--- title: "Graduate School Experience & Student Life" date: 2024-11-21T10:23:00-06:00 author: Jordan Eshelman canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-school-experience-student-life" section: Landing Pages --- ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/May8-2026_000482-1.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=20&f=webp&c=4416c63b&v=b917205c9e023a135d34385f111c8db316ae35dc1aaa51de4d31cee2917843a3) # Graduate School Experience & Student Life ![]() ![]()## On This Page - [Building Connections](#toc1303816) - [Support Resources](#toc1262357) - [Explore Campus](#toc1263963) - [Request More Information](#toc1280523) - [Hear from Graduate Students](#toc1289539) ## Student Experience Graduate student life at Dordt University is built on meaningful connections and a strong sense of community. Even in an online setting, students form close relationships with classmates and faculty through collaborative projects, discussions, and mentorship. Professors are not just instructors but also encouragers, invested in both academic success and personal growth. Many students find lasting friendships and a supportive network that extends beyond graduation. Whether engaging in virtual study groups, participating in course discussions or Zoom sessions, or sharing experiences in their fields, Dordt graduate students thrive in a community that values faith, learning, and professional development. ## Building Connections Graduate students at Dordt University become part of a supportive, Christ-centered community where connections extend beyond the classroom. Through group discussions, collaborative projects, and faculty mentorship, students build meaningful relationships with peers and other professionals in their field. From engaging in virtual study groups to networking with faculty, Dordt graduate students find a strong support network for their academic, professional, and personal growth. [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a81589679637309b4.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=51bfc0c1&v=f8b83f65b67c2d2b6745dae3d16e6b70fc9b3933841a126abc574c2fd1545451) ### Matthew Beimers Associate Professor of Education & Director of Master of Education ProgramsMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/matthew-beimers) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/6971d9fadf271395ea2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=7763f7b9&v=b8cfd43ec3fe27dcc9fba9301b04634ee1e3a4248db1339fe8f849ee0e722030) ### Erin Olson Professor of Social Work & Master of Social Work Program DirectorMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/erin-olson) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a81598584fbc5b4ea.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=9cd7b46b&v=76040ebc5758796d9318332c1b933e7ff5199ff56b6999c09e830d0f798a8c8e) ### Abby Foreman Professor of Social Work and Dean for Social SciencesMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/abby-foreman) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815c48a3a216f8aa.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=6331921f&v=47253f40bd66fcfa24c18be6bb7b390971f9d7a3031961a59b3de3a6966e4b30) ### Kathleen VanTol Professor of Education & Director of Master of Special EducationMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/kathleen-vantol) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/68a815a34ec3d35e4be.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=9fbb12c0&v=ad2f4a28c62878f0a323d348a94a8dabacd2acb5a0bfbabadc280a5ef1f3455d) ### Tim Klein Professor of Business Administration & MBA Program DirectorMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/tim-klein) [ ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/people/6a743119c00af688a36.jpg?mode=crop&pos=top-center&w=30&h=30&f=webp&c=343a1760&v=69fc6ec8c7cc731f2ecbf91dcc9ca01e0d22a3cdf1763190a25264802a4daf26) ### Kate Vander Veen Professor of NursingMore ](https://www.dordt.edu/people/kate-vander-veen) ![]() ### Become a Defender Today [Apply Now](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/apply-now) ## Support Resources At Dordt University, graduate students benefit from a supportive learning environment where faculty mentorship is central to the educational experience. Professors and advisors help students build important personal relationships and deepen their understanding of their field of interest. This mentorship fosters both academic and personal growth, equipping students to serve effectively in their professions and communities. [Learn More](https://www.dordt.edu/supportive-learning-environment-faculty-mentorship) ## Explore Campus Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt University is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review. ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/thumbnail.webp?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&f=webp&c=10d0aa51&v=26b2f2739d2b099751515cf2fb4fb28ee4947a64c3c0346ec8a13b5c3425ee9b) ![]() ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ## Explore Program Options Whether you’re looking to deepen your expertise, expand your career opportunities, or make a greater impact in your field, our programs are designed with your goals in mind. Explore our flexible, high-quality offerings and find the program that’s right for you.[ ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-arts-in-teaching) [### Master of Arts in Teaching Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-arts-in-teaching) [### Master of Business Administration Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-business-administration) [### Master of Education Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-education) [### Master of Public Administration Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-public-administration) [### Master of Social Work Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-social-work) [### Master of Special Education Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-degree-master-of-special-education) [### Master of Science in Nursing Dordt's 100% online MSN-FNP program prepares registered nurses for advanced family practice — rooted in a Christ-centered vision of whole-person care. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/academics/programs/master-of-science-in-nursing) ## Request More Information Loading... ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/graduate-studies.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=40&h=25&c=226fecfb&v=735a81bf0751a030951731709c8ebed4147baf4305052d2f67047280996d7d64) ## More About Graduate Programs at Dordt [### Graduate Programs at Dordt University Meet the increasing needs of your community and advance your career with a graduate degree from Dordt University, the Christian university known for student engagement. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-programs-at-dordt-university) [### Graduate Admissions Requirements & Application Tips Explore tips and admissions requirements so you can confidently take the next step in your educational journey. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-admissions-requirements-application-tips) [### Supportive Learning Environment & Faculty Mentorship Your education is about more than gaining knowledge—it's about being part of a Christ-centered community where you are supported every step of the way. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/supportive-learning-environment-faculty-mentorship) [### Program Flexibility & Delivery Options You're balancing work, family, and personal commitments with the pursuit of graduate education. That’s why our graduate programs are flexible, accessible, and tailored to fit your lifestyle. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/program-flexibility-delivery-options) [### Career Advancement & Return on Investment Dordt’s high-quality education and affordable tuition ensure that students see real value in their degrees, with increased job prospects and earning potential. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/career-advancement-return-on-investment) [### Graduate Career Support & Alumni Network Dordt University offers comprehensive career support for graduate students, including personalized advising, job search resources, and networking opportunities. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-career-support-alumni-network) [### Graduate Program Specializations Dordt graduate programs offer flexible tracks that allow you to focus on the areas that matter most to your future. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-programs-specializations) [### Graduate Tuition & Financial Aid Pursuing a graduate degree is a valuable investment in your future, and at Dordt University, we’re committed to making that investment as accessible as possible. Learn More ](https://www.dordt.edu/graduate-tuition-financial-aid-funding-options) *No events are currently scheduled* ![](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/2022-23/News/campusdroneshots5.22.23-0143.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=1e06cc19&v=d829198b0b6f2412cf5a467a3363ec6449da00d1fad3b3576f7148c8a93ce184) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>