If your purpose and your passion are helping other people, you’ve come to the right place. In the College of Health and Human Services, the careers we serve are highly rewarding and in very high demand. Our students, faculty, staff and graduates are out there every day helping in a big way and making a difference in their communities. Did we just describe you? Keep on reading.
98%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
—2022-23 Career Outcomes Report
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Top 100
in the nation for five College of Health and Human Services graduate programs
—U.S. News & World Report (2024)
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97%
of College of Health and Human Services graduates participated in experience-driven learning
—2022-23 Career Outcomes Report
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Career pathways
Community and Population Health Sciences
Work alongside individuals, families, organizations and communities to help them lead happy, healthy lives.
Healthcare Sciences
Be an administrator or a clinical health professional to transform and deliver high quality patient care.
Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Sciences
Help people develop new skills so they can participate in everyday tasks, enhancing the quality of their lives
Departments
PA Students Unite for a Cause: Key Moments from the 2024 MAPA Fall Conference
The Michigan Academy of Physician Associates (MAPA) held its annual Fall Conference in October in Traverse City, drawing together students, alumni and faculty from WMU for a weekend filled with learning, competition and community service.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
At the College of Health and Human Services DEI office, our passion for diversity is deeply embedded into our community. We prioritize inclusion and social justice in every aspect of our education, which includes our research and service programs. Our students, faculty and staff actively work together to create open dialogue and safe spaces so everyone in our community is seen and heard.
In October 2024, the Department of Information Technology and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in the College of Health and Human Services received the 2023-24 Excellence in Diversity Award.
Faculty Spotlight - Dr. Diane Dirette
Dr. Diane Dirette, a professor in the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences PhD Program at Western Michigan University, recently released her edited textbook, Human Occupation: Contemporary Concepts and Lifespan Perspectives, on September 17, 2024. This comprehensive resource offers students and practitioners in occupational therapy and occupational science an in-depth exploration of key concepts in human occupation. The textbook, international in scope, features chapters that include learning objectives, key terms, summary points, review questions and additional online resources. It serves as an essential guide for beginners in occupational therapy, clinicians seeking a practical reference, and occupational scientists needing insights into current occupation-related concepts.
Alumni Spotlight - Jeff Patton
Jeff Patton received his bachelors of Social Work in 1975 and then received his masters of Social Work with a concentration of policy planning and administration in 1978 from Western Michigan University. We asked Mr. Patton to share how his career has proven to be worth all the time, money and energy that he dedicated to his WMU education. This is his response:
“For 23 years, I have been given the honor and privilege to serve as the chief executive officer of Integrated services of Kalamazoo(ISK), which is the public mental health authority for Kalamazoo County, Michigan. This organization provides a wide array of mental health and substance use disorder specialty supports and services to 8,000 Kalamazoo county residents who are adults with serious mental illnesses, children and youth with serious emotional disturbances, people with co-occurring substance use disorders and people with an intellectual or developmental disability. In addition, ISK provides a welcoming and diverse community partnership which collaborates and shares effective resources that support individuals and families to be successful through all phases of life. This includes meaningful partnerships with Western Michigan University Center for Disability Services, Unified Clinics, College of Health and Human Services and Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D., School of Medicine.”
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Resources and support
Continuing education
Are you looking to further your education or your career? Our continuing education programs fit around your full-time job and will help you take the next step professionally.
News and events
Broncos recognized for commitment to diversity, inclusion with 2024 Excellence in Diversity Award
Trevor Block: The MBA offers a higher degree of experience
New $2 million grant supports nursing pipeline from KCC to WMU
‘Community-focused, innovative’ academic appointed to lead College of Health and Human Services
Dennis Simpson nominated for MASU Michigan Distinguished Professor of the Year
WMU nursing students lead hospital study that could change future of pressure-wound monitoring
Healthcare Employer Networking and Career Preparation Event 2024
Nov. 14
2 to 5 p.m.
College of Health and Human Services
This specialty job fair is for any student major or year who plans to enter into the Health and Human Services Field. Explore and network with employers to learn about internship and full-time job opportunities in the healthcare field.
Thanksgiving recess
Nov. 27
midnight to 11:59 p.m.
Thanksgiving recess
Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024 — midnight to 11:59 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 — midnight to 11:59 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 — midnight to 11:59 p.m.
Fall semester classes resume at 8 a.m.
Dec. 2
midnight to 11:59 p.m.
2022 Impact Report
Learn how our students, faculty and staff are transforming their professions, the health care industry and their communities.
Hours and location
The College of Health and Human Services is located on Western's East Campus, just down the street from Waldo Stadium and Heritage Hall.