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x remove Cybersecurity Graduate Badge x remove Combined Degree: Journalism, Broadcasting, and Digital Media B.A., B.S. and Communications, M.S. x remove Applied Statistics, M.S.
Credits Required
9
144
36
Format
Face To Face
Face To Face
Face To Face
Location

Classes for the program are 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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Graduate students in this major study at the Grand Valley Allendale Campus and the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.

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Coursework

The cybersecurity badge is three courses, nine credits. Required course:

  • CIS 615 - Information Security Principles

And two of the following:

  • CIS 518 - Secure Software Engineering
  • CIS 555 - Applied Cryptography
  • CIS 616 - Data Security and Privacy
  • CIS 617 - Digital Forensics and Investigations
  • CIS 618 - Secure Software Engineering
  • CIS 619 - Data Analytics for Cybersecurity
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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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Requirements for the degree are 36 credit hours, comprised of the following components:

  • Twenty-two credit hours in applied statistics courses
  • Elective credit hours
  • Professional science courses
  • Internship experience
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Career Options
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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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Data-driven decision making is occurring in a diverse array of fields, and individuals with these applied statistical skills are in high demand. Forbes now lists a Master's in Statistics as the second-ranked most desirable master's degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of statisticians has been projected to grow 34 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than most occupations. The professional components of a Professional Science Master's program (including an internship experience) will result in additional practical experience and stronger job prospects for graduates.

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Application Deadline
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Skills Employers Want
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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 M.S. in Applied Statistics 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 the statistics field.

  • Statistics
  • SAS (Software)
  • Statistical Methods
  • Biostatistics
  • Data Management
  • R (Programming Language)
  • Algorithms
  • Data Quality

Source: EMSI, 2022

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