Admissions

• Admission Procedures
  • Degree Program Applicant, U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident
  • Degree Program Applicant, International Students
  • Graduate Certificate Program Applicant
  • Non-degree Applicant
• Admission Requirements
  • Master’s Program Applicant
  • Specialist Program Applicant
  • Doctoral Program Applicant
  • Graduate Certificate Program Applicant
  • Accelerated Graduate Degree Program Applicant
  • Non-degree Applicant for Professional Certification
• Admission Types, Degree Status
  • General Admission
  • Provisional Admission
  • Conditional Admission
  • Dual Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment Admission
  • Not Admitted
  • Readmitted with Academic Forgiveness
  • Admission Status, Active and Inactive
• Admission Types, Non-degree status, Graduate Level
  • Non-degree Admission
  • Graduate Certificate Program Admission
  • Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies (MIGS)
  • Project S.C.O.P.E. (Senior Citizens’ Opportunity Program in Education)
• Accelerated Graduate Degree Program
• Accreditation
  • University Accreditation
  • Disclosure of Academic Program Accreditation and Certification Status
  • Additional Specialized Program Recognition Leading to Post-Graduation Certification or Licensure of Students

Admission Procedures

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 graduate 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 by calling (269) 387-8212, sending an email to admissions-graduate@wmich.edu, or completing the online degree admission application or graduate non-degree application at wmich.edu/grad/apply. Potential applicants on non-immigrant or temporary visas should request information and application materials by mail from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (I3S), 3110 Faunce Student Services, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5246 U.S.A., by fax (269) 387-5899, or by completing the online admission application available at wmich.edu/international/apply.

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 WMU, 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.

Degree Program Applicant, U.S. Citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident

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 wmich.edu/grad/apply. The $50 application fee must be paid in order to submit the application.

   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 department website, wmich.edu/grad/apply 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 $50 application fee

• An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU. Departments may request additional course information/transcripts as necessary. Please check the requirements listed for your chosen program at wmich.edu/grad/apply.

• If also required for admission, request official entrance test scores (e.g., GRE using WMU school code 1902 or GMAT) be sent directly to the Office of Admission from the testing agency.

3. Submit supplemental admission materials required by the graduate program through the online application.
    
4. Application for admissions from U.S. citizens and permanent residents should be submitted by the applicable deadline. Deadlines vary by program. 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 may vary from those stated above and changes can be made by the department as deemed necessary.

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.

Degree Program Applicant, International Students

Degree Program Applicant, International Students

The International Student and Scholar Services (I3S) at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education handles the full-time ESL programs through CELCIS Pathway, undergraduate and graduate applications for admission. In addition, the I3S conducts international student orientation programs for new students, coordinates international student activities, issues immigration documents, provides immigration advice, enforces immigration compliance of students and scholars, authorizes international travels of students, and serves as a liaison between students and their financial sponsors and between students and their academic program offices.

International students interested in seeking admission to Western Michigan University should apply at wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/apply/graduate

(Please note that graduate programs may have program-specific requirements in addition to the graduate international application. Visit the departmental web site for more details. Not completing these requirements will delay admission decision-making.)

To qualify for admission, international students must show evidence of their English language proficiency, and that they are academically and financially capable of successfully completing their studies on a full-time basis. Before an international student can be fully admitted and a Certificate of Eligibility for a visa is issued, the student must:

1. Complete an online application at wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/apply/graduate.
    
2. Provide complete and official transcripts of undergraduate and post-graduate studies (if completed) as well as copies of diplomas, certificates or degrees earned. If official academic documents are issued in a language other than English, they must be translated into English and list course titles and grades (marks) received for each. Upload scanned copies for admission purposes and follow up with official documents sent directly from all their previous school(s) to International Student and Scholar Services, Western Michigan University, 1903 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5246 U.S.A. Electronic submission of official transcripts are accepted at oiss-info@wmich.edu directly by the students’ previous colleges/universities. 
    
3. Pay $100 Application Fee applicable to international students.
    
4. Provide proof of adequate funding per academic year. This funding amount includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, and health insurance. 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. Complete costs may be viewed at wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/apply/graduate#costs.
    
5. Provide a copy of passport I.D. page.
    
6. Provide proof of English proficiency. Students who have completed their studies in a native English-speaking country are exempt from taking the test. Please see the list of countries that WMU considers as English speaking at wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/proficiency.

The following tests and scores are accepted at Western Michigan University as measures of English proficiency. Western Michigan University accepts the following English proficiency test scores:

Applications for admission from applicants classified as international students (wmich.edu/apply/international) must be submitted no later than March 1 for the fall semester; August 1 for the spring semester, and January 15 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 wmich.edu/grad/apply.

Tuberculosis Testing

International students coming from World Health Organization-designated high-risk countries for Tuberculosis are required to complete TB testing at the Sindecuse Health Center. Please check for details and to find out if your country is included in the list at: wmich.edu/sites/default/files/attachments/u89/2019/TB-Screening-2019-Oct.pdf.

Health Insurance

All international students are required to carry health insurance that covers hospital, medical and surgical expenses. Students who have insurance coverage must show proof of it, including the effective dates and a copy of the insurance card, front and back within the first week of their classes. WMU health insurance requirements and insurance recommendations can be found at wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/insurance. The insurance specialist is available to assist students via email at ias-insurance@wmich.edu.

Graduate Certificate Program Applicant

An applicant with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to gain admission to a graduate certificate program should use the online application. Follow the instructions for completion of the application. Students accepted into a Graduate Certificate Program are considered non-degree students (except for the Clinical Addiction Certificate Program which is considered a “Degree Seeking” program).

An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU. Departments may request additional course information/transcripts as necessary. Please check the requirements listed for your chosen program at wmich.edu/grad/apply. If also required for admission, have official entrance test scores (e.g., GRE or GMAT) sent to the Office of Admissions by the testing agency.

Submit any supplemental admission materials through the online application as required by the program before the published application deadline.

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 and submit a separate online application and application fee for each program.

Non-degree Applicant

An applicant with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to enroll in undergraduate or 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 graduate non-degree status. This status also is granted to a visiting student from another university. Non-degree 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 an online application for Graduate Non-degree status, along with a non-refundable application fee of $50. Applicants who did not receive a degree from WMU must upload 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, letter from the Registrar of the undergraduate institution or letter from the Registrar or comparable university official of an affiliated institution (e.g., WMed, Cooley). Applications will not be processed without the accompanying credential. If a student received their degree from an institution outside of the United States, an official copy of their international transcript will be required, as it must be evaluated for the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

Admission Requirements

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.

Overall, a student seeking admission to a graduate degree program must have the endorsement of the academic unit offering the program. For admission, a student must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited, post-secondary educational institution or its international equivalent; meet or exceed the requirements by each degree-level, including the minimum grade point average as evidenced by the transcripts(s) of all previous course work; and meet requirements established by the academic unit offering the degree program. The department or academic unit sponsoring the degree program may petition the graduate dean for a waiver of some of the admission criteria in individual cases or in the case of institutional agreements through a Memorandum of Understanding. The petition must be accompanied by a written justification.

Master’s Program Applicant

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 (e.g., GRE General Test, GRE Subject Test, GMAT, TWE), 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 (e.g., 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. Exceptions may be granted to students from other institutions that have signed agreements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
2. An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Sealed transcripts are considered official if printed on date is within the previous 90 days. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU. Departments may request additional course information/transcripts as necessary. Please check the requirements listed for your chosen program at wmich.edu/grad/apply
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.

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.

Specialist Program Applicant

In addition to the minimum requirements for admission to a specialist program listed below, the University’s Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) program asks applicants to submit 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; 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, research and 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. An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU. Departments may request additional course information/transcripts as necessary. Please check the requirements listed for your chosen program at wmich.edu/grad/apply.
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 taken beyond the bachelor’s degree.
4. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual specialist degree program.
5. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the specialist program.

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.

Doctoral Program Applicant

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 General Test or 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 (e.g., 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. An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU. Departments may request additional course information/transcripts as necessary. Please check the requirements listed for your chosen program at wmich.edu/grad/apply.
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 taken beyond the bachelor’s degree.
4. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual doctoral degree program.
5. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the doctoral program.

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.

Graduate Certificate Program Applicant

The graduate certificate program applicant will need to meet the following, minimum admission requirements.

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, indicated on an official transcript.
2. An official transcript from the institution from which you received your bachelor degree is required, as well as a transcript from institution(s) where any graduate level courses or degrees have been taken/completed. Applicants are not required to submit an official transcript of courses taken/completed at WMU. Departments may request additional course information/transcripts as necessary. Please check the requirements listed for your chosen program at wmich.edu/grad/apply.
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.

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.

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.

Accelerated Graduate Degree Program

Western Michigan University offers many Accelerated Graduate Degree Programs (AGDP). Typically, students will apply in their junior or senior year. This option is only available to current undergraduate WMU students. Requirements to apply for an AGDP are as follows:

1. Applicant must have a completed graduation audit for the bachelor’s degree.
2. Applicant must complete a degree seeking application, specifying an AGDP, for a term after which the bachelor’s degree will be completed.
3. Evidence of having met any additional admission requirements stipulated by the individual accelerated graduate degree program.
4. Acceptance by the academic unit offering the accelerated graduate degree program.

Twelve credit hours taken while still an undergraduate student also apply to the accelerated graduate degree (master’s or doctoral). Prior to registering for any graduate coursework while still an undergraduate student, the Accelerated Graduate Degree Course Approval Form must be on file with the Registrar’s Office. Courses that can be counted for both the undergraduate and graduate degrees will be set and approved by the department offering the accelerated program.

Non-degree Applicant for Professional Certification

An applicant who currently or previously held teacher certification, a school counselor license, or administrator certification and wishes to enroll in undergraduate or graduate courses for state certification purposes, 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 Non-degree: Professional Certification status. Non-degree: Professional Certification 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 will submit the following requirements:

1. An online application for Graduate Non-degree: Professional Certification
2. A non-refundable application fee of $50
3. A copy of their teaching certificate, school counseling license, or administrator certificate

Applications will not be processed without the accompanying credential.

Admission Types, Degree Status

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

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 due to additional documents or materials required following admission. Examples of missing documentation could be a final transcript, an undergraduate transcript or a graduate transcript of work taken at another institution of higher education in the USA or abroad. The requested documents must be received within 30 days after the start of the entering term in order to continue enrollment.

Conditional Admission

Conditional Admission is granted by the department 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 conditional admission status will be removed.

Dual Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment Admission

Dual enrollment applicants (that is, consideration for admission to a graduate degree 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 previous two years), a completed graduation audit, has submitted an application for a graduate degree-seeking program, 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 on a semester-by-semester basis, 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 by emailing admissions-graduate@wmich.edu; however, official entry is not immediate. Graduate credits earned accumulate, but the official entry date of the graduate degree program must follow the semesters or sessions of dual enrollment status and the completion of the bachelor’s degree.

A student must have submitted an application for admission to a master’s or doctoral degree program and must have received an audit for graduation with the undergraduate degree in order to determine eligibility; however, official entry is not immediate.

Dual enrollment is distinguished from enrollment in an accelerated master’s degree program by the following: it can be used for any graduate degree program; the dual enrollment applicant must have applied for graduation with the bachelor’s degree and be within 15 credit hours and one year of graduation; and the graduate coursework is not counted toward both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Undergraduate students from other institutions that have signed agreements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) may also be granted permission to enroll in graduate coursework upon approval by the appropriate advisor.

Not Admitted

An applicant “Not Admitted” to a program is not eligible for enrollment in courses or academic programs at WMU. Applicants who receive the “Not Admitted” status may need to wait one full year before reapplying to the same program.

Readmitted with Academic Forgiveness

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.”

Admission Status, Active and Inactive

Admitted graduate students have active admission status for one year from the time of admission, as well as one year from the date of last enrollment. However, if a student does not enroll in the semester for which they were admitted, they need to contact the Graduate College (for graduate non-degree status) or their department to which they were admitted (for graduate programs) to request a change of admission term in order to register for a subsequent term. If a student does not enroll during the year following admission or during the year following the last enrollment, the student is on inactive admission status and may not register. Thereafter the student must submit to the Graduate College a new application and be admitted anew by the appropriate program admission body before registration may occur.

Student permanent record folders are maintained for seven years after a student is placed on inactive status, and are thereafter destroyed.

Admission Types, Non-degree, Graduate Level

Non-degree Admission

Non-degree is a limited admission status and 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) continuing teacher certification, (b) SCOPE registrations, or (c) non-degree status in order to enroll in graduate classes without being admitted to a specific program. Such course work usually will not apply to a WMU graduate or undergraduate 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. Departments may exclude students with this status from taking courses or may limit the transfer of Non-degree hours to a degree program should the student later be admitted to a degree program. Students on graduate non-degree status are not eligible to hold a graduate appointment (e.g., assistantship). The time period for any “Non-degree Admission” status may not exceed four years from the time such admission status is granted.

Graduate Certificate Program Admission

Graduate Certificate Programs are non-degree programs (except for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certificate Program) with specific course requirements around a narrow, applied, and coordinated curriculum. Graduate certificate programs may be taken separately or in conjunction with a graduate degree program, with credits from the certificate eligible to be used in the graduate degree program. Departments can determine which certificate credits, if any, to be used within a graduate degree program; such certificate credits can only be used if the student has been admitted to the graduate degree program at least one semester prior to the completion of that graduate degree program. Similarly, graduate courses taken as a degree-seeking student may be used within a graduate certificate program, as long as the student is enrolled in the certificate program prior to completion of the last course required for the certificate. Students in graduate certificate programs are eligible to hold a graduate appointment (e.g., assistantship) only within their certificate program. The time period for this “Non-degree Admission” status may not exceed four years from the time such admission status is granted.

Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies (MIGS)

Western Michigan University—along with Andrews University, Aquinas College, Calvin University, Central Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, Madonna University, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, Northern Michigan University, Oakland University, Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Saginaw Valley State University, Siena Heights College, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Michigan, and Wayne State University—participates in the Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies (MIGS) program sponsored by the Michigan Council of Graduate Deans. 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. With the approval of the student’s academic advisor, a student may combine a part-time enrollment at the home institution (WMU) with a part-time MIGS enrollment. 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.

Students on MIGS enrollment pay tuition and other fees normally charged by the host institution. 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. Upon requesting transcripts from the host institution, the student must contact the Academic Records Office at WMU to indicate that a transcript is being sent for posting on the academic record as MIGS graduate credit.  

MIGS application forms may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office website or the Graduate College website. WMU students desiring to participate in the MIGS program must have the completed MIGS application certified by the MIGS liaison officer in the Graduate College prior to submitting the application to the host institution.

Project S.C.O.P.E. (Senior Citizens’ Opportunity Program in Education)

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.

Accelerated Graduate Degree Program

The Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) allows students to begin accumulating credits towards completion of a master’s, specialist or doctoral degree while still enrolled as undergraduates. Undergraduate students admitted to an AGDP, 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, or doctoral 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 AGDP by any department is optional. Each department will develop admission criteria based on the following guidelines:

1. Minimal criteria for admission will include: a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 based on at least 45 earned hours, 15 of which shall be earned at Western Michigan University, and additional criteria as determined by the department. 
2. The student completes the online graduate application (wmich.edu/grad/apply) and within the application selects the appropriate accelerated graduate degree program.
3. International students must clarify their visa status with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services before submitting an application for AGDP.
4. Students intending to enroll in any AGDP must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout their baccalaureate degree, or their admission to the AGDP will be revoked.

Registration

Upon admission into the AGDP, the department advisor will meet with the student to complete the AGDP Course Approval Form.

Academic Advising, Records and Program Requirements

Departments that want to participate in the Accelerated Graduate Degree Program (AGDP) will develop a clear admission and advising process for the AGDP. The department will send the student and the registrar an Accelerated Graduate Degree Program Course Approval form stating which graduate courses may be counted in both degrees. A copy of this form will be placed with the student’s record, and the change will be incorporated into the student’s undergraduate and Master’s, Specialist or Doctoral 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 AGDP may be used to complete the undergraduate degree credit hour requirements. Those students completing an AGDP related to a master’s or doctoral degree must meet the minimum number of required credits for that degree under the graduation requirements in the graduate catalog.

Administration of the program will include the following:

1. Students with senior standing who have been accepted into an AGDP 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 enrolled students are registered as undergraduates and graduates under current policy.
    
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 his/her bachelor’s degree, the Registrar’s Office staff 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 on the original proposal 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 AGDP.
    
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 Graduate Degree Program.
    
10. If a student completes his/her bachelor’s degree and then stops attending the AGDP, 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 AGDP 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 above in each of the graduate courses being counted for the undergraduate degree, as well as maintain a 3.0 GPA overall. 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. If the student is admitted to the graduate program, the department and graduate dean will determine if any credit from the bachelor’s degree will be carried forward for the graduate degree. Students who complete the undergraduate degree including a “B” or above 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.

Accreditation

University Accreditation

Western Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL, 60604; Website: hlcommission.org; Telephone (800) 621-7440.

Disclosure of Academic Program Accreditation and Certification Status

The College of Education and Human Development at Western Michigan University is granted Accreditation at the initial and advanced levels by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077, www.caepnet.org. This Accreditation status is effective between spring 2020 and spring 2028.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Aerospace and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

Western Michigan University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (or of NASAD).

The B.S. in Aviation Flight Science is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for the period July 15, 2022 to July 31, 2027. The program is also 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 Technical Operations is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for the period July 15, 2022 to July 31, 2027. The program is also certified by the Federal Aviation Administration as an FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Training School.

The B.S. in Aviation Management and Operations is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for the period July 15, 2022 to July 31, 2027.

The doctoral program in psychology (concentration in behavior analysis) is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

The master of arts program in psychology (concentration in behavior analysis) is accredited by the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

The Haworth College of Business is accredited by AACSB International – Business Accreditation. In addition, the B.B.A. and M.S.A. programs in accountancy are accredited by AACSB International – Accounting Accreditation.

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS), Western Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2015 through August 2025 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 nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 402A, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703)  665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Civil Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil Engineering Program Criteria and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

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 Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Computer Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Construction Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Construction Engineering Criteria and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Computer Science and Similarly Named Computing Programs Criteria.

The M.A. in Counselor Education (concentrations in clinical mental health 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 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.

Western Michigan University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (or of NASD).

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Electrical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Electrical, Computer, Communications, Telecommunication(s) and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Design Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Engineering Graphics/Design/Drafting Engineering Technology (Mechanical) and Similarly Named Programs Criteria.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Management Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria.

The M.S. in Engineering Management is certified by the American Society for Engineering Management, asem.org/Graduate-Program-Cert.

The fashion merchandising and design program leading to the B.S. in Fashion Merchandising or the B.S. in Fashion Design and Development is accredited by the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (TAPAC).

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Industrial and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

The interior design program leading to the B.S. in Interior Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-4014.

The Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology program is accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Manufacturing Engineering Technology and Similarly Named Programs Criteria.

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

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Mechanical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.

Western Michigan University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (or of NASM). 

The baccalaureate degree program and master’s degree program in nursing at Western Michigan University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791, (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

The B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics and the dietetic internship-non-degree program are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The baccalaureate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Paper Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at Western Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, VA, 22305-3085; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org, website: http://www.capteonline.org. If needing to contact the program/institution directly, please call (269) 387-7352 or email pt-info@wmich.edu. The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at Western Michigan University satisfies educational prerequisites for professional licensure as a physical therapist in all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands.

At its March 2022 meeting, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) extended Accreditation-Probation status for the Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Western Michigan University until its next review in March 2024. Probation accreditation is a temporary accreditation status initially of not less than two years. However, that period may be extended by the ARC-PA for up to an additional two years if the ARC-PA finds that the program is making substantial progress toward meeting all applicable standards but requires additional time to come into full compliance. Probation accreditation status is granted, at the sole discretion of the ARC-PA, when a program holding an accreditation status of Accreditation - Provisional or Accreditation - Continued does not, in the judgment of the ARC-PA, meet the Standards or when the capability of the program to provide an acceptable educational experience for its students is threatened. Once placed on probation, a program that fails to comply with accreditation requirements in a timely manner, as specified by the ARC-PA, may be scheduled for a focused site visit is subject to having its accreditation withdrawn. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s). The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-western-michigan-university.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

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 of arts (M.A.) education program in speech-language pathology {residential} at Western Michigan University is 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, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The doctoral (Au.D.) education program in audiology {residential} at Western Michigan University is 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, MD 20850, 800-498-2071 or 301-296-5700.

The M.A. in Sports Coaching is accredited by the National Committee for Accreditation of Coaching Education (NCACE).

Western Michigan University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (or of NAST).

The M.A. in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy is accredited by the Accreditation Council of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), 5680 King Center Dr., Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22315.

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

Additional Specialized Program Recognition Leading to Post-Graduation Certification or Licensure of Students

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 (B.F.A. program); elementary education PK-6; elementary education PK-3 and TESOL K-12; early childhood unified education: B-3rd grade; early learning and intervention: B-K; family and consumer sciences teacher education; physical and health education: K-12; industrial technology; music education (B.M. program); occupational education studies; and, special education LD K-12 and elementary education PK-3.

Graduates of the following programs are eligible for an additional endorsement on a valid teaching certificate or K-12 administrator certification through the State of Michigan Department of Education:

• Graduate certificate programs in school counseling; educational leadership: central office endorsement; adapted physical education and positive behavioral intervention and supports; English as a second language; and early childhood special education;
• Master’s programs in adapted physical education; educational leadership; literacy studies; school counseling; special education; teaching English to speakers of other languages; teaching, learning, and educational studies: teacher leader; and, visual impairments;
• Educational specialist program in educational leadership; and
• Doctoral program in educational leadership.

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); Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). 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 to acquire financial leadership skills and additional depth in accounting and related areas. It also allows students interested in public accounting careers to meet the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) and State of Michigan educational requirements required to obtain a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. The State of Michigan requires a total of 150 hours of college credit to obtain a CPA license.

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, and CFI-Multi-Engine and Single-Engine Sea rating.

Graduates of the B.S. in Aviation Technical Operations 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.

Graduates of the M.S. in Engineering Management earn the Certified Associate in Engineering Management® (CAEM®) credential.

The master’s program in psychology (concentration in behavior analysis) is verified by the Association for Behavior Analyst International as meeting degree and coursework requirements to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) certification examination.

The baccalaureate program in Family Science and Human Development: Family Studies is 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 Status as a Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE). Graduates of NCFR CFLE-Approved Programs applying through the CFLE-approved program process do not need to take the Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) Exam.

Graduates of the M.A. programs in clinical mental health counseling; marriage, couple and family counseling; and, school 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 the National Counselor Examination (NCE) developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). The NCE is the State of Michigan Counselor License Examination. Graduates from the clinical mental health counseling; marriage, couple, and family counseling; and, school counseling concentrations are eligible to become Nationally Certified Counselors (NCC).

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 Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology prepares students to become fully licensed psychologists (LP). In Michigan 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 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.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The B.S. in Interior Design granted by Western Michigan University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam). For more information about NCIDQ Exam eligibility visit: cidq.org/eligibility-requirements.

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).

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) pre-licensure 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 WMU Bronson School of Nursing has received endorsement from the American Holistic Nursing Certification Corporation, which is the credentialing body for holistic nursing. This endorsement enables graduates of the programs to be exempt from prerequisites should they choose to sit for the National Certification Examination in Holistic Nursing.

Graduates of the baccalaureate didactic program in nutrition and dietetics are eligible to apply to post-baccalaureate, non-degree dietetic internships and can also 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 Nutritionist (RDN) Credentialing Examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Beginning in 2024, the entry-level registration eligibility education requirements for the RDN credentialing examination will change from a bachelor’s degree to a minimum of a master’s degree.

The baccalaureate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Graduates of the entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist 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, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.

Graduates of the M.A. programs in orientation and mobility for adults, orientation and mobility for children, and vision rehabilitation therapy), are eligible to sit for the national certification exams through the Academy 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).

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.