Bachelor of Arts in Legal 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.

The Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree prepares students for a variety of conditions that limit people's ability to function. Grand Valley graduates are prepared to help such individuals and groups overcome these limitations.

The B.S.W. requires 120 semester credit hours. The program is built on a liberal arts foundation plus 31 hours of cognate and international courses. The required courses complement 48 credit hours of professional social work courses, which emphasize CSWE core competencies and foundation practice behaviors.

Topics include: social work practice, human behavior in context, values and ethics, social and economic justice, diversity, policy, research, and critical thinking.

Why Study Social Work At Grand Valley?

• The social work program provides a foundation curriculum in a high-quality learning environment that prepares students for success in the community social work concentration.
• Through the combined efforts of the faculty, staff, and the advising center, students are provided with the personal advising and support they need to get their degree, pursue a master's degree, or start their careers.
• Students learn from engaged faculty, many of whom are nationally known for their contributions in diverse areas of the social work profession.
• The School of Social Work hosts several faculty-led International programs. These programs are typically two-week-long programs with many opportunities to be involved in the social work process in a variety of settings.
• Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Students can pursue an emphasis in ceramics, graphic design, illustration, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and visual studies. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

A studio art minor is also offered, requiring completion of eight courses.

Why Study The Visual Arts At Grand Valley?

• Incorporate creativity with the consideration of broader ethical, historical, scientific, and cultural ideas, fostering work that contributes to the public dialogue about those ideas.
• Work in small classes that ensure individualized attention from faculty at all levels of the program.
• Complete coursework in state-of-the-art facilities that ensure students acquire the skills essential for their chosen media.
• Benefit from a program that encourages collaboration across emphasis areas to support students' individual interests.
• Acquire the expertise necessary for participation in arts communities and for self-advocacy after graduation.

The Bachelor of Arts degree offers students extensive training to develop and refine techniques in various idioms of dance. A minor is also available. Students develop abilities through a range of courses combining practical and theoretical skills emphasizing critical thought and independence. Participation in the dance program is by audition only.

Why Study Dance At Grand Valley?

• The program is designed for students who demonstrate exceptional training for college-level dance.
• Students work with world-renowned faculty members and guest artists in small classes.
• There are a variety of technique courses in ballet, hip hop, jazz, modern, urban dance, and West African dance to choose from.
• Students also will focus their academic experience on dance history, technology, composition, improvisation, pedagogy, and theoretical perspectives to ensure their success as educated members of the dance community.
• In addition to classes, workshops, informal showings, and student choreography concerts, dance students have the opportunity to perform with the GVSU Dance Company.

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

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.

Grand Valley's hospitality and tourism management major is a dynamic program that encompasses a wide variety of career opportunities, such as lodging, food and beverage, recreation, leisure, club management, resort operations, travel, tourism, and event management.

Students majoring in hospitality and tourism management must complete the following:

• General university degree requirements.
• HTM core courses (minimum 38 credits).
• HTM field requirement (7 credits).
• Two HTM concentrations (minimum 18 credits).
• Business cognates (9 credits).

Why Study Hospitality And Tourism Management At Grand Valley?

Hospitality and tourism management students can expect:

• a curriculum that reflects modern industry concepts and best practices;
• classes taught by experienced faculty members with both academic and professional experience;
• experiential learning opportunities facilitated through a structured internship program that includes 1,000 hours of valuable hands-on experience;
• networking opportunities with faculty, peers, alumni, professional organizations, and industry stakeholders; and
• distinctive opportunities that no other institution offers through six diverse and practical career concentrations at Grand Valley.

The Grand Valley State University M.P.A.S. program was established in 1995. The main campus is located at Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences. In 2015, the program expanded to include Traverse City to serve the needs of Northern Michigan. The program is now simultaneously delivered to the two campuses through telepresencevideoconferencing.

Why Choose Physician Assistant Studies At Grand Valley?

• Excellent Resources: The program has two locations: the Cook DeVos Center for Health Sciences, Grand Rapids and The University Center, Traverse City. Both facilities offer dedicated laboratory and classroom space, access to a simulation center, and connections to the local health care community.
• Successful: Over the last five years, GVSU graduates have had a first-time pass rate of 99% on the NCCPA certification exam.
• Small Student to Faculty Ratio: The program accepts 48 students per year. Students have greater access to our 12 dedicated faculty members and opportunity for small group discussions.
• Recognized Faculty: Our faculty are recognized locally and nationally for teaching excellence and evidence-based clinical practice.
• Accredited: The Grand Rapids and Traverse City locations are accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant

The program engages students in observation, experimentation, and theoretical study of various phenomena of nature. A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in physics is offered. Students can also choose a minor in physics or there is an option for secondary teacher certification.

Most courses can only be taken in sequence. Physics majors should consult with their faculty advisors or the department chair at the earliest opportunity for degree planning.

Why Study Physics At Grand Valley?

• The AIP 2009 report noted the GVSU physics department as being one of the top four universities in Michigan in terms of number of graduates.
• Students can expect an excellent liberal education with student-tailored physics courses and programs.
• Active, enthusiastic, caring, and dedicated faculty members are engaged in excellent teaching, scholarly activities, and service. Smaller size upper-division classes ensure more personal attention.
• Academic research projects with faculty members provide hands-on learning in the areas of acoustics, astronomy, atomic physics, condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, and medical physics.
• Outreach events throughout the year immerse students in learning outside of the classroom and include Michigan's Science Olympiad and the Science Technology and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp.

Students can pursue an emphasis in ceramics, graphic design, illustration, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and visual studies. The program is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

A studio art minor is also offered, requiring completion of eight courses.

Why Study The Visual Arts At Grand Valley?

• Incorporate creativity with the consideration of broader ethical, historical, scientific, and cultural ideas, fostering work that contributes to the public dialogue about those ideas.
• Work in small classes that ensure individualized attention from faculty at all levels of the program.
• Complete coursework in state-of-the-art facilities that ensure students acquire the skills essential for their chosen media.
• Benefit from a program that encourages collaboration across emphasis areas to support students' individual interests.
• Acquire the expertise necessary for participation in arts communities and for self-advocacy after graduation.