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Medical and Health Humanities

Undergraduate Certificate

Grand Rapids • Online • Face to face • Online • 11-12 Credits

Face to face

Students are required to come to a GVSU campus for face-to-face instruction to complete the program requirements. Instruction is face-to-face (though some courses may be offered online in addition).

Hybrid

Students come to a GVSU campus more than one time a semester for face-to-face instruction, with additional class meetings online. Instruction is online and face-to-face.

Low Residency

Students come to a GVSU campus no more than one time a semester (e.g., one weekend, week, class session, etc.). Instruction is mostly online.

Online

Students are not required to come to any GVSU campus to complete the program requirements. Instruction is fully online.

Medical and health humanities is a multidisciplinary investigation of medical and health-related topics.

Overview

Grand Valley's Medical and Health Humanities Undergraduate Certificate is designed for students pursuing careers in health-related fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, athletic training, child life, and social work. This multidisciplinary program broadens students' understanding of medicine and health by incorporating diverse perspectives from various disciplines within the liberal arts and sciences.

The coursework for the Medical and Health Humanities certificate requires 11 to 12 credits. Students must complete the required course, HST 370 - History of Medicine and Health, and select additional courses from three categories: perspectives on human health and development, perspectives related to end of life, and ethics in health and medicine. Each category offers a range of courses, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of medical and health topics. No more than two courses can have the same department prefix. You can only apply two courses from the certificate toward a major and another two to a minor. Some honors courses may be used to fulfill certificate requirements; sign off will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

This certificate gives students:

  • The opportunity to explore the human aspects of medicine and health through diverse disciplinary perspectives.
  • Experienced faculty that are dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and mentoring, ensuring a supportive learning environment.
  • Certificate can be completed in one year or less and is available fully online, making it accessible and flexible.

Admission Information

For new students, visit the Admissions website for undergraduate requirements. Upon acceptance and for current students:

  • Declare your certificate via myBanner (Login to Banner Self-Service, click on Student, Student Records, Add a Certificate or Badge to your Program, Select the appropriate certificate from the drop down list, and click Submit)
  • Speak with the appropriate certificate coordinator to ensure criteria are being met (you will be able to track your progress toward the certificate in myPath as well!)
  • Once you are done with the requirements, apply to receive the certificate via myBanner.
  • Once the completion of your certificate has been verified, the certificate will be posted to your student record and will be viewable on your transcript. 
 

Courses   What will transfer?   Admission Requirements  
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  Program Website
Department of History

gvsu.edu/history
Mackinac Hall D-1-160
(616) 331-3298

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

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#1
Provider of Healthcare Professionals in West Michigan
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Scholarships

Grand Valley State University offers a wide variety of merit-based scholarships. For information on all of the scholarships that are available to students, please visit Scholarships at GVSU.

Grand Valley offers myScholarships (a scholarship matching tool) to help admitted students match with GVSU scholarships, as well as external scholarship opportunities. myScholarships will prompt you to answer questions to help match you to scholarships for which you might qualify.

Human-Centered Approach

The certificate emphasizes the human aspects of medicine, including cultural, ethical, historical, and social dimensions, which prepares students for careers in:
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Dentistry
  • Social work
  • Athletic training
  • Child life

This humanistic framing is a distinctive complement to traditional prehealth science coursework.

Student Organizations

Getting involved and staying engaged with our vibrant campus community help you make the most of your Grand Valley experience. Attending student life events, joining a student organization, or participating in campus recreation opportunities are all fantastic ways to maximize your college years:

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Page last modified June 11, 2026
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