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Eric Dzierwa, studying advertising and public relations at Grand Valley State University, participating in LendGR, a technical assistance program that is offered by GVSU’s Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
4,963
students participate in experiential learning
94%
of graduates are employed or pursuing higher education

Elora Ferrie discusses her time at Grand Valley State University as an Electrical Engineering major.

GVSU electrical engineering major, Enola Ferrie, talks about how GVSU is preparing her for her career.

GVSU Provides Hands-on Learning

Whether working on a faculty member’s research project or developing an independent project guided by a faculty member, Grand Valley students have opportunities to engage in original, hands-on research and scholarship in a variety of disciplines from art history to zoology. While faculty/student research opportunities are usually reserved for graduate students at other universities, Grand Valley puts an emphasis on undergraduate research, better positioning our students for admission to top graduate schools and successful careers.

Honors student, Devina Chauhan, working in a lab, looking up at a solution inside a beaker she is holding.

Whether working on a faculty member’s research project or developing an independent project guided by a faculty member, Grand Valley students have opportunities to engage in original, hands-on research and scholarship in a variety of disciplines from art history to zoology. While faculty/student research opportunities are usually reserved for graduate students at other universities, Grand Valley puts an emphasis on undergraduate research, better positioning our students for admission to top graduate schools and successful careers.

GVSU Student in front of a pile of concrete rubble, wearing green coveralls and a blue hard hat, smiling off into the distance while writing on a clipboard.
GVSU Students holding a Global GVSU sign on a green hill in Norway. The background shows cloudy skies and mountains.
BSN student Garrett Moran works inside the Hospital Simulation Suite at Cook-DeVos Center the for Health Sciences on the Health Campus in downtown Grand Rapids on October 28. (Photo releases on file)

GVSU Produces Well-rounded Employees

More and more employers are recognizing the value of well-rounded, broadly educated employees, and Grand Valley’s liberal education foundation meets that need by preparing students to be lifelong learners, active leaders, critical thinkers, and global citizens. In fact, since January 2023*, more than 198,000 Michigan jobs listed liberal education skills such as leadership, critical thinking, problem solving, and communications with their bachelor's degree requirement.

Whatever your degree, you can count on being ready for a fulfilling career in a fast-changing world.

 

*Based on Lightcast Economic Modeling data gathered December, 2023.

GVSU alumna Tosha Tabron talks about her GVSU experience and how she was able to use her education to make an impact in Detroit communities.

Shannon Cohen '00 & '11, 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Use Grand Valley's Connections to Your Advantage

Because faculty members live, work, and network here, they are able to help students take advantage of West Michigan’s thriving economy through partnerships and relationships with local, national, and international companies. Grand Valley is West Michigan’s university, but its reach is limitless. That means more opportunities, more connections, and more prospects for Grand Valley students and alumni at the undergrad and graduate level.

Photos of Josue Garcia at Corewell Health
117,802
Alumni in Michigan
Page last modified October 6, 2025