Master of Arts in English

at Grand Valley State University USA

The program offers a flexible, practical education in the theatrical arts. It prepares students for careers in the entertainment industry and for careers that require skills in creativity, collaboration, communications, and problem-solving. In addition, the program provides professional orientation and background within a broad liberal arts framework.

Why Study Theatre At Grand Valley?

• Coursework includes a solid foundation of theatre training taught entirely by faculty members with years of professional experience.
• Students may take courses outside of theatre, pursue a minor, or double major in other disciplines to expand their education.
• Participation occurs at every level and area in theatre production, so students graduate with many marketable skills and experiences.
• The Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts features the state-of-the-art Linn Maxwell Keller Black Box Theatre for intimate productions, as well as a traditional proscenium space.
• There are opportunities for students to participate in touring productions.

Political Science is the study of politics in its many forms, including law-making and criminal justice, war and international conflicts, protest movements and revolutions, campaigns and elections, political ideas and ideologies, and human rights. Our courses provide the tools to understand these phenomena, and they also develop skills in research, analysis, writing, critical thinking, and speaking.

Students can choose a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. A minor and a teachable minor are also available.

Why Study Political Science At Grand Valley?

• Small class sizes ensure students get personal attention from expert, student-focused professors who are passionate about political science.
• Students can study and intern for a semester or summer in Washington, DC, through our partnership with The Washington Center. Local internships are also available.
• Students gain research, writing, speaking, critical thinking, and data analysis skills valued by graduate programs and employers.
• Studying political science helps prepare students for success in a range of career fields, including nonprofit organizations, international affairs, law, business, education, advocacy groups, and in local, state, and national government.
• We have a strong network of GVSU political science alumni across the country and around the world who are eager to help new graduates find opportunities.

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.

The Bachelor of Science degree in health and physical education reflects the national Society of Health and Physical Educators standards. The program provides high-impact experiences for students to become qualified educators.

Why Study Health And Physical Education At Grand Valley?

• In addition to a strong foundation in liberal arts, the program provides students with a broad theoretical and conceptual foundation for professional teacher preparation.
• Faculty members provide personal attention in courses and field experiences in student-oriented, teaching-focused program.
• There are opportunities for fieldwork and student teaching experiences in diverse settings within the State of Michigan.
• Faculty and students travel to state and national conventions to engage with the professional communities of health and physical education.
• Graduates experience a consistently high pass rate for the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification.

 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 Classics program embraces the many cultures and languages of the ancient Greek and Roman worldfrom prehistory to the late Roman Empire and early Christianityand includes options to study mythology, archaeology, history, philosophy, and the Greek and Latin languages.

Why Study Classics At Grand Valley?

• Classics students are part of an interactive, face-to-face community with a personalized approach to instruction and advising. Small student cohorts work closely with faculty who get to know students as individuals, not just as faces in a crowd.
• Students have opportunities to pursue independent research projects with faculty, working directly with ancient texts and participating in archaeological work.
• The study of languages and cultures enables students to communicate effectively, and with empathy, in any new situation. The study of ancient Greek and Latin has a direct impact on development of strong reading and writing skills.
• The Classics Department actively promotes connections between alumni, current students, and faculty, so that students can build strong networks within and outside the university and be prepared for life after graduation.
• Classics students become leaders who can look beyond their own cultural and historical assumptions to solve real-world problems, informed by long-term perspectives and a concern for the future.

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.

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.

The Master of Science in taxation (M.S.T.) program is for students interested in expanding or continuing their education in taxation. It includes a minimum of 33 credits as described below:

• Prerequisites (if needed)
• Core courses in taxation
• Taxation or other business electives

Why Study Taxation At Grand Valley?

• Faculty members consult with firms and meet regularly with the Accounting Advisory Board, which includes partners of West Michigan firms and business leaders, to remain immersed in the field.
• Students can pursue the degree part- or full-time to fast track their studies.
• Students examine substantive tax law and enhance their analytical and research skills.
• The Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus brings students to the heart of the business center of downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
• Accredited by the AACSB International.

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.