Darla's Story
Listen to how the Integrative Studies Online Accelerated Bachelor's Degree for Adults program has had a positive impact on Darla's career.
Jul 15, 2021
The world is changing rapidly. Jobs that existed yesterday may be gone tomorrow. Jobs needed in the future will need qualified candidates.
Whatever is next for you, Grand Valley State University’s LEADS* accelerated degree program will help you take control of your future and reach your goals.
Registration is open and financial aid opportunities are available year-round. You can choose from one of six start dates when you are ready to begin. Get in touch with our advisors by calling (616) 331-7180, emailing, or by scheduling online. You can also use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your cost for attending GVSU.
Fall 2022 |
Winter 2023 |
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Session 1: August 29 - October 12 |
Session 1: January 9 - February 22 |
Session 2: October 26 - December 17 |
Session 2: March 13 - April 29 |
Spring 2023 |
Summer 2023 |
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May 8th-June 21th |
June 26th - August 8th |
Fall 2023 |
Winter 2024 |
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Session 1: August 28 - October 11 |
Session 1: January 8 - February 21 |
Session 2: October 23 - December 15 |
Session 2: March 11 - April 27 |
In addition to the bachelor's degree in integrative studies, you will earn a certificate in one of these in-demand skills:
These certificates are also available on their own. You can find out more on this page.
Customized with a faculty advisor, choose from courses you’ve already taken and/or choose from certificates in
All majors are required to select at least three elective courses. These often can be chosen from coursework you’ve already done.
B.S. Requirements
B.A. Requirements
Watch LEADS student Angie Vuyst talk about her degree completion experience.
Financing your degree is one of the greatest concerns adults have in returning to college. That’s why we’ve set one price for all classes within the LEADS program.
Some options to help finance your accelerated online degree:
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your cost of attending GVSU.
The LEADS program is designed for motivated learners who want to complete their degree or certificate with a virtual community of similarly dedicated individuals. The admissions requirements are;
This quiz assesses your learning style, along with your technology and academic skills. After the quiz, you will receive feedback on your strengths and opportunities to further develop your skills and decide whether online classes are right for you.
How fast you can earn a bachelor's degree in this program depends on your existing credits. We want to maximize your transfer credit, so our advisors will review your credits and help you create an individualized academic plan. This degree offers full- and part-time schedules, allowing you to move at your own pace and making it a great choice for an accelerated degree program for working adults. If you already have approximately 60 credits completed, you can take two classes at a time and finish your degree in as few as 19 months, or you can take one class at a time and finish in a little over three years.
Students enrolled in the adult degree completion program pay $500 per credit hour for all courses required to complete their degree.
If you are completing your bachelor’s degree, you need to take a minimum of six credits each semester to be eligible to receive financial aid. Our advisors can explain this and offer other options for financing your degree, such as scholarships for adult learners and a company deferment plan, which will allow you to defer the amount your employer will pay in tuition benefits until the end of the semester.
Here are a few Grand Valley scholarships that are directly applicable to adult/nontraditional students:
At this time, you cannot receive financial aid if you are only completing the courses for the certificates.
Yes! Our advisors will help you determine which of your previously earned courses may already count toward this degree.
There are several ways you can earn credit or show expertise for the experiences and knowledge you have.
Your advisor will work with you to determine what might help you complete your degree.
Course sizes are small, ensuring a high ratio of student-faculty contact. Your professors will let you know when and how they’ll be accessible to you. In addition to the faculty members who are teaching your classes, you will have both a faculty and a professional advisor in your region with whom you can connect both virtually and in person.
Yes! This is a great option for returning students, as you can use many of the credits you’ve already earned. An advisor will review your transcript and help you explore your options at Grand Valley.
You will receive a Bachelor of Science or Arts degree in integrative studies. When you earn an accelerated bachelor's degree in this program it is no different from any other degree offered at Grand Valley, except you are completing it in an accelerated format with other adult students.
We will work with you to evaluate how your credits will transfer and create an individual course of study. This degree allows you to combine credits earned from multiple colleges or universities so that you can graduate with your degree at a faster pace.
If you are applying to complete your degree, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and 30 credits from an accredited institution. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who demonstrate a potential for academic success in other ways.
If you are applying just to complete a stand-alone certificate, a minimum of 55 completed college credits are required.
If you are applying for the Integrative Studies online degree or one of the certificates you will use this online application. There is a $30 application fee and you will be required to send official copies of your transcripts from any universities you have attended. Because you can start the program at any time, you simply need to complete an application at least five days before your first class begins.
All classes are offered online. Two classes will have the expectation of a one-day meeting, typically held on a Saturday. You will have the option to come to Campus or do this online and these days will offer you networking, mentoring, career coaching, and professional development training in addition to instruction related to your courses.
If you are pursuing only a certificate, you can complete it fully online with no trips to campus.
If you require accommodations due to a documented disability, please contact Disability Support Resources (DSR). An online course will be accommodated. All students with disabilities are expected to meet the same standards, requirements, and expectations of the course. Accommodations allow for “equal access” and “equal opportunity”. Timely collaboration with faculty is necessary and essential.
It is the responsibility of a student with a disability to disclose and complete a DSR application, along with providing supporting documentation.
If you have not yet met with an advisor, you can schedule an appointment with any of our advisors to learn more about our accelerated degree programs online by calling us at (616) 331-7180 or by scheduling online.
If you’ve already met with an advisor and are ready to apply, you can fill out the application online.
We know you are busy and we are here to help you get started in our LEADS program. Our advisors will:
You can get in touch with any one of our advisors by calling (616) 331-7180, emailing, or by Scheduling with an advisor online
If so, Grand Valley has a pathway in place for you. Visit the Veterans Complete website and find out what special resources are available to you.
Listen to how the Integrative Studies Online Accelerated Bachelor's Degree for Adults program has had a positive impact on Darla's career.
Jul 15, 2021
Worried about how you might balance school and your life? Hear how one student made it work
Jun 16, 2021
18 students will earn bachelor's degrees in integrative studies at the end of the winter semester.
Apr 22, 2021
For most students, it means pulling out textbooks and computers after putting their kids to bed.
Nov 20, 2020
Business owner completes bachelor's degree to teach young daughters 'finish what you start.'
Oct 7, 2020
* Lifelong Educational Attainment for Determined Students