Advertising and Public Relations

The advertising and public relations minor 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, you will work with actual clients from the community regularly in four different courses. You must complete 21 credit hours of coursework to earn the minor, including 15 credits of required courses and six credits of advisor-approved electives.

Applied Communication

The applied communication program offers practical skills and principles needed for successful communication across specialized contexts and settings. This minor focuses on social dynamics and the application of communication concepts. You may enroll in courses such as interpersonal communication, small group communication, and critical interpretation, and must complete 21 credit hours of coursework to earn the minor, including nine credits of required courses and 12 credits of electives.

Communication and Public Advocacy

The communication and public advocacy program examines the communication individuals and groups use to advocate for specific issues and causes. Courses focus on the theories and concepts needed to express and argue for one's position in various contexts, including the evaluation of others' arguments. You may enroll in courses such as speech, argument and analysis, and communication theory, and must complete 21 credit hours of coursework to earn the minor, including nine credits of required courses and 12 credits of electives.

• Business
• Journalism
• Publishing
• Nonprofit administration
• Media planning
• Promotions and sales

Why Pursue a Minor in the School of Communications?

• Apply communication theories and concepts in a variety of situations, while demonstrating the ability to think strategically, solve problems, and act ethically and legally.
• Improve your ability to communicate with others, strengthen interpersonal relationships, improve small group interactions, and sharpen argument evaluation.
• Develop communication competencies and perspectives needed to succeed in the workplace.
• Enhance studies in your major. Students with a communication-related minor will better understand different disciplinary approaches to pressing problems.
• Enjoy a wide-range of career opportunities that come with having a background in communications.

Career Options

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

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Study Abroad
• General Education Handbook
• Sociology Programs
• Advertising and Public Relations Programs
• Communications Programs
• Social Innovation Programs

For More Information

Richard Besel, Ph.D., Professor and Director
290 Lake Superior Hall
(616) 331-8045
[email protected]

gvsu.edu/admissions