Master of Social Work

at Grand Valley State University USA

This major is designed to address the unique position of sport in the global economy. Sport management students acquire knowledge and skills to work in a wide-ranging sport industry and are prepared to pursue graduate degrees, if they desire.

Sport management majors receive a Bachelor of Science degree; students are encouraged to pursue a related minor. In addition, a certificate in sport coaching is available.

Why Study Sport Management At Grand Valley?

• The program offers a strong foundation in liberal arts; coursework is designed to develop a high level of competence to make a positive impact in the sports environment.
• The combination of coursework and experiential learning accommodates the diverse professional preparation needs of undergraduate students.
• There are many experiential opportunities that promote intellectual inquiry and develop sound professional ethics.
• Additional opportunities include volunteer and internship experiences locally, nationally, and internationally, to better prepare students for the professional workplace.

The CVS program is a 20-month cohort program, which begins in the fall each year. Students are offered a position in one of the sonography majors: Cardiovascular Sonography (adult echocardiography, pediatric echocardiography, and vascular sonography) or Diagnostic Medical Sonography-General (abdominal and obstetrics/gynecology). Admittance is selectively granted to students who have completed two years of required general education and prerequisite courses. Student applications for placement in the fall cohort are due by February 1 every year. Applications are available online.

Why Study Cardiovascular Sonography At Grand Valley?

• GVSU is the only baccalaureate level sonography program in the state of Michigan. Strong curriculum and knowledgeable, clinically practicing faculty members prepare students for leadership within the field.
• Students enjoy small class sizes, a cohort educational experience, and clinical education at multiple physicians' offices and hospitals. The clinical site placements expose students to diverse experiences, allowing them to network across multiple health systems and develop broad skill sets.
• Laboratory facilities utilize state-of-the-art sonographic equipment to prepare students for current and emerging techniques and protocols.
• A commitment to quality is demonstrated through continuous accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
• Students are qualified to take national board registries through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography before graduation, allowing them to become board-registered sonographers immediately upon graduation. GVSU's sonography programs are the only programs in the State of Michigan with this distinction.

General business majors pursue the bachelor of business administration (B.B.A.) degree and typically fall into one of two groups:

• Those who prefer to take a generalist approach to their business education.
• Those who have entrepreneurial interests.

There is secondary admission to this program.

Why Study General Business At Grand Valley?

• Faculty members have strong academic and professional credentials and are often asked to consult on real business issues.
• Small class sizes allow for personal faculty interaction.
• There are professional networking opportunities with business leaders and the Small Business Technology Development Center.
• Internships are set up to relate to the field of study and are scheduled around classes, so students can earn money while getting valuable business experience.
• Campus is located in the heart of an exciting business environment in downtown Grand Rapids,

The Cell and Molecular Biology (CMB) degree is for students with a passion for the life sciences who want to gain extensive research experience as an undergraduate. CMB focuses on determining how cells develop and function, and how biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, interact under normal and pathological conditions. CMB also explores the applications of this knowledge in fields such as biotechnology, medicine/pharmacology, and genomics.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in CMB consists of a series of high impact laboratory and computational courses. Each student has the opportunity to choose an independent research project to study a variety of cell and molecular processes that are relevant to human disease or agriculture. Together, coursework and research prepare CMB students to enter the workforce in fields such as forensics or biotechnology or to pursue graduate training in the life sciences or professional school programs (eg. medical, dental, or genetic counseling).

The CMB department also offers a minor in CMB, a combined degree program (B.S./M.S.) and undergraduate and graduate certificates in bioinformatics and genomics.

Why Study Cmb At Grand Valley?

• The CMB graduating class is consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of life science programs in the country by the Educational Testing Service.
• The degree incorporates extensive research experience into the curriculum. Most students work on their independent research projects for two or more semesters and present their research data at scientific meetings. Employers and medical school officials agree this experience is one of the most important considerations for hiring in the life sciences or admission to medical school.
• Faculty members are actively engaged in research with students, taking advantage of Grand Valley's state-of-the-art research equipment.
• Campus is located in West Michigan, which is quickly developing into an important center for biotechnology research, industry, and education.
• Rewarding internships are available at the Van Andel Research Institute, Karmanos Cancer Institute, area hospitals, biotech start-ups, Walter's Greenhouses, and other area organizations.

The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in biotechnology offers a series of high-impact life science courses, as well as training in biostatistics and bioinformatics. The PSM program also includes training in scientific communication, ethics and professionalism in science, and business-related topics like project management and business plans. An internship serves as the culminating experience.

The thesis-based (research emphasis) track focuses on an intensive, 15-18 month research project that results in a publishable thesis. Students work closely with a research mentor and are expected to present the results of their research at a professional conference.

Why Study Cmb At Grand Valley?

• The interdisciplinary core program of the PSM provides students with a cross-disciplinary perspective not possible within a single major.
• Courses are taught in a region that is quickly developing into an important center for biotechnology research, industry, and education.
• Rewarding internships are available at the Van Andel Research Institute, Michigan State College of Human Medicine, Spectrum Health Research Labs, Walter's Greenhouses, and other area organizations.
• Faculty members are actively engaged in research, much of it carried out with students.
• Laboratories provide students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment.

Students explore the ways interconnected physical, institutional, and cultural systems shape our attitudes and behavior toward the environment. The program emphasizes practical approaches to issues through collaborative problem-solving and involvement in research, internships, and community-based projects.

Students pursuing a major in ENS may choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree and complete 35 to 37 credits, plus the B.A. or B.S. program requirements. Students select interdisciplinary coursework from at least one of four focus areas: sustainable food systems, energy, water resources, and culture and the built environment.

The ENS major is designed with the intention for students to easily combine and supplement it with another major, minor, or certificate to further expand knowledge and career options.

Why Study Environmental And Sustainability Studies At Grand Valley?

• Make connections to pursue a career as an environmental and sustainability professional in industry, government, and non-profit organizations.
• Develop skills in communication, advocacy, outreach, education, and research.
• Acquire first-hand experience addressing complex environmental problems through community-based learning, internships, and research projects.
• Engage in campus sustainability activities at Michigan's top-rated green university.
• Gain the broad educational background needed to create positive change as leaders, decision-makers, and citizens.

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.

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.

Computer science students receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The diverse elective courses offered within the curriculum allow students to explore specialties within their field, such as:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computer graphics
• Web/mobile applications
• System/software security
• Usability design
• Data mining

Why Study Computer Science At Grand Valley?

Computing professionals who want to take their expertise or career to the next level can take advantage of Grand Valley's highly-credentialed and well-connected faculty.

• Accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
• The program offers a variety of electives and minors, so students can tailor their education to their interests.
• The curriculum is a combination of theoretical foundation and applied computing, giving students a competitive edge in the job market.
• Students gain practical experience through extensive internship opportunities available through the School of Computing and Information Systems.
• Dedicated computer labs with state-of-the-art equipment ensure relevant, hands-on experience.

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.