Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley State University Admissions and School Information

Grand Valley State University's main campus is in Allendale, Michigan, with eight other campuses located throughout the state. Students can earn bachelor and master's degrees in over 200 different areas of study, including business, education, music, science and health care.

About Grand Valley State University

Founded in 1960, Grand Valley State University is a four-year public university with over 24,000 students. With the main campus located in residential Allendale, Grand Valley State University is close to the beaches of Lake Michigan and the culture of nearby Grand Rapids.

Grand Valley State University emphasizes a liberal arts education based on critical thinking and creative problem solving, with undergraduate and graduate programs in over 200 areas of study. With nearly 300 student organizations and some of the newest housing facilities in the state, Grand Valley State University has a lot to offer potential students.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Students interested in applying for Grand Valley State University can fill in an application online or download and mail in a paper application. Admissions decisions are based on factors including grade point average, class rank, standardized test scores and non-academic considerations. Applicants will need to submit a completed undergraduate application, official high school transcript, ACT or SAT results and a $30.00 non-refundable application fee. All applications must be submitted prior to 30 days before the semester's final day of registration.

Grand Valley State University Academic Departments

Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing

The Padnos College of Engineering and Computing is comprised of two separate academic departments, the School of Computing and Information Systems and School of Engineering. Bachelor's degree programs are offered in computer science, information systems and various forms of engineering. Master's degree programs include mechanical engineering, computer information systems, manufacturing operations, medical and bioinformatics, electrical and computer engineering and product design and manufacturing engineering.

Kirkhof College of Nursing

Founded in 1978, the Kirkhof College of Nursing offers both bachelor's and master's degree programs in nursing, as well as a combined Master of Science in Nursing and Master of Business Administration. BSN's are also available for registered nurses and students in other disciplines. Scholarship opportunities and memberships in student and honors organizations are other benefits offered by the Kirkhof College of Nursing.

The College of Education

Formerly known as the Educational Studies Institute, the College of Education at Grand Valley State University was founded in 1964. It is currently the largest graduate school at Grand Valley and offers many nationally recognized programs at both an undergraduate and graduate level. Master's degree programs include general education, higher education, leadership, literacy studies, school counseling, special education and instruction and curriculum. A doctoral program in education leadership is also offered. Campus locations include Cadillac, Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, Petoskey and Traverse City.

The Seidman College of Business

More than 3,000 students are enrolled in the Seidman College of Business, which was named in honor of nationally recognized businessman and author, Frank Edward Seidman. Bachelor's degrees are offered in economics, finance, accounting, general business, international business, management and marketing. Graduate programs include Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Taxation and Master of Science in Accounting degrees. Campus locations include Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon.

The College of Health Professions

The College of Health Professions is comprised of eight different programs, including a doctoral degree program in physical therapy and master's degree programs in occupational therapy and physician assistant studies. Bachelor's degree programs include clinical laboratory science, health professions, therapeutic recreation, radiologic and imaging sciences and occupational safety and health management.

The College of Interdisciplinary Studies

The College of Interdisciplinary Studies at Grand Valley State allows students to combine two or more disciplines and examine real world issues in depth from several different perspectives. Bachelor's degree programs are offered in Chinese studies and liberal studies and minors can be obtained in several different areas, including East Asian studies, Latin American studies, Middle East studies, African/African-American studies and women and gender studies.

The College of Community and Public Services

One of the newest colleges at Grand Valley State University, the College of Community and Public Services was founded in 2004 when the school was reorganized. However, the five programs that comprise this college have been around for many years. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, legal studies, social work, hospitality and tourism management and public and nonprofit leadership. Master's degree programs include criminal justice, social work, public administration and health administration.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Formed in 2004, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest college at Grand Valley State University, offering nearly 50 different bachelor degree programs. Areas of study include humanities, social sciences, natural and mathematical sciences and fine and performing arts. Several minors are also offered, including anthropology, history, studio art and aging and adult life. Master's degree programs include biology, biomedical science, biostatistics, communications and cell and molecular biology.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401
  • Phone Number: (616) 331-5000