We're glad you're considering a graduate degree from Grand Valley State University. Each of our graduate programs offers the connections, experiences, and superior value you need to open more doors, create more opportunities, and set yourself apart.

The Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) account is available for alumni to use for future classes at GVSU.

You can now explore GVSU graduate programs on the go by tuning into our program podcasts. These podcasts are filled with information about our graduate programming. Visit our podcast page and choose your program of interest to get started.

How Will You Benefit?

Individuals with graduate degrees have unique access to opportunities for:

• Career Advancement
• Career Flexibility
• Recognition & Credibility
• Financial Rewards

Why Choose GVSU?

Our graduates drive innovation within their chosen fields, benefiting from graduate programs designed around:

• Real-world research opportunities
• Vibrant service-learning
• Community connections
• Diversity & Inclusion

The Graduate School

The Graduate School (TGS) provides leadership and support and aims to prepare GVSU graduates to become:

• Effective leaders in their field
• Engaged, lifelong learners
• Scholars who excel in a global environment

Student Success: Jowei Yek

When Jowei Yek was presented with the option to pursue a master’s degree, he knew GVSU was his top choice. Jowei was largely drawn by the rich, nurturing network he built during his undergraduate tenure. He is grateful for the option and institutional support to complete two master's programs in Business Administration and Social Innovation, concurrently. For the past three years, Jowei developed a strong sensitivity to community issues and systems thinking through the PMASI program and expanded his toolkit to solve complex business challenges. His 3-year tenure as the Graduate Assistant at the Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation also allowed him to put his coursework into practice by guiding GVSU students to create businesses that solve unique issues for communities everywhere. Jowei wishes to coalesce all these mindsets into his future career and community involvement.

Read the full article about Jowei, here.

2024-2025 Graduate Student Association Executive Board

The Graduate Student Association has concluded the search for a new executive board for the 2024-2025. These are the five fresh faces ready to serve the graduate students at GVSU:

• Lauren King- President
• Silvester Mbugua- Vice President
• Mae Zurita- Communications Officer
• Mitchell Gingras- Administrative Officer
• Albert Okwei- Finance Officer

Learn more about the newly elected officials here.

The Annual Report

The Graduate School’s 2022-2023 Annual Report is now available for viewing. Learn more about the events that were hosted by The Graduate School such as the Fall and Winter Academic Citation Awards, Graduate Showcase, and the 3 Minute Thesis Competition, just to name a few. The Annual Report also shares data about all of the programs, certificates, and badges that Grand Valley offers for graduate students, along with policy updates. Check out the interesting facts here.  

3 Minute Thesis Competition 2024

The 3-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT), now in its ninth year, provides a unique opportunity for graduate students to gain experience in presenting and sharing their research with the broader community. There were 17 participants this year who competed on Valentine's Day in Loosemore Auditorium, which was a record-breaking number! The winner of the competition, Jowei Yek, will represent GVSU at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools 3-Minute Thesis competition in April. Read the full story on GVForum. 

• First Place: Jowei Yek, business, "Perceived Costs and Benefits to Employing International Students"
• Second Place: Kate Lucas, biology, "Impact of Climate Change and Restoration on Phosphorus Loading in an Impaired Wetland"
• Third Place: Rheyna Bui, communications, "Identity Negotiations of Multiracial Vietnamese Americans Through the Lens of Hybridity"
• People's Choice: Grace Forlines, public health, "Exercise for Everybody: Inclusive Fitness Programming for College Students with Disabilities"

Plagiarism, RCR Training, and AI Video

Embark on an exploration of academic integrity in our Plagiarism, RCR (Responsible Conduct of Research), and AI usage training video. Learn about the nuances of originality and ethical scholarship as we briefly navigate the intricacies of proper citation, attribution, and the ethical principles that underpin scholarly endeavors. Discover in this brief video how to uphold integrity in your research practices, safeguard the credibility of your work, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge with honor and accountability.

Communications Graduate Students Attend the NCA Convention

Two graduate students, Taylor Deschaine-Hurd and Rheyna Bui presented their research at the 2023 National Communication Association Conference in National Harbor, Maryland. They were accompanied by GVSU professors Corey Anton, Anthony Spencer, Imran Mazid, Richard Besel, and Peter Zhang. To learn more about their research and the impact of networking, read the full story here. 

Student Success: Henry Peña

Henry Peña is a humble, hardworking student in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, graduating in April. He currently serves as the President of the Graduate Student Association. As a Registered Nurse, Henry’s passion for healthcare is connected to his commitment to leadership, education, advocacy work, and serving others. The diverse experiences and responsibilities he has undertaken through the Cook Leadership Academy, his graduate assistantship, academic pursuits, and his leadership roles have collectively shaped an academic career that is not only fulfilling, but allows Henry to contribute, meaningfully, to the advancement of nursing and healthcare as a whole.

Check out the full story here. 

Greetings from The Graduate School at Grand Valley State University!  Our goal is to make your search for a Graduate Program as simple as possible, and to invite you to our campus. We have put together many resources to help support you throughout your process.