Bachelor of Science in Earth Science

at Grand Valley State University USA

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 Mechanical 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

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.

The study of women, gender, and sexuality provides an interdisciplinary program grounded in the liberal arts, a culminating academic experience that links the insights of separate courses, and opportunities to apply theory to meaningful research or in internships, fieldwork, and service learning.

Why Study Women, Gender, And Sexuality Studies At Grand Valley?

• Explore the study of feminism, activism, and gender and its global impact.
• Prepare for careers in leadership, social services, and politics.
• Develop a commitment to community through internships, service learning, and volunteering.
• Actively engage in individual and collaborative research projects with impact on culture and society.
• Make an immediate impact on your community through the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity, Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center, and Office of Multicultural Affairs.

 Students earn a B.A. or B.S. in GSI by taking courses organized around interdisciplinary global themes. Students also choose two world regions to study in more depth. 

Why Pursue Global Studies And Social Impact At Grand Valley?

• Plan a course of study around global and social justice issues such as immigration, human trafficking, and geotourism.
• Learn to think in an integrated, interdisciplinary way about issues affecting people across the globe.
• Develop aptitude in intercultural competency and communication through experiential learning.
• Gain important foreign language capabilities.
• Build skills in research methods and statistics.

The entrepreneurship major provides students with contemporary business skills. Students learn to identify opportunities, explore targeted customers' problems, build business strategies, test and validate a variety of assumptions, why failing fast and early is critical to success, locate and negotiate funding, execute their plan(s), and launch their new venture, product, or project.

Students who pursue entrepreneurship are required to complete a second business major in a functional discipline. These include accounting, economics, finance, general management, human resource management, marketing, operations management, and supply chain management.

Why Study Entrepreneurship At Grand Valley?

• Grand Valley is a major player within the Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem. Numerous engagement opportunities are provided within the local, regional, and national entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• The Grand Valley chapter of the Collegiate Entrepreneur Organization is an award-winning group of entrepreneurs and a resource for students.
• Mentoring and support is available from our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, distinguished faculty members, and local entrepreneurial organizations such as Grand Angels, 77 IdeaLab, and StartGarden.
• Students have access to numerous business plan and pitch competitions to gain support and interest in their projects and earn money for their ventures.
• There are opportunities for students to work with consultants to position their new venture to be successful.

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.

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.

Microbiology encompasses the study of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasitic protozoa, which are organisms that inhabit every corner of our biosphere, and whose impact on human affairs, both positive and negative, is immense. Understanding the biology of microbes has important applications in biotechnology, medicine, public health, and ecology.

The program provides a strong foundational preparation in genetics, biochemistry, physics, and mathematics. These courses in the field focus on critical thinking, research methods, and hands-on laboratory experience.

Students are provided with the foundational tools necessary to progress into subsequent graduate academic programs at the master's and doctorate levels in a variety of disciplines, including microbiology, cell and molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry.

The program can be tailored to meet the needs of students who plan to enter professional programs, such as medical, dental, or other health professions, after completing the undergraduate degree.

Why Study Microbiology At Grand Valley?

• The microbiology major fulfills the requirements of most graduate and professional schools.
• A majority of courses are taught by experts with a doctorate in their respective fields.
• The laboratory-rich, hands-on aspect of this major prepares graduates for opportunities in a variety of fields requiring these technical skills.
• Students have opportunities to contribute to scientific research while receiving one-on-one mentoring.
• Many students travel to professional meetings with their faculty mentors to present research findings and meet other experts outside of Grand Valley, which provides networking opportunities and strengthens presentation skills.

OSHM prepares students for entry-level positions within the occupational safety profession. Students are immersed in a curriculum that exposes them to a wide range of experiences to prepare them for a career based on the industry in which they wish to work. The following are examples of industry sectors that hire OSHM professionals: manufacturing, insurance, chemical, government, service industries.

Why Study Oshm At Grand Valley?

• Our program is distinguished by a combination of hands-on and theoretical learning, including mandatory internship education.
• Graduates are eligible to receive the Graduate Safety Practitioner® designation from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, as well as the Associate Safety and Health Management certification from the Institute of Safety and Health Management.
• Nearly 100% job placement.
• Faculty members have industry experience and are board certified.
• Accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET.

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.