Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (STEM)

at Grand Valley State University USA

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.

Integrative studies majors are passionate doers and critical thinkers. No one course of study is the same. Our faculty will help you create a one-of-a-kind experience that provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to find innovative solutions to real-world, complex problems and become a leader in your profession, community, and the world.

Why Choose Integrative Studies At Grand Valley?

• Create an individualized course of study in partnership with an advisor, drawing from courses across the university, resulting in more than 300 majors.
• Flexible degree pathways for traditional and adult learners with course formats designed to fit your busy schedule. Plus, many transfer courses count toward degree completion.
• Gain real-world work experience while creating networking opportunities that result in job connections.
• Strengthen intercultural and interpersonal skills through collaboration, problem-solving, leadership training, and adaptation.
• High-touch, place-based experiential learning opportunities on all of GVSU's campuses - Traverse City, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Allendale.

The marketing major is for students who like interacting with people, are intrigued by human behavior, and like being rewarded for what they do. A B.B.A. degree is offered with the following emphases available:

• Distribution and logistics
• General marketing
• Professional sales

Why Study Advertising And Public Relations At Grand Valley?

• Courses are taught by faculty members who consult on real business issues, are experts in their business discipline, and have strong academic credentials.
• Internships, set up to relate to the field of study and scheduled around classes, let students earn money while getting valuable business experience.
• Network with successful business leaders for advice, internships, and job possibilities.
• Take classes in the heart of Grand Rapid's exciting business environment.
• Current and emerging technologies are integrated into courses to provide unique experiential learning.

Students choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. A minor is available. The advertising and public relations major stresses an integrated approach. Students may choose a focus in advertising or public relations, but they will take courses in both to prepare them for common practice in the field.

Why Study Advertising And Public Relations At Grand Valley?

• The curriculum is geared to the demands of the industry's ever-changing standards and includes courses recommended by national panels of advertising and public relations educators and professionals.
• Faculty members specialize in teaching communication concepts and skills that are relevant and in-demand. They have academic accomplishments and stellar professional resumes representing a variety of backgrounds in the field.
• 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.
• Hands-on experience with real clients in classes, internships, GrandPR (a student-run PR firm), and the National Student Advertising Competition, in which our students have placed five times as national finalists.
• Valuable industry connections through networking and via membership in local student chapters of the American Advertising Federation and the Public Relations Student Society of America.

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.

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.

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 biology program prepares students for leading positions in a wide range of careers that improve human welfare and environmental stewardship. Students can customize their program by specializing in areas that focus on biomolecular processes, ecology and evolutionary biology, general studies for preprofessional programs, or teacher certification

Why Study Biology At Grand Valley?

• Students receive extensive hands-on, student-focused, and project-based learning from expert faculty members, supported by state-of-the-art lab and field facilities.
• Opportunities for internships, international and domestic field study, and mentor-guided student research are available to complement coursework.
• Students make valuable connections through networking opportunities with faculty, peers, alumni, professional organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• A broad range of research opportunities provide undergraduate students the chance to engage in real-world projects.
• Graduates enjoy successful careers in conservation, ecology, zoology, and teaching, as well as admission to graduate studies in veterinary studies and human medicine.

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.

 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.