Overview

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a distinguished public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and innovation, WMU offers a diverse range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

History

Established in 1903, WMU began as a teacher training school and has since evolved into a comprehensive research university. It has grown significantly in size and scope, maintaining a reputation for providing accessible and high-quality education to students from Michigan and beyond.

Ranking & Achievements

WMU is recognized as one of the top public universities in the Midwest region of the United States. It is celebrated for its programs in engineering, business, health professions, education, and the arts. The university’s research initiatives and community partnerships have garnered national recognition.

Faculties

WMU consists of several colleges and schools, including the Haworth College of Business, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Health and Human Services, and College of Education and Human Development. Each faculty offers a wide array of academic programs tailored to meet the needs of students.

Tuition costs at WMU vary by residency status and program. For in-state undergraduate students, tuition is approximately $12,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $26,000. Graduate program costs range from $12,000 to $25,000 annually, depending on the program and residency status.

 

Undergraduate Program

Accountancy—BBA

Acting—BFA

Advertising and Promotion—BBA

Aerospace Engineering—BSE

African American and African Studies—BA

Aircraft Dispatching and Scheduling—Certificate

Airport Management—Certificate

Anthropology—BA

Applied Hydrogeology—Certificate

Art—BA, BFA

Art Education—BFA

Art History—BA

Art: Kinetic Imaging—BS

Arts Administration—BA

Aviation Flight Science—BS

Aviation Management and Operations—BS

Aviation Technical Operations—BS

 

Biochemistry—BS

Biology—BS

Biomedical Sciences—BS

Business—pre-BBA

Business Analytics—BBA

Business Education—BS

Business Law—BBA

Business-Oriented Chemistry—BS

 

 

Child Development and Services—BS

Child and Family Development—BS

Chemical Engineering—BSE

Chemistry—BS

Chemistry: ACS Certified—BS

Civil Engineering—BSE

Communication Studies—BA

Community and Regional Planning—BS

Computer Engineering—BSE

Computer Information Systems—BBA

Computer Science—BS

Construction Engineering—BSE

Criminal Justice Studies—BA

Cybersecurity—BS

 

 

Dance—BA, BFA

Dance Studio Management—Certificate

Data Science—BS

Digital Marketing—BBA

Digital Media and Journalism—BA

Diversity and Inclusion—Certificate

 

 

Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten—BS

Early Childhood General and Special Education and Lower Elementary—BS

Earth Science—BS

Economics—BA, BS

Economics in Business—BBA

Education and Human Development—BS

Electrical Engineering—BSE

Elementary Education—BS

Elementary Education PK-3 and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) K-12—BS

Engineering Design Technology—BS

Engineering Management Technology—BS

English: Creative Writing—BA

English: Literature and Language—BA

English: Rhetoric and Writing Studies—BA

Environmental and Sustainability Studies—BA, BS

Environmental Geography—BS

Environmental Geology—BS

Event Management—BS

Exercise Science—BS

 

 

Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education—BS

Family Science and Services—BS

Fashion Design and Development—BS

Fashion Merchandising—BS

Film, Video and Media Studies—BA

Finance—BBA

Food Marketing—BBA

French—BA

Freshwater Science and Sustainability—BS

 

 

Gender and Women’s Studies—BA

Geochemistry—BS

Geology—BS

Geophysics—BS

German—BA

Global and International Studies—BA

Graphic Design—BFA

 

 

Health Administration—BS

Healthcare Services and Sciences—BS

History—BA

Human Resource Management—BBA

Hydrogeology—BS

 

 

Industrial and Entrepreneurial Engineering—BSE

Industrial Technology Education: Non-Vocational—BS

Industrial Technology Educational: Vocational—BS

Initial Teacher Certification—Certificate

Integrated Design and Manufacturing—Certificate

Integrated Business Administration—BBA

Integrated Science—BS

Interior Architecture and Design—BS

Interpersonal Communication—BA

 

 

Japanese—BA

 

 

Latin—BA

Leadership and Business Strategy—BBA

Leadership and Teamwork—Certificate

 

 

Manufacturing Engineering Technology—BS

Marketing—BBA

Mathematics—BA, BS

Mechanical Engineering—BSE

Media and Technology—Certificate

Multimedia Arts Technology—Music—BS

Music—BA

Music Composition—BM

Music Education: Choral/General—BM

Music Education: Instrumental—BM

Music Performance: Instrumental—BM

Music Performance: Keyboard—BM

Music Performance: Vocal—BM

Music Therapy—BM

Music Therapy Equivalency—Certificate

Music: Jazz Studies—BM

Musical Arts—BMA

 

 

Nursing—BSN

Nutrition and Dietetics—BS

 

 

Occupational Education Studies—BS

Occupational Therapy Assistant—BS

 

 

Paper Engineering—BSE, Certificate

Personal Financial Planning—BBA

Philosophy—BA

Physical and Health Education Teacher Education: K-12—BS

Physics—BS

Political Science—BA

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Law

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Secondary Education

Product Design—BFA

Psychology—BS

Public and Nonprofit Administration—BS

Public Health—BS

Public History—BA

Public Relations—Certificate

 

 

Recreation Management—BS

Religion—BA

 

 

Sales and Business Marketing—BBA

Social Psychology—BA

Social Studies—BA

Social Work—BSW

Sociology—BA

Spanish—BA

Special Education Learning Disabilities K-12 and Elementary Education PK-3—BS

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences—BS, Certificate

Sport Management—BS

Stage Management—BFA

Statistics—BS

Strategic Communication—BA

Supply Chain Management—BBA

Sustainable Brewing—BS

 

 

Teaching and Learning Mathematics—BA, BS

Theatre Design and Technical Production—BFA

Theatre: Music Theatre Performance—BFA

Tourism and Travel—BA

 

 

University Curriculum (Exploratory Advising)

University Studies—BA, BS

Unmanned Arial Systems Operations—Certificate

Urban, Geographic Information Science—BS

Urban, Regional and Environmental Planning—BS

 

 

Workforce Education and Development—BA

 

Youth and Community Development—BS

 

Graduate Programs

Accountancy—MSA

Adapted Physical Education and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports—Certificate

Addiction Specialization—Certificate

Aerospace Engineering—Accelerated MS, MS

Aging Studies—Certificate

Anthropology—MA (suspended)

Applied and Computational Mathematics—MS

Applied Economics—Accelerated MA, MA, PhD

Applied Statistics—Certificate

Assistive Technology for Individuals with Blindness or Visual Impairment—Certificate

Audiology—Accelerated AuD, AuD

Aviation Administration—Certificate

Biological Sciences—Accelerated MA, Accelerated MS, MA, MS, PhD

Biostatistics—Certificate

Business Administration—MBA

Business Analytics—Certificate

Ceramics—MFA

Chemical Engineering—Accelerated MS, MS, PhD

Chemistry—Accelerated MA, MA, MS, PhD

Child Welfare—Certificate

Civil Engineering—Accelerated MS, MS, PhD

Climate Change Policy and Management—Certificate

Clinical Addiction—Certificate

Clinical Mental Health Counseling—MA

College Science Teaching—Certificate

Communication—Accelerated MA, MA

Comparative Religion—Accelerated MA, MA

Computer Engineering—Accelerated MSE, MSE

Computer Science—Accelerated MS, MS, PhD

Counseling Psychology—Certificate, Accelerated MA, MA, PhD

Counselor Education—PhD

Creative Writing—PhD

Creative Writing—MFA

Criminal Justice Studies—MA

Cultural and Environmental Heritage Management—Certificate

Cybersecurity—MS

Data Science—Accelerated MS, MS

Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten—MA

Early Childhood Special Education—Certificate

Earth Science—Accelerated MS, MS

Education and Human Development—PhD

Educational and Instructional Technology—Certificate, MA

Educational Leadership—Certificate, MA, EdS, PhD

Electrical and Computer Engineering—PhD

Electrical Engineering—Accelerated MSE, MSE

Embedded System Design—Certificate

Engineering and Applied Sciences—PhD

Engineering Management—MS

English—Accelerated MA, MA, PhD

English as a Second Language—Certificate

Evaluation—Certificate

Evaluation (Interdisciplinary)—PhD

Evaluation, Measurement and Research—MA, PhD

Exercise Science—Accelerated MS, MS

Family and Consumer Sciences—Accelerated MA, MA

Finance—MSF

Finance Technology—Certificate

Food Marketing—Certificate

Geographic Information Science—Certificate

Geography—Accelerated MS, MS

Geosciences—MS, PhD

Geospatial Applications of Unoccupied Aircraft Systems—Certificate

Global Leadership and Learning—Certificate, MA

Health and Wellness Coaching Skills—Certificate

Higher Education and Student Affairs—Certificate

Hispanic Studies—Accelerated MA, MA

History—Accelerated MA, Certificate, MA, PhD

Holism and Contemplative Health Care—Certificate

Hydrogeology—Certificate

Industrial Engineering—Accelerated MSE, MSE, PhD

Interdisciplinary Health Sciences—PhD

Interdisciplinary Studies—PhD

International Development Administration—MIDA

Kinship Care Families—Certificate

Law—LLM

Literacy Studies—MA

Manufacturing Engineering—Accelerated MS, MS

Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling—MA

Mathematics—Accelerated MA, MA, PhD

Mathematics Education—MA, PhD

Mechanical Engineering—Accelerated MSE, MSE, PhD

Medicine—MD

Medicine and Business Administration: Healthcare—MD and MBA

Medieval Studies—Accelerated MA, MA

Mindfulness and Centering Skills—Certificate

Mixed-Methods Research—Certificate

Music—Accelerated MA, MA, MM

Music Performance—Certificate

Nurse Educator—Certificate

Nursing—MSN

Nutrition and Dietetics—MS

Occupational Therapy Assistant—OTD

Organizational Change Leadership—Certificate, MA, PhD

Orientation and Mobility—Certificate, Accelerated MA, MA

Orientation and Mobility for Children—MA

Paper and Printing Science—Accelerated MS, MS, PhD

Philosophy—MA

Physical Education—MA

Physical Therapy—DPT

Physician Assistant—MSM

Physics—MA, PhD

Political Science—Accelerated MA, MA, PhD

Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports—Certificate

Professional Workforce Educator—Certificate

Psychology—MA, PhD

Public Administration—Accelerated MPA, MPA, PhD

Public Health—MPH

Public History—Accelerated MA, MA

Qualitative Research—Certificate

Rehabilitation Counseling—MA

Renewable Power Systems—Certificate

Resiliency and Well-Being Skills—Certificate

School Administration: Central Office Endorsement—Certificate

School Counseling—Certificate, MA

Science Education—MA, PhD

Social Work—Accelerated MSW, MSW

Sociology—Accelerated MA, MA, PhD

Spanish—PhD

Special Education—MA, Master Teacher-Accelerated MA, EdD

Speech-Language Pathology—MA

Spirituality, Culture and Health—Certificate, MA

Sport Management—MA

Sports Coaching—MA

Statistics—Accelerated MS, MS, PhD

Supply Chain Management—Certificate

Teacher Development—Certificate

Teaching—MA

Teaching Children with Visual Impairments—MA

Teaching Children with Visual Impairments/Orientation and Mobility—Dual MA

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages —Accelerated MA, MA

Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies—MA

Tribal Governance—Certificate

UAVs Applications in Geological and Environmental Sciences—Certificate

Vision Certificate for Teachers—Certificate

Vision Rehabilitation Therapy—Certificate, Accelerated MA, MA

Workforce Education and Development—Accelerated MA, MA

Youth and Community Development—Certificate

Student Statistics

WMU serves a diverse student population of over 20,000 students, including undergraduate and graduate students. The university values inclusivity and supports a vibrant campus community with a student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention and academic support.

Facilities & Services

WMU offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, research laboratories, libraries, and recreational centers. The university provides comprehensive student services such as academic advising, career counseling, health and wellness programs, and tutoring services to foster student success and well-being.

Fees & Scholarship

In addition to tuition, students at WMU pay fees for services, technology, and activities, totaling approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per year. The university offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid options, including merit-based, need-based, and program-specific scholarships to assist students in financing their education.

Student Life

Student life at WMU is vibrant and engaging, with over 400 student organizations, clubs, and activities available for student involvement. The university hosts cultural events, performances, and athletic competitions that contribute to a lively campus atmosphere. WMU’s athletic teams, known as the Broncos, compete in NCAA Division I sports.

Accommodation

WMU offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartment-style living. Housing costs range from $8,000 to $12,000 per academic year, depending on the type of accommodation. The university ensures a supportive residential community with amenities and resources for student comfort and success.

Transport

Located in Kalamazoo, WMU’s campus is well-connected by public transportation, including buses and shuttles, providing convenient access to various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Many students also utilize biking and walking as popular means of transportation within the campus vicinity.

Location

WMU’s main campus is situated in Kalamazoo, Michigan, a diverse and culturally rich city known for its arts scene, recreational opportunities, and historical landmarks. The campus location offers students a supportive environment for academic exploration and personal growth.

FAQ’s

1. What programs is WMU known for?
   • WMU is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, health professions, education, and the arts.
2. What are the tuition costs at WMU?
   • Tuition costs approximately $12,000 per year for in-state undergraduate students and around $26,000 for out-of-state students. Graduate program costs vary.
3. Does WMU offer on-campus housing?
   • Yes, WMU offers a variety of on-campus housing options, including residence halls and apartment-style living, with costs ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 per academic year.
4. How can I apply for scholarships at WMU?
   • Students can apply for scholarships and financial aid through WMU’s Office of Student Financial Aid, which offers various options based on academic achievement, financial need, and other criteria.
5. What is student life like at WMU?
   • Student life at WMU is diverse and vibrant, with numerous clubs, organizations, cultural events, and athletic activities that contribute to a dynamic campus community.

Western Michigan University offers a comprehensive educational experience with strong academic programs, extensive support services, and a welcoming community environment, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience in the Midwest.