CECI Combined Degree Programs
LESS MONEY, LESS TIME
Grand Valley currently has 27 combined degree programs that allow students to earn their bachelor’s degree and a graduate degree in one continuous program. Students can also combine degrees across disciplines with the Student Initiated Combined Degree (SICD) program.
Use the following page to brows CECI Programs available to you!
Grand Valley State University combined degree programs offer students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree, meeting their unique personal, academic, and career goals. Pursuing a combined degree can reduce the cost and total time required to complete both.
Undergraduate Students
Combined Degree: Public, Nonprofit, and Health Administration, B.A., B.S. and Public Administration, M.P.A.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Qualified undergraduates may be admitted to the program and obtain a bachelor's degree in public and nonprofit administration and a master's degree in public administration within an accelerated time frame. Students admitted to this program may take graduate courses after completing 90 undergraduate credits, and up to 12 credits of graduate work may be used in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the undergraduate degree.
Undergraduates may apply to the program after reaching junior standing or 75 credit hours, with at least 30 hours completed at GVSU; a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above; completion of required coursework with a B or better; and completion of PNH 520 - Foundations of Public Service taken during the fifth or sixth semester with a B or better. See advisor for details.
Students must meet with the MPA graduate program director prior to applying to the program. Application requirements:
- 3.3 GPA
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Three letters of recommendation
Advanced Standing: Social Work, MSW Pathway
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The School of Social Work recognizes proficient academic performance by students who have graduated from a Council on Social Work Education-accredited undergraduate social work program (BSW). Advanced standing students are exempted from 18 hours of first-year core or foundation courses and the first semester of field education and may therefore accelerate their graduate study by completing only the remaining 38 hours of degree requirements in one calendar year.
Specific courses exempted are: SW 600, SW 601, SW 603, SW 610, SW 620, SW 690, and SW 650/651.
The review of applications is a holistic process. Reviewers examine the evidence provided by the applicant for each criterion, in an effort to provide a balanced and strength-based review.
A successful candidate will, by way of the electronic GVSU MSW Admission application, submit evidence of their success related to the following criteria:
- An overall GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework. The University calculates the relevant GPA based on the applicant’s last 60 credits.
- Official transcripts from all universities and colleges attended. Advanced Standing applicants must have a BSW degree from a CSWE accredited program
- A minimum grade of 3.0 in all Social Work courses; or a 3.5 or above cumulative GPA in all Social Work courses
- Three professional recommendations, using the electronic GVSU MSW Admission Recommendation Form (sent to references by GVSU). One of the recommendations should be the applicant’s BSW field supervisor or faculty field liaison.
- Completion of a BSW Degree within eight years prior to enrollment in the MSW program, preferred.
Graduate Students
Combined Degree: Social Work, MSW + Public Administration, MPA
Program Overview
The GVSU College of Education and Community Innovation, through its Schools of Social Work (SSW) and School of Community Leadership and Development (SCLD), offer prospective students the option to receive both graduate degrees (MSW and MPA) offered by these units.
The MSW / MPA option entails taking coursework in the two disciplines in order to be well prepared to seek middle- and upper-level management positions in either public or private human service organizations. This opportunity is designed for those who wish to combine the knowledge, skills and values of the social work profession with the advanced administrative and technical expertise developed through the study of public administration to become leaders in their organizations and their communities.
Combined Degree: Education Specialist, Ed.S. + Ed.D. or Ph.D.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The GVSU College of Education and Community Innovation offers candidates the opportunity to expand their knowledge skills, networking, and career opportunities. In addition, it makes for an excellent transition to Ed.D. programs at partnering universities. The Ed.S. in leadership with a cognate in district level administration builds on the master's degree and develops leadership practitioners for school and/or central office administrative positions.