Bachelor of Science in Theatre

at Grand Valley State University USA

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.

Economics is more than a business field. Students will study human behavior to explain and predict how people and organizations interact and why they do what they do. That might involve how managers can increase their profits. It's also about how to feed the hungry; what to do about deforestation in Brazil; and whether minimum wages really help the poor. Economics also looks at societal issues like distribution of wealth and income, health care, education, crime, poverty, pollution, and drugs.

The economics program offers you flexibility to choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

The department offers an "Honors" designation if you achieve a minimum 3.2 G.P.A. both overall and in your economics courses. This designation provides you the opportunity to engage in high profile projects and policy courses.

Why Study Economics At Grand Valley?

• Economics stresses well-developed analytical skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills, which are desirable to employers.
• Faculty members work closely with students as they form career goals and select courses to help achieve those goals.
• Networking opportunities include Omicron Delta Epsilon (the economics honor society), economics club, real estate groups, professional development series, and student organizations.
• Internships are available and apply classroom learning to authentic work experiences.
• Campus is located in the heart of an exciting business environment in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

 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.

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.

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.

Finance is a very interesting and dynamic field that affects all areas of business and many areas of personal life. Finance majors gain specialization in a specific field by taking advanced courses in that area. Study abroad opportunities also exist to prepare students for a global society.

There is secondary admission to this program.

Why Study Finance At Grand Valley?

• All courses are taught by faculty who have strong academic credentials and are experts in the finance field.
• Current technology (Excel®, financial simulation, etc.) is used in the classroom and integrated into courses.
• Internships allow students to earn money and gain valuable business experience. An annual expo is held to make students aware of internship opportunities.
• The active portfolio management course offers students the opportunity to manage a stock portfolio of more than $250,000.
• The Gary L. Tilkin Finance Markets Center provides students with experiential learning opportunities utilizing databases such as WRDS (including CRSP and Capital IQ) and application-based exercises.

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 program provides a broad and rigorous curriculum, including field, laboratory, and classroom experiences with an emphasis on inquiry instruction to best prepare students to be effective teachers.

Why Study Earth Science At Grand Valley?

• In addition to knowledgeable, accomplished faculty members, the Geology department provides an excellent learning community and invaluable learning experiences outside the classroom.
• Students often conduct field studies and educational research where they can apply their earth science knowledge in real-world situations.
• Individually mentored educational, curriculum, or geologic research opportunities are available to undergraduate students, a rarity among similar programs at other universities.
• Students routinely attend and/or present their work at national, state, or regional professional meetings.
• The student-run Geology Club meets regularly and organizes events such as on-campus speakers, field experiences, and attendance at local, regional, and national conferences.

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.

Those who major in statistics get experience and receive training in verbal and written communication skills, which are essential in today's society. Students learn the theory and application of statistical methods and get hands-on experience analyzing real-life data. Numerous minors in statistics, as well as graduate degrees in applied statistics and biostatistics, are also available.

Why Study Statistics At Grand Valley?

• Faculty members who are experts in the field pay close personal attention to students.
• Opportunities exist for students to work collaboratively with faculty members on a variety of research initiatives.
• The coursework ensures widespread application of statistical methods and hands-on experience with analyzing real-life data.
• Students have access to an extensive list of undergraduate courses where they can learn about the branches of statistical methodology.
• The program boasts a nearly 100-percent placement rate into work or graduate school.