Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (STEM)

at Grand Valley State University USA

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 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.

• Program Focus. Leadership skills, strategy, and customer-oriented perspective.
• Hybrid Delivery. Two courses per semester - one class in person and one online each week.
• Cohort Structure. All classes taken with the same group of students; enables strong peer learning and professional connections.
• Professional Development. Individualized feedback based on a leadership style assessment. Mentoring opportunities and structured group workshop learning experiences.
• Culminating Experience. Apply knowledge and experience to a business consulting capstone project.

Legal studies students may earn a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The B.A. requires third semester proficiency in a foreign language. The B.S. requires completion of courses in statistics and research methods. A minor, not approved by the ABA, is also available.

Why Study Legal Studies At Grand Valley?

• The legal studies major is approved by the American Bar Association and features a critical-thinking foundation that focuses on professional skills.
• The program prides itself on the diverse professional experience of its faculty members, most of whom are licensed attorneys with experience working in areas of civil and criminal law.
• Faculty are engaged in scholarly research and writing and have been recognized as award-winning teachers and mentors.
• The program's advisory board consists of attorneys and paralegals who give guidance on matters such as curriculum, internship and employment opportunities, and trends in the legal field.
• The legal studies internship program allows students to get college credit for work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and other organizations that engage in law-related work.

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.

The communications studies program stresses skills, such as the analysis of written and visual communication, designing clear and informative messages, building persuasive appeals, and critically analyzing the persuasive appeals of others. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, including courses from other major programs within and outside the School of Communications relevant to communication studies.

It is possible to combine communication studies with other major or minor programs, such as advertising and public relations, business, marketing, health communication, multimedia journalism, writing, photography, philosophy, sociology, political science, digital studies, and more.

Why Study Communication At Grand Valley?

• Communication studies majors have flexibility, options, and electives within their curriculum.
• Faculty members are engaged teachers and active scholars with various and complementary areas of academic and professional expertise.
• There are many opportunities to develop talents and gain professional experience through the campus newspaper (Lanthorn), student-run television (GVTV), and radio (Whale), as well as with the visual and performing arts, and internships in professional settings (PBS/NPR) both on and off campus.
• Coursework trains students to apply communication theories and concepts in a variety of work settings, while demonstrating the ability to think strategically, solve problems, and act ethically and legally.
• Career opportunities are varied and wide-ranging for communications professionals.

Choose from the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree after completing 42 major-specific credits. The curriculum allows students to determine their own course of study, balancing creative and professional writing interests. Students also complete an internship to enhance their writing skills.

For students who wish to add to their current major and enhance their writing, the department offers the option to minor in writing.

Why Study Writing At Grand Valley?

• The writing major involves liberal arts training in which students become critical readers, careful thinkers, and skilled writers.
• The department offers one of the few independent undergraduate writing majors in the country.
• Students who want to focus on professional or technical writing can do so in a program that exposes them to the latest technologies for print and web environments.
• The department offers students a variety of extracurricular writing activities including a student-run literary journal, a visiting writing series, a student reading series, an organization for professional writers, a student-produced department newsletter, and opportunities for travel to writing conferences.
• Students may choose to complete a Distinction in Writing, a program that encourages them to pursue excellence beyond the classroom.

The Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) program prepares you for advanced professional practice in social work, and in the development and implementation of social welfare policies and programs. The M.S.W. lays the foundation for you to assume leadership roles in society's institutions, organizations, and communities.

The M.S.W. 60 credit hour program is available on a full or part time basis, including 12 credit hours of field education. The curriculum incorporates a focus on CSWE core competencies. Advanced standing status, a 38 credit program with 8 field education hours, is for those who successfully completed a B.S.W. degree at a CSWE accredited program and meet other admission criteria. You may apply for the hybrid advanced standing program if eligible. Course requirements are available online.

Why Study Social Work At Grand Valley?

• become a culturally competent practitioner in a complex society through field education and practice;
• be prepared to engage in grassroots, political, and community organizing, as well as electoral politics;
• become a skilled practitioner capable of assuming leadership and scholarly professional roles in regional, state, national, and global communities;
• contribute to the ongoing development of professional social work knowledge and practice through research and scholarly inquiry that employs state-of-the-art technology; and
• earn a degree that is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

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.

The Grand Valley State University M.P.A.S. program was established in 1995. The main campus is located at Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences. In 2015, the program expanded to include Traverse City to serve the needs of Northern Michigan. The program is now simultaneously delivered to the two campuses through telepresencevideoconferencing.

Why Choose Physician Assistant Studies At Grand Valley?

• Excellent Resources: The program has two locations: the Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Grand Rapids and The University Center, Traverse City. Both facilities offer dedicated laboratory and classroom space, access to a simulation center, and connections to the local health care community.
• Successful: Over the last five years, GVSU graduates have had a first-time pass rate of 99% on the NCCPA certification exam.
• Small Student to Faculty Ratio: The program accepts 48 students per year. Students have greater access to our 12 dedicated faculty members and opportunity for small group discussions.
• Recognized Faculty: Our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for teaching excellence and evidence-based clinical practice.
• Accredited: The Grand Rapids and Traverse City locations are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant