Ferris State University

Ferris State University is a mid-sized four-year public university known for its quality of instruction and large selection of academic programs, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees, offered through eight degree-granting colleges: Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering Technology, Health Professions, Kendall College of Art and Design, Michigan College of Optometry, and Pharmacy. The university's main campus is located in scenic Big Rapids, Michigan.

The university strives to align its practices and resources in support of its core values of collaboration, diversity, ethical community, excellence, learning and opportunity. Ferris' mission is to prepare students for successful careers, responsible citizenship and lifelong learning. Through its many partnerships and its career-oriented, broad-based education, Ferris serves our rapidly changing global economy and society.

Ferris equips students to contribute to a changing world by offering a challenging, adaptive curriculum that consists of a unique blend of technical and professional programs based in traditional academic areas and driven by industry demand.Its many and varied program offerings include several degrees that are unique in Michigan or the United States.

Students at Ferris have exceptional access to faculty due to the university’s low student-faculty ratio and small class sizes, which promote more engaging instruction, one-on-one career advice and professional connections. Courses at Ferris State are taught by credentialed, dedicated instructors who have real-world experience in their fields and provide relevant, adaptive coursework with an emphasis on hands-on learning.

Ferris is committed to ensuring that students gain real-world skills outside of the classroom. The university works with numerous external partners, including alumni, industry and professional leaders, for program direction and networking advantages. It also requires program-related internships in most of its degree programs. As a result, the majority of students enrolled in bachelor’s or more advanced degree programs participate in internships that support their personal and professional growth.

Ferris serves students from many different backgrounds and regions, and provides access to educational opportunities through a traditional, residential college experience on the university's main campus in Big Rapids or through its statewide locations, online learning, and partnerships with community colleges and career technical centers.More than any institution in the state, Ferris State has connected with Michigan community colleges, creating partnerships on multiple campuses and expanding its online offerings to allow students to complete coursework at their local community colleges toward a Ferris degree. More students choose to transfer to Ferris than any other university in Michigan.Ferris offers a unique transfer process that allows students to build on their education with little or no loss of credit.

Some Ferris majors are offered at no other university in Michigan or the United States. More than 180 undergraduate and graduate majors include 2-year degrees that "ladder" into 4-year, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees, eight master's degrees and Doctorates of Education, Optometry and Pharmacy.

Here at Ferris State University, classes are taught by professors - not graduate assistants. The great majority of those classes are taught in small groups, not big lecture halls. You're unique. We think your education should be, too.

Ferris students are an important part of the university workforce. There are over 2000 student employees on campus working in a number of diverse areas.Our goal is to help students find employment to learn transitional job skills that will help them when they graduate. Working while attending Ferris also helps students earn income to assist them with their educational expenses. Having a part time job is a great way to help limit your student loans.

Effective as of the fall of 2017, Ferris State University has implemented a revised General Education program. All students declaring an academic major in fall 2017 or later must fulfill the revised General Education requirements; students declaring a major prior to fall 2017 remain under the aegis of the old General Education requirements.In many respects, General Education at Ferris will seem very familiar to you. However, there are new requirements for Collaboration and Problem solving for all Bachelor's degree programs. These courses exist in each program at Ferris and will not add any additional cost or time to degree. New student learning outcomes (FLOs) have been defined for all eight Core Competencies and a comprehensive assessment plan has been created to evaluate student proficiency in these key skills.

The West Michigan English Language Institute (WMELI) provides English language instruction to non-native speakers to help them develop the essential English language skills to successfully pursue their academic and career goals. It also fosters global awareness, intercultural communication, and appreciation of diversity among students, faculty and staff.

Courses are offered at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Students are welcome to begin their English studies in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters, but all students who wish to enter the WMELI must be present for the International Student Orientation.

Our mission in the Office of International Education is to provide students with study abroad opportunities that foster their academic, social, and personal growth.By studying abroad, students will be immersed into a different culture through many types of programs ranging from semester experiences to short-term faculty programs.