Partnership Options

Your Unique Career Path

A biblically informed education takes a student’s God-given talents, gifts, and passions and prepares them to serve effectively and immediately. At Grace we have partnerships that offer students a non-traditional path toward degree completion. Our Partnership Agreements allow students who complete these programs to have their certificate acknowledged as transfer credit at Grace Christian University. The credit amount will vary based on partnership and degree path at Grace.

SMAT Aviation

Grace Christian University partners with School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) to offer students opportunities related to missionary aviation.

Grace Christian will honor work done at SMAT toward an Associate or Bachelor degree. Students may combine SMAT training and Grace Christian University coursework in multiple ways to meet their goal.

Acceptance to Grace Christian does not guarantee acceptance to SMAT. All Financial Aid and Billing are handled separately. Students pursuing this path should connect with SMAT to ensure they are accepted into the program and to understand the costs and commitment of this certificate program.

Degree Options

OPTION 1

Students earn 48 prescribed credits at Grace and a SMAT diploma for which Grace grants 12 credits. These credits would apply toward an Associate of Arts degree for a total of 60 Grace credits.

OPTION 2

Students first earn Associate degree (60 credits) from Grace Christian University and then transfer to SMAT for a diploma.

OPTION 3

Student earns one of the following SMAT diplomas which transfer as a block of credits toward the On-Campus B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies or toward an Online Undergraduate Bachelor program*:

  • SMAT Aviation Maintenance Technology diploma – 36 credit hours* 
  • SMAT Aviation Flight Training diploma – 36 credit hours*
  • Both Maintenance and Flight Training – 48 credit hours**

* All students must complete the Arts and Sciences and Bible and Theology Core requirements appropriate for the declared degree program.

** For SMAT students who complete both the SMAT Aviation Maintenance Technology diploma and the SMAT Aviation Flight Training diploma (48 total Grace credits awarded) and are seeking to complete a Bachelor degree at Grace, the student needs to complete at least 12 credits of upper division (UD: 300 or 400-level) credits through Grace during the last year of study. Students may also pursue non-degree options to obtain needed credits for their missionary aviation goals.

Tuition Information

SMAT Aviation Flight Training (36 credit hours)
SMAT Aviation Maintenance Technology(36 credit hours)

Grace Adventures

We recognize not every student is ready to start college the moment they graduate from high school. At Grace Christian University, we partner with Grace Adventures to offer Gap Year programs that give students the chance to continue growing as a person while earning credits towards a degree.

There are two programs available: Ascent Gap Year Internship and PACE Ministry Apprenticeship. If both programs are completed successfully, Grace Christian University awards a total of 30 elective credits.

Ascent Gap Year Internship

Provides students with personal and professional goal setting, biblical and leadership training to help students mature. The Ascent program works to provide recent high school graduates a place to develop and grow before entering a university or seeking gainful employment.

Grace awards 18 elective credits for completion of Ascent program.

Learn more at https://graceadventures.org/internships/ascent-gap-year

PACE Ministry Apprenticeship

The Pace program is a 14 month program with Grace Adventures that helps students gain ministry and life skills. Students receive one on one coaching and a housing and living stipend. Students will work full time in an active camp gaining ministry and professional experience with a focus on character development.

Grace awards 24 elective credits for completion of PACE Ministry Apprenticeship.

Learn more at https://graceadventures.org/internships/pace

West Michigan Construction Institute

Grace Christian University partners with the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) to provide students with hands-on training in commercial construction and opportunities to pursue nationally recognized certifications. This partnership allows students to blend WMCI’s practical construction expertise with Grace Christian University’s Bible-centered degree programs.

Degree Pathways

Grace Christian University honors work completed at WMCI, allowing students to apply their certifications toward an Associate or Bachelor degree. Students can combine WMCI’s training and Grace Christian University coursework to align with their academic and career goals.

Program Options:

  1. Dual Enrollment: Students earn prescribed credits at Grace while completing WMCI certifications in carpentry or construction trades.
  2. Transfer Pathway: Students first earn an Associate degree (60 credits) from Grace Christian University, then enroll in WMCI to pursue trade certifications.
  3. Integrated Bachelor’s Program: WMCI certifications transfer as block credits toward Grace Christian University’s On-Campus Bachelor Programs or Online Undergraduate Bachelor Programs.

All degree programs require completion of Grace’s Arts and Sciences and Bible and Theology Core requirements, ensuring students graduate prepared to serve as courageous ambassadors for Christ in their chosen fields.

Certifications at WMCI

WMCI offers training and certifications in trades such as Carpentry and Construction, accredited by the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Each program combines classroom learning with hands-on lab work, equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for success in the construction industry.

Certification Highlights:

  • Carpentry Program: Two years covering general and advanced carpentry, with classes held once a week for eight hours. Students learn framing, insulation, and more.
  • Construction Core: A foundational course that includes safety, construction math, and essential tool usage.

Students receive nationally portable certifications, ensuring flexibility and job readiness in both commercial and residential construction.

What Students Can Expect at WMCI

  • Facilities: WMCI’s state-of-the-art labs and interactive classrooms are located just 2.6 miles from Grace Christian University.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Day and evening classes accommodate diverse student needs, including those balancing work and education.
  • Career Support: WMCI connects students with local employers and offers career services such as resume support, job search strategies, and career assessments.

Tuition

Tuition and billing are handled separately for Grace Christian University and WMCI. Students are encouraged to connect with both institutions to understand costs and available financial aid. Grace’s advisors can help students align their WMCI training with their educational and career goals.

Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA)

The MTA eases the transfer of credits for students who choose to begin their studies at a Michigan community college. Completion of the MTA requirements will satisfy Grace Christian University’s 30-credit Arts and Sciences Core requirements.

In cases where the MTA is earned as part of an A.A. or A.S. degree, a minimum of 60 credits will be accepted in transfer and evaluated for application toward the student’s Grace major program. Grace advisors are available to assist in identifying the community college credits that will apply toward Grace degree requirements.

Contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@gracechristian.edu or  (616) 538-0599 for further information about these requirements.

Grace Student in a classroom
A group of Grace Students studying around a table in the Commons
Testimonials

What Our Students Are Saying

We believe education is more than just academics. Check out firsthand accounts from students like you who have been impacted by our vibrant community, transformative education, and unwavering commitment to faith.

Logan W
Grace Adventures was an impactful season of my life, It gave me a strong community to help me make my faith my own by building on the foundation already laid and growing my relationship with God. It laid steps that helped me as I went on to Grace Christian University shortly after and continued building on my relationship with God. I am grateful for the opportunity and the experiences that have brought me to where I am now.
Logan W
Partnerships
☆☆☆☆☆
Grace Adventures was an impactful season of my life, It gave me a strong community to help me make my faith my own by building on the foundation already laid and growing my relationship with God. It laid steps that helped me as I went on to Grace Christian University shortly after and continued building on my relationship with God. I am grateful for the opportunity and the experiences that have brought me to where I am now.
Logan W
Logan W
Partnerships
Partnerships

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