Master of Arts in English

at Grand Valley State University USA

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in sociology are offered. The B.A. requires third-semester proficiency in a foreign language, while the B.S. requires intermediate-level statistics. A minor is also available.

A sociology degree serves as a strong base for several graduate programs, including occupational therapy and social work.

Why Study Sociology At Grand Valley?

• The Sociology Department is a community of critical scholars who analyze the context of social interaction and the construction of difference in society.
• Our Social Science Data Center offers intern and research assistant experience in active field research. Students work closely with faculty in all stages of project development, conduct, analysis, and publishing. Projects include life course, environmental issues, and social attitudes. Partners include environmental organizations, community groups, and the city of Muskegon.
• Our Internship program offers up to nine course credit hours for work experience. Students develop an analytical protocol in consultation with the Internship Director, and turn in written analysis of their observations and insight.
• The Sociology Club meets regularly throughout the academic year, engaging in fundraising; social, career, and graduate school planning activities; and providing a forum for discussing topics relevant to the discipline.
• The Colloquium Speakers Series brings experts and community activists on campus to talk about important and controversial issues. Students and the GVSU community join the discourse throughout the year to discuss racism, sexism, LGBTQ+ rights, the environment, and ways to a better future.

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.

The Executive MBA (EMBA) program offers an intentional learning opportunity in the context of everyday business situations for experienced professionals. The program is designed for organizational leaders who have set their sights on an executive leadership role.

The Professional Science Master's (PSM) in biotechnology offers a series of high-impact life science courses, as well as training in biostatistics and bioinformatics. The PSM program also includes training in scientific communication, ethics and professionalism in science, and business-related topics like project management and business plans. An internship serves as the culminating experience.

The thesis-based (research emphasis) track focuses on an intensive, 15-18 month research project that results in a publishable thesis. Students work closely with a research mentor and are expected to present the results of their research at a professional conference.

Why Study Cmb At Grand Valley?

• The interdisciplinary core program of the PSM provides students with a cross-disciplinary perspective not possible within a single major.
• Courses are taught in a region that is quickly developing into an important center for biotechnology research, industry, and education.
• Rewarding internships are available at the Van Andel Research Institute, Michigan State College of Human Medicine, Spectrum Health Research Labs, Walter's Greenhouses, and other area organizations.
• Faculty members are actively engaged in research, much of it carried out with students.
• Laboratories provide students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment.

Choose from the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree after completing 42 major-specific credits. The curriculum allows students to determine their own course of study, balancing creative and professional writing interests. Students also complete an internship to enhance their writing skills.

For students who wish to add to their current major and enhance their writing, the department offers the option to minor in writing.

Why Study Writing At Grand Valley?

• The writing major involves liberal arts training in which students become critical readers, careful thinkers, and skilled writers.
• The department offers one of the few independent undergraduate writing majors in the country.
• Students who want to focus on professional or technical writing can do so in a program that exposes them to the latest technologies for print and web environments.
• The department offers students a variety of extracurricular writing activities including a student-run literary journal, a visiting writing series, a student reading series, an organization for professional writers, a student-produced department newsletter, and opportunities for travel to writing conferences.
• Students may choose to complete a Distinction in Writing, a program that encourages them to pursue excellence beyond the classroom.

Integrative studies majors are passionate doers and critical thinkers. No one course of study is the same. Our faculty will help you create a one-of-a-kind experience that provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to find innovative solutions to real-world, complex problems and become a leader in your profession, community, and the world.

Why Choose Integrative Studies At Grand Valley?

• Create an individualized course of study in partnership with an advisor, drawing from courses across the university, resulting in more than 300 majors.
• Flexible degree pathways for traditional and adult learners with course formats designed to fit your busy schedule. Plus, many transfer courses count toward degree completion.
• Gain real-world work experience while creating networking opportunities that result in job connections.
• Strengthen intercultural and interpersonal skills through collaboration, problem-solving, leadership training, and adaptation.
• High-touch, place-based experiential learning opportunities on all of GVSU's campuses - Traverse City, Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Allendale.

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.

A Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) in general management covers diverse areas of management, allowing for the combination of interests in human resources, management information systems, operations management, and more. The management department also offers targeted majors in:

• Entrepreneurship
• Human resources management
• Management with an emphasis in MIS
• Operations management
• Supply chain management

Why Study Management 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
• Current technology is integrated into courses by use of the Internet, e-commerce, and enterprise resource planning.
• Internships and mentorships, available in all business areas, allow you to earn money while gaining valuable business experience. Internships are set up to relate to your field of study and are scheduled around your classes.
• Take classes in the heart of the thriving business environment that is downtown Grand Rapids, MI.
• Network with major corporations and gain access to internships and jobs.

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.

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.