Grand Valley Admissions -> Graduate Admissions -> Apply to Grand Valley -> Application Requirements
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Application Requirements

Send the following application materials to the Admissions Office, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI 49401-9403. You must submit a completed application form and all required documentation to the Admissions Office before your application file receives further admission consideration. Applicants whose files are incomplete will not be considered for admissions. You can monitor the completeness of your application by calling the Admissions Office at (616) 331-2025 or 1-800-748-0246. All documents and supporting data required for admittance become the property of Grand Valley State University and will not be returned to the applicant.

  1. Completed graduate application for admission
  2. A $30 nonrefundable application fee (unless you have previously applied to Grand Valley)
  3. Official copies of transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.  Transcripts must be sent from those institutions directly to the GVSU Admissions Office. NOTE: We do not require official transcripts from Grand Valley
  4. General eligibility requirements for federal aid require a valid Social Security Number. To assist with your financial aid processing, please complete this field on the application

The following is a checklist of materials that are required to complete your graduate application by program. Please see the Grand Valley State University catalog for specific admission requirements.
  • Accounting (M.S.A.)
    -Official GMAT scores.
    -One-page essay addressing goals and objectives.

  • Biology (M.S.)
    -Three letters of reference.
    -Submission of a 500 word essay describing educational and professional goals.
    -Official GRE scores.

  • Biomedical Sciences (M.S.)
    -Official GRE scores.
    -Names of three references.

  • Biostatistics (M.S.) (Fall 2006)
    -Resume.
    -Personal statement.
    -Two letters of recommendation.

  • Business (M.B.A.)
    -Official GMAT scores.
    -One-page essay addressing goals and objectives.

  • Cell and Molecular Biology (M.S.)
    -Resume.
    -Personal statement/essay.
    -Two letters of recommendation.

  • Communications (M.S.)
    -Two letters of endorsement from communication professionals.
    -An entrance essay to determine the overall suitability of the applicant.

  • Computer Information Systems (M.S.)
    -Two letters of recommendation.
    -Resume.
    -Submit a personal statement of career goals and background experiences.

  • Criminal Justice (M.S.)
    -Submission of a personal statement detailing academic preparation, background experiences and professional, educational and career goals.
    -Three letters of recommendation.

  • Education (M.Ed.)
    -Three professional or academic recommendations on designated forms.

  • Education Specialist in Leadership (Ed.S.)
    -Official GRE scores.
    -Submit a 1-2 page personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation as to how the Educational Specialist program at Grand Valley will help you achieve  your educational and professional objectives.
    -Three recommendations must be submitted on university forms. Two professional, addressing your leadership skills and success. One from an individual who can address your academic/scholarly capabilities.
    -Current resume must include the following: (1) Title of master's project/thesis, degrees received with dates, institutions, majors and minors, (2) Listing of employment, (3) Description of leadership experiences, dates and locations, (4) Presentations, publications, memberships and professional development

  • Engineering (M.S.E.)
    -List engineering experience on line #21 of application.

  • English (M.A.)
    -Official GRE scores.
    -Writing sample.
    -Submission of a 250 to 500 word statement of purpose describing academic preparation and professional goals.

  • Health Administration (M.H.A.)
    -Resume.
    -Application essay.
    -Three letters of recommendation.
    -Professional writing sample.

  • Medical and Bioinformatics (M.S.)
    -Resume.
    -Personal statement/essay.
    -Two letters of recommendation.

  • Nursing (M.S.N.)
    -Official GRE scores.
    -Three academic or professional references on departmental forms.
    -Submission of a 300-500 word essay describing professional and educational goals.

  • Nursing/Business Administration (M.S.N./M.B.A.)
    -Official GRE scores.
    -Three academic or professional references.
    -Submission of a 300-500 word essay describing professional and educational goals.

  • Occupational Therapy (M.S.)
    -Two recommendation letters, including a registered occupational therapist and a professor who can comment on your academic performance.
    -Documented volunteer experience for a minimum of 50 hours under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
    -Completion of form detailing student accomplishments that reflect the core goals of the program.
    -Students must be in the process of completing pre-professional and undergraduate degree requirements in order to be considered for acceptance to the program.

  • Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
    -Official GRE scores.
    -Two recommendations must be submitted on university forms. One from a licensed physical therapist.
    -A minimum of 50 hours of observational experience of physical therapy is required.
    -Additional education, professional, leadership, scholarly and volunteer activities are valued and must be documented on university forms.
    -If all pre-requisite courses have not been completed, include a written plan of how you will complete them by the first day of class of the professional program. Give course name, semester (fall, winter, spring or summer) and university name.

  • Physician Assistant Studies (M.P.A.S.)
    -Two recommendations from health professionals. Recommendations from practicing Physician Assistants and physicians would be most appropriate.
    -Applicants should show evidence of 250-plus hours by application deadlines of significant volunteer, work, or observational experience in a health care environment. Please list in item #21 of application and include hours at each location.
    -Students must be in the process of completing all of their pre-professional and undergraduate degree requirements to be considered. All pre-requisites must be completed by the start of the professional phase of the program.

  • Public Administration (M.P.A.)
    -Resume.
    -Three letters of recommendation.
    -An application essay on career goals and how the MPA will help to achieve your educational and professional goals.
    -Professional writing sample.

  • Social Work (M.S.W.)
    -Three letters of reference submitted by individuals who can directly and/or objectively assess the applicant's qualifications for successful graduate study and professional social work practice.
    -Submit a 2-3 page personal statement of career goals and background experiences, including an explanation of how the MSW program at Grand Valley will help to achieve educational and professional objectives.
    -A one page, double-spaced essay that addresses the way in which social justice is or is not manifested in a contemporary social problem of your choice/selection. Indicate possible causes and solutions.
    -Resume detailing work and volunteer experiences.
    -Indicate if you are applying for Advanced Standing status.

  • Taxation (M.S.T.)
    -Official GMAT scores.
    -One-page essay addressing goals and objectives.