Central Michigan University (CMU) is a public research university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. It is the fourth largest university in the state of Michigan and one of the 100 largest public universities in the country. It is committed to the search for knowledge, discovery, wisdom, and creativity and it offers student-centered education to promote intellectual and personal growth to prepare students for successful careers, meaningful lives, and responsible citizenship in an international society. It adheres to the core values of integrity, respect, inclusiveness, compassion, excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. CMU offers more than 200 programs at the undergraduate, master’s degree, doctoral degree, and specialist levels.
Central Michigan University offers completely online programs to meet the needs of busy students. It strives to provide flexible and convenient online programs that adhere to high academic standards. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs through web-based and learning package formats. Web-based courses are delivered through the Blackboard online learning platform that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The platform provides access to lectures, assignments, quizzes, discussion forums, email, and chat. Students are able to regularly communicate with instructors and other classmates. Most courses are presented in asynchronous format, but some classes meet online at scheduled times for chat sessions. Learning packages are print-based and all course materials are included in a printed packet and assignments can be mailed or emailed directly to instructors. Exams are typically administered through a proctored setting. Online programs are offered at all degree levels in various areas including education, administration, information technology, psychology, community development, counseling, sport administration, public administration, and health administration.
Central Michigan University was established in 1892 as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute. It was renamed Central Michigan Normal School in 1895. The school’s name changed to Central State Teachers College and then to Central Michigan College of Education prior to World War II. In 1959, the school had approximately 4,500 students and it changed its name to Central Michigan University to display its growth and academic offerings. Today, CMU enrolls more than 21,000 students on campus and over 7,000 online.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association accredits Central Michigan University.
Schools of Education
College of Business Administration: committed to the principles of the real business world experience, professional and personal integrity, and professional certification.
College of Communication and Fine Arts: provides opportunities for students and faculty to pursue their passions, improve their skills and reach their maximum potential through creativity and scholarship.
College of Education and Human Services: strives to provide the highest quality undergraduate and graduate educational experiences that help students evolve into critical thinkers, successful professionals, and lifelong learners.
College of Health Professions: committed to the development of professionals who make a difference to promote a healthy society through practice, education, leadership, and service.
College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences: largest college at CMU that houses 8 academic departments with more than 250 faculty members.
College of Medicine: expected to open in the summer of 2013 to meet the needs at the regional and national level for physicians and other medical professionals.
College of Students and Technology: committed to providing hands-on learning experiences in the science and technology fields.
College of Graduate Studies: advocate for graduate education at CMU and handles all types of issues related to graduate students from admission to completion of degrees.
Scholarships Offered
Central Michigan University offers a variety of scholarships including the Centralis Scholarship Program, Academic Honors Scholarship, Outstanding High School Student Scholarship, CMU Leader Advancement Scholarship Program, Lloyd M. Cofer Scholarships, CMU Multicultural Advancement Scholarships, CMU Multicultural Advancement Award of Distinction, CMU President’s Award, Alumni Legacy Scholarship, James H. Moon Scholarship, Tri-Cities Alumni Chapter Scholarship, Robert and Susan Clarke Scholarship, and Judy Johnson Endowed Scholarship. It also offers scholarships for specific programs.
Financing Options
Central Michigan University participates in various financial aid programs including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant, CMU Grant, Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, Michigan Competitive Scholarship, Indian Tuition Waiver, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and Federal Direct Graduate/Professional Loan (GRAD PLUS). It also accepts alternative loans and offers an interest-free CMU Payment Plan with flexible payment options.
Credit Earning Options
Central Michigan University grants credit for previous coursework completed at another accredited institution of higher learning. All transfer courses must have a grade of a C- or better and English and mathematics courses to meet competency requirements at CMU must have a grade of a C or better. Transfer graduate courses must have a grade of a B or better. The university also grants credit for military training and experience and selected training experiences and examination programs including Advanced Placement (AP) exams, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and competency tests.