Buena Vista University
Online and 16 campus locations around Iowa
Buena Vista University is a private college in Storm Lake, Iowa and has been named to the Best Online Colleges Midwest award list. Its online program features 25 online degree options. The on-campus net price to attend is $18,620 and the per-credit hour charge is $1,225. The school offers credit for military training, credit for life experiences, academic counseling services, career services, and more.
Overview
School Type
Website: www.bvu.edu
Contact: Buena Vista University
Accessibility
- Distance education:Yes
- Weekend/Evening classes:No
- On-Campus day care:No
Demographics
- Full-time undergrad students:1,289
- Undergrad students over 25 years old:473
- Pell Grant students:679
- Online and distance education undergrad students:664
-
Part-time students14%
-
Students over 25 years old31%
Cost
Online & Distance Programs
More information about degrees »
Bachelor's degrees offered
- Education(7)
- English Language and Literature/Letters(1)
- Liberal Arts and Sciences General Studies and Humanities(2)
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies(1)
- Parks Recreation Leisure and Fitness Studies(1)
- Psychology(1)
- Homeland Security Law Enforcement Firefighting and Related Protective Service(1)
- Social Sciences(1)
- Business Management Marketing and Related Support Services(9)
- History(1)
Military & Veteran
- Credit for military training:Yes
- Dedicated staff member:No
- Student veteran organization:No
- Yellow Ribbon Program member:Yes
- Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges member:Yes
Benefits
Featured Programs & Degrees
Business Program Overview
With strong foundational classes, BVU’s business major offers concentrations in management, marketing, sports business, financial decision making, and agricultural business. The business program offers students distinguished learning opportunities including internships, practicums, professional conferences, and partnering with faculty on research.
Degree Options Include
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
Bachelor of Arts in Business
Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management
Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Business
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
The accounting major is designed for students to develop strong accounting skills that are grounded in a sophisticated understanding of contemporary business. Thus, students who complete the requirements for the major in accounting will graduate with a double-major in Business and Accounting. Students who double-major in Business and Accounting may also elect to complete a business concentration in areas such as agricultural business, management, marketing, financial decision-making, and sport business.
Students wanting to be certified in public accounting are required to complete 150 credit hours.
Career Opportunities:
- Public accountant
- Management accountant
- Government accountant
- Internal auditor
Bachelor of Arts in Business
BVU’s business program differentiates itself by offering a rigorous business core with the flexibility of five concentrations: agricultural business, financial decision making, management, marketing, and sport business. The program offers students distinguished learning opportunities thanks to business faculty with an applied and practical focus. Faculty hold industry designations and certifications in accounting, finance, and insurance and many have experience in industry including extensive careers in consumer products, financial services, manufacturing, and consumer products.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management, business, and finance are fields with occupational growth expected to be between 5.5-8.4 percent through 2024. With mean salaries ranging from $55,000-$97,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), the field of business represents endless opportunities for graduates.
Career Opportunities:
- Agri-business
- Banking, finance, and insurance
- Healthcare
- Human resource management
- Manufacturing, operations, and logistics
- Advertising, marketing, and sales
- Sports, facilities management, and event planning
- Business management
Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree in applied management is designed for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) from a regionally accredited institution and wish to advance their careers by earning a bachelor’s degree. BVU’s applied management major is designed to provide a quicker solution to desired job advancement by weaving in only the necessary general education courses.
This interdisciplinary major will enable students to develop strong business, leadership, and communication knowledge and skills that will move them forward in related industries. Students must complete the B.A.Sc. core requirements in addition to the B.A.Sc. Applied Management major requirements.
Career Opportunities:
- Sales Manager
- Account Manager
- Sales Representative
- Recruiter
- Training Manager
Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Business
The agricultural business major prepares students for a successful career in ag through training in ag business administration and rural entrepreneurship. By partnering with industry experts in the Midwest, students will gain the expertise needed to manage agricultural businesses and related operations.
BVU’s unique approach takes students beyond the traditional focus on agricultural economics and risk management, to include additional training in operations management, accounting, and finance. Students will possess the solid business management savvy to successfully engage in areas of agribusiness such as: development, entrepreneurial endeavors, banking, organizational management, operations and supply chain management, among many other industry opportunities.
Career Opportunities:
- Agricultural Managers
- Farmers
- Agricultural Finance
- Agricultural Marketing
- Agricultural Transportation
- Feedlot Management
- Seed Sales
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
The criminology and criminal justice major prepares students for any field within the criminal justice system. Studying criminal events, the correctional system, and those involved with criminal offenses including victims, perpetrators, and law enforcement officials, helps criminology and criminal justice students make the world a better place after graduation.
This major offers students a choice between two tracks depending on the student’s goals and interests:
- Criminology track – designed for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences, law school, and other professional programs.
- Criminal justice track – designed to prepare students for various positions in the criminal justice system.
Career Opportunities:
- Police, Security, or Corrections Officer
- Probation and Community Control Officer
- Forensics Science Technician
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Private Investigator
- Insurance Fraud Specialist
Education Program Overview
Buena Vista University’s education programs help students develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in their career as a teacher, or other educational career pathway. All programs are approved by the Iowa Department of Education and are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students must complete at least one of their student teaching placements within the State of Iowa.
Degree Options Include
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Business Education with teaching licensure (5-12)
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Bachelor of Arts in English with Teaching Licensure (5-12)
Bachelor of Arts in History with Teaching Licensure (5-12)
Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with Teaching Licensure (5-12)
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture Education
Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies
The Educational Studies major is designed for students who have an interest in an education-oriented career. By developing skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and leadership abilities, students are well prepared for a career working with various private and non-profit entities. With some further preparation, students could pursue various counseling endeavors.
The educational studies major will not lead to teacher certification in any state. However, after completing the educational studies major or minor, the graduate may apply to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners for a substitute authorization. A substitute authorization allows an individual to substitute in any K-12 classroom for no more than five consecutive days in one job assignment.
Career Opportunities:
- Lay ministerial work
- Business training
- Community coordinator
- Academic advisor
- Instructional designer.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Education with teaching licensure (5-12)
Become a high-quality middle school or high school teacher with a comprehensive knowledge of business education disciplines.
This program fulfills the Iowa Department of Education 5-12 Business All license (#1171).
A major in business education includes:
- Foundations of Collegiate Learning, Liberal Arts Core, and University graduation requirements
- Education core
Career Opportunities:
- Teach business in grades 5-12.
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
With a degree in elementary education (#102), students will combine their passions through endorsement areas related to an age group, type of learner, or subject area.
A major in elementary education includes:
- Education core
- Elementary education courses
- Elementary education support work
An endorsement in at least one area complimentary to the elementary education major:
- Reading K-8 (#148)
- Preschool PreK-K (#103)
- Early Childhood Special Education (#262)
- Teaching English as a Second Language K-12 (#104)
- Special Education Strategist I K-8 (#260)
- Special Education Strategist II K-12 Behavioral (#263)
- Special Education Strategist II K-12 Cognitive (#264)
Career Opportunities:
- Teach grades K-6.
Bachelor of Arts in English with Teaching Licensure (5-12)
Pursuing the multidisciplinary English language arts for secondary education major requires electing a track of academic study. The secondary English education with track 1 major meets the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners requirements for English language arts grades 5-12 teaching license (#120) with a 5-12 reading endorsement (#149).
Career Opportunities:
- Teach English Language Arts and reading interventions in the 5-12 classroom.
A major in English language arts for secondary education (Track 1) includes:
- Foundations of Collegiate Learning, Liberal Arts Core, and University graduation requirements
- Education core
Bachelor of Arts in History with Teaching Licensure (5-12)
Through secondary education, students will focus on adolescent and young adult learning. Students will develop their skills as a professional educator by studying content specific to their discipline (identified as a teaching licensure area by the State of Iowa). This program fulfills the Iowa Department of Education 5-12 American History license (#158) and the 5-12 World History license (#166). Through their studies, students will meet the requirements for curricular and instructional coursework and affiliated field experiences.
A major in history with teaching licensure includes:
- Foundations of Collegiate Learning, Liberal Arts Core, and University graduation requirements
- Education core
Career Opportunities:
- Teach U.S. and world history in the 5-12 classroom.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with Teaching Licensure (5-12)
Become a high-quality middle school or high school teacher with a comprehensive knowledge of social science disciplines. This program fulfills the Iowa Department of Education 5-12 All Social Science license (#186). Through this endorsement, students will be prepared to teach history, government, psychology, sociology, geography, and economics.
In order to obtain this endorsement, students must complete the entire social science endorsement program. If they choose not to add the all social science endorsement, they may add a second or third social science endorsement to any social science major by completing 15 credit hours in each additional discipline area.
Career Opportunities:
- Teach Social Science in grades 5-12.
Bachelor of Arts in Special Education
With a degree in special education, students will serve children and young adults with a variety of exceptionalities including learning disabilities, mild to moderate disabilities, behavioral disabilities, and cognitive disabilities.
The coursework in this major leads to educational endorsements in:
- Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate K-8 (#260)
- Instructional Strategist I: Mild/Moderate 5-12 (#261)
- Instructional Strategist II: Significant Support Needs Cognitive (#263)
- Instructional Strategist II: Significant Support Needs Learning/Behavioral (#264)
Major in special education includes:
- Foundations of Collegiate Learning, Liberal Arts Core, and University graduation requirements
- Education core
- Education support work
Career Opportunities:
- Teach in resource, inclusive/mainstreamed, and partially self-contained settings with students having exceptionalities in the area of mild to moderate disabilities and/or significant support needs.
Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture Education
Gain the skills and knowledge to grow the next generation of agriculture students. Through a major in agriculture education, students will be prepared to meet the Iowa Board of Educational Examiner’s licensure requirements for Agriculture Education grades 5-12 (#112). They will focus on the most recent methods and philosophies in teaching in an area that is in high demand.
A major in agriculture education includes:
- Foundations of Collegiate Learning, Liberal Arts Core, and University graduation requirements
- Education core
Career Opportunities:
- Teach agriculture education in middle schools and high schools and sponsor FFA clubs.
General Studies Program Overview
Buena Vista University’s general studies program offers two degree options to help students develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in their careers.
Degree Options Include
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
Bachelor of Applied Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership
This organizational leadership major provides the cross-disciplinary tools and skills necessary to effectively perform administrative roles within an organization. Course work focuses on general business practices and procedures along with communication skills necessary to interact, problem solve, and lead other members of a working community. The organizational leadership major is best suited for students with work experience and/or a strong interest in interdisciplinary studies.
Choose from one of two tracks:
- Business emphasis
- Human services emphasis
Career Opportunities:
- Training and Development Manager
- HR Manager
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- Loan Officer
- Customer Service Manager
Bachelor of Applied Studies
The bachelor of applied studies program is designed to enable professional advancement and provide personal satisfaction to individuals seeking more advanced positions in leadership. Students electing to complete this degree must satisfy all other requirements for graduation, including courses in intellectual foundations and intellectual explorations. The program is a general undergraduate degree without a traditional academic major. Instead, students are able to structure their programs that meet their individual objectives.
Career Opportunities:
- Agricultural business/technology
- Sustainable energy/renewable energy
- Hospitality management
Bachelor of Arts in Health Services Leadership
The distributive health services leadership major combines a knowledge base in management, psychology, social work, and sociology so that students gain a broad understanding of the factors that affect everyday operations of caregivers.
This major is designed to build on the expertise of the graduates of health related ADN, AS, or AAS degree programs. As with all distributive majors, course substitutions may be made to meet professional requirements or special interests.
Career Opportunities:
- Manager
- Supervisor
- Administration in a healthcare setting
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
The human services major uses an interdisciplinary approach to prepare students to work in the social services industry. The curriculum combines courses in psychology, sociology, and human services, among others, to create an integrated approach to understanding human services theory and applying those concepts in the real world.
Students will gain a strong foundation for a masters in mental health counseling or professional school counseling.
Career Opportunities:
- Administration
- Adult Service Advocate
- Case Manager
- Child Welfare Advocate
- Corrections
- Drug and Alcohol Counselor
- Elderly Services Provider
- Probation Officer
- Youth Services Coordinator
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
As a psychology major, study the cognition and behavior of humans and animals from an empirical, research-based perspective. A psychology major can be applied to a wide range of issues and fields of study, including criminal behavior, mental illness, biological bases of behavior, prejudice and discrimination, relationship violence, human resources, business and marketing, and more.
The psychology major prepares students for graduate training in psychology, counseling, school psychology, and social work. It is also excellent pre-professional training for many other graduate programs such as medicine, law, the ministry, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Career Opportunities:
- Counseling
- Psychotherapy
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Art Therapy
- Case Manager
- Mental Health Associate
- Mediator
- Community Service Manager
Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Studies
The Bachelor of Applied Science degree in agricultural studies provides further educational opportunities for students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or Associate of Science (A.S.). By partnering with agriculture industry experts in the Midwest, students will gain the expertise needed for both the ag business and ag science fields.
To pursue this major, students must complete the B.A.Sc. core requirements, which support their development of the BVU signature skills: effective communication, problem solving, and integrative learning.
Career Opportunities:
- Agriculture Managers
- Farmers
- Agricultural Transportation
- Feedlot Management
- Seed Sales
What Others are Saying
Contact Buena Vista University
Contact Admissions
(712) 749-1000
Main Campus
610 West 4th Street
Storm Lake, IA 50588
(712) 749-1000
Find BVU Online
16 campuses around Iowa and online.
Find an opportunity near you!