Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies

at Grand Valley State University USA

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree prepares students for a variety of conditions that limit people's ability to function. Grand Valley graduates are prepared to help such individuals and groups overcome these limitations.

The B.S.W. requires 120 semester credit hours. The program is built on a liberal arts foundation plus 31 hours of cognate and international courses. The required courses complement 48 credit hours of professional social work courses, which emphasize CSWE core competencies and foundation practice behaviors.

Topics include: social work practice, human behavior in context, values and ethics, social and economic justice, diversity, policy, research, and critical thinking.

Why Study Social Work At Grand Valley?

• The social work program provides a foundation curriculum in a high-quality learning environment that prepares students for success in the community social work concentration.
• Through the combined efforts of the faculty, staff, and the advising center, students are provided with the personal advising and support they need to get their degree, pursue a master's degree, or start their careers.
• Students learn from engaged faculty, many of whom are nationally known for their contributions in diverse areas of the social work profession.
• The School of Social Work hosts several faculty-led International programs. These programs are typically two-week-long programs with many opportunities to be involved in the social work process in a variety of settings.
• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Grand Valley's bachelor of science program is unique in that it embeds professional practicum experiences in food service, community, and clinical nutrition with didactic studies of food culture, nutrigenomics, and sustainability.

Why Study Applied Food And Nutrition At Grand Valley?

• The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Education in Nutrition and Dietetics as a Didactic Program in Dietetics, making graduates eligible for further study in accredited internship and graduate programs leading to eligibility to be credentialed as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
• AF&N graduates are eligible to be credentialed as a Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR).
• The program provides approximately 400 hours of supervised practice experience consisting of community learning, simulation and internship experiences.
• Opportunities for quality improvement studies and involvement in faculty-led research, as well as collaborative projects.
• Use of the culinary and food laboratory for advanced food management classes and the simulation center for clinical practice.

Students complete at least 96 credits at Grand Valley State University and 24 credits (47 weeks, 40 hours per week) of clinical practicum at William Beaumont Hospital's nationally accredited histotechnology program in Royal Oak, MI. Acceptance into William Beaumont Hospital's program is a competitive process, and program officials determine those admitted to the clinical practicum. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in allied health sciences with an emphasis in histotechnology. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree requirements and the clinical requirements, students are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification exam for histotechnology.

Why Study Histotechnology At Grand Valley?

• Courses are taught by faculty members who meet the highest levels of professional standards, not graduate assistants.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities are expected to increase 16 percent from 2014-2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
• According to the most recent salary survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, in 2019, the average hourly wage for an HT is $28.83, while the average hourly wage for an HTL is $29.30.
• The College of Health Professions maintains a dedicated staff of academic advisors to support the academic needs of students pursuing the histotechnology emphasis.
• The William Beaumont Hospital histotechnology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018.

The curriculum is designed to prepare you to act ethically and effectively in the public sector at the federal, state or local level; in policy analysis advocacy and evaluation positions; in health care management and administration; nonprofit management and leadership; and criminal justice management and administration.

The M.P.A. program offers the following concentrations:

• Criminal justice
• Health administration
• Nonprofit management and leadership
• Policy analysis, advocacy, and evaluation
• State, regional, and local governance

Why Study Public Administration At Grand Valley?

• The M.P.A. serves both part- and full-time students with a flexible delivery that includes evening and weekend courses, workshops, and web-enhanced learning.
• The curriculum is supportive of our students' diverse career goals and provides concentrations to help achieve those goals.
• Students can participate in research opportunities that have local and regional impact.
• Professional internship opportunities are available and encouraged. Students can participate in up to two, three-credit internships.
• Accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration for more than 20 years.

• The Bachelor of Arts degree in music promotes the study of music within the context of a liberal education curriculum.
• The Bachelor of Music is designed for students with exceptional ability and particular interest in performance.
• The Bachelor of Music Education prepares students to teach music and meet certification requirements for Michigan's elementary and secondary schools.
• A minor in music is also available.

Why Study Music At Grand Valley?

• Studying music at GVSU, within the context of a liberal education foundation, prepares students to answer the call of a rewarding career and life.
• As an undergraduate-only program, our students have greater opportunities to learn and perform.
• Small class sizes allow students to engage directly with faculty members who are committed to understanding and encouraging each student's unique talent and needs.
• Professors are performers, international competition winners, conductors, composers, theorists, scholars, and acclaimed teachers.
• Grand Valley is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Microbiology encompasses the study of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasitic protozoa, which are organisms that inhabit every corner of our biosphere, and whose impact on human affairs, both positive and negative, is immense. Understanding the biology of microbes has important applications in biotechnology, medicine, public health, and ecology.

The program provides a strong foundational preparation in genetics, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics. These courses in the field focus on critical thinking, research methods, and hands-on laboratory experience.

Students are provided with the foundational tools necessary to progress into subsequent graduate academic programs at the master's and doctorate levels in a variety of disciplines, including microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.

The program can be tailored to meet the needs of students who plan to enter professional programs, such as medical, dental, or other health professions, after completing the undergraduate degree.

Why Study Microbiology At Grand Valley?

• The microbiology major fulfills the requirements of most graduate and professional schools.
• A majority of courses are taught by experts with a doctorate in their respective fields.
• The laboratory-rich, hands-on aspect of this major prepares graduates for opportunities in a variety of fields requiring these technical skills.
• Students have opportunities to contribute to scientific research while receiving one-on-one mentoring.
• Many students travel to professional meetings with their faculty mentors to present research findings and meet other experts outside of Grand Valley, which provides networking opportunities and strengthens presentation skills.

The program offers a flexible, practical education in the theatrical arts. It prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry and for careers that require skills in creativity, collaboration, communications, and problem-solving. In addition, the program provides professional orientation and background within a broad liberal arts framework.

Why Study Theatre At Grand Valley?

• Coursework includes a solid foundation of theatre training taught entirely by faculty members with years of professional experience.
• Students may take courses outside of theatre, pursue a minor, or double major in other disciplines to expand their education.
• Participation occurs at every level and area in theatre production, so students graduate with many marketable skills and experiences.
• The Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts features the state-of-the-art Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre for intimate productions, as well as a traditional proscenium space.
• There are opportunities for students to participate in touring productions.

Health Communication is one of four undergraduate majors offered by Grand Valley's School of Communications. Students take courses in the health communication core and biomedical sciences. The curriculum features a variety of topics and an experiential approach to learning.

Why Study Health Communication At Grand Valley?

• The program emphasizes a broad understanding of the field combined with a solid knowledge of specific technical skills.
• Students learn critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with an emphasis on learning-by-doing.
• Students frequently participate in creative performances, exhibitions, and publications related to their chosen major field of study.
• State-of-the-art facilities support current and emergent technologies and enhance student competence.
• Internships are available in a variety of professional work settings.

Economics is more than a business field. Students will study human behavior to explain and predict how people and organizations interact and why they do what they do. That might involve how managers can increase their profits. It's also about how to feed the hungry; what to do about deforestation in Brazil; and whether minimum wages really help the poor. Economics also looks at societal issues like distribution of wealth and income, health care, education, crime, poverty, pollution, and drugs.

The economics program offers you flexibility to choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

The department offers an "Honors" designation if you achieve a minimum 3.2 G.P.A. both overall and in your economics courses. This designation provides you the opportunity to engage in high profile projects and policy courses.

Why Study Economics At Grand Valley?

• Economics stresses well-developed analytical skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills, which are desirable to employers.
• Faculty members work closely with students as they form career goals and select courses to help achieve those goals.
• Networking opportunities include Omicron Delta Epsilon (the economics honor society), economics club, real estate groups, professional development series, and student organizations.
• Internships are available and apply classroom learning to authentic work experiences.
• Campus is located in the heart of an exciting business environment in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

The Master of Science in biostatistics is a Professional Science Masters' (PSM) program developed in parallel with the applied statistics, data science and analytics, health informatics and bioinformatics, and cell and molecular biology programs

Why Study Biostatistics At Grand Valley?

• Master's level biostatisticians are in demand, which means higher starting salaries within exciting scientific work environments.
• Partners such as Priority Health and Spectrum Health provide formal support for internships and continuing assistance to GVSU students.
• Graduates enjoy careers with outstanding employers such as Van Andel Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
• Classes are held later in the day, making it easier for working professionals to complete their degree.
• Program emphasizes current statistical techniques using prominent statistical software.