Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

at Grand Valley State University USA

The curriculum is flexible and includes both a strong core of course requirements and multiple elective offerings to allow students to pursue their particular media interests. It prepares students to enter the job market as journalists or other related media careers, developing gateway skills of reporting, writing and production in print, television, radio and online-based media.

Why Study Multimedia Journalism At Grand Valley?

• Students have opportunities to become involved in student media - newspaper, radio, and TV - to gain experience and prepare them for internships and related hands-on experiences.
• The area is media rich, there is a top 40 TV market with four commercial stations, public TV/radio stations, and more than 50 radio stations. Area print media include four daily newspapers and 15 weekly newspapers, and many minority, arts, business, and other specialty publications. All area media produce and present Internet-based content.
• Students may apply up to 15 internship credits toward the 120 needed for graduation.
• Our faculty all possess experience in the field of journalism - including our permanent full-time faculty as well as our part-time adjunct faculty.
• There is always a need for new media content, and multimedia journalism graduates leave GVSU ready to go to work satisfying the public's need to know.

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.

As the field of communication has evolved, research-based decision making has become increasingly important. Specifically, communication professionals must be able to acquire and assess relevant information and effectively integrate their analysis into the decision-making process.

The Master of Science in communication is a versatile program that meets the needs of those in the field of communication. Students will enhance their professional effectiveness and their leadership skills, and they will find it beneficial to their career development

Why Study Communications At Grand Valley?

• Faculty members specialize in teaching communication concepts and skills that are relevant and in-demand.
• Students will gain leadership skills, knowledge of theory and research and their application, the ability to access information to solve communication problems, and the ability to effectively implement information into the decision-making process.
• The program is designed with working professionals in mind. Courses are scheduled during evening hours and offered downtown at Grand Valley's Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus. The program also incorporated hybrid/online courses as well as individualized projects that count toward the completion of program requirements.
• Taken part time, the versatile program can be completed in two to three years, with assistantships available on a competitive basis.
• The program has many ties with business, community, and cultural organizations, and has contacts with experts in a variety of areas in communications. These contacts serve as outstanding resources both within the classroom and for internships.

The major is administered by the psychology department. Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in behavioral neuroscience. The B.S. degree requires students to take the degree requirement sequence from the psychology department. The B.A. degree requires third semester proficiency in a foreign language.

Why Study Behavioral Neuroscience At Grand Valley?

• Faculty members have diverse interests and training that covers the field of neuroscience with breadth and depth, so a wide range of courses are available, as well as research opportunities.
• Students can expect a high-quality, student-focused education in the field of behavioral neuroscience.
• Undergraduate behavioral neuroscience students have opportunities to work closely with a faculty member on a research project.
• Students are immersed in an atmosphere of inquiry, integrity, engagement, community, curiosity, and creativity among faculty and staff.
• Learning opportunities are available through study abroad in 25 countries.

The wildlife biology major prepares you to attain and succeed in positions focused on maintaining sustainable populations of wildlife species at the local, regional, state, federal, and international level. The program requires you gain an understanding of both wildlife and of ecosystems.

Why Study Wildlife Biology At Grand Valley?

• Engage in field and laboratory learning environments that allow you to study wildlife and their management from a variety of perspectives.
• Experience a focused curriculum that instills practical skills within a liberal arts context, leading to a well-rounded professional that can address conservation concerns on local and international levels.
• Qualify for sought-after positions with state and federal wildlife agencies.
• Have opportunities for internships, study abroad, field study, and mentor-guided student research to complement coursework.
• Engage in extracurricular activities to practice the skills needed in the wildlife professions.

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.

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 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

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.

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.