Admissions

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• Admission Procedure
  • Degree Program Applicant, U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
  • Degree Program Applicant, International Students
  • Graduate Certificate Program Applicant
  • Nondegree Applicant, Guest
• Admission Requirements
  • Master’s Program Applicant
  • Specialist Program Applicant
  • Doctoral Program Applicant
  • Graduate Certificate Program Applicant          
• Admission Types, Degree Status
  • General Admission
  • Provisional Admission
  • Conditional Admission
  • Dual Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment Admission
  • Not Admitted
  • Readmitted with Academic Forgiveness Nondegree Admission Types, Graduate Level
• Nondegree Admission Types, Graduate Level
  • Non-degree Admission
  • Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies (MIGS)
  • Project S.C.O.P.E. (Senior Citizens’ Opportunity Program in Education)
• Accelerated Degree Program
• Accreditation

A person planning to earn a degree or a graduate certificate beyond the baccalaureate needs to be admitted to the University as a degree program student or a graduate certificate program student; a person planning to elect either undergraduate or graduate courses only needs to be admitted to the University as a non-degree student. The admission procedures for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens are different, however, as described immediately below. To avoid delay in the processing of an application, U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as well as those with asylum or refugee status can obtain information and application materials by calling (269) 387-2000, sending e-mail to ask-wmu@wmich.edu, printing the PDF or completing the online degree admission application at www.wmich.edu/apply. Potential applicants on non-immigrant or temporary visas should request information and application materials by mail from the Office of International Services and Student Affairs, A411 Ellsworth Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5246 or by fax (269) 387-5899 or by completing the online admission application available at (www.wmich.edu/oiss).

WMU Faculty Applicant:  All Western Michigan University faculty and staff are eligible to apply for admission to master’s and specialist programs at the University. WMU faculty members holding tenure track appointments and all University staff are eligible to apply for admission to doctoral programs at Western, but only in the academic units where they are not employed. WMU faculty holding explicitly temporary or term appointments may apply for admission to any doctoral program.

Applicants who are U.S. citizens and those who have an I-551 Permanent Resident card or have asylum or refugee status will seek admission to a graduate degree program by following the process described below. Applicants are encouraged to use the University’s online application.

1. Complete the online Application for Graduate Admissions following the instructions found at www.wmich.edu/apply. The $40 application fee must be paid in order to submit the application. If using the printed application, mail the completed application to Western Michigan University, Office of Admissions, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo MI 49008-5211.

   NOTE: Since most graduate programs require materials in addition to the University application, applicants are advised to review additional application requirements which can be found on the appropriate website or by contacting the program department or advisor directly.

2. The following materials are required to complete the University’s admission application file:

• a completed application
• the $40 application fee; and
• one official transcript from every previous undergraduate and graduate institution attended except WMU.
• if also required for admission, have official entrance test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT) sent to the Office of Admission by the testing agency.

3. Submit supplemental admission materials required by the graduate program directly to the appropriate graduate department.
    
4. Application for admissions from U.S. citizens and permanent residents should be submitted no later than July 1 for the Fall semester, November 1 for the Spring semester, March 1 for the Summer I session, and May 1 for the Summer II session. Most programs, however, have earlier deadline dates, and not all programs admit students for all semesters or sessions. Applicants are advised, therefore, to read the program’s admission requirements section in this catalog or consult the relevant program office or advisor to learn the application deadline date and other germane information for a specific program. Individual program application deadlines take precedence over general University deadlines.

It is advisable, moreover, to apply for admission well before the application deadline, because admission to some programs may close early as openings are filled or because a program’s complement of available assistantships and fellowships may be assigned as the earlier application deadlines for these awards pass.  Also, some programs require the results of entrance examinations that are scheduled well in advance of the application deadlines, and some require interviews or other means of correspondence that necessitate more time between the receipt of the application and the admission decision.

The Haenicke Institute’s Office of International Admissions and Services (IAS) handles the special needs of international students by processing applications for admission, conducting orientation programs for new international students, assisting with housing arrangements, coordinating community programs involving international students, providing immigration advice, serving as liaison between students and their financial sponsors, and offering personal and social counseling.

International students interested in seeking admission to Western Michigan University may contact the IAS for application forms and instructions, download forms, or apply on-line at www.wmich.edu/oiss. Since most graduate programs require materials in addition to the International Student Application Form, applicants are advised to contact the relevant department office or program advisor for such materials.

To qualify for admission, international students must show that they are academically, financially, and linguistically capable of succeeding in full-time study. Before an international student can be admitted and the Certificate of Eligibility for a visa issued, the student must:

1. Complete an application form and return it to the Office of International Admissions and Services with a $100.00 application/document fee or begin the international admissions process at www.wmich.edu/apply/ in the international category.
2. Provide complete and official transcripts of secondary and undergraduate studies as well as copies of diplomas, certificates or degrees earned. These must be translated into English and list course titles and grades (marks) received for each.
3. Provide proof of adequate funding per academic year. This funding amount includes tuition, room and board, books, and health insurance ($21,959 for graduate applicants). Personal/family savings must be verified by a bank statement. If sponsored by a government, or other agency, an official letter must be submitted showing that the scholarship is valid for use at WMU, and indicating beginning and ending dates of validity.
4. Complete the Student and Dependent Information form and provide a copy of passport I.D. page.
5. Provide proof of English competency. The following tests and scores are accepted at Western Michigan University as measures of English competency. This requirement is waived for students from certain countries (see http://international.wmich.edu/content/view/960/52/).

   Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) A score of 500 PBT (61 IBT) is required for restricted admission (part-time remedial English and part-time academics during the first semester) or 550 PBT (80 IBT) for unrestricted admission.
   Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) A score of 69 is required for restricted admission or 77 for unrestricted admission.
   General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Pass in English with grade of A, B, or C from one of the five British-based examining boards only. This is equivalent to a 550 TOEFL.
   International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module. A score of 6 is required for restricted admission or 6.5 for unrestricted admission.
   International Baccalaureate (IB) A grade of 5 in English is required at the Higher Level for unrestricted admission.
   Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) or Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) A passing grade is required for unrestricted enrollment.
   CELCIS Successful completion of the advanced level and instructor recommendations from CELCIS. Completion of ELS Language Centers Level 112 will give unrestricted admission.
   Note: some graduate programs have higher score requirements.

Applications for admission from non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents must be submitted no later than April 1 for the Fall Semester, August 1 for the Spring Semester, and January 1 for the Summer I Session. Many programs have earlier deadline dates, and not all programs admit students for all semesters. Applicants are advised to read the program’s admission requirements section or consult the relevant program office or advisor to learn the application deadline date and other information for a specific program.

It is advisable to apply well before the application deadline since some programs have earlier deadline dates for admission consideration and/or departmental assistantship awards. Departmental information and requirements may be found at www.wmich.edu/grad/programs.html. 

An applicant with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to gain admission to a graduate certificate program should request a Graduate Application from the Office of Admissions or use the online application. Follow the instructions for completion of the application.

Send the following directly to the Office of Admissions: 1) a completed application form; 2) the $40 application fee: and 3) one official transcript from every previous undergraduate and graduate institution attended (except WMU). If also required for admission, have official entrance test scores (such as GRE or GMAT) sent to the Office of Admissions by the testing agency.

 Submit supplemental admission materials as required by the program to the appropriate department offices, and any reference forms, if required by the department, before the published admission dates..

When an applicant plans to obtain a graduate certificate in conjunction with a graduate degree program, the applicant must meet admission requirements for both the graduate degree program and the graduate certificate program.    

An applicant with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to enroll in graduate courses, but does not plan to pursue a degree program or graduate certificate program or is not eligible for admission to a degree program or graduate certificate program, may enroll in certain classes with Guest status. This status also is granted to a visiting student from another university. Guest status does not constitute admission to a degree or certificate program, and the courses taken under this status might not apply to a particular degree or certificate program.

To secure admission with this status, applicants should submit a Graduate Non-Degree application to the Office of Admissions, along with a non-refundable application fee of $40. Applicants who did not receive a degree from WMU must send proof of their undergraduate degree when submitting the application. The following credentials (photocopies are permissible) are acceptable as verification of the degree: transcript, diploma, teaching certificate, or letter from the registrar of the undergraduate institution. Applications will not be processed without the accompanying credential.

All applicants are expected to meet the same academic standards required for admission consideration. The minimum academic requirements vary, however, by degree level, by discipline, and by admission type. For more specific information on each program, read the admission requirements section of the relevant program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s graduate advisor or the department office. 

In addition to the minimum requirements for admission to a master’s program listed below, many academic programs ask applicants to submit supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (such as the GRE General Test, GRE Subject Test, GMAT, TWE, or the like), or an essay describing the applicant’s academic interests and professional goals; to schedule a personal interview with departmental faculty; to present evidence of having completed specific courses with specific grades or of having specific kinds of work or life experiences; or to hold certain endorsements or certificates (such as a teaching certificate). For more specific information on each program, read the admission requirements section of the relevant program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s graduate advisor or the department office.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, indicated on an official transcript.
    
2. One official transcripts from each institution attended since high school.
    
3. An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work.
    
4. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual degree program.
    
5. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the master’s program and endorsement of the acceptance by the graduate dean.

Additionally, master’s students will be reviewed annually for eligibility to continue in the program. Upon the student’s initial enrollment, the department shall provide a document to the graduate student outlining the annual review criteria and procedures. The review will assist the student in measuring timely progress toward completion of the program of study and in providing documentation for awards or assistantships or, if deficiencies are apparent, note them and indicate corrections necessary. Uncorrected deficiencies and/or unsatisfactory progress may result in a student’s dismissal from the program.

In addition to the minimum requirements for admission to a specialist program listed below, the University’s single Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) program asks applicants to submit three letters of recommendation and an autobiography; to present evidence of having completed specific courses with specific grades or of having specific kinds of work or life experiences; to hold certain endorsements or certificates (such as a teaching certificate); and may require the applicant to schedule a personal interview with departmental faculty. For more specific information on the specialist program in educational leadership, read the admission requirements section of the educational leadership and research technology program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s graduate advisor or the department office.       

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, indicated on an official transcript.
    
2. One official transcript from each institution attended since high school.
    
3. An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate work, if applying with a bachelor’s degree and no graduate work, and an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 for all graduate work undertaken beyond the bachelor’s degree.
    
4. Scores on the GRE General Test.
    
5. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual specialist degree program.
    
6. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the specialist program and endorsement of the acceptance by the graduate dean.

Additionally, a specialist student’s academic performance, professional development, research progress, and, where applicable, professional/ethical behavior will be reviewed annually to determine the student’s eligibility to continue in the program. Upon the student’s initial enrollment, the department shall provide a document to the graduate student outlining the annual review criteria and procedures. The review will assist the student in measuring timely progress toward completion of the program of study and in providing documentation for awards or assistantships or, if deficiencies are apparent, note them and indicate corrections necessary. Uncorrected deficiencies and/or unsatisfactory progress, performance, or behavior may result in a student’s dismissal from the program.

In addition to the minimum requirements for admission to a doctoral program listed below, many of the University’s doctoral programs will ask applicants to submit supplemental materials such as letters of recommendation or an autobiography or an essay describing the applicant’s academic interests and professional goals; to present scores on a specific GRE Subject Test; to schedule a personal interview with departmental faculty; to present evidence of having completed specific courses with specific grades or of having specific kinds of work or life experiences; or to hold certain degrees or endorsements or certificates (such as a teaching certificate). For more specific information on each program, read the admission requirements section of the relevant program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s graduate advisor or the department office.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, indicated on an official transcript.
    
2. One official transcript from each institution attended since high school.
    
3. For students who have completed any hours of graduate work, an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 for all graduate work undertaken beyond the bachelor’s degree.
    
4. Scores on the GRE General Test.
    
5. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual doctoral degree program.
    
6. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the doctoral program and endorsement of the acceptance by the graduate dean.

Additionally, a doctoral student’s academic performance, professional development, research progress, and, where applicable, professional/ethical behavior will be reviewed annually to determine the student’s eligibility to continue in the program. Upon the student’s initial enrollment, the department shall provide a document to the graduate student outlining the annual review criteria and procedures. The review will assist the student in measuring timely progress toward completion of the program of study and in providing documentation for awards or assistantships or, if deficiencies are apparent, note them and indicate corrections necessary. Uncorrected deficiencies and/or unsatisfactory progress, performance, or behavior may result in a student’s dismissal from the program.

Often an applicant will plan to pursue a graduate certificate program in conjunction with a graduate degree program. In such an instance, the applicant will need to meet the admission requirements for both the graduate degree program and the graduate certificate program. When the graduate certificate program is pursued alone, the applicant will need to meet the following, minimum admission requirements. Some graduate certificate programs may ask applicants to submit supplemental materials or to meet additional requirements. For more specific information on each certificate program, read the admission requirements section of the relevant program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s advisor.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, indicated on an official transcript.
    
2. One official transcript from each institution attended since high school.
    
3. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual graduate certificate program.
    
4. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the graduate certificate program and endorsement of the acceptance by the graduate dean.

General Admission

General Admission is granted to the student who meets the admission requirements of the University. All related materials have been received. Enrollment in courses is expected to lead to a degree or to meet state or federal certification requirements associated with WMU programs. Examples are state certification for teacher education or federal certification for aviation.

Provisional Admission is granted to the student who meets many of the admission requirements to the University and is expected to be formally admissible. Enrollment status is provisional until additional documents or materials for acceptance into the “General Admission” category are provided. Examples of missing documentation could be a final transcript, an undergraduate transcript of work taken at another institution of higher education in the USA or abroad, or a completion record for a specific placement or admission examination. The time period for any “Provisional Admission” may not exceed one year from the time of initial status with ineligibility for further enrollment after that year. 

Conditional Admission is granted to the student who meets some of the admission requirements of the University. Continued enrollment in courses at WMU is conditional upon the applicant completing academic course work at a performance level specified at the time the “Conditional Admission” status is granted. Examples of specific performance could include: a) Completion of the first twelve hours of graduate work with “B” or better grades in all courses; b) completion of required remedial or prerequisite courses with specified (or better) course grades. The time period for any “Conditional Admission” status may not exceed one year from the time of initial status. After that time period, and if the specified conditions have been met, the applicant is admitted in the “General Admission” category.

Dual enrollment admission (that is, admission to a master’s program while yet enrolled in a baccalaureate program) may be granted to any WMU senior who has an acceptable academic record (with a grade point average of 3.0 or better for the two years prior to admission date) and who has no more than 15 credit hours remaining for completion of the bachelor’s degree.

Once granted dual enrollment status, the student may enroll in a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate course work that has been approved by the appropriate departmental advisor in addition to those undergraduate courses required to complete the bachelor’s degree.

Dual enrollment is permitted for the calendar year only, and no graduate credit earned in this way may be used to meet undergraduate requirements. If the bachelor’s degree is not completed in the period of one calendar year, the student may not continue on dual enrollment.

A student must request dual enrollment status on the application for admission to a master’s degree program; however, official entry is not immediate. Graduate credits earned accumulate, but the official entry date must follow the semesters or sessions of dual enrollment status and the completion of the bachelor’s degree.

An applicant “Not Admitted” is not eligible for enrollment in courses or academic programs at WMU. Applicants who receive the “Not Admitted” status may reapply after one full calendar year for reconsideration for admission at the University.

Students who are readmitted into graduate study will not have grades and credit hours count in the computation of their grade point average that were earned more than seven years prior to their new entrance date. In such cases, the transcript will read, “Grades and credit hours earned more than seven years prior to current entrance date were not included in the computation of the grade point average.”

Non-degree Admission

Non-degree Admission is granted to the student with a bachelor’s degree who is eligible for enrollment in graduate courses with the understanding that course work taken with this status is specifically for (a) a graduate certificate program, (b) continuing teacher certification, (c) SCOPE registrations, or (d) enrollment as a guest student (e.g., through the Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies program). Such course work usually will not apply to a WMU graduate degree program. If the non-degree admitted student subsequently decides to apply to a specific WMU graduate degree program after his or her non-degree enrollment, a maximum of nine hours of graduate credit elected under this status may be considered for inclusion in a graduate program (with the consent of a program advisor and the Graduate College) and the applicant will be expected to meet all other University and program-specific admission requirements. Students on graduate non-degree status are not eligible to hold a graduate appointment (e.g., assistantship) except for students in graduate certificate programs, who are eligible for appointment only within their certificate program.

The MIGS admissions category is a guest scholar program that enables graduate students of Michigan institutions offering graduate degree programs to take advantage of unique educational opportunities on the campuses of the other institutions. Any graduate student in good standing in a master’s, specialist, or doctoral program at a participating institution is eligible to participate in the MIGS program. (Western Michigan University participates in this program.) The student’s good standing at the home institution affords the opportunity to study at the host institution, providing the proposed program of study is approved by the departmental officers and the MIGS liaison officers at both the home and host institutions.  The officers of the home institution determine whether the experiences sought are unique or not available at the home institution; the officers of the host institution determine whether space and other necessary resources are available at the host institution. This type of enrollment is limited to one term for master’s or specialist degree students, or two terms for doctoral degree students. For further information, contact a graduate advisor or the MIGS liaison officer in the Graduate College..

All credit earned under a MIGS enrollment will be accepted by the student’s home institution as if offered by that institution; unlike regular transfer credits, grades earned in MIGS courses are applied toward the home institution grade point average. When MIGS credits are transferred into a graduate program, the total number of transferred credits from all sources may not exceed 50% of the credits required in the program.

The following are the key features of the Senior Citizen’s Opportunity in Education Program:

1. Senior citizens (persons 62 years of age or older) may qualify.
    
2. Enrollees may register during the drop/add period in one regularly scheduled class, tuition free, each semester or session on a seat-available basis. The late registration fee is waived. Registration is done by the Registrar’s Office.
    
3. Enrollees may not register for credit.
    
4. Only academic facilities necessary for the performance in class are accessible to SCOPE participants. SCOPE enrollees do not have access to normal services available to regular students such as the Health Center, Student Recreation Center, student discounts, etc. Special identification cards are issued to SCOPE participants.
    
5. Regular, degree-seeking admission is not extended to enrollees so the admission application fee is waived.
    
6. Special course fees, if applicable, for materials, trips, etc. are assessed.
    
7. Specific courses may not be available to SCOPE students due to space availability.

The Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) allows students to bring accumulating credits towards completion of a master’s degree while still enrolled as undergraduates. Undergraduate students admitted to an ADP, with senior standing, could take 5000- and 6000-level courses for graduate credit. Up to 12 hours of designated 5000- and/or 6000-level courses could be used in both the Bachelor’s degree and the Master’s degree. All departmental programs must be approved in advance through the regular curricular process, i.e. departmental curriculum committee, college curriculum committee, dean, Undergraduate Studies Council and Graduate Studies Council.

Admission Procedure

Participation in the ADP by any department is optional. Each department will develop admission criteria based on the following guidelines:

1. Minimal criteria for admission will include: an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 based on at least 30 hours at Western Michigan University, and additional criteria as determined by the department.
    
2. The student must apply through the Office of Admissions/Graduate Admissions and must also apply for admission to the graduate degree granting department. After admission into the ADP, the student’s record will indicate the ADP status.
    
3. International students must clarify their visa status with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services before submitting an application for ADP.

Academic Advising, Records and Program Requirements

Departments that want to participate in the ADP will develop a clear admissions and advising process for the ADP. The department will send the student and the Registrar a letter stating which graduate courses may be counted in both degrees. A copy of this letter will be placed with the student’s undergraduate records, and the change will be incorporated into the student’s undergraduate and master’s program as outlined below. Graduate courses substituting for required courses within the undergraduate degree must be designated by the program as equivalent in content but delivered with graduate level rigor. Current 5000 level courses (required or elective) in the bachelor’s degree must be taken at the graduate level to be double counted. The courses for the ADP may be used to complete the undergraduate degree credit hour requirements.

1. Students with senior standing who have been accepted into an ADP could take 6000-level courses for graduate credit while undergraduates. This registration will be done by the Registrar’s Office, with permission of the department and the student. This will occur in the same way that dually enroll students such as undergraduates and graduates under current policy are handled.
    
2. Students will pay undergraduate tuition for these 6000-level courses as long as they are undergraduates. The 6000-level courses will be included in the flat rate for tuition purposes.
    
3. Students will be considered undergraduates for financial aid purposes until they receive the baccalaureate degree.
    
4. The 6000-level courses, taken while the student is still an undergraduate, will appear on the student’s graduate transcript. The grades earned in these courses will be reflected in the graduate GPA.
    
5. At the time when a student completes their bachelor’s degree, the Registrar’s Office will manually add the hours earned in the 6000-level courses to the student’s undergraduate transcript. The undergraduate GPA will also be adjusted to include the grades earned in these courses.
    
6. The department will clearly identify for the Registrar’s Office which 5000- and 6000-level courses are available to be double counted. Individual students will have specific courses identified to be double counted when they are admitted into the ADP using the Accelerated Degree Program Planning form.
    
7. The 5000- and 6000-level courses which are double counted will be identified as such on the graduate transcript.
    
8. The transcript key, which is on the back of the transcript paper, will explain the double counting.
    
9. Both the undergraduate and graduate transcript will show that the student completed an accelerated degree program.
    
10. If a student completes their bachelor’s degree and then stops attending the ADP, the graduate transcript will show the graduate courses completed.
     
11. It is expected that the baccalaureate degree will be awarded within one calendar year after initial enrollment in the ADP or as determined by the department.
     
12. In order to progress automatically into the graduate program, a student must achieve a grade of “B” or better in each of the graduate courses being counted for the undergraduate degree. Students who do not meet this criterion will have the earned grade applied to their undergraduate program only, and must apply for readmission into the graduate program. Students who complete the undergraduate degree including a “B” or better in the specified graduate courses will be admitted as graduate students (with the relevant graduate credit) in the next semester or session after receiving the bachelor’s degree.

University Accreditation

Disclosure of Academic Program Accreditation and Certification Status

The Professional Education Unit at Western Michigan University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org. This accreditation covers:

• baccalaureate programs for preparation in art education; early childhood education; elementary education; family/consumer sciences teacher education; industrial technology; music education; occupational education studies; physical education; school health; secondary education; special education; and technology and design at the Kalamazoo and Southwest locations;
• master’s programs in art education, career/technical education; educational leadership; literacy studies; mathematics education; music education; physical education; school counseling; science education; socio-cultural studies of education; special education; the practice of teaching; and the teaching of English at the Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Southwest, and Traverse City locations;
• educational specialist program in educational leadership at the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids locations; and
• doctoral programs in educational leadership, mathematics education, science education, and special education at the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids locations.  Additionally, the doctoral program in educational leadership is offered at Ferris State University, Northern Michigan University, and Saginaw Public School District locations.

However, the accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, relicensure, or other purposes.

The B.S.E. programs in aeronautical, chemical, civil, computer, construction, electrical, industrial and entrepreneurial, mechanical, and paper engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

All baccalaureate programs in art, art education, art history, and graphic design and all master’s programs in art and art education are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The B.S. in Athletic Training (professional program) is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2201 Double Creek Drive, Suite 5006, Round Rock, TX 78664 (512) 733-9700.  (The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

The M.S. in Exercise and Sports Medicine with an emphasis in Athletic Training is accredited by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.  (The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

The B.S. in Aviation Flight Science (option A) is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Flight Education criteria, as well as certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Transportation. The B.S. in Aviation Maintenance Technology is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Aviation Maintenance criteria, as well as certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The B.S. in Aviation Science and Administration is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Aviation Management criteria.

The M.S. in Psychology (concentration in Behavior Analysis) and the Ph.D. in Psychology (concentration in Behavior Analysis) are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. (The Association for Behavior Analysis International is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

All B.B.A. and M.B.A. programs in the Haworth College of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. The B.B.A. in Accountancy and the M.S. in Accountancy are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International – Accounting Accreditation.

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) at Western Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period 2006 through 2015 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accrediting agency. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 801 N. Fairfax St., Suite 402A, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 519-2070, www.cea-accredit.org.

The Ph.D. in Psychology (concentration in Clinical Psychology) and its pre-doctoral internship training program are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

The M.A. in Coaching Sport Performance is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Coaching Education.  (The National Council on Accreditation of Coaching Education is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

The M.A. programs in clinical mental health counseling, college counseling, and school counseling, as well as the Ph.D. in Counselor Education, are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The B.S. in Computer Science - Theory and Analysis is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

The B.A. and B.F.A. programs in Dance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of in Dance.  

The B.S. in Dietetics and the Dietetic Internship–non-degree DI programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (The Accreditation Council for Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, formerly the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association, withdrew its recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation effective April 1, 2011.)

The B.S. programs in Engineering Design Technology, Engineering Management Technology, and Manufacturing Engineering Technology are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The B.S. Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-4014, and by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The baccalaureate programs in composition, music, music education, music therapy, and performance, and the M.M. programs in composition, conducting, music, music education, music therapy, and performance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.

The B.S. in Interdisciplinary Health Services: Occupational Therapy and the M.S. in Occupational Therapy, offered in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA.

The M.S.M. in Physician Assistant is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.

The Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

The M.A. in Counselor Education: Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education, Inc.

The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The M.A. in Speech Pathology and Audiology and the Au.D. in Audiology are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The B.A. in Theatre Studies and the B.F.A. programs in Music Theatre Performance and Theatre (concentrations in Stage Management, Theatre Design and Technical Production, and Theatre Performance) are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Recreation must demonstrate one year of full-time experience in the field to be eligible to apply for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam.  The program is not accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.

Copies of accreditation and certification documents are available for review upon request in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

However, the accreditation does not include individual education courses that the institution offers to P-12 educators for professional development, relicensure, or other purposes.

The programs in aeronautical, chemical, civil, computer, construction, electrical, industrial and entrepreneurial, mechanical, and paper engineering are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

All baccalaureate programs in art, art education, art history, and graphic design and all master’s programs in art, art education, and graphic design are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The baccalaureate athletic training professional program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), 2201 Double Creek Drive, Suite 5006, Round Rock, TX 78664 (512) 733-9700.  (The Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

The Master of Science in Exercise and Sports Medicine with an emphasis in Athletic Training is accredited by the National Athletic Trainers’ Association.  (The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

The baccalaureate program in aviation flight science is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Flight Education criteria, as well as certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Transportation. The baccalaureate program in aviation maintenance technology is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Aviation Maintenance criteria, as well as certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. The baccalaureate program in aviation science and administration is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Aviation Management criteria.

The master’s and doctoral programs in behavior analysis are accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International. (The Association for Behavior Analysis International is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

All undergraduate programs, as well as the master of business administration program, in the Haworth College of Business are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. The undergraduate accountancy program and the Master of Science in Accountancy are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International – Accounting Accreditation.

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) at Western Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for 2006 through 2015 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accrediting agency. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 801 N. Fairfax St., Suite 402A, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 519-2070, www.cea.accredit.org.

The doctoral program in clinical psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

The Master of Arts in Coaching Sport Performance is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Coaching Education.  (The National Council on Accreditation of Coaching Education is not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.)

The master’s programs in college counseling, clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling, as well as the doctoral program in counselor education, are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - Theory and Analysis is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

The doctoral program in counseling psychology is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

The baccalaureate programs dance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of in Dance.  

The baccalaureate dietetics program and the graduate non-degree dietetics internship are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association. (The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education of the American Dietetic Association withdrew its recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation effective April 1, 2011.)

The programs in engineering design technology, engineering management technology, and manufacturing engineering technology are accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org.

The baccalaureate program in interior design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-4014, and by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The baccalaureate programs in composition, music, music education, music therapy, and performance, and the master’s programs in composition, conducting, music, music education, music therapy, and performance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the Master of Science in Nursing program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 887-6791.

The Kalamazoo and the Grand Rapids entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA.

The Master of Science in Medicine in Physician Assistant is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc.

The pre-doctoral psychology internship training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association, c/o Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.

The Master of Public Administration program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.

The Master of Arts in Counselor Education: Rehabilitation Counseling is accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Education, Inc.

The Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work programs are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The Master of Arts (emphasis in speech-language pathology) and the Doctor of Audiology are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The baccalaureate programs in theatre and music theatre performance are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Recreation must demonstrate one year of full-time experience in the field to be eligible to apply for the Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) exam.  The program is not accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions.

Copies of accreditation and certification documents are available for review upon request in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

Graduates of the following programs are eligible for initial teacher certification through the State of Michigan Department of Education:

Baccalaureate programs for preparation in art; early childhood; elementary; family/consumer sciences teacher; industrial technology; music; occupational education studies; physical; school health; secondary; special education; and technology and design; and the Master of Arts in Career and Technical Education.

Graduates of the following programs are eligible for advanced teacher certification or an endorsement through the State of Michigan Department of Education:

Master’s programs in art education, educational leadership; literacy studies; mathematics education; music education; physical education; school counseling; science education; socio-cultural studies of education; special education; the practice of teaching; and the teaching of English;

Educational specialist program in educational leadership; and

Doctoral programs in educational leadership.

Graduates of the baccalaureate program in accountancy can take the following exams, among others: Certified Public Accountant (CPA); Certified Management Accountant (CMA); Certified Internal Auditor (CIA).  The requirements to sit for the various professional exams differ by exam and state. It is each student’s responsibility to determine the requirements for a particular exam. The student should be aware that the exam requirements may change over time.

The Master of Science in Accountancy program enables graduates interested in public accounting careers to meet the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) educational requirements required to obtain a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. In addition, the AICPA and the State of Michigan require a total of 150 hours of college credit to obtain a CPA license.

Graduates of the baccalaureate athletic training professional program are eligible to sit for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) certification exam. In order to qualify as a candidate for the BOC certification exam, an individual must be endorsed by the recognized program director.

Graduates of the Master of Arts (emphasis in speech-language pathology) and the Doctor of Audiology programs are eligible to take the Praxis specialty exam administered by the Educational Testing Service as required for the Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Graduates of the baccalaureate program in aviation flight science earn their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument, and Single- and Multi-engine Land ratings.

The baccalaureate program in aviation maintenance technology prepares graduates to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant written and practical examinations.

The master’s and doctoral programs in behavior analysis are pre-approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board as meeting coursework and experience eligibility requirements. Graduates of these programs are eligible to sit for Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification examination.

The baccalaureate program in behavioral science is pre-approved by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board as meeting coursework and experience eligibility requirements. Graduates are eligible to sit for Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst™ (BCaBA®) certification examination.

The baccalaureate programs in child and family development and in family studies and the Master of Arts in Family Studies – Family Life Education option are approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).  Graduates of NCFR-Approved academic programs who have completed all courses with a grade of C- or better can apply for Provisional or Full Certification through the Abbreviated Application Process. Applicants applying through the Abbreviated Application Process do not need to take the Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) Exam.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Industrial and Entrepreneurial) program are eligible to sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying® (NCEES).  This is the second of four steps to earning a professional license in engineering.

Graduates of the Interdisciplinary Teacher Education Program for Health Professionals (ITEP) receive a Certificate in Teaching from the Bronson School of Nursing at Western Michigan University.  This certificate can be used to enhance one’s employment opportunities in teaching other health professionals in a university setting or health institution. In addition, graduates who are registered nurses are eligible to sit for the Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) examination administered by the National League for Nursing (NLN).

The baccalaureate program in music therapy is approved by the American Music Therapy Association (AMTA) as meeting AMTA’s standards of clinical practice. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national board certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT), to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music Therapist - Board Certified).

Students completing the non-profit leadership minor earn certification from Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®) administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN®).  The program has also received endorsement from the American Holistic Nursing Certification Corporation, the credentialing body for holistic nursing.  This endorsement enables graduates of the program to be exempt from prerequisites should they choose to sit for the National Certification Examination in Holistic Nursing.

Graduates of the entry-level occupational therapy master’s degree program will be eligible to sit for the national Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

Graduates of the master’s programs in the orientation/mobility and in orientation/mobility with children are eligible to sit for the Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) exam administered by the Academic for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

Graduates of the baccalaureate program in personal financial planning who have completed FIN 3600 Risk and Insurance, FIN 3710 Personal Financial Planning, FIN 3720 Estate Planning, FIN 3730 Retirement Planning and Employee Benefits, and ACTY 3240 Introductory Tax Accounting are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Medicine in Physician Assistant program are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Graduates of the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) exam administered by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work program are eligible to apply for the Michigan Limited License Bachelor’s Social Work.  Graduates of the Master of Social Work program are eligible to apply for the Michigan Limited License Master’s Social Work.

Graduates of the Master of Science in Vision Rehabilitation Teaching are eligible to sit for the Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) exam administered by the Academic for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals (ACVREP).

Additional Disclosure

Western Michigan University is certified for metalcasting by the Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF).