Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies

at Grand Valley State University USA

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.

The undergraduate program provides students with foundational knowledge, skills, and experiences in speech, language, and hearing. The major also provides broad exposure to a variety of disorders to communication and swallowing. Priority deadline for fall semester is January 15. Following the deadline, applications are accepted until the program is full.

Why Study Communication Sciences And Disorders At Grand Valley?

• Unique curriculum, including broad exposure to communication and swallowing disorders.
• State-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories on a campus located in the heart of Grand Rapids' medical mile.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019-2029) anticipates an 25-percent increase in need for speech-language pathologists due to an aging population, the growing number of autistic children needing communication and social interventions, and improved survival rates for premature infants.
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019-2029) anticipates a 13-percent increase in need for audiologists due to hearing loss and balance disorders in an aging population, early hearing loss identification in infants, and advances in hearing aid design.
• The coursework provides an outstanding preparatory experience for GVSU students that goes above and beyond what many other institutions provide. It will fulfill the prerequisite requirements of most speech-language pathology and audiology graduate programs and prepare students for graduate study

Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. Students spend five semesters completing their general education and core science courses, followed by three semesters of professional courses. Prerequisite science courses include chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, and physics. After admission to the program, students complete professional coursework, which includes 18 weeks of clinical rotations at an affiliated hospital laboratory

Why Study Medical Laboratory Science At Grand Valley?

• Our well-established program provides a strong curriculum, knowledgeable faculty, and clinical placements to prepare students for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification exam.
• Students enjoy small class sizes, cohort experiences, and clinical rotations at hospital affiliate laboratories.
• Clinical courses are taught in the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences, located in the heart of the medical mile, in Grand Rapids, MI.
• Two students are selected yearly to receive the Peter P. and Patricia R. Renucci and Family Scholarships.

The Master of Science in applied statistics is a Professional Science Master's program that allows students to combine strong communication skills with an ability to interpret and present statistical findings. The curriculum emphasizes practical experience and statistical applications, so students are ready to make an immediate impact on the applied statistics industry.

The degree emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving communication, scientific knowledge, and technical skills.

Why Study Biomedical Sciences At Grand Valley?

• Tnnovative, collaborative research projects are conducted with faculty members based on student interest.
• Students develop critical thinking skills and are prepared to become leaders within their chosen field.
• Students can create a personal course plan that aligns with their individual research and career goals.
• Tuition rates are based on academic program; there are no separate rates based on residency status.
• Graduates enjoy careers in science or health-related fields, teaching and post-graduate studies in professional and doctoral programs.

Faculty in the Biomedical Sciences department have expertise in the general areas of microbiology, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. From this expertise, they are able to offer excellent instruction at the introductory and advanced level, as well as the opportunity for students to be involved in a wide variety of research projects to gain laboratory experience and technical skills. Areas of research include bacterial genetics, cardiovascular disease, epidemiology, human anatomy, immunology, neuroscience, parasitology, stem cell biology, and toxicology to name a few.

Why Study Biomedical Sciences At Grand Valley?

• The biomedical sciences program prepares students for graduate-level health and science related careers, and fulfills the entrance requirements for most professional schools.
• Faculty members are involved in a wide variety of research projects, providing opportunities for students to gain real-world laboratory experience.
• Courses are taught by expert faculty with advanced degrees in their respective fields.
• Faculty members are accessible for office hours, advising, and mentoring. They provide guidance for career development in their fields of expertise.
• More than 35 advanced elective courses are offered covering all areas of biomedical science, including experiential learning through internships, research, study abroad, and serving as laboratory assistants to the professors in laboratory classes.

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 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.

The BS in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences prepares you for careers in this highly-relevant field to the Grat Lakes region. The program features a breadth and depth of knowledge that includes the study of stream ecology, fisheries biology, lake ecology, wetland ecology, aquatic invertebrates, and aquatic plants, among others. This curriculum will give graduates a highly desirable skill set which will make them well qualified for a range of career paths.

If you are interested in fisheries biology, you will be prepared to apply for Associate Fisheries Professional certification offered by the American Fisheries Society. Associate Fisheries Professional certification helps you qualify for jobs with state and federal agencies, and with environmental consulting firms.

Students interested in marine biology should plan on taking additional coursework in math and chemistry and complete summer coursework at a marine field station.

Why Study Fisheries And Aquatic Sciences At Grand Valley?

• The degree combines the highly technical expertise spanning the study of chemistry, physics, statistics, geology, natural resource management and biology with a liberal education component, creating a professional with a broad skill set required for success in this high demand profession.
• Flexibility within the curriculum provides you with a broad set of elective courses and opportunities for specialization.
• Authentic experiential learning in field and in laboratory learning environments.
• Opportunities for internships, international and domestic field study, and mentor-guided student research to complement coursework.
• A broad range of research opportunities provide undergraduate students the chance to engage in real-world projects

Grand Valley's Biomedical Engineering (B.S.E.) program prepares students for engineering careers and leadership roles. It integrates academic studies with hands-on learning and paid professional experiences in actual engineering companies. Grand Valley also offers a graduate program in engineering for those who want to expand their knowledge and skills.

Why Study Biomedical Engineering At Grand Valley?

• Prepare for a career where you can directly impact lives by designing medical devices, modeling physiologic systems, and developing medical instrumentation.
• Work with state-of-the-art motion capture equipment, tools for testing physiologic signals, and advanced prototyping capabilities to design and analyze biomedical systems.
• Complete real-world hands-on projects in small, student-focused courses.
• Partner with industry supporters who sponsor capstone design projects, fund engineering scholarships, and provide career opportunities.
• Join a group of successful graduates who have achieved a nearly 100% placement in industry-based careers or advanced graduate study.

Students are prepared for engineering careers and leadership roles through programs that integrate academic studies with hands-on learning and paid professional experiences in actual engineering companies. Grand Valley also offers a graduate program in engineering for those who want to expand their knowledge and skills.

Why Study Engineering At Grand Valley?

• Program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, abet.org.
• Extensive hands-on and project-based learning in small, student-focused classes.
• Three semesters of paid cooperative-education work experience prior to graduation in recognized domestic and international engineering companies.
• Strong support from industrial partners who fund many engineering scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students, as well as sponsor Capstone design projects.
• A nearly 100-percent placement rate into work or graduate school for our graduates.