Bachelor of Science in Health Communication

at Grand Valley State University USA

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.

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.

Coursework is in history, economics, geography, and political science as well as in the social studies specific pedagogy.

Students choose from a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Those seeking the B.A. must demonstrate third-semester proficiency in a foreign language.

Students seeking teacher certification also complete the professional program offered by the College of Education. The major meets State of Michigan content standards for teacher preparation in social studies.

Why Study Social Studies At Grand Valley?

• Students study the world from a variety of perspectives, giving them strong interdisciplinary training and skills.
• Our majors are trained to research problems and engage in problem solving through written and verbal communication.
• The curriculum prepares students to teach a complex subject in a changing world.
• Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members to learn the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching social studies.
• Social studies majors are highly sought after by schools that want to hire teachers capable of teaching a variety of courses.

Students learn how to apply scientific knowledge to address environmental issues related to ecology, conservation, and sustainability. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in natural resources management offers students a variety of academic options to pursue:

• General natural resources management degree
• Wildlife certification
• Natural resources management minor

Why Study Natural Resources Management At Grand Valley?

• The program is the only one of its kind at a liberal arts college in Michigan.
• Students gain practical work experience through connections with environmental and natural resources agencies, nonprofit organizations, and those in the industry.
• There are many opportunities to research projects with faculty on a wide range of topics including wildlife management, invasive species control, ecological restoration, renewable energy, and endangered species conservation.
• With an advisor's guidance, students can develop customized programs based on their specific interests.

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.

Most courses are offered in the evenings, making it ideal for working professionals and those who are considering the pursuit of a Ph.D. Students can complete the program in the standard two years. Visit gvsu.edu/grad/english for admission requirements.

Why Study English At Grand Valley?

The M.A. program at Grand Valley State University has many advantages:

• Award-winning teachers committed to academic rigor.
• Courses are taught by professors who are active scholars with strong publication records.
• Small classes (with a limit of 15 students) ensure intensive student-faculty collaboration.
• Evening courses on the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses accommodate part-time students.
• Flexible programming makes it easy for students to pursue their own interests.

 Students earn a B.A. or B.S. in GSI by taking courses organized around interdisciplinary global themes. Students also choose two world regions to study in more depth. 

Why Pursue Global Studies And Social Impact At Grand Valley?

• Plan a course of study around global and social justice issues such as immigration, human trafficking, and geotourism.
• Learn to think in an integrated, interdisciplinary way about issues affecting people across the globe.
• Develop aptitude in intercultural competency and communication through experiential learning.
• Gain important foreign language capabilities.
• Build skills in research methods and statistics.

Health information management (HIM) is the practice of managing medical information that is vital to providing quality patient care. HIM organizes health data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. Managers regularly communicate with health care professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.

The HIM program is a secondary admission program. Students pursuing this degree will also complete a minor in health care information systems through the School of Computing and Information Systems (CIS). All HIM and CIS (major and minor) classes are fully online. Completed applications are due March 1. Minimum criteria:

• Minimum GPA of 2.5
• Completion of 45 semester hours, which includes current enrollment, verified by transcript
• No grade less than a C in BMS 250, BMS 251, and AHS 100

Why Study Health Information Management At Grand Valley?

• Students can expect individualized attention with class sizes no larger than 30 students.
• The minor in health care information systems is unique to the HIM degree at GVSU, providing additional employment opportunities for students after graduation
• Software technology used in curriculum is paid for by the Allied Health Sciences department.
• Graduates are key players in interprofessional health care organizations. High job placement offers the potential for maximum return on investment.
• Students are able to sit for the Registered Health Information Administrator certification exam

Grand Valley's unique combination of practical skills training within the context of a liberal arts education prepares graduates for a wide range of careers. The following degrees are offered to criminal justice majors:

• The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
• The Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Minor in Juvenile Justice or Criminal Justice

Why Study Criminal Justice At Grand Valley?

• Grand Valley has one of the largest criminal justice programs in the country and faculty who are nationally recognized for contributions in the discipline.
• Students have the chance to complete an internship in the agency or organization of their choosing.
• Faculty members bring diverse interests and practical experiences in the profession to the classroom.
• There are opportunities to assist faculty with fieldwork, gathering and analyzing data on community issues and programs.
• Grand Valley is known as a leader in the state for police academy training and continually sets the bar for law enforcement education.

Students of the public and nonprofit administration program learn how to serve the public interest ethically, effectively, and efficiently. They may choose to focus on:

• Community development and planning
• Community health
• Local economic development
• Public and nonprofit budget and finance
• Public personnel management

Why Study Public And Nonprofit Administration At Grand Valley?

• All students participate in service learning courses and internships, through which they interact within the community, apply new skills, and build professional networks.
• Many public and nonprofit administration students participate in study abroad programs and spring break service learning trips.
• Over 90 percent of recent graduates are successfully placed (employed, attending graduate school, or both).
• The Steelcase Library's Johnson Collection on Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is a valuable resource to students and one of the most comprehensive collections in the country on philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit management.
• Students are required to complete one internship and may register for a second, which gives them the experience they need to succeed, make better career decisions, and jumpstart their career by helping them gain employment more quickly.