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Compare Programs

Not sure which program is right for you? Comparing programs is easy. Select any program from the dropdown menu below, then choose any additional programs of interest and click "Compare" to see them side by side.

x remove Combined Degree: Communication Studies B.A., B.S. and Communications, M.S. x remove Geospatial Technology Minor x remove Social Work, B.S.W. x remove Combined Degree: Information Technology B.S. and Applied Computer Science M.S. x remove Communication Minors x remove Earth Science, B.S. x remove Student-Initiated Combined Degree x remove Networking Fundamentals Graduate Badge x remove Business Fundamentals Undergraduate Certificate x remove Spanish, B.A.
Credits Required
144
21-23
120
144 - 149
21
149
Credits vary by program.
1
12
129
Format
Face To Face
Face To Face
Face To Face
Face To Face
Face To Face
Face To Face
Face To Face
Location

All undergraduate students begin their academic career at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus; classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

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Undergraduate students in this program study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

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All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

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All undergraduate students begin their academic career at Grand Valley's Allendale campus; classes for graduate students in this major meet downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

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Undergraduate students in this major study at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus.

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Classes for the program are on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

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All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus; upper division studies are downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

Classes are available in face to face format and may also be available in hybrid and online formats.

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Undergraduate students in this major study at Grand Valley's Allendale Campus.

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Coursework

Students accepted into the program may take up to four, three-credit graduate-level communication courses for a total of 12 credits their senior year. Taken in lieu of free electives, they will count toward the fulfillment of requirements for both their baccalaureate and graduate degrees.

  • COM 600
  • COM 634
  • COM 620
  • COM 642
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Complete 21-23 credit hours and take the following required three-credit courses:

  • GPY 200 - Computer Cartography
  • GPY 307 - Introduction to Computer Mapping/GIS
  • GPY 370 - Intro to Remote Sensing

To complete the minor, choose four additional elective courses, see catalog for list.

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Coursework includes the following:

  • Professional development in social work
  • Generalist practice
  • Interviewing in social work
  • Social work field education
  • Human needs in complex societies
  • Social work research
  • Human behavior and the social environment
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Students admitted to this program will count up to 12 credits of graduate work in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree.

Students may dual-count select classes toward the B.S./M.S. degree. Students are encouraged to meet with their graduate program director to ensure all requirements are met. Please visit www.gvsu.edu/computing/combined-degree-course-substitutions-114.htm for a full list of these classes.

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The program consists of coursework in the geosciences, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Some required courses include:

  • Astronomy
  • Earth history
  • Earth science in secondary education
  • Geomorphology
  • Oceanography
  • Weather and climate
  • Mineral/petrology
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Each program includes a unique curriculum that allows a student to count up to 12 graduate credit hours toward both their undergraduate and graduate degree requirements. The undergraduate and graduate degree programs a student selects will determine the actual curriculum.

A plan of study is developed by the student, faculty advisors, and graduate program directors that satisfies all degree requirements. This plan will designate courses to be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

General program requirements follow the Bachelor/Graduate Combined Degree Policy and include at a minimum:

  • Fulfillment of the requirements for both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • Completion of responsible conduct of research training.
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The badge is a one-credit course:

  • CIS 511 - Networking Fundamentals
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The business fundamentals certificate is comprised of 12 credits:

  • ACC 201 - Accounting for Non-Business Majors 1* (1.5 credits)
  • ACC 202 - Accounting for Non-Business Majors 2* (1.5 credits)
  • FIN 300 - Fundamentals of Finance for Non-Business Majors* (3 credits)
  • MGT 300 - Fundamentals of Management for Non-Business Majors (3 credits)
  • MKT 300 - Fundamentals of Marketing for Non-Business Majors (3 credits)

*MTH 110 course prerequisite

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Coursework covers all aspects of language and related cultures, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Additional practical skills gained include:

  • Cultural competency, critical thinking, and analysis
  • Flexibility, communication, and working with others
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Career Options

The program is designed to enhance effectiveness and leadership skills central to various applications of professional communication in fields such as advertising, broadcasting, public relations, media, health communication, and research.

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Alumni have found rewarding careers in:

  • Big data visualization
  • Business GIS analyzing
  • Community analysis and development
  • Computer mapping
  • Environmental resource management
  • Geospatial intelligence
  • Satellite remote sensing
  • Urban and regional planning
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Social workers have careers that service a wide range of needs:

  • Children's centers
  • Hospital social services
  • Juvenile courts
  • Life consultation centers
  • Mental health programs
  • Probation and parole
  • Protective services
  • Senior citizen programs
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Job opportunities in the information technology and information technology industry are growing rapidly. The U.S. Department of Labor projects six of the fastest-growing occupations for 2006-2016 are in this field. Graduates pursue careers as programmers, developers, analysts, administrators, and engineers.

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Because communication emphasizes critical thinking, interpretation, research, and writing, it is an excellent foundation for professional careers and graduate programs. Alumni work in:

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Most Earth Science B.S. graduates pursue careers in secondary education. We recommend that students choose a minor in one of the other sciences. Students that take the extra coursework needed to obtain an science secondary endorsement are most successful in starting their teaching careers in Michigan.

Demand for Earth science graduates is high across the country. Careers may also be found in environmental remediation and water resources.

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  • Business
  • Education
  • Media - journalism, social media, communications
  • Government
  • International relations
  • Health professions
  • Social work and nonprofit organizations
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Application Deadline
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Skills Employers Want

The M.S. in Communications degree at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.

  • Strategic Planning
  • New Product Development
  • Forecasting
  • Business Development
  • Product Management
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing Strategies
  • Budgeting
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Marketing Communications

Source: EMSI, 2022

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The B.S.W. in Social Work at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.

  • Social Work
  • Psychology
  • Human Services
  • Mental Health
  • Psychosocial Assessments
  • Treatment Planning
  • Discharge Planning
  • Child Development
  • Case Management
  • Crisis Intervention

Source: EMSI, 2020

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The M.S. in Applied Computer Science degree at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings in computing.

  • Agile Software Development
  • Information Systems
  • SQL (Programming Language)
  • Business Process
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Requirements
  • Project Management
  • Budgeting
  • Auditing

Source: EMSI, 2022

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The B.S. in Earth Science at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.

  • Environmental Science
  • Geology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Soil Science
  • Groundwater
  • Sampling

Source: EMSI, 2020

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The B.A. in Spanish at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.

  • Spanish Language
  • Teaching
  • English Language
  • Foreign Language
  • Leadership
  • Language Arts
  • Social Change
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Source: EMSI, 2020

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