Graduate Program Steps

“Our graduate programs foster students' mastery of their craft, practice, or vocation. We partner with our students to be sure that they are getting what they need to do the work of today - and of tomorrow.”

Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury, Ph.D., Faculty Fellow, Office of the President and Office of the Provost / Associate Professor, Educational Foundations, College of Education and Community Innovation

1. Become a GVSU Graduate Student

The first step in your journey to advancing your career is to apply to GVSU's Graduate School.

Apply to GVSU's Graduate School

2. Connect with an Advisor

GVSU offers multiple Education program opportunities to advance your career. Students planning to take graduate courses for a degree, professional certificate, administrator certificate, license, or endorsement should meet with an academic advisor for a planned program. Contact information for each program is listed with the Programs.

Explore Program Options and Requirements

3. Plan Your Course Sequence on myPath

GVSU provides all students with myPath, a tool designed to assist you in preparing for and tracking your academic progress toward graduation. myPath provides both degree audits and an educational planner. This tool is not intended to take the place of an advisor. We strongly recommend meeting with your advisor periodically to review your academic plan.

Plan Ahead with myPath


4. Apply for Practicum

Practicums and Capstone courses have specific due dates: please check the application and email us with any questions.

Practicum/Capstone Online Application System


5. Complete Responsible Conduct in Research Training

Education graduate students must complete a CITI RCR Training and Certification program prior to completion of 50% of the graduate program or prior to engaging in any research activity. RCR Certification expires after 3 years and must be current while engaging in any research activity.

The individual Education graduate programs use different RCR modules: consult the RCR information page for details.

Education Programs RCR Information

6. Apply for M.Ed. Capstone Thesis or Project

Candidates for advanced degrees must demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to generate new knowledge or to apply existing knowledge to specific practical situations. This demonstration may take the form of a research project or thesis, planned with and directed by a faculty supervisor.

Application Deadlines:

  • Applications to enroll in Fall Semester must be received by May 15
  • Applications to enroll in Winter Semester must be received by September 15
  • Applications to enroll in Spring/Summer Semester must be received by February 15

Apply for Your Capstone

Project and Thesis Handbooks and Resources


7. Apply for Graduation

Students should submit their application to graduate the semester before their degree requirements will be completed.

Graduation Information

8. Apply for Certification or Renewal

Once you complete all the requirements for certification, you will need to apply through the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS). All teachers seeking certification of any kind must register with MOECS in order to receive their certificate.

State Certification Information



Page last modified January 30, 2023