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 and second semester of transition to the University. Taught in a small group setting, students will interact with a faculty/staff member and a student 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, service-learning 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. 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 taking a career assessment, 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

An undergraduate certificate is awarded for the satisfactory completion of a non-degree undergraduate program designed around a narrow, applied, and coordinated curriculum with a professional focus. Any new course that is developed for an undergraduate certificate program must be approved through the curriculum process. An undergraduate certificate program may be either multidisciplinary or uni-disciplinary in organization and may be taken separately or in conjunction with an undergraduate degree program. The undergraduate certificate is not an award of license, accreditation, or certification to render professional services; rather, it signifies that a student has satisfactorily completed an approved undergraduate certificate program curriculum. Certificates generally focus on necessary professional training requirements in a specific area of study and may serve as enhancements to existing undergraduate degree programs. Certificate programs range from a minimum of 15 hours to a maximum of 24 credits/semester hours.

Delivery Methods

Undergraduate certificates may consist of traditional instruction, hybrid, or fully online instruction. Applicants should check with their academic advisor or program director of the academic unit for specific information regarding delivery methods in their choice of certificate programs.

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 attend 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

The College of Arts and Sciences offers several Pre-Health Professions designations including Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Chiropractic; Pre-Physical Therapy, Pre-Physician Assistant, Pre-Veterinary.  These designations are definitely not majors, per se…rather they are themes to a student’s degree.  They are the ultimate career plan that a student may have.

Most Pre-Health Professions 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-Health Professions student should take the minimal required courses listed below. All science courses require laboratory work. Some health professions schools require one course in psychology and one in sociology or anthropology. Some 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.   There are additional guides being written for the other Pre-Health professions listed above and should be uploaded to that website soon.

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.

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).
7. Critical Thinking skills (PHIL 2200 or PHIL 2250).

Pre-Law

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 Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)), http://www.caepnet.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 and 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; master’s programs in art education, career and technical education, physical education, and science education are also offered through online education;
• 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.

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 aerospace, 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). The program has been placed on Probation as of February 19, 2016 by the CAATE, 6850 Austin Center Blvd, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78731-3101.

The M.S. in Athletic Training 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 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 as an FAA Part 141 Flight School 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 as an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Training School. The B.S. in Aviation Science and Administration is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) under the Aviation Management criteria. The B.S. in Aviation Management and Operations 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, http://www.cea-accredit.org.

The Ph.D. in Psychology (concentration 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 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 master’s 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 Dance.  

The B.S. in Dietetics and the Dietetic Internship–non-degree 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 Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.

The B.S. in Graphics and Printing Science is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications, Inc., http://accgc.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.

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

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

The M.S. in Occupational Therapy, offered in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-2682.

The Master of Science in Medicine (M.S.M.) in Physician Assistant is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. located at 1200 Findley Rd., Suite 150, Johns Creek, GA 30097.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, 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 (B.S.W.) and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

The master’s education program in speech-language pathology and the doctoral education program in audiology at Western Michigan University are accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (CAA) of the American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, 2200 Research Boulevard #310, Rockville, Maryland 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The B.S. in Textile and Apparel Studies (concentrations in fashion design, merchandising, and product development), the B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Design (concentration in merchandising and design and development), and the M.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences (emphasis in Textile and Apparel Studies) are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

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

Graduates of the B.S. 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 education, early childhood education, elementary education, family and consumer sciences teacher education, industrial technology, music education, occupational education studies, physical education, school health education, secondary education, special education, and technology and design, and the M.A. 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, early childhood education, educational leadership, literacy studies, mathematics education, music education, physical education, school counseling, science education, special education, and the Teaching of English;

Educational specialist program in educational leadership; and

Doctoral programs in educational leadership, and science education.

Graduates of the B.B.A. in Accountancy are eligible to 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 M.S. 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 B.S. in 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 B.S. in Aviation Flight Science earn their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Commercial Pilot Certificate with Instrument, and Single- and Multi-Engine Land ratings. Additional optional flight certificates and ratings include the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), CFI-Instrument, CFI-Multi-Engine and Single-Engine Sea rating.

Graduates of the B.S. in Aviation Maintenance and Technology are qualified to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant written and practical examinations required to earn the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic Certificate.

The master’s and doctoral programs in psychology (concentration 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 the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification examination.

The B.S 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 M.A. 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 to NCFR 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 M.A. programs in clinical mental health counseling; college counseling: marriage, couple and family counseling; school counseling; rehabilitation counseling; as well as the Ph.D. in Counselor Education, are eligible to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Michigan after first becoming Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPC). The LPC is granted after 3000 hours of supervised experience (by an LPC) and a passing score on either the National Counselor Examination (NCE) developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination (CRC) developed by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification. The NCE and CRCE are the State of Michigan Counselor License Examinations. Graduates from the clinical mental health counseling; college counseling; marriage, couple, and family counseling; and, school counseling options are eligible to become Nationally Certified Counselors (NCC). Graduates from the rehabilitation counseling option are eligible to become Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRC).

Graduates of the M.A. program in counseling psychology are eligible to become Limited License Psychologists (LLP) in Michigan after first becoming Temporary Limited License Psychologists (TLLP). The master’s level LLP is granted after 2,000 hours of supervised experience (by a doctoral level Licensed Psychologist (LP) and a passing score on the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). In Michigan, master’s level Limited License Psychologists must practice under the supervision of a doctoral level Licensed Psychologist (LP).

The Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program prepares students to become fully-licensed psychologists (LP). Doctoral graduates first apply for a doctoral level Limited License. The LP is granted after 2,000 hours of supervised experience (by a doctoral level Licensed Psychologist (LP) and a passing score on the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

Graduates of the baccalaureate didactic program in dietetics are eligible to sit for the Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) Registration Examination, a national credentialing examination, administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Further, those graduates who successfully complete the post-baccalaureate, non-degree dietetic internship are also eligible to apply and take the Registered Dietitian (RD) Credentialing Examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Graduates of all programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET 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 B.M. 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 nonprofit leadership minor, and completing additional requirements from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, are eligible to earn certification from Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) 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 M.A. in Occupational Therapy are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for occupational therapists administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

The M.A. in Blindness and Low Vision Studies (concentration in Orientation and Mobility and Vision Rehabilitation Therapy), is approved by the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) University Review Program through the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired, 1703 N. Beauregard Street, Suite 440, Alexandria, VA 22311. As such, graduates 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 B.B.A. in Personal Financial Planning who have completed FIN 3600 Risk and Insurance, FIN 4710 Applications in 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 (M.S.M.) in Physician Assistant are eligible to sit for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).

Students who successfully complete EM 6140 – Project Management at Western Michigan University (WMU) are eligible to sit for the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam. WMU is a Registered Education Provider (REP) to PMI.

Graduates of the M.A. 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 (B.S.W.) are eligible to apply for the Michigan Limited License Bachelor’s Social Work.  Graduates of the Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) are eligible to apply for the Michigan Limited License Master’s Social Work.

Graduates of the M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology and the Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) are eligible to take the Praxis specialty exam administered by the Education Testing Service as required for the Certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They are also able to apply for state licensure in the state in which they intend to practice. They should, however, consult the state licensing board for the specific requirements for that state.

Graduates of the M.S. 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).