need to take WRT 150 if they have earned credit for the course through AP/Dual Enrollment. A grade of C or better (NOT A C-) is required in WRT 130 or WRT 150 to satisfy the WRT requirement.

2SWS = Supplemental Writing Skills. Students must complete 2 courses with an SWS attribute.

Advertising and Public Relations Program Description

Click here for the program description.

Advertising and Public Relations

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the School of Communications or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section in this catalog.

Website: gvsu.edu/soc/apr

The advertising and public relations major values integrating theory with practice. The curriculum follows the recommendations of industry organizations such as the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Commission on Education in Public Relations (CEPR). Also, students work with actual clients from the community on a regular basis in most courses. The program also requires at least one three-credit internship to gain experience.

Program Requirements

The following programs are available:


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