College Profile:
Ferris State University

Our History
Ferris State University continues its founder's vision of providing innovative learning opportunities that meet the changing economy's needs with career-oriented, technological and professional education. In 1884, Woodbridge N. Ferris founded the school in Big Rapids, Mich., which today still bears his name.

Just The Facts
Ferris State University, nestled in the heart of west-central Michigan, offers more than 170 degrees, many of which are unique in the state and the nation. All of our degrees fall into one of Michigan's six career pathways, including Arts and Communications; Business, Management, Marketing and Technology; Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology; Health Sciences; Human Services; and Natural Resources and Agriscience.

Our safe, just-the-right-size campus welcomes students from across the globe and our combination of personal attention (student-to-teacher ratio averages 15:1), up-to-the-minute technology and course offerings (such as Music Industry Management, Rubber Technology and Computer Networks & Systems, to name just a few!) make Ferris a great place for you to live, learn and flourish.

Unique Degrees At Ferris
We offer an impressive array of degrees that you can only get at Ferris State University – degrees such as Automotive and Heavy Equipment Management; Digital Animation and Game Design; Optometry, Professional Tennis Management; and Surveying Engineering. Ferris also distinctively offers the largest Allied Health unit at the university level in Michigan, the only Criminal Justice degree of its kind in Michigan, and the largest College of Pharmacy of the three in Michigan with a 91% pass rate on the state board exams compared to the 87% state average.

Plus, with more than 170 majors to choose from, we're sure you'll be able to find your future at Ferris.

Honors Program
Established in 1997, the Honors Program is a community of Ferris' best and brightest students with fresh ideas and broad interests – students who demonstrate strong leadership abilities and great dedication to their studies and communities. Over 500 students from a wide range of disciplines grow to their full potential through specialized academic courses and new learning opportunities. The bonds the students form with each other, and the sense of community that is at the heart of Honors at FSU, make it a very special program.

There are many special advantages of being a member of the Honors Program.

Go Bulldogs!
You can cheer on the Bulldogs every weekend of the school year. Ferris has 14 NCAA Division II sports and NCAA Division I hockey. Varsity men's sports are basketball, cross country, football, hockey, golf, tennis and track. Varsity women's sports are basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and volleyball. Ferris also has an extensive intramural and recreational sports program.

Fun Things To Do
There are plenty of opportunities for you to catch Bulldog spirit and get involved in annual campus events! Several traditional events include Welcome Week, Bulldog Bonanza, Homecoming, January Jams and Ferris Fest (many of which contain big name headliners such as Yung Joc, Nickelback, and Blue October!).

We have more than 200 student organizations for you to join, more than half of which are academic related. Ferris also hosts many cultural events, plays, musicals, outdoor movies, LAN parties, and on summer days you can go tubing down the Muskegon River for a little bit of rest and relaxation after a long week of classes! Off campus you can enjoy some of the many recreational opportunities available, such as rollerblading the White Pine Trail, snowmobiling, cross country skiing or just relaxing and having some fun at one of the local parks in Big Rapids. Or, you can travel just an hour to shop and dine in Grand Rapids or enjoy a Lake Michigan sunset.

Ferris Highlights

• Ferris awards the most engineering technology degrees in the nation.
  
  
• Ferris' College of Technology ranks third in degrees awarded to women
  
  
• College of Technology students were featured on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" TV show and NBC's "Today Show" for winning the national Rube Goldberg competition.
  
  
• Former Bulldog All-American and Division I hockey player Chris Kunitz helped advance the Anaheim Ducks to win the 2007 NHL Stanley Cup.

Life After Ferris
Our students don't just get degrees, they get jobs. Ferris State University graduates get the jobs they want; many entertain multiple offers. More than 98 percent of our graduates obtain jobs or continue their education.

Our Alumni Office is busy all year long planning many activities and gatherings for you to take advantage of, which allow you to stay connected to your alma mater. The Southeastern Michigan Black Alumni Association (SEMBAA) is a relatively new, active and growing association that has planned several activities in the metro Detroit area to keep alums connected.

It's All About You
Your college experience is all about what you make of it. And at Ferris State University, we make it easy for you to do your best, have a great college experience and leave with more than just a degree. You'll leave with a future.

We're not your average university. Imagine more.