125 years as an institute of higher learning has made Ferris State University a leader in career-oriented education. This US university attracts students from across the world who are looking for a practice-based approach towards their university qualifications. Asian students find this form of learning of exceptional value, coming from a continent that has a booming demand for professionals with on-the-job technical training.

The University offers two-year programs as a ladder to full bachelor degrees in areas of business, science, health and engineering technology. Home to almost 14,000 students choosing from Ferris’ vast range of 190 programs, the University provides a unique student experience that is rich in diversity.

Ferris State University

Pic: Ferris State University.

Academics
Small class sizes, classroom settings tailored to student needs, hands-on laboratory training and a dedicated faculty all play crucial roles in the academic experience at Ferris. The Ferris College of Engineering Technology is the largest engineering technology college in the country. Focused more on the application of technology than the research behind it, the College is ideal for those looking to get a job in today’s market.

Ferris State University’s College of Engineering Technology has, for the fourth consecutive year, been recognized for the highest enrollment in the US for full and part-time engineering technology bachelor’s degree seekers. The College is not just popular among students but also commands international prestige for its excellent quality of education, holding the top spot for the past four years for the most bachelor’s degrees awarded.

The faculty is made up of industry professionals with several years of experience, allowing students a glimpse into their industry of choice while completing their education. The course content is theory and practical day-to-day experience, with access to state-of-art technology in labs that match or exceed industry standards.

The College hosts 34 technology-focused academic majors that lead to rewarding careers. With an employment after graduation rate of nearly 100% from the majority of Ferris programs, graduates comfortably enter the workforce with above-average salaries.

Ferris College of Technical Engineering

Students in a plastics lab at Ferris. Pic: Ferris State University.

The College of Engineering hosts four Schools and a brief description of each is provided below:

School of Automotive and Heavy Equipment: This School has maintained its position as a leader in transportation education for more than 50 years and offers five majors – three Bachelor of Science and two Associate in Applied Science degrees. Skilled faculty  teach areas such as alternative fuels, engineering, high performance testing, management, diagnostics and hydraulics among others.

School of Built Environment: Encompassing careers that deal with design, construction, operation and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure for everyday use, students at this School go on to earn Bachelor of Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates. Taught areas include: Architectural Technology, Architecture & Sustainability, Facility Management; Construction Management; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

School of CEEMS: Interested in robotics, GPS, computer security or electrical connections? This School encourages its students to participate in competitions such as Rube Goldberg and the Society of Automotive Engineers Formula series, along with academics, to develop a unique practical learning sought after by employers across the world.

School of Design and Manufacturing: Educating students to design, prototype and manufacture tools, components, products and printed materials, this newly-created School offers eight Bachelor of Science and six Associate in Applied Science degrees. This is a demanding field with a great need for talented and practically-trained professionals, and studying at this School is guaranteed to land some well-paying creative jobs.

Its Rubber Engineering Technology program is unique in the country and the Plastics Engineering Technology is the largest in the US, all geared towards training students for trades such as processing, product design, tool design, materials science, and program management. Ferris boasts of graduate job placements for its plastics and rubber program at 100%, a strong factor behind this program’s popularity.

Ferris College of Technical Engineering

Students work in a rubber lab at Ferris. Pic: Ferris State University.

Ferris College of Engineering’s partnerships and collaborations with leading companies and professional organizations give students that extra edge on their resumes. Students are offered real work experience and internships at these partner bodies, allowing them to develop contacts and network with over 30 professional and trade organisations.

Studying at Ferris
Ferris State University’s main campus in Big Rapids is ideally located in a college-town setting in the heart of the West Michigan vacationland. Big Rapids boasts of a vibrant downtown area with businesses that welcome college students and the campus and its surroundings embrace diversity in the community.

The University’s close proximity to larger metropolitan areas of the Midwest is a draw for international students looking to travel within the country; Ferris’ main campus is three hours from Detroit and four hours from Chicago.

There is something to do for everybody at Big Rapids and Mecosta County! During the summer, students can enjoy a canoe trip down the majestic Muskegon River or hit the links at the golf courses recognized by Golfweek and Golf Digest magazines. In the fall, students can enjoy a walk along the scenic Big Rapids Riverwalk, and the White Pine Trail in winter is great for snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. Big Rapids is home to a vibrant, historic, downtown district with many unique shops and businesses within walking distance of the University, and this unique location provides the perfect university experience for international students keen on an exciting student life along with high academic qualifications.

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