Degrees

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The Board of Trustees, on recommendation of the Faculty and President of Western Michigan University, confers the following degrees:

Baccalaureate Degrees

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor of Social Work

Graduate Degrees

Master of Arts
Master of Business Administration
Master of International Development Administration
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Music
Master of Public Administration
Master of Science
Master of Science in Accountancy
Master of Science in Engineering
Master of Science in Medicine
Master of Science in Nursing
Master of Social Work
Specialist in Education
Doctor of Audiology
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Philosophy

Majors by College

College of Arts and Sciences:

Students selecting a communication or psychology program will be placed in the “Pre-Communication” (CMUP) or “Pre-Psychology” (PRPP) program respectively until requirements have been met. See the Department of Communication or Department of Psychology section for complete information on admission requirements.

College of Aviation:

Students selecting the Flight Science major in the College of Aviation will be placed in the “Pre-Flight Science program (PRFL)” until requirements have been met. See the College of Aviation section for complete information on admission requirements.

Students selecting the Business Administration program will be placed in the “Pre-Business Administration” (PRBA) program until requirements have been met. See the Haworth College of Business section for complete information on admission requirements.

College of Education and Human Development:

Students selecting teacher certification programs/majors will be placed in one of the “Pre-Education” programs until requirements have been met. See the College of Education and Human Development section for complete information on admission and program requirements.

Students selecting Occupational Educational Studies will be placed in the “Pre-Occupational Studies” (PROE) major until requirements have been met.

Students selecting engineering programs will be placed in a “Pre-Engineering” (PREG) program until requirements have been met. See the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences section for complete information on admission and program requirements.

College of Fine Arts :

Students selecting Graphic Design will be placed in the Art major until requirements have been met. See the Art section for complete information on admission requirements. Students selecting any other Fine Arts major will be placed in a pre-program until requirements have been met. See the departmental section for complete information on admission requirements.

College of Health and Human Services:

Students selecting any Health and Human Services program will be placed in a “Pre-Program” until all requirements have been met [i.e., Pre-Interdisciplinary Health Services (PRIH), Pre-Nursing (PRNG or PRPR), Pre-Occupational Therapy (PROT), Pre-Social Work (PRSW), and Pre-Speech Pathology and Audiology (PRSA)]. See the College of Health and Human Services sections for complete information on admission requirements.

Extended University Programs:

Specific information about the programs listed below may be found in the Extended University Programs section of this catalog.

Other Curricula:

Students not selecting a curriculum will be placed in the Undecided, University Curriculum (UNV) program until a selection can be made. Students are encouraged whenever possible to select a specific curriculum.

Dr. Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Director
Seibert Administration Building
(269) 387-8370

The First-Year Experience (FYE) programs are learner-centered programs designed to reinforce and foster a learning environment that fully engages students academically and socially in ways that encourage student persistence and retention through graduation from Western Michigan University. The FYE Seminar, described below, is the credit portion of the FYE program for new, first-time, first-year and transfer students.

The purpose of the FYE Seminar is to develop an intellectually engaged and socially integrated first-year student. This will greatly enrich academic and campus life and help to positively impact university retention. The FYE Seminar is restricted to first-year, first-time students only, and has no prerequisites. The FYE Seminar will be offered fall and spring semesters of the academic year.

First-Year Experience Course (FYE) 

FYE 2100 First-Year Seminar
2 hours
The First-Year Experience Seminar is designed to help students develop a sense of responsibility for their own education and learning. This seminar will introduce students to University resources and will provide support during the first or second semester of transition to the University. Taught in a small group setting, students will interact with a faculty/staff member and a peer leader either once or twice a week. The FYE 2100 Seminar will include weekly class meetings, sharing a common reading and research experience, project-based assignments, written assignments, and attendance at selected University events. The importance of writing skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and study skills will be emphasized, as well as exploration of major and career opportunities. FYE 2100 will be offered during fall and spring semesters and is restricted to freshmen and transfer students. The course may not be repeated and students will earn a letter grade for this course.

Randy Ott, Director
1260 Ellsworth Hall
(269) 387-4410

University Curriculum/Exploratory Advising provides first-year students who wish to explore academic and career options with advising, assessment, and referral services designed to help them select a curriculum. The program is designed with sensitivity to students’ developmental as well as academic needs.

Students in the University Curriculum/Exploratory Advising are assigned advisors who are specialists in academic planning, human development, and career planning. Help is provided for course selection, academic program planning, interpreting skills and interest assessments, exploring academic and career alternatives, and establishing goals.

In addition to academic advising and career counseling, opportunities available for students include:

• Career Exploration and Career Resource Center
• Skills and Interest Assessments
• Specially-designed freshman curriculum options suited to skills and interests.

University Courses (UNIV)

UNIV 1010     Freshman Seminar
This course is designed to assist students to encounter experientially, intellectually, and emotionally the various avenues of learning, and to foster the academic, personal, social, and career development of each student. The activities and assignments of the course aid students in the development of an intellectual awareness and provide the skills and self-management required for a successful transition from high school to the University. The course is intended to excite students about learning and living in the new and challenging world of Western Michigan University. For freshmen only.    1 to 3 hours

UNIV 1020     Career Exploration and Development
This course is designed to help students through the career development process by assessing and developing skills in self-awareness, career awareness, decision-making, and planning. It will include activities to identify and explore the following areas: values, interests, career information, decision-making, and University resources. Assignments will involve written exercises, networking, resume development and career research.                    1 hour

UNIV 1030    Special Topics within Academic Success
UNIV 1030 is open only through instructor or department approval. The department overseeing UNIV 1030 will be the Center for Academic Success Programs. Courses will vary by topic and be chosen based on student need. The goals of the course will range from academic preparation for special populations, academic improvement, career exploration and skill building.                                             1 to 3 hours
 

Every professional school has prescribed the nature and amount of academic work to be completed as a prerequisite to the professional training for a particular vocation. Four years of higher education are generally required by most professional schools for entrance. Western Michigan University is able to offer its students courses of study that meet the requirements for this pre-professional training. It should be noted, however, that the courses outlined are only suggested plans to illustrate in general the kinds of programs that pre-professional students should follow.

In every case, students should plan their course of study according to the requirements of the school to which they plan to transfer for professional training.

It cannot be emphasized too strongly that the student should exercise care to make certain that the specific requirements of a particular school will have been met.

Pre-Health

Pre-Health Advisors
Tammi Smith, Coordinator
Jacquelyn Bizzell
Kerrie Jo Harvey
College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Office
2318 Friedmann Hall
(269) 387-4366
www.wmich.edu/arts-sciences/advising/pre-health

Pre-dentistry and Pre-medicine

Most Pre-medical and Pre-dental students at Western Michigan University major in biomedical sciences or biochemistry, but any major may be pursued, provided that the basic science and other admission requirements are met. Regardless of the major chosen, the Pre-medical or Pre-dental student should take the minimal required courses listed below. All science courses require laboratory work. Some medical and dental schools require one course in psychology and one in sociology or anthropology. Some medical schools also require course(s) in calculus and biochemistry.

Detailed guides for Pre-medicine and Pre-dentistry are available at the College of Arts and Sciences website: www.wmich.edu/arts-sciences/advising/pre-health.

Students should meet with a Pre-Health advisor on a regular basis for guidance on making a plan to complete admission requirements, be ready to take required admission tests, and apply for admission by the end of their junior year. They also must follow the official manuals listed below, available at Waldo Library’s Science Reference Desk, with special attention to official information on admission requirements, selection factors, and deadlines:

ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools, published by the American Dental Education Association. Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR), published by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Required Core

1. General Chemistry (CHEM 1100/1110 and 1120/1130).
2. Organic Chemistry (CHEM 3750/3760 and 3770/3780).
3. General Biology (BIOS 1600, BIOS 1610, BIOS 1620).
4. Two advanced Biology courses (BIOS 2500 and 3500 are recommended).
5. General Physics (PHYS 1130/1140 and 1150/1160 or 2050/2060 and 2070/2080).
6. Two semesters of English (ENGL 1050 and 1100 or 3050 or 3060).

Other Health Professions (Optometry, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Veterinary, Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, and Physician Assistant)

The requirements for admission to other doctoral level health profession schools and many master’s degree programs are similar to those of medical and dental schools. However, unlike medical and dental schools, these programs can be quite varied in their requirements. The student should work with his/her Pre-Health advisor in tailoring as many required courses as possible to fit their curriculum or degree requirements.

Pre-Law

Pre-Law Advisor
Nicholas Gauthier, Coordinator
Emily Beard
College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Office
2318 Friedmann Hall
(269) 387-4366
www.wmich.edu/arts-sciences/advising/pre-law

Though law schools do not require a specific major or degree program, they do recommend completion of an academically rigorous four-year bachelor’s degree program. Courses in critical analysis, logical reasoning, and written and oral communications can be found in a number of majors. Some typical majors are English, business, political science, and history, but other disciplines can also be suitable majors. Pre-law students should discuss possible majors and major/minor combinations with their advisor to determine which one best suits them. It is very important that Pre-law students see their advisor on a regular basis for curriculum guidance.

Courses with a strong writing or oral communication component are ideal preparation, as are courses that require legal reasoning, like business law and constitutional law. Courses that allow the student a broader understanding of the structure and processes of government (such as national government, the legal environment, and judicial processes) are also valuable, as are those that focus on the American historical experience.

Students interested in pursuing the further study of law should see a Pre-law advisor as early as possible to select a curriculum.

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.ncahlc.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) and the M.S. in Athletic Training are 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 B.S. 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 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 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 baccalaureate 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 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. 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 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 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 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 baccalaureate programs in theatre 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).