Calvin School of Graduate & Continuing Studies

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Calvin School of Graduate & Continuing Studies

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We connect the best of the Christian liberal arts tradition with professional expertise, preparing adult learners to lead while thinking deeply, acting justly, and living wholeheartedly.

09/01/2026

Meet one of Calvin University’s newest distance learning Speech-Language Pathology master’s students and Tennessee Titans Cheer rookie Julia Kapala!

A lifelong dancer, Julia began competitive dance at age six and went on to found her high school’s dance team, serving as captain for four years. She later joined the Michigan State University dance team, where game day performances sparked her interest in continuing dance at the professional level.

This May, Julia was selected for the Tennessee Titans cheer team, beginning her rookie season while also starting Calvin’s online graduate program in speech-language pathology.

For Julia, speech-language pathology brings together several lifelong interests. “I’ve always been interested in the medical field and understanding how the body works,” said Julia. “An introductory communication sciences and disorders course at Michigan State immediately stood out to me as the perfect blend of my interests in healthcare, education, and working with children,” she shared.

Calvin’s flexible, asynchronous format was one of the reasons she chose the program, allowing her to pursue graduate studies while balancing competing priorities. “I’ve always thrived in structured, fast-paced environments where I’m balancing academics, training, and other commitments. With Titans Cheer, practices are in the evenings and games are primarily on weekends, which allows me to keep my academic and work responsibilities well organized.”

Julia is looking forward to experiencing the tight-knit community at Calvin. She shared, “Coming from a large Big Ten university, I sometimes found it challenging to feel personally connected to faculty and peers. When I visited Calvin, I immediately felt a sense of community and support. Even in a distance-learning format, I feel confident that I’ll be able to build meaningful relationships with both professors and classmates.”

After graduation, Julia hopes to explore ways to integrate movement, fitness, and education into her future practice as a speech pathologist, whether working with children or adults.

We’re excited to cheer on Julia Kapala as she joins Calvin’s graduate school community! Calvin University Speech Pathology & Audiology

08/31/2026

Welcome to the first day of fall semester! Whether you're studying online or on campus, starting for the first time or already well into your program, we're thrilled to have you learning at Calvin.❤️💛

08/27/2026

Today's the day! Join us from 2:00-4:00 on Aug 27 for new graduate student orientation.

Meet on the second floor of the Hekman Library at the bottom of the staircase by Peet's coffee or go directly to Hiemenga Hall 334.

For those who want to, we'll walk together to the Fieldhouse for Opening Convocation at 4:00. Feel free to stay for dinner on the lawn after that.

08/20/2026

New grad students! If you're in West Michigan, join us for Graduate Student Orientation on Aug 27, 2:00-4:00 pm.

Meet on the 2nd floor of Hekman Library between 1:45-2:00 at the bottom of the large staircase near Peet’s Coffee.

At this orientation, you'll meet grad students from across programs, connect with campus resources, take a tour, and get answers to your questions.

Stay longer for the campus-wide Opening Convocation at 4:00 pm and a cookout! Questions? Contact Meredith Segur ([email protected]).

08/18/2026

For Malia Verkaik, pursuing a Master of Accountancy wasn’t simply about earning another degree—it was an investment in the career she wants to build.

The extra year at Calvin helped Malia reach the 150 credit hours needed to pursue her CPA license while gaining advanced preparation in tax and accounting.

But her experience also changed the way she thinks about her future in accounting. Through her internship, Malia discovered that tax is much more relational than she expected. “You think of tax, you think of numbers,” she says, “but there is such a human aspect to it as well.”

That perspective will shape the work she began this summer at Helmholdt+Company, LLP, where she has interned for the past two years.

As an accountant, Malia approaches tax planning with fairness, integrity and a commitment to doing her work in a Christ-honoring way, aligned with ethical values taught in the MAcc program.

08/13/2026

Samuel Carrasco is pursuing Calvin’s Master of Social Work with a vision that reaches across borders. He shared, “I hope to incorporate mental health and prevention work at the policy level globally.”

Sam recently moved back to Grand Rapids after four years in Portland, Oregon to work with Calvin’s Center for Intercultural Student Development, where he is putting his passion for creating change at the systems level into practice.

He’s glad to be back at Calvin—for both work and continued learning. “What stood out to me was the flexibility and the rigor of Calvin. I am a believer of ‘the Calvin difference.’”

So far, the program is helping Sam grow both as a person and as a social worker. “Not only do I get to learn, but I am also growing personally because of the classwork I do,” he says.

After graduation, Sam hopes to work in global mental health in South America and eventually pursue a doctorate.

What advice does he have for others thinking about grad school? “What you put into the experience is what you get out of it.”

08/11/2026

After starting a career in the legal field, Katherine Colon Crespo decided to go back to school. Following her heart led her to Calvin's Master of Arts in Teaching program, where she gained the skills to make a difference in the classroom.

After just one year, she earned a master's degree, teaching certificate, and friends for life. And this fall, she'll be teaching English at Rockford Public Schools.

As we kick off a new academic year, we're excited to welcome a new MAT cohort of 15 future educators who are beginning that same journey. We can't wait to see the impact they'll have on their students and communities.

08/05/2026

“My graduate journey over the past two years has been deeply meaningful for me," shared Xiaoli Yang.

We love to hear positive comments from Calvin alumni like Xiaoli Yang, who recently completed the Master of Education program.

She continued, "I am very thankful for my professors, who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Christian education. Through their teaching, I have learned so much about how faith can be lived out in real classroom practice."

What stood out the most for her? "One of the most important things I have learned is how values like love, respect, and hospitality can actually be part of everyday teaching-not just ideas, but something we practice with students in small details."

"In special education, I was especially moved by the idea that every student is created in the image of God. This helps me think more about their strengths, their gifts, and how we can build a classroom where everyone truly belong and thrive."

Finally, she observed, "Overall, this journey has not only helped me grow professionally, but also strengthened my sense of calling to serve students with love and wisdom.”

07/28/2026

Last week, we welcomed the third cohort of Wayfinder in the City to Calvin University!

Fifteen eager adult learners gathered for their first session, diving into a thoughtful discussion of the painting "Landscape with the Fall of Icarus." The conversation was rich with insight, reminding us how great works of art can spark meaningful community-building through reflection and discussion.

Over the next nine months, these Wayfinder students will explore philosophy, literature, writing, history, and art - examining their relationship to important questions about the human experience, improving their reading, writing, and persuasive communication along the way.

They'll finish with seven free college credits that they can take with them to future educational opportunities.

Calvin's program is modeled after The Clemente Course in the Humanities. We're excited to see where this cohort's journey leads in the weeks ahead!

07/22/2026

Calvin University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program equips you with the knowledge, practical experience, and faith-informed perspective to serve individuals, families, and communities with excellence.

⏰Apply by August 10 to join the fall 2026 regular standing cohort (for those without a BSW).

Have questions? Reach out to program director Hennie Schoon!

Address

3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Website

https://calvin.edu/academics/school-graduate-continuing-studies

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