Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies

at Grand Valley State University USA

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 can choose a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), with emphases available in theoretical mathematics, applied mathematics, and secondary certification.

Minors in mathematics are also available, including minors for elementary and secondary certification. Depending on one's major, it may be possible to add a minor in mathematics with only a few additional courses. Speak to your advisor for details.

Why Study Mathematics At Grand Valley?

• Students will develop strong communication, critical thinking, mathematical modeling, and coding skills in courses where they learn by doing, not just by listening. These logical and critical thinking skills developed through a math major or minor are skills that are highly sought after by employers.
• Opportunities to participate in research through funded summer or academic year research programs or coursework and students present research results at seminars and conferences both on campus and at regional and national meetings.
• Special programming for study abroad and internships allow students to earn credit toward major requirements.
• The mathematics department is a recognized national leader in innovative and effective approaches to mathematics instruction. Faculty members are highly trained with Ph.D.s in mathematics or mathematics education and actively focused on continuously improving their teaching.
• National recognition for mathematics teaching emphases by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics/Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

The curriculum is flexible and includes both a strong core of course requirements and multiple elective offerings to allow students to pursue their particular media interests. It prepares students to enter the job market as journalists or other related media careers, developing gateway skills of reporting, writing and production in print, television, radio and online-based media.

Why Study Multimedia Journalism At Grand Valley?

• Students have opportunities to become involved in student media - newspaper, radio, and TV - to gain experience and prepare them for internships and related hands-on experiences.
• The area is media rich, there is a top 40 TV market with four commercial stations, public TV/radio stations, and more than 50 radio stations. Area print media include four daily newspapers and 15 weekly newspapers, and many minority, arts, business, and other specialty publications. All area media produce and present Internet-based content.
• Students may apply up to 15 internship credits toward the 120 needed for graduation.
• Our faculty all possess experience in the field of journalism - including our permanent full-time faculty as well as our part-time adjunct faculty.
• There is always a need for new media content, and multimedia journalism graduates leave GVSU ready to go to work satisfying the public's need to know.

Radiation therapists are responsible for accurately recording, interpreting, and administering the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists. During treatment, therapists help physicians use fluoroscopy, x-ray, or computed tomography to localize and outline anatomical areas requiring treatment. Secondary application and admission are required.

Why Study Radiation Therapy At Grand Valley?

• Our well-established program provides a strong curriculum, knowledgeable faculty, and clinical site placements to prepare students for the national certification exam.
• Small class sizes, cohort educational experiences, and clinical rotations are offered at a wide variety of different hospital affiliates, including large teaching facilities and small community hospitals.
• Located in the state-of-the-art Cook-DeVos Center for Health Sciences in the heart of the medical community in downtown Grand Rapids.
• Graduates are eligible for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for national certification.
• Accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (jrcert.org).

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 Master of Science in water resource policy will provide you with the foundation to take a leadership role in the development and implementation of future water resource policies. The curriculum is designed for a range of academic backgrounds including the sciences, public administration, political science, etc. In addition, the program has been developed to serve both traditional graduate students and professionals working in the environmental field.

Why Study Water Resource Policy At Grand Valley?

• This program is the first of its kind in the state of Michigan.
• The emerging need for well-trained water policy professionals. Demands on water resources will continue to grow over the next decade, which will drive program growth in the future.
• Relevant internship placements with organizations that deal with current and emerging water issues give you the opportunity to help research, discuss, and develop new policies.
• Opportunities for study at the Annis Water Resources Institute in Muskegon.
• Available to full- or part-time students. Many classes are offered in hybrid or online format to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

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.

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 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 chemistry department goal is to provide rigorous preparation for students whose career paths require expertise in biochemistry. Additionally, faculty members strive to contribute to a chemically literate society through teaching (with classrooms, labs, and research), scholarship, and service.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry, a chemistry minor, and a certificate in green chemistry.
Programs are certified by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

Why Study Biochemistry At Grand Valley?

• Faculty Attention. Beyond the freshman year, our courses become smaller and more intimate. All upper-division courses are taught by Ph.D. chemists with specialized training and research expertise. Chemistry faculty members have won many Outstanding Teacher, Pew Teaching Excellence, and Distinguished Undergraduate Mentoring awards from the university.
• Hands-on Laboratories. Students gain extensive experience in laboratories, conducting experiments, synthesizing new molecules, and operating advanced research-quality instruments.
• Research Experiences There are opportunities for students to contribute to genuine scientific research on novel projects while receiving one-on-one mentoring from faculty members. Many students travel to professional meetings with their faculty mentors to present research findings and network with other researchers.
• Employability. Outstanding demand for graduates in local, regional and national industries including biotechnology, pharmaceutical and environmental fields. Students are able to start gaining industry experience while earning their degrees with paid internship positions.
• Preparation for Further Education. Students are well prepared for Master's and PhD-level graduate programs leading to a career in research. Many Biochemistry majors enter medical school, dental school, veterinary school or other healthcare-related training.