Counselor education programs reaffirmed with national accreditation through 2031

Contact: Chris Hybels

August 21, 2023

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's four counselor education programs received a momentous 8-year extended reaffirmation accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is the accrediting body of counseling and related educational programs and develops standards and procedures that reflect the needs of a society.

"We've always maintained our accreditation since we were first accredited in 1982, literally a year after CACREP was founded," says Dr. Glinda Rawls, associate professor of counselor education and counselor education unit director. "But this was the first time the program had the accreditation extended through 2031 and that is a historic moment for the program."

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the purpose of accreditation is to ensure that institutions and programs of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality. For CACREP, this means that programs voluntarily submit a self-study that is reviewed against the CACREP Standards by counselors and counselor educators to ensure that students receive the necessary skills and experience .

"Future students now have the confidence in knowing that they would be joining a well-established, long-standing accredited program that will allow them to meet their educational and professional goals of becoming a counselor," says Rawls.

Dr. Jess Heybach, interim chair of the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, adds, "This accomplishment is a testament to our dedication and commitment to providing exceptional counselor education programming. It serves as a reaffirmation of the invaluable contributions WMU's counselor education programs make to the larger academic community represented in CACREP."

counselor education programs at wmu

Graduates of counselor education at the master’s level will be prepared for positions in various mental health and school settings. Graduates at the doctoral level will be prepared for the professorate in colleges and universities. Graduates work in licensed professional settings including community agencies, schools, private practice, and a variety of other traditional counseling settings.

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