Central Michigan University

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Updated March 6, 2024 · 4 Min Read

Learn more about the counseling degree programs available at Central Michigan University.

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Founded in 1892 as the Central Michigan Normal School and Business Institute, Central Michigan University has grown into a major research university. CMU is based in Mount Pleasant, a city with a population of about 21,000, in Michigan's central interior.

As of the 2023-24 school year, CMU hosts a learning community of about 14,000 students. CMU offers academic programs in more than 200 disciplines, including 68 fully online certificate and degree programs.

Several distinctive factors define the CMU experience:

  • CMU ranks first in the U.S. for student participation in the Alternative Breaks program. This program engages students in locally focused social justice initiatives during school break periods.
  • Celonis counts CMU as one of only four U.S. colleges to earn its Academic Centers of Excellence distinction in process mining.
  • Female CMU alumni under age 40 rank first in Michigan and sixth in the entire U.S. Midwest for average earnings.

In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicated a 72% retention rate among full-time, first-year CMU students. Looking at the school's 2014 cohort, NCES reported CMU's six-year graduation rate at 64% in August 2022.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Central Michigan University Accreditation Details

Central Michigan University holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). CMU passed its most recent comprehensive HLC accreditation evaluation in 2015-16, and the next evaluation will take place in 2025-26. Apart from a brief hiatus in 1922-23, CMU has been continuously accredited since 1915.

In addition to institutional accreditation, multiple CMU departments and programs hold specialized endorsements. Some of the specialized accreditors that recognize CMU departments and programs include:

  • American Psychological Association (APA)
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

These optional accreditations signal elevated quality standards in the academic programs to which they apply.

CMU is also an authorized participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) program. NC-SARA facilitates interstate student participation in fully online learning by establishing and enforcing binding quality control standards.

Central Michigan University Admission Requirements

CMU applies holistic criteria to applicants seeking entry as first-time, first-year students. While officials consider a student's GPA, course selection, and academic history, CMU does not explicitly identify any specific performance criteria. It also maintains optional standardized testing policies. Applicants may submit SAT/ACT scores, but they are not required.

Though not firmly required, CMU recommends that candidates meet the following minimums in their high school coursework:

  • Four years of English, math, biology, physics, history, and social sciences
  • Two years of foreign languages and fine arts
  • One year of computer science

CMU reviews undergraduate applications on a rolling basis. Students can apply as early as the beginning of August before their senior year in high school. An institutional application and academic transcripts represent the only universally required application materials.

Graduate students follow individualized, program-specific admissions procedures. CMU hosts more than 70 advanced programs at the master's, professional, and doctoral levels.

NCES data from the outset of the 2022-23 school year indicated an admission rate of 78.9%. Of the 19,888 candidates who sought admission, 15,701 were offered a placement.

Tuition and Financial Aid

CMU's undergraduate tuition rates vary by level. At the lower level, when students have completed fewer than 56 credits, the following rates apply:

  • U.S. residents: $458 per credit
  • International students: $825 per credit

At the upper level (56 credits or more), CMU uses these rates:

  • U.S. residents: $498 per credit
  • International students: $875 per credit

Active members of the U.S. military qualify for tuition discounts of up to 50%. CMU also offers need-based financial aid programs to military veterans.

Most undergraduates in CMU's online programs pay the same standard rates that apply to U.S. residents. However, students can qualify for online tuition discounts if they are a military service member, or if they are employed by the federal government or the state of Michigan.

Campus-based graduate students pay the following rates:

  • U.S. residents: $758 per credit (master's/specialist); $858 per credit (doctoral)
  • International students: $957 per credit (master's/specialist); $1,040 per credit (doctoral)

The standard graduate tuition rate for online courses is $758 per credit. Graduate students in certain online programs, such as the MBA and master of science in information science tracks, pay $808 per credit.

CMU's financial aid programs include need-based and merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, and campus employment.

Online Counseling and Related Degrees Available

CMU offers two online programs that may interest aspiring counseling professionals.

Online BA or BS in Psychology

These four-year APA-accredited undergraduate programs lead to a choice of a BA or BS in psychology. Depending on the chosen designation or concentration, major coursework will cover 21-36 of the 124 required credits.

Available concentrations include business psychology and mental health. The business psychology concentration examines factors relevant to advertising, consumer behavior, organizational management, and hiring practices. To prepare for a career in counseling, mental healthcare, social work, or case management, consider the mental health track.

Both concentrations are available in face-to-face and online formats. This dual availability opens up the possibility of pursuing hybrid degree delivery.

Academic highlights common to all designations and concentrations include:

  • Exploring human development cycle, behavioral analysis, and principles of mental health
  • Research experiences in CMU-based psychology labs
  • Access to courses in behavioral analysis, psychological testing, interviewing techniques for clinical settings, personality studies, and health psychology

Transfer students are eligible for advanced standing in the program. The following general principles apply:

  • Applicant must have a final grade of C- or better for a course to qualify for transfer credit.
  • To transfer more than 64 credits, at least 60 of those credits must originate from an accredited four-year college.
  • Student must complete at least 30 credits at CMU to qualify for graduation from CMU.

Students can also seek admission to CMU's accelerated program in experimental psychology. Uniquely available to learners in the BS track, this program leads to dual bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.

Online Master of Counseling

CMU's 60-credit online MA program in counseling features three concentration options:

  • Addiction counseling
  • Clinical mental health counseling
  • School counseling

Since all three concentrations are also available in face-to-face formats, learners can blend online and campus-based learning.

Regardless of the concentration and delivery format(s), the MA in counseling will offer:

  • Required practicum and internship components, with internships involving management of counseling caseloads
  • Practical training opportunities at CMU's Center for Community Counseling and Development, which offers no-fee service to campus community members and local residents
  • Instruction under licensed counselors, all of whom hold doctoral degrees in counseling

Learners can graduate in three years by studying full time. CMU also supports students who prefer to study part time. Online delivery models may include both synchronous and asynchronous coursework.

As with undergraduate programs, students can obtain advanced standing in the MA in counseling with transfer credits. Relevant graduate-level coursework may qualify for transfer if the student earned a grade of C- or better.

Graduates may pursue a career in educational institutions, social services agencies, or private practice.

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