Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies

at Grand Valley State University USA

Information technology students receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Grand Valley State University's IT program embraces the value of hands-on learning supplemented by collaboration with professionals from multiple computing disciplines during their internship and capstone project. A minor in IT is also available.

Why Study Information Technology At Grand Valley?

• 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.
• Dedicated, state-of-the-art computer labs offer relevant, hands-on learning.
• Most faculty members hold doctoral degrees and have a breadth of experience in the industry.
• By choosing electives and minors in related subject areas, students can further tailor their degree to fit their individual interests and career goals.

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.

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 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.

Majoring in geography provides students with the knowledge and technical skills to find long-term, place-based solutions that are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable.

Both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees are offered. In addition to the general geography degree, there are four distinctive areas of emphasis:

• Climate change mitigation, adaptation and resiliency planning
• City and regional planning
• Environment and global development
• Geospatial technology using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery

Why Study Geography At Grand Valley?

• Coursework includes research and community engagement opportunities that provide hands-on, real-world experience and networking connections.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and planning are in the top 10 hot jobs in the country.
• Students acquire skills in research and analysis using the latest technology, leading to exciting, well-paid jobs both foreign and domestic, all while enhancing graduate school admissions.
• Career preparation and skills for academia, business, government and non-profits.
• The 2019 median pay for a geographer with a bachelor's degree was $81,540 per year and $39.20 per hour.

AHS can be tailored to meet the health professions goals of students with specific academic emphases.

Pre-health professional emphases for students desiring to apply for a graduate degree in:

• Physical Therapy
• Physician Assistant Studies

Entry level baccalaureate emphases in:

• General Allied Health Sciences
• Histotechnology
• Health Professional degree completion - for those holding an associate degree in particular health professions

Why Study Advertising And Health Sciences At Grand Valley?

• Located in the state-of-the-art Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall with close proximity to five hospitals, the Grand Rapids Medical Education and Research Center, and many research, clinical, and treatment facilities.
• Strong relationships with the medical community provide students with high-quality clinical opportunities, which are an important aspect of the learning experience.
• Faculty members who meet the highest levels of professional standards, not graduate assistants, teach the courses.
• The College of Health Professions maintains a dedicated staff of academic advisors in its Student Services Office to meet students' academic advising needs.
• The degree can be tailored to meet the health professions goals of students with specific academic emphases.

The Executive MBA (EMBA) program offers an intentional learning opportunity in the context of everyday business situations for experienced professionals. The program is designed for organizational leaders who have set their sights on an executive leadership role.

Two curriculum options: traditional full-time, two year program or the hybrid full-time, three year program (for students who must maintain employment throughout the program due to life commitments.) Both lead to an entry-level Master of Science in occupational therapy. Completion of all prerequisite coursework; a minimum of 50 hours of work, volunteer, and/or job shadow experience with a licensed OT; and the previous attainment of a bachelor's degree are required before starting either program.

Why Study Occupational Therapy At Grand Valley?

• Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Associatio.
• One hundred percent of GVSU occupational therapy graduates are employed in the field.
• Over the past three years, Grand Valley has had an overall pass rate of 100 percent on the NBCOT Board Exam.
• OT is considered one of the top careers for the future with a growth rate of 26 percent in the next eight years.

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.

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.