College of Health and Human Services

Earlie Washington
Interim Dean

Jeanine M. Bartholomew
Director of Academic and Student Services

The College of Health and Human Services provides education, research, and community assistance through its programs. Students receive training and education in direct service roles as well as in policy development, planning, and administration.

Students may earn the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Services; Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Bachelor of Arts or Science in Speech Pathology and Audiology; Bachelor of Social Work; Master of Science in Medicine in Physician Assistant; Master of Science in Nursing; Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Teaching; Master of Arts in Orientation and Mobility; Master of Arts in Speech Pathology and Audiology; Master of Science in Occupational Therapy; and Master of Social Work through their studies. Also two dual master’s programs are offered: Rehabilitation Counseling/Teaching (administered jointed by the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies and the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology) and Teaching Children Who are Visually Impaired/Orientation and Mobility (administered jointly by the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies and the Department of Educational Studies). Additionally, the Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Health Studies is offered, as is the Doctor of Philosophy in Evaluation.

The College also provides programs in Holistic Health Care at the undergraduate and graduate level, as well as Alcohol and Drug Abuse at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Mission

Consistent with the University’s mission of a student-centered research institution, the College of Health and Human Services is committed to educating exemplary professionals in health care, rehabilitation, and social services, and to conducting research, disseminating knowledge, and developing mutually enriching community partnerships. The College supports and develops innovative methods of education and of evidence-based professional practice in a manner that is interdisciplinary, holistic, and respectful of human diversity.

The vision of the College is to be the recognized leader in health and human services undergraduate and graduate professional education, interdisciplinary and best practices research, and responsive community service.

In achieving its vision and mission, the College of Health and Human Services values service that improves quality of life; compassion and cooperation as integral to professional competence; interdisciplinary, holistic, and collaborative education, research, and service; multidimensional scholarship and lifelong learning; environments that are healthful, intellectually stimulating, supportive, and respectful of differences; and partnerships with the community.

Academic Units:

Blindness and Low Vision Studies
Bronson School of Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Physician Assistant
Social Work
Speech Pathology and Audiology

Advising

Students admitted to Western Michigan University must also be admitted formally to the College’s programs through the individual departments, schools, or units. Interested candidates should contact the departments or program directors for further information.

Financial Aid

Scholarships and other forms of financial assistance are available through most programs in the College. Please refer to the section on Financial Aid and Scholarships.