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Dillard University and WMU Accelerated Programs

The Dillard University (DU) and Western Michigan University (WMU) collaboration

Available Programs

There are currently two program collaborations between WMU and Dillard University: the 4 +1 Program in Blindness and Low Vision Studies, and the 3/2 Program in Counseling Psychology. Information about each program and application information is listed below. 

Click here to read about DU/WMU students and their 4+1 and 3/2 academic experiences

4+1 Program in Blindness and Low Vision Studies

This is the Dillard University Logo. It is a shield with the words Ex Fide Fortis above it which is from Latin meaning from faith comes strength. The shield is blue and separated into four quadrants with a scale in the upper left corner, a book in the upper right, a fleur de lis in the lower left, and an acorn in the lower right with the date 1869 in the very bottom point of the shield.

About the 4+1 Program in Blindness and Low Vision Studies

The Dillard University (DU) and Western Michigan University (WMU) 4+1 collaboration will give students an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Blind Low Vision Studies within a five-year time frame. Participants enrolled at Dillard University will meet all degree requirements while dual enrolled. The remaining year will be completed at WMU to meet requirements for a master’s degree in Blindness and Low Vision Studies. .

Eligibility Requirement

Nomination of Students: Dillard will nominate students at the junior/senior level who meet the GPA requirement of 3.0.

Program Requirements

  1. All participants must complete the agreed upon online courses
  2. Attend all meetings with Dillard and WMU faculty
  3. Job shadow at Lighthouse for the Blind, New Orleans
  4. Complete evaluation of program experience

Recommendations

Academic References (three letters). Have two former instructors or professors acquainted with your academic abilities submit letters commenting on your potential for graduate study. The two letters of recommendation must be submitted online at this link: https://wmich.edu/grad/dillard-support-letters 

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required.

Written statement

Please prepare a statement, which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application. Using no more than two typewritten, double-spaced pages, write an essay discussing your professional goals. Give attention to work with racial or ethnic minorities and diverse populations throughout your essay. Include: a) your reason for wanting to be in a specific program; b) your professional goals as they relate to that program; c) an assessment of your personal assets and liabilities; and d) life experiences that might be useful in your work as a helping professional, including your work with racial/ethnic minorities and diverse populations.

Application submission Process

There are two applications:

Application Review Process

WMU’s Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology will review and make final approval on all applicants.

 

3/2 Counseling Psychology Program

This is the Dillard University Logo. It is a shield with the words Ex Fide Fortis above it which is from Latin meaning from faith comes strength. The shield is blue and separated into four quadrants with a scale in the upper left corner, a book in the upper right, a fleur de lis in the lower left, and an acorn in the lower right with the date 1869 in the very bottom point of the shield.

About the 3/2 Counseling Psychology Program

The Dillard University (DU) and Western Michigan University (WMU) 3/2 collaboration will give students an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in counseling psychology within a five-year time frame. Program participants will complete 114 credits in three years at DU prior to entering the Summer Session at WMU. At the completion of 6 credit hours during the Summer I and Summer II sessions, credit will be reversed back to DU and undergraduate degree requirements for DU will be fulfilled. The remaining two years will be completed at WMU to meet requirements for the master’s degree in counseling psychology.

Eligibility Requirement

Nomination of Students: Dillard will nominate students who have completed the agreed upon three year academic program at Dillard and want to pursue a master’s degree at WMU.

Recommendations

Academic References (three letters). Have three former instructors or professors acquainted with your academic abilities submit letters commenting on your potential for graduate study. The three letters of recommendation must be submitted online at this link: https://wmich.edu/grad/dillard-support-letters 

Transcripts

Official transcripts must be sent to the Office of Admissions from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) is required.

Written statement

Please prepare a statement, which covers the following information, and attach it within the online application. Using no more than two typewritten, double-spaced pages, write an essay discussing your professional goals. Give attention to work with racial or ethnic minorities and diverse populations throughout your essay. Include: a) your reason for wanting to be in a specific program; b) your professional goals as they relate to that program; c) an assessment of your personal assets and liabilities; and d) life experiences that might be useful in your work as a helping professional, including your work with racial/ethnic minorities and diverse populations.

Application submission Process

There are two applications:

Application Review Process

WMU’s Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology will review and make final approval on all applicants.