For more information, please contact the Program Center nearest you, or write or call the Mount Pleasant office.
Since 1971, a goal of Central Michigan University is to provide academic programs for students whose career or personal circumstances limit their access to traditional forms of higher education. CMU’s Global Campus was established to help meet that goal.
Using flexible scheduling, compressed class formats and a sophisticated and comprehensive network of program centers in several states and Canada, CMU offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs to thousands of students each year.
Combining the university’s high academic standards with innovative teaching technologies and strategies, CMU is prepared to:
1. Translate career and other forms of prior learning into academic credit.
2. Provide flexible instructional, curricular and scheduling patterns.
3. Tailor programs through individualized advising.
4. Provide for wide use of internships, independent study, and other forms of individualized study.
5. Utilize various distance education media.
In addition to complete degree programs, students may also earn credit for individual courses offered off campus each semester at locations across Michigan, the U.S., Canada, and online. Many of the courses are designed to assist professionals in meeting certification guidelines, to provide credit-bearing in-service opportunities, and to offer convenience to working adults who want to take courses toward various on- and off-campus degree programs.
In addition to its full-time advising staff, Global Campus specially selects academic advisors from its pool of qualified instructors, all of whom are approved to teach based on the same rigorous standards applied to campus faculty. Advisors work closely with students to create an individual program plan each student must use as a guide to attain his or her academic goals.
Online course delivery provides each student with a virtual classroom where engaging lectures, multimedia study materials and class discussions are all provided using the latest technology, over the internet. Interactive online tools offer students the opportunity to connect with faculty and peers to discuss course content in cyberspace. Online courses still have specific start and end dates and assignment/exam due dates. Careful review of the course syllabus prior to the enrollment in a course will provide these dates. Questions regarding online courses should be directed to staff at cmuonline@cmich.edu or 800-688-4268.
To ensure success in online classes, CMU encourages students to familiarize themselves with the online learning environment prior to enrolling in CMU Online courses. Preview a sample online class, run a diagnostics check on your computer and take the Online Learning Assessment on our website at: https://www.cmich.edu/global/cmuonline/about/Pages/default.aspx.
The Prior Learning Assessment Program provides academic recognition of college-level skills and knowledge acquired outside the formal college classroom. Credit may be earned for learning acquired through career and personal experiences in job-related activities, in community participation, or from training experiences through related on-the-job instruction or special schools.
Students who apply for Prior Learning credits submit a comprehensive portfolio which describes and documents their learning experiences. Evaluation is dependent on performance criteria established by a team of university faculty members.
Students who earn credit through the Prior Learning Assessment Program must complete five (5) semester hours of credit from CMU before the prior learning credits will be recorded on their transcripts.
On-campus undergraduate students may also apply for Prior Learning Assessment Credit.
Planned experiences, available to undergraduate students, provide an individualized learning experience which synthesizes the theoretical and practical in one learning context. The planned experience is a student-formulated project on an approved topic (or topics) in the student’s area of study. The project integrates experience with principles and theories in the field. Projects are formulated with the assistance of an advisor, and both the proposal and the final form are reviewed by the Undergraduate Extended Degree Programs Council.
Non-Degree and Non-Credit Programs
CMU provides an opportunity for educators and educational administrators to earn credit toward certificate renewal and provides individuals interested in personal development with a range of non-credit programs. Broad in its offerings, there is something for everyone across the lifespan.
Non-Degree Credit for the Education Market
Through the District Designed Professional Development (DDPD) program, school districts and ISDs can design a university credit component for site-based professional development programs. The DDPD program offers educators and administrators with an opportunity to earn credits toward certificate renewal. For further information about the DDPD program, please contact CMU at 800-950-1144, ext. 3718.
Non-Credit Options
Corporate and Education Training
CMU is able to partner with corporations to assist them with the learning and development needs within their organizations. For further information, please contact 800-950-1144, ext. 3718.
Life-Long Learning
If you are interested in adventures in lifelong learning, look no further than active travel programs through Road Scholars. International in scope, learners of at least 55 years of age come together as a group of travelers to share a common destination and a passion for learning. For more information about CMU offerings, please contact 800-950-1144, ext. 3718.
Military and Veterans Services
For more information, see the next section of this Bulletin.
For Academic Programs Leading to Professional Certification/Licensure
Important Message for Prospective Students:
Federal Regulations require that Central Michigan University (CMU) publicly disclose information concerning programs that are designed to meet the educational requirements for professional certification/licensure (“professional licensure”) in order to secure employment, regardless of the modality. These educational programs satisfy the Higher Learning Commission accreditation requirements and State of Michigan academic requirements. However, completion of a CMU program may not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure in a state or U.S. Territory (“state”) outside of Michigan.
CMU makes every effort to offer current information on the educational requirements for professional licensure; however, state licensure requirements may change. Additionally, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete other requirements such as a background check, fingerprinting, years of experience, or professional examinations. If you are planning to pursue professional licensure outside of the state of Michigan, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in the state of your interest to seek information and guidance regarding professional licensure requirements before beginning an academic program.
Additionally, if your program leads to a professional licensure, authorization may be required from a state professional licensing board prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Please work directly with your program director prior to beginning an internship or field experience in another state.
Students relocating to a different state during a program should also keep in mind that since licensure requirements vary by state that locating to another state could impact whether the program meets licensure requirements in the new state. If you are planning to locate to another state outside of the state of Michigan, it is highly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in the state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure requirements.
Completion of a CMU degree does not guarantee employment in any profession. It is highly recommended, prior to enrollment, that students confirm all educational and licensure requirements in their chosen profession for their state of interest, e.g., Indiana.
Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility may vary by state. You will find a dedicated webpage at Professional Certification/Licensure Disclosures for each CMU College that lists programs designed to meet the educational requirements leading to professional certification/licensure, and whether that program meets/does not meet or if CMU has not yet determined if it meets the educational requirements in a particular state. CMU also provides the relevant state board links and highly recommends that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in your state of interest to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.
Authorization
Central Michigan University complies with authorization requirements in the states/provinces in which it offers classes. Some states require that specific statements regarding an institution’s status within the state be made available to students. The following statements are included here to fulfill the requirements of these states/provinces.
Hawaii: Central Michigan University is currently authorized by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program (HPEAP). Authorization is renewed by HPEAP every two years pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §305J-12(a) and §305J-14. In the state of Hawaii, student complaints not resolved at the university level can be addressed to Hawaii Post-Secondary Education Authorization Program, 335 Merchant Street, Room 310, P.O. Box 541, Honolulu, HI 96809, (808) 586-7327. Website: http://cca.hawaii.gov/hpeap/student-complaint-process/.
Louisiana: Central Michigan University is currently licensed by the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana. Licenses are renewed by the State Board of Regents every two years. Licensed institutions have met minimal operational standards set forth by the state, but licensure does not constitute accreditation, guarantee the transferability of credit, nor signify that programs are certifiable by any professional agency or organization.
Maryland: Central Michigan University is authorized by the Maryland Higher Education Commission to deliver programs at: Joint Base Andrews, to offer the Master of Science in Administration and Graduate Certificates with concentrations in General Administration, Health Services Administration, Human Resources Administration, Information Resource Management, Integrated Homeland Security, International Administration, Leadership, Project Management, Public Administration, and Training and Development.
North Carolina: Central Michigan University is licensed by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina to offer the following programs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, NC: the Master of Science in Administration and Graduate Certificates with concentrations in General Administration, Human Resources Administration, Leadership, Public Administration, and Training and Development.
Central Michigan University maintains a tuition guaranty bond as required by the Rules and Standards established by the Board of Governors of University of North Carolina for non-public institutions conducting post-secondary degree activity in North Carolina. Students may obtain a copy of the tuition guaranty bond by submitting a request via letter to CMU, Coordinator, Licensure & Regulatory Services, 1101 S. Washington Street, Ronan Hall 350, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859. CMU does not provide health care services at locations within North Carolina. Students will be provided with contact information regarding locally available health care facilities; however, students are responsible for securing their own health care services. For NC residents who enroll in courses delivered electronically through CMU Online in Mount Pleasant, MI, students are provided information regarding faculty/student interaction, prerequisite technology competencies and skills, technical equipment requirements, and availability of academic support either online at https://www.cmich.edu/global/future/Pages/default.aspx or upon registration for each course delivered electronically. Students grievances that are not resolved on the local level or regional level can be forwarded to the Student Ombuds, Office of the President, Ronan Hall 227, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, 989-774-3010, or via the website at: https://www.cmich.edu/office_president/Pages/presidents_office_staff.aspx.
In the state of North Carolina, student grievances not resolved at the university level can be addressed to North Carolina Post-Secondary Education Complaints, University of North Carolina System Office, 910 Raleigh Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2688, (877) 566-7226.
Ohio: Central Michigan University is licensed by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to deliver programs at Wright Patterson Air Force Base: the Master of Science in Administration and Graduate Certificates with concentrations in Digital Management, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, General Administration, Health Services Administration, Human Resources Administration, Leadership, Logistics and Acquisitions, and Public Administration.
Virginia: Central Michigan University is certified to operate in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education to deliver degree programs at: Fort Belvoir, 9625 Belvoir Road, Building 1017, Barden Education Center, Room 142, Fort Belvoir, Virginia 22060-1598, to offer the Master of Health Administration (Option MHA 697 & 699), the Master of Public Administration with concentrations in General, Nonprofit Management, and State and Local Government; and the Master of Science in Administration and Graduate Certificates with concentrations in Digital Management, General Administration, Health Services Administration, Human Resources Administration, Leadership, Project Management, and Training and Development; and Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Combined Operations Facility, Building Number 417, Room 215, 239 Sheridan Avenue, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia 22211-1223, to offer the Master of Science in Administration and Graduate Certificates with concentrations in Digital Management, General Administration, Human Resources Administration, Leadership, Logistics and Acquisitions, and Public Administration.
Student grievances can be forwarded to the Student Ombuds, Office of the President, Ronan Hall 227, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, 989-774-3010, or via the website at: https://www.cmich.edu/office_president/Pages/presidents_office_staff.aspx.
In the state of Virginia, student grievances not resolved at the university level can be addressed to Commonwealth of Virginia, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, James Monroe Building, 101 North Fourteenth Street, Richmond, VA 23219, 804-225-2600. Website at http://www.schev.edu/index/students-and-parents/resources/student-complaints.
The University prohibits retaliation against any student for filing a grievance under this process or against any other individual participating in the investigation of the grievance. Anyone committing retaliation may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination or sanctions in accordance with applicable student conduct and academic integrity policies.
In compliance with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Title of Regulations: 8VAC 40-31-160(N)9, for students attending classes in Virginia, “A student who withdraws or is terminated during the third quartile (more than 50% but less than 75%) of the program shall be entitled to a minimum refund amounting to 25% of the cost of the program”.
In compliance with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Title of Regulations: 8VAC 40-31-160(N)10, for Virginia students participating in distance education (online) courses, “A student who starts the program but withdraws after completing up to the third quartile (more than 50% but less than 75%) of the program is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 25% of the stated cost of the course or program for the period”.
The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia. Their office investigates complaints of GI Bill® beneficiaries. While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact the Virginia SAA office via email to saa@dvs.virginia.gov.
Transfer Credit Student Notification: When a student is awarded transfer credit, a notification from the department is sent to the student indicating the number of credits they have been awarded. Additionally, the transfer credits are also input into Degree Progress, CMU's online tool for students to track their course requirements needed for graduation. We also provide transfer credit information for students to the Department of Veterans Affairs when requested as part of a compliance survey.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Ontario, Canada: “This program is offered under the written consent of the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities granted for a seven-year term commencing on September 18, 2020. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate for their needs (e.g. acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies or other educational institutions).”
Central Michigan University and its satellite locations are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students will generally find that CMU credits are transferable to any institution that accepts credits from appropriately accredited institutions, provided that the credits requested for transfer are relevant to the program the students plan to pursue. Students should contact any institution to which they may want to transfer credit to determine transferability.
Program Offerings/Program Operations
Global Campus delivers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Michigan, and degree and certificate programs in other states, and Canada. Some degree programs are available through CMU Online. Undergraduate degrees lead to a bachelor of applied arts degree with a major in administration, early childhood development and learning, entrepreneurship, fashion merchandising and design, or organizational leadership; a bachelor of science degree with an option in community development; a bachelor of science in business administration degree; a bachelor of science degree with a major in administration, early childhood development and learning, fashion merchandising and design, information technology, international relations, organizational leadership, political science, psychology, or public and nonprofit administration; a bachelor of science in education degree with provisional elementary certification; or a bachelor of science in nursing. Undergraduate certificates are also offered in cybersecurity, DeafBlind intervener, entrepreneurial studies, and technical and professional writing. Students may use an approved combination of transfer credit, prior learning credit, online courses, and on-site classes available at program locations to complete their baccalaureate degrees.
At the graduate level, studies lead to a master of arts degree in counseling, education, educational leadership, learning, design and technology, reading and literacy K-12, special education, or sport administration; a master of business administration, a master of entrepreneurial ventures, a master of health administration, a master of public administration; a master of public health: public health practice, a master of science in nutrition and dietetics, a master of science in administration; master of science in information systems, a specialist in education; a doctor of education in educational leadership, a doctor of educational technology, or a doctor of health administration. In addition, graduate certificates are offered in administrative essentials, college teaching, cybersecurity, digital management, emergency management and homeland security, engineering management, ERP using SAP software, general administration, health services administration, health systems leadership, human resources administration, international administration, international health, leadership, logistics and acquisitions, philanthropy and non-profit organizations, project management, public administration, recreation and park administration, research administration, and training and development.
At some locations, the cohort or group format is used to deliver programs. In a cohort format, students proceed through the program as a unit, beginning and ending coursework together. Cohorts may be sponsored by a particular organization or group of organizations, which may select the students or allow participants to be self-selected. Some CMU program centers offer the cohort format on a recurring basis to individual students, whenever a sufficient number sign up to pursue the degree or certificate as a group.
Mini-cohorts are sometimes formed to provide a concentration to a group of students at a CMU center where demand is not sufficient to warrant offering the concentration on an ongoing basis. In a mini-cohort, a group of individual students agrees to enroll in and complete the concentration courses as a unit. Students can intersperse core courses with the cohort concentration courses when possible and/or finish their degree by taking core courses on an individual basis after their concentration courses are complete.
Programs and course formats in the degree, certificate, and credit course areas are designed to meet the needs of adult learners with compressed formats, night and weekend classes, and a nationally recognized Library Research and Instructional Services program. Academic advisors work closely with students to develop their individual degree plans and reach their educational goals.
Central Michigan University will do everything within reason to help students meet their educational goals in the unforeseen event of a program closing or of a military location becoming permanently closed to civilian students. CMU is committed to helping students finish their educational programs should either of the above situations arise.
Curricular Programs
This section describes the curricular programs available through Global Campus. Because each program is structured to meet the needs of the group being served, not every degree program, certificate, or option is available at every program center. Specific information about individual program offerings is available in center offices. A general listing of the programs available at centers can be found at https://www.cmich.edu/global/programs/Pages/default.aspx.
Undergraduate Degree Programs
Students wishing to earn their baccalaureate degree at Central Michigan University via it’s Global Campus may do so in multiple ways. A student may elect to participate in the classroom-based courses offered at program centers. Other students may choose to complete courses through various distance learning activities. Many students combine the two approaches. Whichever approach the student elects, the student's progress toward the degree will be monitored by an academic advisor who will be assigned at the time of admission.
Undergraduate Degree Offerings
Requirements must be met in specific areas of study and a selected area of concentration. Undergraduate degrees require satisfactory completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours of credit and must meet the requirements of general education and the major. At least 30 semester hours must be earned with Central Michigan University. Programs are designed in consultation with an academic advisor.
Undergraduate credit may be earned in these areas by successful completion of courses, examination in the specified areas, or presentation of documented prior learning assessment credit.
Undergraduate degree options delivered outside the state of Michigan are available through CMU Online.
Degrees include:
- Bachelor of Applied Arts (majors: Administration: Industrial Administration and Organization Administration; Early Childhood Development and Learning Major; Entrepreneurship; Fashion Merchandising and Design Major: Product Development and Visual Merchandising concentrations; or Organizational Leadership Major)
- Bachelor of Science with an option in Community Development with concentrations in Community Services, Health Sciences, and Public Administration
- Bachelor of Science (majors: Administration: Industrial Administration and Organization Administration concentrations; Early Childhood Development and Learning Major; Fashion Merchandising and Design Major: Product Development and Visual Merchandising concentrations; International Relations Major; Organizational Leadership Major; Political Science Major; Psychology Major; or Public and Nonprofit Administration Major)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: General Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S. in Ed.) degree, Elementary Emphasis: Early Childhood Development and Learning or Integrated Science. This degree is available in Traverse City, Michigan. Please contact an advisor.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing