Disclosures of Accreditation Status
Disclosure of Academic Program Accreditation and Certification Status
The Aerospace Engineering (BS in 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 graduate certificate program in assistive technology for individuals who are blind and visually impaired 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.
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 Management and Operations is accredited by Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) for the period July 15, 2022 to July 31, 2027.
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 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 Chemical Engineering (BS in 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 Civil Engineering (BS in Engineering) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Civil 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 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 Computer Engineering (BS in 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 Computer Science (BS) 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 Construction Engineering (BS in Engineering) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Construction and Similarly Named Engineering Programs Criteria.
The Master of Arts in Counselor Education has the following majors: Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling; and School Counseling. There is also a doctoral program in Counselor Education. All programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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, apaaccred@apa.org.
Western Michigan University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (or of NASD).
The Electrical Engineering (BS in 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 Engineering Design Technology (BS) 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 Engineering Management Technology (BS) 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 (B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and B.S. in Fashion Design and Development) programs are accredited by the Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission, https://www.tapacaccreditation.org. Additionally, the bachelor's degree programs in Fashion Merchandising and Design and the M.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences: Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), https://nasad.arts-accredit.org.
The Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering (BS in 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 Architecture and Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Avenue, Suite 350, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503-4014.
The Manufacturing Engineering Technology (BS) 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 Mechanical Engineering (BS in 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 combined M.S. and dietetic internship 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 is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. 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 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E Bethesda, MD 20814. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The master of arts and the graduate certificate programs in Orientation and Mobility are 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.
The Paper Engineering (BS in Engineering) program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria.
The Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Western Michigan University is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 3030 Potomac Ave., Suite 100, Alexandria, Virginia 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 Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (ARC-PA) has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Western Michigan University Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Western Michigan University. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards. Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2027. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy. Specific questions regarding the Program and its plans should be directed to the Program Director and/or the appropriate institutional official(s).
The BSW and MSW programs offered by the School of Social Work at Western Michigan University are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national accrediting body for social work education in the United States. The BSW program was first accredited in 1975 and is currently accredited through 2032. The MSW program was first accredited in 1969 and is also accredited through 2032.
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 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 master of arts and the graduate certificate programs in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy are 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 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. The State of Michigan requires at least one credit hour of Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting. 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.
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.
Graduates of the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling; Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling; and School Counseling, as well as the doctorate in Counselor Education, are eligible to become Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) in Michigan after first becoming Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPC). The Michigan Board of Counseling makes the decision to grant the LPC after 3000 hours of supervised experience (by an LPC) and a passing score on the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHC) developed by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) Examination. Graduates from all the Counselor Education programs 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). Accredited engineering degree completion and passing the FE exam represent two of four required steps to earning a professional license in engineering.
Graduates of the M.S. in Engineering Management earn the Certified Associate in Engineering Management® (CAEM®) credential.
The baccalaureate programs in child development and services, family development and services, and youth and community development and the master's program in family and consumer sciences with a track in family science and services are approved by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). Graduates of NCFR-Approved academic programs who have completed all courses with a grade of C- or better can apply to NCFR for Provisional 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.
The B.S. in Interior Architecture and Design granted by WMU 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: https://www.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 pre-licensure BSN program has received endorsement from the American Holistic Nurses Credentialing Corporation (https://www.ahncc.org), which is the credentialing body for holistic nursing. This endorsement enables graduates of the pre-licensure BSN program 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-graduate supervised practice programs that meet the requirements for eligibility to sit for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) registration exam. Students apply for admission to post-graduate supervised practice programs during the last semester of their senior year or after graduation. Program graduates can also sit for the Nutrition and Dietetic Technician Registered (NDTR) examination. After obtaining the RDN credential, the dietitian is eligible for positions in hospitals and clinics, sports nutrition and corporate wellness programs, food and nutrition related businesses and industries, community and public health settings, government agencies, universities and medical centers, research, and private practice. For more information on career opportunities in nutrition and dietetics visit eatright.org.
Graduates of the baccalaureate-degree-level occupational therapy assistant program 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 3010 Financial Coaching, 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).
The Product Design program is affiliated with the Industrial Design Society of America. https://www.idsa.org.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program are eligible to apply for the Michigan Limited License Bachelor’s Social Work (LLBSW). After completing a total of 4,000 hours of post-BSW degree supervised work experience, graduates can apply to take the exam for the Licensed Bachelor of Social Work (LBSW).
Graduates of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program are eligible to apply for the Michigan Limited License Master’s Social Work (LLMSW). After completing a total of 4,000 hours of post-MSW degree supervised work experience, graduates can apply to take the exam for the Licensed Master’s Social Work (LMSW).
Graduates of the M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology eligible to take the Praxis specialty exam administered by the Education Testing Service as required for the Certification of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. They are also able to apply for state licensure in the state in which they intend to practice. They should, however, consult the state licensing board for the specific requirements for that state.
Graduates of the 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 general and special education & lower elementary education: birth through grade 3; early childhood general and special education: birth through kindergarten; family and consumer sciences teacher education; physical and health education: PK-12; industrial technology education; music education (B.M. program); occupational education studies; and, special education LD K-12 and elementary education PK-3;
- Graduate certificate program in workforce educator (CTE endorsements only);
- Master's programs in early childhood general and special education: birth through kindergarten, teaching elementary education, teaching secondary education, special education clinical teacher, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and Workforce Education and Development: Post-Baccalaureate Certification.
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; English as a second language; and early childhood general and special education: birth through kindergarten;
- 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 track; social work, school social work track (MSW); and, visual impairments;
- Educational specialist program in educational leadership; and
- Doctoral program in educational leadership.