Admissions

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A person planning to earn a degree or a graduate certificate beyond the baccalaureate needs to be admitted to the University as a degree program student or a graduate certificate program student; a person planning to elect either undergraduate or graduate courses only needs to be admitted to the University as a non-degree student. The admission procedures for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens are different, however, as described immediately below. To avoid delay in the processing of an application, U.S. citizens and permanent residents should obtain information and application materials by mail from the Western Michigan University, Office of Admissions, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211 or by e-mail (ask-wmu@wmich.edu) or by completing the degree admission application available at (www.wmich.edu/admissions/gradapp/). Potential applicants on non-immigrant or temporary visas should request information and application materials by mail from the Office of International Services and Student Affairs, A411 Ellsworth Hall, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5246 or by fax (269 387-5899) or by completing the online admission application available at (www.wmich.edu/oiss).

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

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 will seek admission to a graduate degree program by following the applicant-managed process described below.

1. Request a Graduate Application (Self-Managed) from the Office of Admissions. NOTE: Since most graduate programs require materials in addition to the University application, and since these departmental materials are not included with the University application, applicants are advised to contact the relevant department office or program advisor for such materials. [Alternatively, access the Admissions web pages (http://www.wmich.edu/admissions/gradapp/) and follow the instructions for completing the online version of the admission application.]
2. Follow exactly the instructions for completion of the Graduate Application and submission of additional, departmental materials. The self-managed application process requires the applicant to take responsibility for gathering all required admission materials and submitting those materials to the appropriate offices before the published admission dates, as follows:

Materials to be submitted to the Office of Admissions in the envelope provided: The white copy of the application form; the $40 non-refundable application fee, payable to Western Michigan University; one official transcript from every previous undergraduate and graduate institution attended (except WMU). If also required for admission, have official entrance test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT) sent to the Office of Admissions by the testing agency.

 Materials to be submitted directly to the graduate department in the envelope provided: The two blue copies of the application form; one official transcript from every previous undergraduate and graduate institution attended (except WMU); the supplemental admission materials as required by department; and any reference forms, if required by department instructions.

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

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

Degree Program Applicant, Non-immigrant or Temporary Visa

Applicants on non-immigrant or temporary visas who seek admission to a graduate program will follow the steps described below.

1. Request an International Student Application Form from the Office of International Services and Student Affairs. NOTE: Since most graduate programs require materials in addition to the International Student Application Form, and since not all departments’ additional materials are included with the International Student Application Form, applicants are advised to contact the relevant department office or program advisor for such materials. [Alternatively, access the web pages (http://www.wmich.edu/oiss) of the Office of International Services and Student Affairs to download the application form and instructions for its completion and submission.]
2. Follow exactly the instructions describing the application procedure and submission of all supplemental materials, including the Statement of Finances form and documentation of proficiency in English.

Statement of Finances: F-1 and J-1 potential or current visa holders must submit a Statement of Finances form and provide proof that they have sufficient financial resources to cover the educational and living expenses incurred by a typical non-resident graduate student.

Documentation of English Proficiency: When English is not the official language of the country in which the applicant was educated, the applicant is required to demonstrate proficiency in English.  The following tests and scores are accepted at Western Michigan University as measures of English language proficiency.  Some graduate programs require a higher score.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A score of 500 (173 CBT) is required for restricted enrollment (part-time English study and part-time academics during the first semester) or 550 (213) for unrestricted enrollment.
• Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). A score of 75 is required for restricted enrollment or 85 for unrestricted enrollment.
• General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Pass in English with grade of A, B, or C, from one of the five British-based examining boards only, is required for unrestricted enrollment.
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) using Modules A, B, or C (not the General Training Module). A score of 6.5 is required for restricted enrollment or 7.0 for unrestricted enrollment.
• International Baccalaureate (IB). A grade of 5 in English at the Higher Level is required for unrestricted enrollment.
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). A passing grade is required for unrestricted enrollment.
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). A passing grade is required for unrestricted enrollment.
• The College Board’s English Language Proficiency Test (ELPT). A score of 950 is required for restricted enrollment or 965 for unrestricted enrollment.
• Successful completion of the advanced level and instructor recommendations from CELCIS, WMU’s Career English Language Center for International Students.

Materials to be submitted to the Office of International Services and Student Affairs: The International Student Application Form; a $100 non-refundable document and application fee payable to Western Michigan University; the Statement of Finances form and proof of sufficient financial resources; complete and official transcripts of post-secondary studies listing course titles and grades (marks) received for each, as well as copies of diplomas, certificates, or degrees earned, translated into English; proof of English language proficiency (see acceptable proofs listed above). If also required for admission, have official entrance test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT) sent to WMU by the testing agency. 

Materials to be submitted directly to the graduate department: If additional, supplemental materials are required by a department, these may also need to be submitted directly to that department. Request the department to provide these materials, and then complete and submit the materials exactly as their instructions require.   

3. Applications for admission from non-U.S. citizens who do not have an Alien Registration Card or I-551 Immigrant Visa should be submitted no later than March 1 for the Fall Semester, August 1 for the Spring Semester, and January 1 for the Summer I or II Sessions. Many programs, however, have earlier deadline dates, and not all programs admit students for all semesters or sessions. Applicants are advised 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 information for a specific program. 

It is advisable to apply 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 which are scheduled 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.

Graduate Certificate Program Applicant

An applicant with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to gain admission to a graduate certificate program should request a Graduate Application (Self-Managed) from the Office of Admissions. Follow the instructions for completion of the application and submission of additional, departmental materials. The self-managed application process requires the applicant to take responsibility for gathering all required admission materials and submitting those materials to the appropriate offices before the published admission dates, as follows:

Materials to be submitted to the Office of Admissions in the envelope provided: The white copy of the application form; the $40 non-refundable application fee, payable to Western Michigan University; one official transcript from every previous undergraduate and graduate institution attended (except WMU). If also required for admission, have official entrance test scores (such as the GRE or GMAT) sent to the Office of Admissions by the testing agency.

 Materials to be submitted directly to the graduate department in the envelope provided: The two blue copies of the application form; one official transcript from every previous undergraduate and graduate institution attended (except WMU); the supplemental admission materials as required by department; and any reference forms, if required by department instructions.

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.    

Non-degree Applicant, Guest

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

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

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

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 (such as the GRE General Test, GRE Subject Test, GMAT, TWE, or the like), or an essay describing the applicant’s academic interests and professional goals; to schedule a personal interview with departmental faculty; to present evidence of having completed specific courses with specific grades or of having specific kinds of work or life experiences; or to hold certain endorsements or certificates (such as a teaching certificate). For more specific information on each program, read the admission requirements section of the relevant program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s graduate advisor or the department office.

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

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

Specialist Program Applicant

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

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

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

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 Subject Test; to schedule a personal interview with departmental faculty; to present evidence of having completed specific courses with specific grades or of having specific kinds of work or life experiences; or to hold certain degrees or endorsements or certificates (such as a teaching certificate). For more specific information on each program, read the admission requirements section of the relevant program’s listing in this catalog or contact the program’s graduate advisor or the department office.

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

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

Graduate Certificate Program Applicant

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

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

General Admission

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

Provisional Admission

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

Conditional Admission

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

Dual Undergraduate/Graduate Enrollment Admission

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

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

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

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

Not Admitted

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

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.”

Non-degree Admission

Non-degree Admission is granted to the student who is eligible for enrollment in courses with the understanding that course work taken with this status is specifically for a guest, SCOPE, or MIGS student. Such course work usually will not apply to a WMU degree program, and the SCOPE program does not grant course credit. If the non-degree admitted student subsequently decides to apply to a specific WMU degree program after his or her non-degree enrollment, the applicant will be expected to meet all University and program-specific admission requirements. The time period for any “Non-degree Admission” status may not exceed four years from the time such admission status is granted.

Guest (Non-degree)

Permission to take graduate classes is granted to a guest student with a bachelor’s degree who wishes to enroll in certain courses, but does not plan to pursue a program leading to a graduate degree, or is not eligible for degree admission. This guest status also is granted to a visiting student from another university.  Guest status does not constitute admission to a degree or certificate program, and the courses taken under this status might not apply to a particular degree or certificate program.  For the student eligible for admission, a maximum of nine credits taken under guest status may be considered in a degree program if the student should later decide to apply for admission to a degree program and if an advisor and the graduate dean approve the credit. 

Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies (MIGS)

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

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

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 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.