Business education (6-12) prepares students at the secondary level to teach business, marketing, management and technology courses. Business and marketing teachers are in high demand across the country. This program offers an accelerated degree program option.

Teacher Education Pathways
With high demand for teachers nationwide, it’s an excellent time to start your education career. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Statistics estimates that we'll need 69 million new teachers by 2030 to meet global education goals. At Western Michigan University, we understand this demand and are making it easier than ever before for students to earn their initial teacher certifications and expand their knowledge base through both traditional and fast-track programming.
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Accredited
The WMU teacher education unit is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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Highly effective
Michigan school principals ranked 99% of new teachers prepared at WMU as “effective” or “highly effective” in 2020-21.
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Historic
WMU was founded as a teacher's college in 1903. A passion for teaching is in WMU's roots.
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Successful
96% of 2020-21 WMU CEHD graduates were employed in their field or continuing education within three months of graduation.
Initial teacher certification pathways:
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Hear from our students
"I think Western has set me up for success, giving me many best practices specific to education. I also feel like I have made connections with a lot of professors who will be there if I ever need help down the road."
Teacher education in the news
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New expedited master of arts in special education
WMU becomes the first university in Michigan to offer an 18-month expedited master’s program in special education resulting in an initial teacher certification with an endorsement in autism spectrum disorder, emotional impairments, or learning disabilities.
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Urban teacher residency program welcomes first cohort of future teachers
WMU's new program is helping interested paraprofessionals and other staff pursue their dreams of becoming teachers in a unique effort that provides mentoring, financial support, and job training while they earn their teaching credentials.
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Education programs awards credit for prior learning
Students may now apply for potential credit for prior knowledge and experiences for various programs within the CEHD. This is a great opportunity for nontraditional students to showcase their prior learning experiences and fast track their degree program.
Helpful links
Already certified to teach and looking to advance your career? View our advanced degrees.