2006-2007 Fact Book - Ferris State University

GENERAL INFORMATION
LOCATION
The Ferris State University campus is located in Big Rapids, a west central Michigan city of
approximately 12,600 in the vacation-recreation region. In addition to being home of Ferris State
University, Big Rapids is the county seat of Mecosta County. The 880 acre campus is readily
accessible by the US-131 expressway and state highway M-20. Big Rapids is 55 miles north of
Grand Rapids and within 200 miles of Chicago and Detroit.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Ferris offers more than 170 educational programs through the Colleges of Allied Health Sciences,
Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Services, Kendall College of Art and Design,
Pharmacy, Technology, Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, and University
College. These offerings lead to bachelor and associate degrees and certificates. Master
degrees in Information Systems Management, Career and Technical Education, Criminal Justice,
Business Administration, Curriculum and Instruction, Fine Arts and doctorate degrees in
Optometry and Pharmacy are also offered.
Each college encompasses a cluster of related programs that are targeted to prepare students for
specific careers. The colleges operate in facilities that have been specially designed and
equipped to support their missions.
Ferris is a national leader in the development of the concept of laddering, which enables students
to advance their careers by building on previous training. For example, an individual who has
gained employment after completing a two-year degree may later seek career advancement by
returning to Ferris and earning a bachelor degree. This concept also permits students to readily
transfer into Ferris programs.
ADMISSIONS
The current admission policy for new students requires all freshmen students to complete the
ACT/SAT test prior to being granted admission to Ferris State and requires students to
demonstrate they meet program entrance requirements either by earning a specified high school
GPA or by having an ACT composite score that meets the prescribed standard for the university.
Grades, ACT/SAT scores and all other facts included in the application will be considered.
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Ferris State University Fact Book