Bachelor of Arts in History

at Grand Valley State University USA

The operations management major provides a career path in both manufacturing and service organizations. Strong industry partnerships, experiential learning through real-world projects, case studies, network and consulting, and the possibility of obtaining APICS certification are some of the reasons why one should take this major.

Why Study Operations Management At Grand Valley?

• Courses are taught by faculty members who consult on real-world business issues and are experts in all areas of operations management.
• Current technology is integrated into courses by use of the Internet, e-commerce, and enterprise resource planning.
• Internships and mentorship programs are available so students can earn money while gaining valuable business experience.
• Network with major corporations to gain access to internships and jobs.
• The program is backed by a strong advisory board representing senior executives of major corporations in the region.

Students learn how to apply scientific knowledge to address environmental issues related to ecology, conservation, and sustainability. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in natural resources management offers students a variety of academic options to pursue:

• General natural resources management degree
• Wildlife certification
• Natural resources management minor

Why Study Natural Resources Management At Grand Valley?

• The program is the only one of its kind at a liberal arts college in Michigan.
• Students gain practical work experience through connections with environmental and natural resources agencies, nonprofit organizations, and those in the industry.
• There are many opportunities to research projects with faculty on a wide range of topics including wildlife management, invasive species control, ecological restoration, renewable energy, and endangered species conservation.
• With an advisor's guidance, students can develop customized programs based on their specific interests.

The photography program offers high-quality, student-centered, production and theory courses aimed at developing liberally educated professionals able to thoughtfully adapt and thrive in a variety of professional and creative environments.

A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree is offered. A minor is also available.

Why Study Photography At Grand Valley?

• A dedication to the education of intelligent image-makers that is neither constrained in a vocational training program, nor a narrow studio art emphasis alone, is what makes the photography program at Grand Valley distinct and valued in the state and region.
• The school has many ties with business, community, and cultural organizations, and has contacts with experts in a variety of areas in communications, which serve as outstanding resources both within the classroom and for internships.
• The diversity of courses offered allows students the opportunity to explore a variety of photographic methods and applications as they develop their personal expertise and interests.
• The program prepares students to engage graduate studies in fine art programs.
• Faculty members in photography have a broad range of professional experience and a dedication to teaching.

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in sociology are offered. The B.A. requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language, while the B.S. requires intermediate-level statistics. A minor is also available.

A sociology degree serves as a strong base for several graduate programs, including occupational therapy and social work.

Why Study Sociology At Grand Valley?

• The Sociology Department is a community of critical scholars who analyze the context of social interaction and the construction of difference in society.
• Our Social Science Data Center offers intern and research assistant experience in active field research. Students work closely with faculty in all stages of project development, conduct, analysis, and publishing. Projects include life course, environmental issues, and social attitudes. Partners include environmental organizations, community groups, and the city of Muskegon.
• Our Internship program offers up to nine course credit hours for work experience. Students develop an analytical protocol in consultation with the Internship Director, and turn in written analysis of their observations and insight.
• The Sociology Club meets regularly throughout the academic year, engaging in fundraising; social, career, and graduate school planning activities; and providing a forum for discussing topics relevant to the discipline.
• The Colloquium Speakers Series brings experts and community activists on campus to talk about important and controversial issues. Students and the GVSU community join the discourse throughout the year to discuss racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ rights, the environment, and ways to a better future.

The Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science is consistent with American College of Sports Medicine standards and has emphasis areas in clinical exercise science and health fitness instruction. The program also offers students high-impact experiences through fieldwork and internship courses.

Why Study Exercise Science At Grand Valley?

• In this student-oriented, teaching-focused program, students will gain the knowledge and skills to promote and impact their health and that of society.
• The program prepares students for physical activity, exercise, and health- and sport-related professions through academic, practical, and research experiences.
• Extensive high-impact experiences are offered in diverse settings from local to international locations.
• Students learn using state-of-the-art equipment and instructional materials.
• There are many opportunities to engage in research and scholarly activities with award-winning GVSU faculty members.

Students can pursue an emphasis in ceramics, graphic design, illustration, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and visual studies. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

A studio art minor is also offered, requiring completion of eight courses.

Why Study The Visual Arts At Grand Valley?

• Incorporate creativity with the consideration of broader ethical, historical, scientific, and cultural ideas, fostering work that contributes to the public dialogue about those ideas.
• Work in small classes that ensure individualized attention from faculty at all levels of the program.
• Complete coursework in state-of-the-art facilities that ensure students acquire the skills essential for their chosen media.
• Benefit from a program that encourages collaboration across emphasis areas to support students' individual interests.
• Acquire the expertise necessary for participation in arts communities and for self-advocacy after graduation.

Computer science students receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The diverse elective courses offered within the curriculum allow students to explore specialties within their field, such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Web/mobile applications
• System/software security
• Usability design
• Data mining

Why Study Computer Science At Grand Valley?

Computing professionals who want to take their expertise or career to the next level can take advantage of Grand Valley's highly-credentialed and well-connected faculty.

• Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
• The program offers a variety of electives and minors, so students can tailor their education to their interests.
• The curriculum is a combination of theoretical foundation and applied computing, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
• Students gain practical experience through extensive internship opportunities available through the School of Computing and Information Systems.
• Dedicated computer labs with state-of-the-art equipment ensure relevant, hands-on experience.

The CSAT major combines with one of two majors in the College of Education; it leads to certification in elementary education with one of the following specialized endorsement areas: special education, Spanish (paired with the Spanish elementary education minor), English as a Second Language (ESL) (with the Applied Linguistics-ESL minor), or early childhood (with the Early Childhood Education minor). A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) may be earned. For certification, the student must:

• Complete both the CSAT major, the education major, and the complementary minor (if required) with a GPA of 2.7 or better
• Have an overall GPA of 2.7 or better
• Pass the MTTC Elementary Education and endorsement-area tests

Why Study Csat At Grand Valley?

• Courses are designed specifically for the major and are taught using best practices identified in research literature.
• The strong pedagogical skills CSAT students develop are valuable in settings outside the school system, where an understanding of effective teaching and learning is important.
• Two of the endorsement areas within the special education major could lead to a master's degree.
• Students have many extracurricular opportunities, such as professional organizations (Student Council for Exceptional Children), service learning in area schools, and becoming active members of the community.
• Elementary education teachers with a Spanish endorsement or an ESL endorsement are in-demand locally and across the country.

This major is designed to address the unique position of sport in the global economy. Sport management students acquire knowledge and skills to work in a wide-ranging sport industry and are prepared to pursue graduate degrees, if they desire.

Sport management majors receive a Bachelor of Science degree; students are encouraged to pursue a related minor. In addition, a certificate in sport coaching is available.

Why Study Sport Management At Grand Valley?

• The program offers a strong foundation in liberal arts; coursework is designed to develop a high level of competence to make a positive impact in the sports environment.
• The combination of coursework and experiential learning accommodates the diverse professional preparation needs of undergraduate students.
• There are many experiential opportunities that promote intellectual inquiry and develop sound professional ethics.
• Additional opportunities include volunteer and internship experiences locally, nationally, and internationally, to better prepare students for the professional workplace.

The Bachelor of Arts degree offers students extensive training to develop and refine techniques in various idioms of dance. A minor is also available. Students develop abilities through a range of courses combining practical and theoretical skills emphasizing critical thought and independence. Participation in the dance program is by audition only.

Why Study Dance At Grand Valley?

• The program is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional training for college-level dance.
• Students work with world-renowned faculty members and guest artists in small classes.
• There are a variety of technique courses in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern, urban dance, and West African dance to choose from.
• Students also will focus their academic experience on dance history, technology, composition, improvisation, pedagogy, and theoretical perspectives to ensure their success as educated members of the dance community.
• In addition to classes, workshops, informal showings, and student choreography concerts, dance students have the opportunity to perform with the GVSU Dance Company.