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2026-2027 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog [In Progress]

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Graduate Teacher Certification

Grand Valley State University offers a pathway to initial teacher certification at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Grand Valley State University's graduate level route is through the Graduate Teacher Certification (GTC) program. GTC candidates must be able to commit full-time to their graduate studies, given the accelerated pace, strict course structure, and clinical field requirements. Prospective students should first contact Office of Certification and Accreditation (OCA) for initial information and to be connected to program resources for their intended route (Elementary vs. Secondary).

Program Eligibility

  • Completion of a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution at least one year prior to starting a GTC Cohort in May, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the final 60 semester credits or an earned master's degree.
  • 30 hours of paid or unpaid experience working with the age range you intend to teach, within an educational setting (outlined on Verification of Experience form; due by November 1st with the GTC Cohort application)
  • Elementary candidates only: must first complete two initial courses at a B- or higher, while maintaining a 3.0 GPA for graduate studies prior to starting a three-semester GTC Cohort in May
  • Secondary candidates only: must first meet all requirements as outlined on the GVSU Planned Program for their intended content area prior to starting a three-semester GTC Cohort in May; content area coursework must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 or higher; students can preview DRAFT Planned Programs for their intended content area available on the CLAS Academic Advising website; students pursuing a World Language must also pass the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), with a score of Advanced-Low or higher, prior to their Teacher Internship semester

Application Processes

Elementary and Secondary GTC candidates will need to complete two separate applications for the program. Please see the Elementary GTC or Secondary GTC website for the specific order of when to submit the applications and what materials to include for each.

Required Materials for Graduate School and GTC Cohort applications:

  • Personal Statement/Essay
  • Educator Resume
  • Verification of Experience
  • Felony and Misdemeanor Conviction Statement
    • Procedures for those who have been convicted or pleaded no contest to a felony or certain misdemeanors are outlined in the GTC Cohort application. Conviction or a plea of no contest may cause the candidate to be denied for admission, field placement, or final certification. Candidates are required to pay a fee for conducting a Live Scan criminal background check; information on conducting Live Scan will be provided after admission to the program.
  • Updated copies of Planned Programs (for Secondary candidates only)

Program Format and Location

Elementary GTC

Two Initial Courses:

GTC Cohort Coursework:

  • Hybrid; in-person and online (synchronous and asynchronous); required in-person courses will be held at the Pew Campus, located in Grand Rapids, MI

Secondary GTC

Content Area Coursework:

  • Likely in-person, during the day, and held at the Allendale Campus, located in Allendale, MI

GTC Cohort Coursework:

  • Online (synchronous and asynchronous)

Please note: Both Elementary and Secondary GTC candidates will attend in-person meetings and professional development days throughout their time in the program. These will be held at the Pew Campus, located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Program Requirements for Graduate Teacher Certification - Elementary Education

There are 33 credits required (+6 credits of initial coursework), detailed as follows. Candidates will follow a structured schedule for the three-semester cohort.

Summer Semester:

Fall Semester:

Winter Semester:

Program Requirements for Graduate Teacher Certification - Secondary Education

There are 27 credits required (not including credits for initial content area coursework), detailed as follows. Candidates will follow a structured schedule for the three-semester cohort.

Summer Semester:

Fall Semester:

Winter Semester:

Exit Requirements

The GTC program prepares candidates for their initial teaching certificate. Grand Valley State University will recommend candidates to the Michigan Department of Education pending successful completion of all program and state certification requirements. Recommendation for the Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate requires the following:

  • B- or higher in all GTC courses and positive recommendations in clinical field courses.
  • 3.0 GPA or higher in graduate studies at Grand Valley State University.
  • Secondary and PK-12 candidates: 3.0 GPA or higher in their content area coursework (i.e., teachable major and minor, if applicable)
  • Passing scores on the appropriate Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC)
    • Elementary candidates must pass the appropriate grade band subtests
    • Secondary candidates must pass the test for their content area (s)

If your criminal history has changed since you originally applied for field placement to the College of Education and Community Innovation, contact the Office of Certification and Accreditation to confirm the change(s) are on file.

Finishing the M.Ed. Instruction and Curriculum

Following successful completion of the GTC program and state certification requirements, candidates can continue on to fulfill the M.Ed. degree requirements. See M.Ed. Instruction and Curriculum - Elementary Education or M.Ed. Instruction and Curriculum - Secondary Education for details and connect with the appropriate Elementary or Secondary Graduate Program Director for additional information. The following coursework would remain:


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