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2025-2026 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

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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.

Program Description

For additional information about opportunities your college offers, please refer to the School of Communications website.

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 four different courses.

Upon completion of a degree students are prepared for work as practitioners in either the Advertising or Public Relations fields. They build skills in social media, digital communications, communication strategy, and the use of analytics for measuring results. Many students also consider earning a badge in social media, or a minor in a related field such as applied communication.

Internships

The School of Communications faculty believes that an internship can be a significant part of the individual's undergraduate program. Students may elect to take multiple internships. Students are strongly urged to work closely with their faculty advisor or internship coordinator in identifying internships that best suit their interests and career ambitions. The Advertising and Public Relations program requires at least one three-credit internship to gain experience.

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 Core Courses

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

With the help of your academic advisor, choose six courses for 18 major/program elective credits from the list below to satisfy your major.

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

Advisor Approved Elective Courses

There is a minimum of six (6) credits required. With advisor approval, select a minimum of two (2) courses for six (6) credits at the 200-level or above that complement your studies in advertising and public relations. Courses from other departments are encouraged.

Capstone

There are three credits required.

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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