Graduate Programs
Graduate Programs
Students can earn a masters degree from any of the four graduate level programs with the School of Interdisciplinary Health. Most graduate programs within the School do not require specific undergraduate majors. Interested students can get an early start on their graduate degree by choosing a Combined Degree program, saving themselves time and money by beginning the first year of graduate level classes their senior year.
Students with an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Dietetics, Medical Dosimetry, or Public Health are encouraged to choose a major that is best suited to their particular interest and goals. The Recreational Therapy 1-year track master's program requires the completion of a recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation undergraduate degree.
Applications for these programs are always open, but application submission requirements and deadlines vary by program. All SIH graduate programs use the GVSU graduate application platform.
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Graduate Programs
Clinical Dietetics (M.S.)
ONLINE/HYBRID
Clinical dietetics is a systematic approach to treating medical conditions, complex disease processes and their associated symptoms through medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) uses and applies advanced nutrition knowledge, MNT, and the nutrition care process to promote health and prevent disease. RDNs work in a variety of settings: clinical, outpatient counseling, community, food service, corporate, school systems, management/leadership, private practice, and sport/athletics.
Grand Valley State University's Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics program is an innovative program taught by nationally recognized faculty. Upon successful completion, this program provides eligibility to sit for the registration exam leading to the RDN credential. The Coordinated Graduate Program at Grand Valley State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Qualified students in GVSU's Applied Food & Nutrition (B.S.) degree program may choose the Combined Degree Program option to earn a M.S. in Clinical Dietetics within an accelerated time frame.
Visit the Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics program website for more information.
Medical Dosimetry (M.S.)
ONLINE/HYBRID
The Medical Dosimetrist performs calculations for the accurate delivery of the Radiation Oncologist's prescribed dose, documents pertinent information in the patient record, and verifies the mathematical accuracy of all calculations using a system established by the Medical Physicist. We perform, or assist in, the application of specific methods of radiation measurement including ion chamber, thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD), or film measurement as directed by the Medical Physicist. Another area that we may contribute to is giving technical and physics support to the Medical Physicist; this support could be in radiation protection, qualitative machine calibrations, and quality assurance of the radiation oncology equipment. Also, we often take on the role of educator in facilities that have radiation oncology residents, radiation therapy students or medical dosimetry students.
The most common and recommended undergraduate major for students admitted to the program is radiation therapy (RT).
GVSU students receive didactic, laboratory, and clinical experiences in both existing and emerging radiation oncology, including treatment planning, simulation, quality assurance, brachytherapy, external beam therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, intraoperative radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, volumetric modulated arc therapy and total body irradiation.
The GVSU Medical Dosimetry program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Students who receive a M.S. degree in Medical Dosimetry from Grand Valley are eligible for the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board (MDCB) national credentialing certification examination in medical dosimetry. Upon certification by the MDCB, graduates will hold the title of Certified Medical Dosimetrist (CMD).
Visit the Master of Science in Medical Dosimetry website for more information.
Public Health (M.P.H.)
Choose from TRADITIONAL or ONLINE/HYBIRD
Public health is the science and art of creating healthy communities through education, research and promotion of healthy lifestyles. In public health, the focus is on health promotion and disease/injury prevention, in contrast to the medical model of care, which focuses more heavily upon diagnosing and treating illnesses and conditions after they occur. Public health professionals analyze and develop programs that protect the health of individuals, families and communities in the United States and abroad. The United States is placing a high priority on building up the nation's public health workforce. A career in public health opens the door to diverse opportunities in a variety of sectors such as federal, private and non-governmental organizations. Because of their "big picture" perspective, public health experts play a key role in emergency preparedness and response. This may be why public health has become such a growing field in recent years.
Grand Valley State University's Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) degree prepares students by enhancing career opportunities through the acquisition of quantitative and qualitative problem-solving research skills, service, and experiential learning. Public health professionals promote good health and prevent disease within communities. The M.P.H. program provides graduate and community-based education and research grounded in social justice to help meet these goals. GVSU offers two emphasis areas in public health: epidemiology and health promotion, as well as two instructional formats: Traditional (in-seat) and Online/Hybrid.
Undergraduate students in GVSU's Allied Health Sciences (AHS) can apply in the fall of their junior year (after the completion of 55+ credit hours) for the combined AHS (B.S.) + Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program.
Undergraduate students in GVSU's Exercise Science also have the option to apply for the combined EXS (B.S.) + Public Health (M.P.H.) degree program.
The Public Health program at GVSU is fully accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).
Visit the Master of Public Health program website for more information.
Recreational Therapy (M.S.)
ONLINE/HYBRID
Recreational therapy is the specialized application of recreation, leisure, and experiential activities and interventions to maintain or improve the health, functioning, and quality of life for people with disabilities and chronic conditions.
The GVSU program is the only recreational therapy master's program in Michigan and the first advanced-practice program in the U.S. within a college of health professions. It is designed to meet the increasingly complex needs for more research and evidence-based practice to support the work of clinicians and advance recognition of the field.
The GVSU Recreational Therapy 1-Year track Master's program requires the completion of a Recreational Therapy or Therapeutic Recreation undergraduate degree. An accelerated combined degree program for earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in recreational therapy is also available.
Combined Degree Programs
Combined Bachelor/Master degree programs allow students to complete both degrees sooner by counting graduate credits toward the undergraduate degree. This reduces the time and cost to complete both degrees separately. A combined degree program can save students money and allow them to enter the workforce sooner. Learn more about the benefits of a Combined Degree program.
The following Combined degree programs are available within the School of Interdisciplinary Health:
Allied Health Sciences (B.S.) + Public Health (M.P.H.)
Applied Food & Nutrition (B.S.) + Clinical Dietetics (M.S.)
Recreational Therapy (B.S. + M.S.)
Students in the CLAS major Exercise Science have this combined degree option:
Exercise Science (B.S.) + Public Health (M.P.H.)
GVSU also offers students the opportunity to develop their own unique Bachelor/Master degree combination.
Student Initiated Combined Degree program
Contact the College of Health Professions Student Services Office for advising and admissions assistance.
Advising Services
The CHP Student Services office (CHPSS) is a key resource for academic advising services and admissions to the School of Interdisciplinary Health's (SIH) programs and majors. Prospective SIH graduate program students can receive services and support from the CHP Student Services office.
Undergraduate students interested in pursuing a Combined Degree option should meet with a CHPSSO academic advisor early and frequently. They will work with you to develop an achievable academic plan, provide assistance with parallel planning, clarify university policies that pertain to and support degree completion, and help you navigate the graduate program application process.
SIH graduate programs occasionally offer in-person open houses/tours or online information sessions/webinars. Find details on events hosted for prospective students by visiting the program's website.