Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

at Grand Valley State University USA

English majors pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree and choose an emphasis in literature and language or secondary education. The English department also offers three minors: the standard minor, a secondary education teachable minor, and a minor in applied linguistics. The applied linguistics minor offers two tracks: general and English as Second Language (ESL). The ESL track is an elementary and secondary teachable minor that prepares students for ESL endorsement, an add-on credential to a Michigan teaching license.

Why Study English At Grand Valley?

• English is flexible, allowing students to personalize their degree by choosing from a wide range of appealing electives.
• The program is diverse, introducing students to a multitude of cultures, languages, and perspectives.
• The curriculum is current, equipping students to succeed in a global economy by strengthening communication, reading, and writing skills.
• An English degree is versatile, qualifying students for many careers and graduate programs.
• The department offers a wealth of enrichment opportunities, including multiple departmental scholarships and contests, faculty-led studies abroad, acclaimed visiting scholars, and an annual celebration of its majors.

This versatile program allows students to achieve individual goals while serving diverse interests. Students have the opportunity to pursue graduate programs in broad areas such as population genetics, organismal biology, aquatic and terrestrial ecology, and natural resource management. Optional emphases are offered in natural resources and aquatic sciences.

Internships offer hands-on learning while project and thesis opportunities strengthen critical thinking and presentatio skills.

Why Study Biology At Grand Valley?

• Programs can be tailored for professionals to make them more competitive for job placement or advancement.
• Research opportunities are offered to all graduate students; some will collaborate with faculty on ongoing research and others will find or create research opportunities independently.
• Individualized, planned programs of study established by the students and their advisors ensure a unique learning experience designed to meet individual goals.
• The aquatic sciences emphasis provides the opportunity to conduct research at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon.
• Available to full- or part-time students. Many classes are offered at times that accommodate the schedules of working professionals. A majority of students receive competitive graduate assistantships that provide a stipend and full tuition waiver, as well as some teaching experience.

The MIS emphasis provides students with an understanding of concepts, principles, and techniques to design, develop, and implement enterprise information systems. These specialized skills equip students with a strong technical background, but emphasizes the business knowledge and analytical skills necessary in today's business environment.

Students will:

• Understand the integrated cross-functional nature of business processes.
• Configure key business processes in an enterprise system.
• Investigate data analysis methods to support business decision-making.
• Utilize enterprise software (SAP S4/HANA) to execute business processes.
• Explore various business intelligence tools to visualize and interpret data.

Why Study Management Information Systems At Grand Valley?

• Current and emerging technologies are integrated into courses to provide unique experiential learning.
• Faculty members have a combination of academic accomplishment and professional experience and represent a variety of backgrounds in the field.
• Local and international companies recruit students from the program for paid internships and entry-level positions.
• The program is well regarded and offers highly marketable skills.
• Students take upper-division courses in the heart of an exciting business environment in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in biotechnology offers a series of high-impact life science courses, as well as training in biostatistics and bioinformatics. The PSM program also includes training in scientific communication, ethics and professionalism in science, and business-related topics like project management and business plans. An internship serves as the culminating experience.

The thesis-based (research emphasis) track focuses on an intensive, 15-18 month research project that results in a publishable thesis. Students work closely with a research mentor and are expected to present the results of their research at a professional conference.

Why Study Cmb At Grand Valley?

• The interdisciplinary core program of the PSM provides students with a cross-disciplinary perspective not possible within a single major.
• Courses are taught in a region that is quickly developing into an important center for biotechnology research, industry, and education.
• Rewarding internships are available at the Van Andel Research Institute, Michigan State College of Human Medicine, Spectrum Health Research Labs, Walter's Greenhouses, and other area organizations.
• Faculty members are actively engaged in research, much of it carried out with students.
• Laboratories provide students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment.

Political Science is the study of politics in its many forms, including law-making and criminal justice, war and international conflicts, protest movements and revolutions, campaigns and elections, political ideas and ideologies, and human rights. Our courses provide the tools to understand these phenomena, and they also develop skills in research, analysis, writing, critical thinking, and speaking.

Students can choose a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. A minor and a teachable minor are also available.

Why Study Political Science At Grand Valley?

• Small class sizes ensure students get personal attention from expert, student-focused professors who are passionate about political science.
• Students can study and intern for a semester or summer in Washington, DC, through our partnership with The Washington Center. Local internships are also available.
• Students gain research, writing, speaking, critical thinking, and data analysis skills valued by graduate programs and employers.
• Studying political science helps prepare students for success in a range of career fields, including nonprofit organizations, international affairs, law, business, education, advocacy groups, and in local, state, and national government.
• We have a strong network of GVSU political science alumni across the country and around the world who are eager to help new graduates find opportunities.

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 goal of the information systems program is to provide students with the intellectual foundations and experiences necessary to use information technology effectively in their chosen careers.

Cognate classes emphasize communication skills and business fundamentals, including all classes required for a minor in general business.

Why Study Information Systems At Grand Valley?

The information systems program is unique in several ways:

• By choosing electives and minors in related subject areas, students can further tailor their degree to fit their individual interests and career goals.
• Theoretical foundation and practical experience offer excellent preparation for the job market, along with valuable industry experience.
• By focusing on the underlying principles behind cybersecurity, our program prepares students to handle future cybersecurity challenges, in addition to today's threats.
• Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees and have a breadth of experience in the industry.
• Dedicated, state-of-the-art computer labs offer relevant, hands-on learning.

The Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education reflects the national Society of Health and Physical Educators standards. The program provides high-impact experiences for students to become qualified educators.

Why Study Health And Physical Education At Grand Valley?

• In addition to a strong foundation in liberal arts, the program provides students with a broad theoretical and conceptual foundation for professional teacher preparation.
• Faculty members provide personal attention in courses and field experiences in student-oriented, teaching-focused program.
• There are opportunities for fieldwork and student teaching experiences in diverse settings within the State of Michigan.
• Faculty and students travel to state and national conventions to engage with the professional communities of health and physical education.
• Graduates experience a consistently high pass rate for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.

Students can choose a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), with emphases available in theoretical mathematics, applied mathematics, and secondary certification.

Minors in mathematics are also available, including minors for elementary and secondary certification. Depending on one's major, it may be possible to add a minor in mathematics with only a few additional courses. Speak to your advisor for details.

Why Study Mathematics At Grand Valley?

• Students will develop strong communication, critical thinking, mathematical modeling, and coding skills in courses where they learn by doing, not just by listening. These logical and critical thinking skills developed through a math major or minor are skills that are highly sought after by employers.
• Opportunities to participate in research through funded summer or academic year research programs or coursework and students present research results at seminars and conferences both on campus and at regional and national meetings.
• Special programming for study abroad and internships allow students to earn credit toward major requirements.
• The mathematics department is a recognized national leader in innovative and effective approaches to mathematics instruction. Faculty members are highly trained with Ph.D.s in mathematics or mathematics education and actively focused on continuously improving their teaching.
• National recognition for mathematics teaching emphases by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics/Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

The program leads to teacher certification for visual art in the Michigan public schools at the primary and secondary levels. Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Why Study Advertising And Art Education At Grand Valley?

The program emphasizes the training of committed artists who desire to work in the field of teaching after their graduation. Art education students:

• Introduce the importance of the visual as a tool for participatory learning across the disciplines and in community settings.
• Receive intensive studio training that enriches students' individual roles as artists and prepares them for diverse teaching environments.
• Experience a comprehensive curriculum that includes educational theory, community-based arts education, and the role of technology in the classroom.
• Benefit from a program that provides opportunities for service learning and for professional development.
• Complete the program with K-12 certification to teach visual arts in the State of Michigan.