Ferris State University

What is the history of Ferris State University?

Ferris State University began in Big Rapids, Michigan, in 1884 as the Big Rapids Industrial School, founded by Woodbridge N. Ferris and Helen Gillespie Ferris. Its early emphasis on practical education remains visible in the university's career-oriented programs.

The school later became Ferris Institute, entered public ownership in the mid-20th century, became Ferris State College, and took the name Ferris State University in 1987. Its development into a university brought a wider range of bachelor's, graduate, and professional degrees. Today, Ferris also includes the Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, so applicants should check the location of their particular program rather than assume every course is taught in Big Rapids.

What are the faculties and departments at Ferris State University?

Ferris State offers academic programs across the arts and sciences, business, engineering technology, health professions, pharmacy, optometry, education, and design. Students can pursue credentials at several levels, including associate and bachelor's degrees as well as graduate and professional degrees.

Its academic organization includes the College of Business, College of Engineering Technology, College of Health Professions, College of Pharmacy, Michigan College of Optometry, and Kendall College of Art and Design. Arts, sciences, and education programs provide additional routes into fields such as biology, criminal justice, teacher preparation, and the humanities.

Representative choices include construction management, manufacturing and engineering technologies, nursing, dental support, information technology, accounting, pharmacy, optometry, and visual design. Program requirements, clinical placements, and teaching locations differ substantially. A student comparing majors should use the current academic catalog to check the credential awarded, required courses, admission to the major, and whether any portion is delivered in Grand Rapids, online, or at another location.

What is the location of Ferris State University?

Ferris State's main campus is in Big Rapids, a smaller city in west-central Michigan. The setting differs from a large metropolitan campus: students have access to the surrounding community, but travel to major-city amenities and some off-campus placements may require planning.

Ferris also teaches at other Michigan locations, including Grand Rapids, where Kendall College of Art and Design is based. Location matters for commuting, housing, and program-specific facilities; an applicant should confirm where required classes and practical training actually take place. Big Rapids students can have cars on campus as first-year students, subject to parking rules. Gerald R. Ford International Airport serves the Grand Rapids area, but getting from the airport to Big Rapids requires additional ground transportation.

What is the mission and vision of Ferris State University?

Ferris State describes its purpose in terms of career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Its stated approach combines career-focused study with a broader education and partnerships beyond the university.

That emphasis helps explain the range of technical, business, health, design, and professional programs alongside liberal arts and sciences. A mission statement describes institutional priorities, not an individual outcome: applicants should assess a particular program through its curriculum, practical requirements, accreditation where relevant, costs, and completion outcomes.