Agreement awards college credit for career and technical education

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Michigan high school students could receive college credit for career and technical education courses under a new agreement between Western Michigan University's College of Education and Human Development and the Michigan Department of Education. Under the agreement, incoming WMU students may be eligible, when their CTE courses align with courses in one of the college's majors, to receive up to six college credits for their high school CTE coursework—the equivalent of $2,781.30 of in-state tuition.

"Awarding University-level credit to students who complete an MDE CTE program could potentially have a positive impact on student success, enrollment and six-year graduation rates," says Dr. Ming Li, dean of the WMU College of Education and Human Development.

The articulation process recognizes the learning and skills students accomplish in rigorous state-approved CTE curricula. For example, a student with approved high school coursework completed at an early learning center could potentially apply up to six credits to a degree in child and family development or family studies. A sample of majors that may align with students' high school CTE coursework can be found on the advising office website. Ultimately, it is up to each college, department and program at WMU to decide whether to award the credit.

Awarding credit for courses that are aligned with WMU's education college programs provides students with advanced academic standing, which reduces the time and cost for completing a degree. 

Granting of CTE articulated credit requires successful completion of individual CTE courses, or a one-to-two-year CTE program, approved by the state department of education. This can be demonstrated through a student’s transcript or by other means of program completion verification. Additional performance standards include:

• Minimum grade of B, a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or better in all required CTE courses
• 90 percent or higher attendance during the program
• Completion of state assessments with a passing score, when available, or other end-of-course assessments, portfolios, etc.
• Positive recommendations from the CTE instructor and CTE director

To apply for credit, the student should submit the application for articulated CTE credit, which includes portions to be completed by both the student and the school or career and technical education center. If the student received credit for their courses through dual enrollment with a Michigan community college, then WMU may accept the credit directly from the community college transcript. The application is available online.

WMU will not charge tuition for awarded credit. The articulated courses will count as transfer courses toward graduation requirements but not affect the student's GPA at WMU.

Questions can be directed to the Office of Admissions and Advising.

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