Disclosures of Accreditation Status

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 Aerospace Engineering (B.S. 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 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 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 Chemical Engineering (B.S. 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 (B.S. in 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 Computer Engineering (B.S. 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 Construction Engineering (B.S. in 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 Computer Science (B.S.) 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 Electrical Engineering (B.S. 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 (B.S.) 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 (B.S.) 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 Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering (B.S. 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 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 (B.S.) 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 (B.S. 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 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 Paper Engineering (B.S. 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 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 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 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.

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: 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 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.

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.

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 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.