Extended and International Operations

Extended and International Operations

Ferris State University's Extended and International Operations (EIO) is a transformative force that extends the university's influence far beyond the Big Rapids campus and conventional classrooms. EIO achieves this by fostering strategic partnerships, nurturing innovation in higher education, providing corporate training, and offering support for instructional design.

Ferris Statewide & Online

EIO has established a comprehensive network of locations throughout Michigan, making it possible for students to pursue their degrees in their local communities, realizing the vision of a Ferris education available to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. These Statewide and Online undergraduate and graduate programs are marked by their agility, dynamism, and responsiveness to the specific needs of local industries.

eLearning

The eLearning office is the epicenter of Ferris’ online learning initiatives, collaborating in developing, implementing, and supporting continuous enhancement. This encompasses strategy development, technical assistance, faculty training, instructional design, and innovation in educational technology. The eLearning office is pivotal in elevating the university's digital education landscape, ensuring academic excellence and championing innovative pedagogical approaches.

The educational technology team is focused on strategically utilizing instructional technology and providing comprehensive learning support. They lead forward-thinking planning initiatives that span traditional classroom settings and online learning. This team of instructional design experts, technologists, and trainers empowers faculty to enhance student success through technology and exceptional course design, offering their expertise in instructional design, best practices, and unwavering support to faculty and students.

International Education

In collaboration with various partners, the Office of International Education drives the development of a sustainable global ecosystem that enriches the campus and student experience. Through international student recruitment, immigration support, and advising, the office fosters a diverse and inclusive environment. It promotes international experiential learning through study abroad programs and facilitates professional development for faculty and staff. By engaging the campus in global events and activities, the office supports Ferris’ mission of preparing students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning in a rapidly changing global economy.

Dual Enrollment Programs

Ferris State University partners with high schools, career and technical education centers, and early and middle college programs to expand access to college coursework while students are still in high school. Through these partnerships, students can begin earning college credit in a structured and supportive environment.

Dual enrollment opportunities may include traditional dual enrollment courses, concurrent enrollment, and early or middle college programs. These pathways allow students to explore academic interests, build college-level skills, and accelerate progress toward a college degree while reducing future time and cost.

Ferris works closely with school partners to ensure courses maintain university standards while remaining accessible to motivated high school students.

Articulation and Transfer

Ferris State University supports students who begin their college journey at another institution and plan to continue their education at Ferris. Through established articulation agreements and coordinated transfer pathways, the university works with community colleges and other post-secondary partners to ensure students receive appropriate credit for prior coursework. These agreements help create clear academic pathways so students can transition efficiently into Ferris degree programs without losing credit or repeating coursework.

Community College Leadership Doctoral Program (DCCL)

The Doctorate in Community College Leadership (DCCL) has been methodically designed for visionary leaders of mission-driven, modern community colleges. This program offers a curriculum crafted and delivered by seasoned college administrators, including current and former community college presidents, vice presidents, and deans. It is tailored to equip leaders with the competencies to guide community colleges toward excellence and heightened community responsiveness and prepare leaders to navigate the evolving education landscape. It adopts an inquiry-based, problem-solving, and action-oriented pedagogical approach, cultivating the essential skills required for success, regardless of the leadership level graduates aspire to achieve.

Corporate and Professional Development (CPD)

CPD acts as a bridge connecting corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and other organizations to customized training solutions that advance their respective industries and service areas. The office brings together faculty members from multiple colleges to craft tailored training programs utilizing Ferris facilities, workplace settings, or other innovative venues to propel today's workforce forward at an accelerated pace. Additionally, CPD oversees the logistics of Ferris’ academic summer camps, which annually serve 2,000 children, exposing them to camp content and the prospect of a future at Ferris.