Ferris State University
Big Rapids, United States • Founded 1884 • World Rank #2577
Overview
Founded in 1884, the Ferris State University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Big Rapids (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Michigan.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ferris State University (FSU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Ferris State University (FSU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 139-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
FSU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Ferris State University's campus location, postal address, and the channels students typically use to reach the admissions team. Verified contact points help avoid third-party impersonators.
Academic Details
Below: the academic-side numbers and recognition that shape Ferris State University's reputation. Recognition and accreditation are distinct — recognition is government-level, accreditation programme-specific.
Academic Structures
Ferris State University's internal academic units — faculties, schools, and institutes — are grouped below. The breakdown helps when navigating departmental websites and specific contact points.
Unit 10 items
- College of Allied Health Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education and Human Services
- College of Engineering Technology
- College of Pharmacy
- College of Professional and Technological Studies
- Kendall College of Art and Design
- Michigan College of Optometry
- University College
Programs Offered
Ferris State University's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
61 programmes
These 61 programmes make up Ferris State University's undergraduate catalogue. A bachelor's degree is the baseline credential for most graduate careers and advanced study.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians Media Studies & Mass Media
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Communications Technologies/Technicians and Support Services, Other Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other Computer Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Systems Engineering Industrial & Systems Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Surveying Engineering General Engineering
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Biotechnology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Economics Economics
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Dentistry
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Insurance Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Construction Management Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
15 programmes
Ferris State University provides 15 programmes at master's level for graduates who want to specialise further or strengthen their standing for doctoral applications.
Architecture Architecture
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
Ferris State University lists 2 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
Ferris State University lists 3 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Optometry Optometry
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration Pharmacy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
106 programmes
These 106 programmes cover Ferris State University's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Data Processing Data Science & Analytics
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Culinary Arts and Related Services Culinary Arts
Culinary Arts and Related Services Culinary Arts
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Surveying Engineering General Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering
Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Legal Support Services Law
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Physical Science Technologies/Technicians Natural Sciences
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Security Science and Technology Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Geography and Cartography Geography
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians Mechanical Engineering
Precision Metal Working General Engineering
Precision Metal Working General Engineering
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions Dentistry
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other Health Sciences
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Real Estate Business Administration
Insurance Business Administration
General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Construction Management Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Ferris State University
How to apply to Ferris State University — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.
- 1 Research programmes at Ferris State University
Ferris State University's catalogue includes 187 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Ferris State University's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through Ferris State University's official website at www.ferris.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (231) 591 2000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ferris State University
A short Q&A covering Ferris State University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
When did Ferris State University open?
Ferris State University traces its founding to 1884 (approximately 142 years ago).
In which city is Ferris State University?
Ferris State University is based in Big Rapids, United States.
Is Ferris State University a public or private institution?
Ferris State University is a public institution.
How many students study at Ferris State University?
Ferris State University has approximately 10,000-14,999 students.
How is Ferris State University ranked?
Ferris State University is ranked #2577 globally and #309 in United States.
How is Ferris State University organised academically?
Ferris State University is organised into 10 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Ferris State University accredited?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
What is Ferris State University's official website?
The institution's website is www.ferris.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
The leading universities in the United States are listed below — useful for sizing Ferris State University against the country's top tier. Top-tier institutions in the United States typically set admissions standards that downstream universities track.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Strategic alliances often grow alongside National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership — bilateral agreements deepen collaboration beyond the broader network frame. Such alliances sometimes exist between Ferris State University and specific members below.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Alumni networks within a region often outlast individual institutional choice. Universities near Ferris State University share post-grad employer connections that benefit students from any of them.
Where Else to Study General Engineering
Below: institutions across the United States that offer General Engineering, providing comparison points for Ferris State University's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Often Compared with Ferris State University
Universities at a similar tier to Ferris State University appear below, useful for cross-comparison on academic credentials. Comparable institutions often share faculty mobility patterns and external recognition signals.
