We're glad you're considering a graduate degree from Grand Valley State University. Each of our graduate programs offers the connections, experiences, and superior value you need to open more doors, create more opportunities, and set yourself apart.
The Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) account is available for alumni to use for future classes at GVSU.
Graduate Program Offerings
Masters' and Doctoral Programs
Take the next step in your field with advanced graduate and doctoral programs designed to deepen expertise and expand opportunities.
Graduate
Certificates
Enhance your skills and credentials with focused certificate programs built for working professionals.
Graduate
Badges
Showcase specialized knowledge and stand out in your career with stackable graduate-level badges.
Combined Degree
Programs
Earn your bachelor’s and master’s together through an accelerated program that saves you time and money.
Recent Graduate School Highlights
2026 Graduate Showcase
On April 28th, graduate students participated in the 2026 Graduate Showcase. The Graduate Showcase is an annual event offered by The Graduate School and Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence to highlight exceptional work done by graduate students. This event features graduate poster presentations on a wide variety of research and scholarly activities from all disciplines. 35 different projects were displayed and shared with students, faculty, staff, and supporters.
Winter 2026 Graduate School Citations
The Graduate School at Grand Valley State University recognizes the outstanding achievements of individuals through the Graduate School Citation Awards for Academic Excellence. These awards celebrate graduate students and faculty members who demonstrate exceptional dedication, leadership, and academic performance in graduate education. The selection process reflects a collaborative effort, with graduate students being nominated by faculty, advisors, program directors, and departmental leaders, while faculty members are nominated by students in recognition of their invaluable contributions to teaching, mentorship, and inclusion. Congratulations to all the award recipients!
To explore the full awards program and learn more about each honoree, please click here.
2026 GVSU 3-Minute Thesis Competition
On March 31st, 20 graduate students from a variety of programs competed in The Graduate School's annual 3-Minute Thesis Competition. The 3MT competition provides a unique opportunity for students to share their work with the broader community in a fun and exciting format. The 3MT competition allows graduate students to present their research in just 3 minutes with the aid of a single slide. The 2026 first place winner, Jaclyn Driesenga, presented her work, "Exploring Gaps in Medical Services for Individuals with Down Syndrome: Insights from a Clinical Director Survey". To learn about other awardees and participants, visit the 3-Minute Thesis Competition page.
The Graduate Student Within the Assistantship
Graduate assistantships provide graduate students with part-time, paid work experiences in their field of study, and allow them to expand and/or apply their discipline knowledge and skills under supervision. The activities assigned are to have educational value for the student, to enhance the student's academic experience. The Graduate School recognizes the unique qualities and skills that graduate students bring to their assistantships. Visit the Student Highlights page to learn more about a variety of graduate students and their graduate assistantships.
3 Minute Scholar Competition
The 3 Minute Scholar event, sponsored by the Graduate School, took place on October 29th where faculty members highlighted their current research projects. The idea of 3MS was started by organizers Erica Hamilton, Vice Provost for Distributed Learning and Dean of the Graduate School, and Jennifer Moore, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, to give faculty members the opportunity to showcase creative projects or research to represent the teacher-scholar model at Grand Valley State University. The 3MS event is already in planning for next year.
Library of Things: Expanding Access Beyond Books
Grand Valley’s University Libraries has launched the Library of Things, a unique collection that goes beyond books to provide students with access to tools, games, and everyday essentials. Located on the first floor of the Mary Idema Pew Library, the collection includes practical items like sewing machines, crutches, car tools, and calculators, as well as recreational options such as board games, puzzles, and lawn games. The goal is to meet students’ one-time or occasional needs, reducing barriers related to cost and accessibility. Developed through campus surveys and community input, the Library of Things continues to grow with new additions like zine-making kits, with plans for future items such as bird-watching and book club kits.
Explore GVSU Virtually!
University Marketing is excited to offer new virtual campus tours, which pair well with Grand Valley’s interactive campus map. These VR-compatible tours provide detailed information and visuals, allowing you to explore Grand Valley from anywhere.
The map and tours are a great way to showcase Grand Valley’s facilities, helping new and prospective graduate students get more familiar with our campuses.
You can find the Allendale tour at www.gvsu.edu/allendaletour and the Grand Rapids tour at www.gvsu.edu/grtour.
Plagiarism, RCR Training, and AI Video
Embark on an exploration of academic integrity in our Plagiarism, RCR (Responsible Conduct of Research), and AI usage training video. Learn about the nuances of originality and ethical scholarship as we briefly navigate the intricacies of proper citation, attribution, and the ethical principles that underpin scholarly endeavors. Discover in this brief video how to uphold integrity in your research practices, safeguard the credibility of your work, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge with honor and accountability.
Graduate Admission Status and Checklist
Congratulations on pursuing your graduate education with Grand Valley! If you’ve been admitted, use the admitted student checklist to get ready for your program. If you’ve applied and are awaiting a decision, you can easily track your status in the application portal.
2026 Graduate Showcase
Graduate Showcase is an event offered by The Graduate School and Center for Scholarly and Creative Excellence to highlight exceptional work done by graduate students.
Published May 27, 2026 by Peyton Goch
Students Recognized with the Winter 2026 Graduate School Citations
The selection process reflects a collaborative effort, with graduate students being nominated by faculty, advisors, program directors, and departmental leaders, while faculty members were nominated by students in recognition of their contribution!
Published May 27, 2026 by Peyton Goch
The Graduate Student Within the Assistantship: Jason Vandenberghe
Jason is a Higher Education - Student Affairs Administration student and an advising graduate assistant for the Padnos College of Engineering department.
Published April 29, 2026 by Peyton Goch
The Graduate Student Within the Assistantship: Christina Williams
Christina Williams is a Master of Social Work student and a Graduate Research Assistant for the School of Social Work.
Published April 6, 2026 by Peyton Goch
GVSU Occupational Therapy Department's Summer Speaker Series - session 1 - RSVP
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
2:30
p.m.
- 5:00
p.m.
For our 30-year anniversary of the Occupational Science s Occupational Therapy Associations Legislative & Advocacy Director. Register now for session 1 and watch for 2 more events coming on July 10th, & August 5th. A virtual option will be offered and...