Accelerated, online bachelor's program will help adults succeed in tough economy

Grand Valley's online, accelerated degree program will help adults achieve career success, even during an economy rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The flexible and customizable program allows students to shape a bachelor's degree in integrative studies, while, at the same time, earn a certificate in a high-demand area (leadership, applied data analytics, project management or global communication). Students can also choose to enroll in a certificate program only.

Academic advisors said they are fielding calls and emails from prospective students who — now home with perhaps more time on their hands — are looking for a next step.

"The workforce seems to be shifting very fast and this program, whether it's the degree or a certificate, makes it easy for students to get credentials to match with the needs of employers," said advisor Kate VanDerKolk.

VanDerKolk and other advisors at Grand Valley locations (Holland, Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Detroit) are available to meet virtually with people to discuss past college credits earned, courses and university resources.

Mark Schaub, interim dean of the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, said faculty members are eager to offer this integrative studies degree, a staple of Grand Valley's curriculum since the 1980s, to a wider audience online.

"The key to this degree has always been building or customizing your own program, yet still learning critical thinking and leadership skills that employers today seek out," Schaub said.

Registration for Grand Valley's online, accelerated bachelor's degree program has begun. Classes, which run for six weeks, begin August 31. Learn more about the program online at gvsu.edu/complete.

People who wish to take a certificate program only and are alumni of Grand Valley can take advantage of the Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) account — $1,000 is available to use for certificate or degree programs. Learn more about L3 online at gvsu.edu/l3.