Central Michigan University!

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2 Welcome to Central Michigan University! Central Michigan University is a place where caring goes hand-in-hand with learning. Our values today do not stray from those inscribed upon our seal in 1892: Sapientia, Virtus, Amicitia Wisdom, Virtue, and Friendship. Michael Rao, President, Central Michigan University As a student at CMU, you become a part of a larger community of over 27,000 Central students on our main campus in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, at over 60 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and online. But you never become a number. Your dreams and goals become our mission. All of our staff, whether a program administrator in Kansas, or a recruitment advisor in Michigan, are ready to help you every step of the way. a degree of Quality The courses you take at CMU s off-campus locations and online are held to the same high standards as the classes found on our main campus in Mount Pleasant. Central Michigan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Accreditation ensures that a school teaches students at You can take a virtual tour of our campus at Since 2005, CMU athletic teams have won MAC Championships in football, wrestling, and men s outdoor track. Fire up, Chips! a nationally acceptable level. There are six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the National Educational Association (NEA), the agency that determines the legitimacy of accrediting boards. The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools is the recognized accrediting body for our region. a degree of Service When you attend a CMU off-campus center or take an online course, you will find the same friendly service and caring environment that has set Central Michigan University apart from other large institutions for over 100 years. Our recruitment advisors, financial aid department, onsite and online program administrators, faculty, librarians, and staff are all dedicated to helping you from your first contact through graduation and beyond. CMU is ranked the 10th most productive small research university in the nation according to Academic Analytics and the State University of New York at Stony Brook. The bottom line you can be proud of the quality and traditions behind a CMU education. We offer you a program that can help make your dreams possible! C M U O f f - C a m p u s P r o g r a m s B a c h e l o r s D e g r e e s

3 Bachelor s degrees at CMU Off-Campus Programs Iwentbacktocompletemybachelor sdegreebecausei feltineededitforfuturegrowth,especiallywithallthe companiesthataredownsizing.youneedtobecome moreversatileandbeabletoexpandyouroptions inlife. Nathan Randle, BS degree in Administration, his wife, Venus and son, Nathan, Jr. a degree of Success Expanding your options in life that s what higher education is all about. A bachelor s degree can open doors to a new career or advancement in your current employment. Plus, the sense of accomplishment and success you earn along with your degree affects not only your future but the future of those who depend on you. Gettingmydegreehashadahugeeffectonmywork.Plus,my oldestdaughteris14.seeingmegobacktoschoolhashad apositiveeffectonher.sheisrealizingthatshereallyhasto buckledownatschool.gettingyourdegreecanhelpyouand yourchildrenaswell! Melissa Tanner, BS degree in Community Development a degree of Choice Bachelor s degrees from Central Michigan University Off-Campus Programs are applied degrees. That means that the things you learn in class one day, you can apply at work the next. We combine both full-time campus instructors and professionals from the highest levels of industry and government. By using this model of instruction, your education will include both the latest in theory and the practical application of this knowledge to your career. 2 C e n t r a l M i c h i g a n U n i v e r s i t y Did you Know? On average, a person with a bachelor s degree makes $23,000 more per year than a high school graduate. U.S. Census Bureau, October 2006

4 Theinstructorswereawesome!Theyareveryknowledgeable abouttheirsubjectsbecausetheyactuallyworkduringtheday inthesubjecttheyareteaching. Tamara Bishop, BS degree in Administration and her mother, Denise Richards, who also has her bachelor s degree plus a master s degree from CMU Off-Campus Programs a degree of Accomplishment The knowledge you have gained as a working adult has served you well, but in today s competitive job market many employers require that you have a bachelor s degree just to get an interview. For other positions, you may get in the door with just a high school diploma, but if you want to advance to a position 95% of CMU s off-campus undergraduate students felt that a bachelor s degree from CMU is a worthwhile investment and that they would recommend the program to others. CMU Undergraduate Survey of responsibility and higher pay, you ll be competing against people who have earned a bachelor s degree. A bachelor s degree shows employers that you are serious about your work. That piece of paper proves that you have made a long-term commitment to improving yourself and have gained the critical thinking skills you need for advancement in your chosen field. a degree of Achievement What can you do with a bachelor s degree from CMU? A lot! According to our survey of alumni, they are currently using their bachelor s degrees in such careers as: Account Executive Automation Technician Branch Manager Business Manager Caseworker Commercial Banker Design Engineer District Sales Manager Environmental Manager Executive Assistant General Manager Human Resources Manager Inventory Control Manager IT Project Manager Logistics Management Specialist Market Data Analyst Marketing Representative Materials Manager Mayor Office Manager Procurement Specialist Public Communications Supervisor Real Estate Appraiser Retirement Services Specialist Security Officer Superintendent, Customer Relations Systems Operation Analyst Teacher Vehicle Quality Manager Vice President of Business Development Beyond increased income, college graduates also enjoy higher levels of saving, increased personal/ professional mobility, improved quality of life for their children, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities. Kathleen Porter, The Value of a College Degree, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), U.S. Department of Education Michelle and Dale Charron, Bachelor s degree graduates C M U O f f - C a m p u s P r o g r a m s B a c h e l o r s D e g r e e s 3

5 The degree programs All of CMU s off-campus undergraduate degree programs prepare you to think critically and to problem-solve. The strong liberal arts education you receive combined with your chosen focused area of study provide you with the solid foundation of knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Our current degree offerings include: Bachelor of Applied Arts degree Major in Administration Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Administration and concentrations available in: Building Code Administration Industrial Administration Organization Administration Service Sector Administration Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Information Technology Bachelor of Science degree with a Major in Vehicle Engineering Design Technology Bachelor of Science degree with an Option in Community Development and concentrations available in: Community Services Health Sciences Public Administration Recreation (Courses not currently offered. Students must transfer in coursework or complete at CMU s main campus.) Bachelor of Science in Education degree, Elementary Provisional Certifi cation Availability of degree programs varies at our CMU off-campus locations. Many of our undergraduate degree programs can be completed online when combined with existing credits you have earned and transferred to CMU. For information on CMU degrees available near you and/or online, please see the inserts in the back of this booklet. CMU Off-Campus Programs is continually offering new degrees and concentrations in both the face-to-face format and online. Please be sure to look in the back pocket of this booklet for information on new degrees, or go online at 4 C e n t r a l M i c h i g a n U n i v e r s i t y

6 Degree requirements All CMU bachelor s degrees require a minimum of 124 semester hours of credit. Many students transfer credits from other accredited institutions; however, at least 30 of the total 124 credits must be taken at CMU either at one of our centers or online. Generally, your degree will be made up of three types of courses: 1. General Education Courses These courses are taken by all students and give you a solid liberal undergraduate education. There are two types of General Education Courses: a. University Program courses They create a foundation in humanities, natural sciences, social science, and global studies. b. Competency requirements - Students are required to prove competency in written English, oral English, and mathematics. There are several ways to do this, including taking classes. Your advisor will assist in selecting the best method for you. 2. Core Courses These are the basic courses in your major area of study. 3. Concentration Courses The courses required in your chosen concentration. For complete information on the General Education Requirements, please download the current CMUOff-CampusProgramsBulletinat and read the section titled General Education Requirements. An overview of core courses and concentration courses for bachelor s degrees available near you and/or online can be found in the back pocket of this booklet or online at Admissions requirements If you have attended another college or university, you should have a minimum 2.0 grade point average (GPA) for regular admission to CMU. If you don t have other college-level credit, you can be admitted to CMU s undergraduate program provided a prediction of success can be made from your high school performance. International admission If you are an international student and English is not your native language, you must submit scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) that are a minimum of 213 CBT, 550 PBT, or 79 IBT, or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) that are 6.5 and higher. Scores must be reported to the admission specialist for off-campus programs with your application. Any official transcripts that you submit from foreign colleges or universities must be translated into English. Keep in mind that it takes longer to process international admission applications, so be sure to allow enough time to become admitted before you plan to register for classes. Beinganadultandapublicfigure,Ispeaktoyoungpeopleallthetime andtellthemhowimportantitistocompleteyoureducation.i recognizethatihavetheresponsibilityofbeingarolemodel,so nowwhileiamtalkingthetalk,ihavewalkedthewalk.thatisso importanttome.itisanintegrityissue,anditissomethingiam justsoproudofandsogratefultocmuforbeingtheconduitthat gotmetowhereiwantedtobe. Mayor Brenda L. Lawrence, BS in Community Development/Public Administration C M U O f f - C a m p u s P r o g r a m s B a c h e l o r s D e g r e e s 5

7 degree of Convenience We understand that fitting a college degree into your busy life is never easy. When you have a job and family obligations or are returning to school after being away for awhile it s even more difficult. The bachelor s degree programs from CMU Off-Campus Programs are specifically designed to meet the needs of working adults. Two adult-friendly formats Traditional face-to-face CMU faculty come to you. Courses are held in a classroom setting at one of our local centers in Michigan. Classes usually meet in the evening or on weekends in compressed terms so you can complete your bachelor s degree in less time. Staff at our local centers are there to answer your questions and help you every step of the way from registering for your first class to graduation day. At38,Iwasn treadytoadmitthatupwardgrowthwithinmycompany wasover,soidecidedtogobacktoschooltofinishmybachelor s degree.isetupanappointmentwiththecmucenter,andtheyhelped memakethedecision.theygavemethevoteofconfidenceineeded. I mgratefulfortheirsupport. Terry Lafontaine, BS degree in Administration Online Online courses can offer you the ultimate in convenience. You decide when and where you do your course work. Instructors create the assignments and due dates, and you do the required work at a time and place that fits your schedule. Online courses are also offered in compressed terms, allowing you to finish your degree quickly. But online doesn t mean on your own. Instructors and classmates keep in touch electronically through and discussion boards. CMU Online staff and advisors are just a phone call or away and ready to help you with any questions you may have. Beingabletotakeaclassfromhomehasbeen extremelyconvenient.onlineclasseshaveallowed metotakeclassesthatfitwithmyworkschedule. Molly Preston, BS degree student 6 C e n t r a l M i c h i g a n U n i v e r s i t y

8 Get credit for your experience You ve learned a lot in your lifetime, and CMU wants to give you credit for it. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if transfer credit or prior learning is an option for you. Transfer credit Relevant transfer credit from other regionally accredited colleges and universities may be applied to your CMU degree. Once you receive regular or conditional admission to CMU, your official transcripts will be evaluated. You will receive a letter from CMU explaining what credits have been accepted to your program. More complete information on transfer credit can be found at Prior Learning Assessment Program You may be able to receive credit for well-documented, college-level learning you have gained through work, training, and other experiences. Up to 60 hours of approved prior learning credit may be applied toward your degree; however, the combination of prior learning and transfer credit cannot be more than 94 credit hours. More on prior learning credit can be found in the back pocket of this booklet or online at Financial aid Your bachelor s degree is an investment in your future; however, many students are concerned about financing their education. At CMU we want to make the financial aid process as simple as possible: 1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at (CMU s school code is ) 2. Read the CMU Financial Aid Manual at 3. Complete CMU s Student Loan Worksheet (SL-1) online at Financial aid is only available to U.S. citizens. Additional information about financial aid is available on our Web site at CMU is proud to support our military students. Anyone with a valid Military ID or DoD badge is eligible for our special military tuition rate. Military and DoD spouses and dependents with valid ID are also eligible. Tuition rates are set by the University Board of Trustees and are subject to change. For current information, go to Off-Campus Library Services A true jewel in the crown of our off-campus service is our nationally recognized Off-Campus Library Services (OCLS). Once you have used their services, you ll understand why. Professional librarians skilled in database research and reference assistance are dedicated specifically to helping off-campus students. Quick and easy access You can use a toll-free number, fax, , or Web form to request reference materials, books, copies of journal articles, and help with your research. Items are sent to you usually within 24 to 48 hours of your request. OCLS staff can also direct you to a growing number of full-text sources available on the Web, so you can print the information you need immediately from your own computer. You get the best in the business We re very proud of the fact that CMU s off-campus library program is the most comprehensive and sophisticated of its type. We invest more than $1 million annually to keep it that way because we believe that high quality, convenient library support is critical to delivering high quality, convenient academic programs to you. C M U O f f - C a m p u s P r o g r a m s B a c h e l o r s D e g r e e s

9 Getting started at CMU NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT OUR BACHELOR S DEGREES ARE, WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR YOU, AND WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR ADMISSION, THE NEXT STEPS ARE EASY. Apply for admission At CMU, we keep the application process as simple as possible. 1. Complete and submit your application online at If you prefer to mail in a paper application, there is one in the back pocket of this booklet, or you can print one out at 2. Pay the $50 application fee online by credit card or electronic draft with your online application, or mail in your check or money order. 3. Have your previous school(s) send one official transcript to CMU. You can use the Transcript Request Form included in this booklet, or download a request form at You then need to mail the completed transcript request form to your previous school(s). Army students using tuition assistance must apply for admission to CMU as above and also apply for tuition benefits and register for classes at Recruitment advisors are ready to help You can get more information about CMU and all the programs we offer by going to our Web site at ing us at cmuoffcampus@cmich.edu, or by calling our friendly recruitment advisors toll-free at (877) When you call, you won t have to follow any prompts. There are no automated phone systems; real people are ready to help you find the program that best suits your educational needs. Noonecanevertakeawayyoureducation.Thatissomethingyou willhavewithyoufortherestofyourlife,andthat swhyialways encouragemystudentstocontinue constantlycontinue their education.bycomingtocmu,youwillbestandingoutfromyour competitioninordertoberecognizedasatrueeducatedleader. Christopher Locke, CMU Off-Campus faculty member We make it possible! Central Michigan University (877) C e n t r a l M i c h i g a n U n i v e r s i t y

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