Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism

at Grand Valley State University USA

You may choose one of three program areas:

The general program teaches critical thinking and analytical skills for business decision-making.
"Honors" 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.
Real estate emphasis focuses on residential and commercial real estate issues.
There is secondary admission to this program.

Why Study Business Economics At Grand Valley?

• Faculty members with distinguished credentials and business expertise work closely with students to form career goals and select courses to achieve those goals.
• The program stresses well-developed analytical, written, and verbal communications skills valued by employers.
• Internships available in all business areas allow students to earn money while getting valuable business experience.
• Networking opportunities include Omicron Delta Epsilon (the economics honor society), economics club, real estate groups, professional development series, and more.
• Campus is located in the heart of an exciting business environment in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.

The biology program prepares students for leading positions in a wide range of careers that improve human welfare and environmental stewardship. Students can customize their program by specializing in areas that focus on biomolecular processes, ecology and evolutionary biology, general studies for preprofessional programs, or teacher certification

Why Study Biology At Grand Valley?

• Students receive extensive hands-on, student-focused, and project-based learning from expert faculty members, supported by state-of-the-art lab and field facilities.
• Opportunities for internships, international and domestic field study, and mentor-guided student research are available to complement coursework.
• Students make valuable connections through networking opportunities with faculty, peers, alumni, professional organizations, and industry stakeholders.
• A broad range of research opportunities provide undergraduate students the chance to engage in real-world projects.
• Graduates enjoy successful careers in conservation, ecology, zoology, and teaching, as well as admission to graduate studies in veterinary studies and human medicine.

Students of the public and nonprofit administration program learn how to serve the public interest ethically, effectively, and efficiently. They may choose to focus on:

• Community development and planning
• Community health
• Local economic development
• Public and nonprofit budget and finance
• Public personnel management

Why Study Public And Nonprofit Administration At Grand Valley?

• All students participate in service learning courses and internships, through which they interact within the community, apply new skills, and build professional networks.
• Many public and nonprofit administration students participate in study abroad programs and spring break service learning trips.
• Over 90 percent of recent graduates are successfully placed (employed, attending graduate school, or both).
• The Steelcase Library's Johnson Collection on Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership is a valuable resource to students and one of the most comprehensive collections in the country on philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit management.
• Students are required to complete one internship and may register for a second, which gives them the experience they need to succeed, make better career decisions, and jumpstart their career by helping them gain employment more quickly.

The communications studies program stresses skills, such as the analysis of written and visual communication, designing clear and informative messages, building persuasive appeals, and critically analyzing the persuasive appeals of others. The curriculum covers a wide variety of topics, including courses from other major programs within and outside the School of Communications relevant to communication studies.

It is possible to combine communication studies with other major or minor programs, such as advertising and public relations, business, marketing, health communication, multimedia journalism, writing, photography, philosophy, sociology, political science, digital studies, and more.

Why Study Communication At Grand Valley?

• Communication studies majors have flexibility, options, and electives within their curriculum.
• Faculty members are engaged teachers and active scholars with various and complementary areas of academic and professional expertise.
• There are many opportunities to develop talents and gain professional experience through the campus newspaper (Lanthorn), student-run television (GVTV), and radio (Whale), as well as with the visual and performing arts, and internships in professional settings (PBS/NPR) both on and off campus.
• 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.
• Career opportunities are varied and wide-ranging for communications professionals.

Philosophy graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. The curriculum is designed to facilitate interdisciplinary study.

Why Study Philosophy At Grand Valley?

• The program emphasizes learning the history of philosophy as the foundation for further study and application.
• Courses are offered in all major contemporary schools of philosophical thought as well as in non-Western traditions.
• The study of philosophy is an excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers.
• Study abroad programs directed by faculty members are especially beneficial for students. The GVSU Summer School in China represents a rare opportunity to study many aspects of Chinese culture, including Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian philosophy in China.
• The Undergraduate Teaching Apprentice Program, Philosophy Colloquium/Speakers Series, and the Philosophical Society of GVSU offer out-of-classroom opportunities.

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 Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science is consistent with American College of Sports Medicine standards and has emphasis areas in clinical exercise science and health fitness instruction. The program also offers students high-impact experiences through fieldwork and internship courses.

Why Study Exercise Science At Grand Valley?

• In this student-oriented, teaching-focused program, students will gain the knowledge and skills to promote and impact their health and that of society.
• The program prepares students for physical activity, exercise, and health- and sport-related professions through academic, practical, and research experiences.
• Extensive high-impact experiences are offered in diverse settings from local to international locations.
• Students learn using state-of-the-art equipment and instructional materials.
• There are many opportunities to engage in research and scholarly activities with award-winning GVSU faculty members.

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.

Students complete at least 96 credits at Grand Valley State University and 24 credits (47 weeks, 40 hours per week) of clinical practicum at William Beaumont Hospital's nationally accredited histotechnology program in Royal Oak, MI. Acceptance into William Beaumont Hospital's program is a competitive process, and program officials determine those admitted to the clinical practicum. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in allied health sciences with an emphasis in histotechnology. Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree requirements and the clinical requirements, students are eligible to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology certification exam for histotechnology.

Why Study Histotechnology At Grand Valley?

• Courses are taught by faculty members who meet the highest levels of professional standards, not graduate assistants.
• The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates employment opportunities are expected to increase 16 percent from 2014-2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
• According to the most recent salary survey conducted by the American Society for Clinical Pathology, in 2019, the average hourly wage for an HT is $28.83, while the average hourly wage for an HTL is $29.30.
• The College of Health Professions maintains a dedicated staff of academic advisors to support the academic needs of students pursuing the histotechnology emphasis.
• The William Beaumont Hospital histotechnology program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, 5600 N. River Rd, Suite 720, Rosemont, IL 60018.

Legal studies students may earn a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree. The B.A. requires third semester proficiency in a foreign language. The B.S. requires completion of courses in statistics and research methods. A minor, not approved by the ABA, is also available.

Why Study Legal Studies At Grand Valley?

• The legal studies major is approved by the American Bar Association and features a critical-thinking foundation that focuses on professional skills.
• The program prides itself on the diverse professional experience of its faculty members, most of whom are licensed attorneys with experience working in areas of civil and criminal law.
• Faculty are engaged in scholarly research and writing and have been recognized as award-winning teachers and mentors.
• The program's advisory board consists of attorneys and paralegals who give guidance on matters such as curriculum, internship and employment opportunities, and trends in the legal field.
• The legal studies internship program allows students to get college credit for work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and other organizations that engage in law-related work.