Program Overview

The professional innovation major allows you to pursue a flexible array of customizable emphases as part of a Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (B.A.S.). It is designed for those who have completed or are in their last semester of an Applied Associate degree (A.A.S.) or the equivalent. This degree recognizes the value of technical skills earned at the associate level while guiding you to build interdisciplinary knowledge and strengthen core academic skills.

Why Study Professional Innovation at Grand Valley?

• Build off the value of your associate degree to develop your skills and complete your degree.
• Earn college credit for your work/life experience.
• Customize your program by choosing from an array of stackable credentials in a variety of specialized areas, such as healthcare, hospitality, leadership, and more.
• Develop knowledge in critical thinking, ethical reasoning, quantitative and qualitative literacies, creative and complex problem-solving, and oral and written communication.
• Students may complete this degree fully online, including accelerated (6-week) class formats as well as face-to-face.

Career Insights

Admissions

Visit the Center for Adult and Continuing Studies to learn more about help getting your career and your life to the next level. 

Location & Format

Classes for this major are offered online in accelerated (6-week) formats. Students wishing to take in-person classes may do so on the Allendale and Grand Rapids campuses with some courses also offered in Traverse City.

• Face To Face
• Hybrid
• Low Residency
• Online

Coursework

Students complete requirements for a customizable specialization in the context of core courses designed to support students' advance in their current careers or through new career pathways. You must follow all general education requirements and complete a minimum 120 credits total toward the degree. This can include credits from an associate degree or other prior coursework at an accredited institution. An additional 24 credits may be awarded towards the degree total through prior learning assessment (PLA).

Meet with an advisor to choose your best path to completion.

All professional innovation majors must complete the following requirements:

• BAS 301 - Concepts of Learning Integration
• BAS 491- Practicum in Applied Science
• BAS 495 - Senior Seminar in Applied Sciences
• INT 331 - Person and Profession in a Global Environment

And one of the following courses:

• CIS 320 - Visualization of Data and Information
• DS 202 - Digital Data and Design
• STA 215 - Introduction to Applied Statistics

You must also complete one of the following emphasis options, for a minimum of 18 unduplicated credits:

• Pre-approved minor programs;
• Stackable credentials, including undergraduate certificates; or
• Design a custom emphasis, tailored to meet your goals.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted, students need to meet Grand Valley State University’s minimum requirements for transfer student admissions and have completed or be in their last semester of an associate of applied science degree, an associate of general studies, an associate of applied arts and science degree, an associate in business degree, or similar technical applied degrees.

Visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements and to begin your application.

Helpful Links

• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Tuition & Fees
• Study Abroad
• General Education Handbook
• Integrative Studies Programs
• FAQ

For More Information

Professional Innovation
lkgear.com/brookspi
229 Lake Ontario Hall
(616) 331-8229
[email protected]

lkgear.com/admissions