
High School Counselor Resource Guide 2025–26

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High School Counselor Resource Guide 2025–26

Every student is an individual. At Western, we celebrate the unique passions that drive them and the possibilities that inspire them. Here, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where learning empowers, well-being strengthens and an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Western is the place where students become their best selves.

At Western, the start of a student’s career isn’t reserved until after graduation. Broncos start building their resumes, exploring their passions and developing real-world knowledge and experience while earning their degrees. All students have access to unique Experience-Driven Learning opportunities and internships, which they can stagger throughout their time here.
After joining Western's Cold Case Program with the Michigan State Police (MSP)—where she worked with detectives solving homicide and missing persons cases—Jackie, B.A.’25, decided to attend MSP trooper recruit school with the goal of becoming a state trooper.
Professional industry experience while still in school
Bobby Snell, B.F.A.’21, launched two product patents to market while earning a product design degree from Western’s Richmond Institute of Design. After graduating, he landed a job as an industrial designer at BARK in New York City.

Internships & co-ops
Undergraduate students enjoy a wide variety of opportunities to earn resumeworthy experience and get paid while in school through both the Broncos Lead Internship Program and other work experience opportunities like co-ops. wmich.edu/career
Partnerships at Business Technology and Research (BTR) Park
Providing high-tech internships for students and home to more than 40 private-sector companies that employ many Western alumni, the BTR Park shares Western’s 265acre Parkview Campus with the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. wmich.edu/btr

Paid internships available to students starting in their sophomore year through the Broncos Lead Internship Program
Western graduates are making their mark working with major brands and companies.






wmich.edu/empowering-futures
Western offers a wide range of scholarship opportunities, many of which will be automatically awarded. Through financial aid, scholarships and grants, Western cares about making college education accessible.
The Empowering Futures Gift is founded on our donors’ belief that inclusive education empowers individuals and communities to build a brighter future for all.
First announced in 2021, the transformative $550 million Empowering Futures Gift remains the largest single gift for a public institution in U.S. history.
• The Bronco Connect Scholarship supports Michigan undergraduate students with significant financial need by funding up to $6,000 of the cost of on-campus housing and food for up to the first two years at Western.
• The Broncos Lead Internship Program provides students, at the sophomore level or higher, with high-quality, paid experiences at Michigan businesses, nonprofits and start-ups.
• The Tenacity Award annually provides 700 graduation scholarships up to $1,000 to upperlevel students in need of funds to complete their degree. These funds are awarded in Student Financial Aid.
• The Experience-Driven Learning (EDL) Venture Grants provide high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities for students. With grant-funded opportunities in programs such as the Cold Case Program with the Michigan State Police and the Kinetic Imaging Program, the EDL Grants support cutting-edge learning experiences.

With these opportunities, as well as other EDL-related options like the Leadership and Business Strategy Program, Western is a destination for students interested in pursuing resume-worthy experiences.
• Recipients of the Bronco Connect Scholarship will reside in a Living Learning Community that fosters student connection for all students and offers programs that lead to meaningful careers.
• The Navigator Network is a universitywide web of professional staff and student employees providing students with the right help at the right time. Navigators support students by responding to pressing questions on topics such as registration holds, advising and staying on track to graduate.
The Montgomery Essential Needs program addresses food insecurity and emergency funding when an unexpected need, such as a car repair or health expense, could potentially derail college.
Navigation Specialists connect students with resources to help them manage anxiety and mental health. They also support Bronco-to-Bronco connections, helping students find a sense of belonging and well-being so they can thrive at Western.
The Mental Health Peer Education program empowers students to collaborate on meaningful ways to educate the WMU community about mental well-being.
Top 6 in the world ranked aviation program —Study International Top Program for sales and business marketing for 18th consecutive year —Sales Education Foundation, 2025 No.22 North American supply chain management program —Gartner, 2024
Rare Accreditation for top police agencies in Michigan —Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, est. 2021 $59.6 million in research grants —2023-24
1 of 139 institutions designated as a Research 2 University with high research spending and doctorate production —Carnegie Foundation 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
wmich.edu/arts-sciences
Abundant research opportunities
Preparation for a range of careers in the humanities, social sciences and sciences.
College of Aviation
wmich.edu/aviation
Career partnerships with Delta, United and others
Fast-track to a career as a pilot, technician or manager through WMU’s professional network of industry leaders.
Haworth College of Business
wmich.edu/business
Experience-Driven Learning integrated into all core courses
Greater confidence and better job opportunities thanks to unique learning experiences that take students outside of the classroom.
College of Education and Human Development
wmich.edu/education
Internships or field experiences for all undergrads
Offering a wide selection of professional career options in education, dietetics, fashion, exercise science and more.
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
wmich.edu/engineer
75 labs for hands-on learning and research
Opportunities to design a sustainable future and explore new technologies. Graduates have a median starting salary of $70K-80K.*
College of Health and Human Services
wmich.edu/hhs
Hands-on and clinical learning experiences for all students
High-demand professional pathways focusing on health care, community and population health, or therapeutic and rehabilitation sciences.
College of Fine Arts
wmich.edu/finearts
Nearly 400 student performances each year
Students can shape the career of their dreams and learn to integrate theory and practice from faculty who are established, working artists in a vibrant arts community.
Merze Tate College wmich.edu/merzetate
Helping students explore their purpose
Providing students with the flexibility to start college without a chosen major or change majors as needed with personalized studies and exploratory advising.
Lee Honors College wmich.edu/honors
2,000+ highly motivated students
Custom honors courses, extra support and advocacy from honors advisors and peer mentors, honors-focused programming, undergraduate research and creative academic exploration.

The skills employers seek
At Western, we offer students more than general education coursework. WMU Essential Studies ensures students develop the knowledge and skills that employers value most, such as complex problemsolving, critical thinking, creativity, decision-making and emotional intelligence. wmich.edu/essentialstudies
College of Arts and Sciences
(269)
387-4350
African American & African
Studies
Anthropology
Applied Mathematics
Arts & Sciences: Undecided**
Biochemistry
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Business-Oriented Chemistry
Chemistry
Communication Studies
Community & Regional Planning
Criminal Justice Studies*
Data Science
Digital Media and Journalism
Earth Science
Economics
Economics: B.S. Program
English
Creative Writing
Literature & Language
• Rhetoric & Writing Studies
Environmental & Sustainability
Studies
Environmental Geography
Environmental Geology
Film, Video, & Media Studies
French Freshwater Science & Sustainability
Gender & Women's Studies
Geochemistry
Geographic Information Science
Geology
Geophysics
German
Global & International Studies
History
Hydrogeology
Integrated Science
Interpersonal Communication
Japanese
Latin Mathematics
Philosophy
Philosophy: Professional & Applied Ethics
Physics
Political Science
Political Science
• American Public Policy
• International & Comparative Politics
Political Science: Public Law
Psychology*
Public & Nonprofit Administration
Public History
Public Relations & Social Media Management
Social Psychology
Social Studies
Sociology
Spanish Statistics
Strategic Communication*
Strategic Communication
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Media & Technology
Student Planned Major
Sustainable Brewing Teaching & Learning
Mathematics
Tourism & Travel
Urban, Regional & Environmental Planning
World Religions & Cultures*
College of Aviation (269) 964-6375
Aviation Flight Science
Aviation Management & Operations
Aviation Technical Operations
Haworth
College of Business (269) 387-5050
Accountancy
Business Analytics
Business Law
Business: Undecided**
Computer Information Systems
Digital Marketing
Economics: Business
Finance
Food Marketing
Human Resource Management
Integrated Business Administration*
Leadership & Business Strategy
Marketing
Personal Financial Planning
Sales & Business
Marketing
Supply Chain Management
College of Education and Human Development (269) 387-2960
Child Development and Services*
Early Childhood: Gen & Special Ed & Lower Elem Ed: Birth-3
Early Childhood: Gen & Special Ed: Birth-K
Education: Business Teaching 6-12
Elementary Education
Event Management
Exercise Science
Family & Consumer Sciences
Teacher Education
Family Science & Services*
Fashion Design & Development
Fashion Merchandising
Industrial Technology Education
Nutrition and Dietetics
Occupational Education Studies*
Physical & Health Education
Teacher Education
Recreation Management
Special Education
Sport Management
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages K-12 & Elementary Ed PK-3
Workforce Education & Development
Youth & Community Development
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (269) 276-3253
Aerospace Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Computer Science
Construction Engineering
Cybersecurity*
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Design Technology
Engineering Management
Technology
Engineering: Undecided**
Industrial & Entrepreneurial
Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
• Automotive
• Solid Mechanics/Structures
Paper Engineering
College of Fine Arts (269) 387-5810
Acting: B.F.A.
Art Education
Art Education: Secondary
Education
Art History
Art
• B.A. Program
• B.F.A. Program
Arts Administration
Dance
• B.A. Program
• B.F.A. Program
Graphic Design: B.F.A. program
Interior Architecture & Design
Kinetic Imaging
• Animation
• Game Art
• Video Art
Multimedia Arts Technology -
Music
Music Composition
Music Education
• Choral/General-Secondary
• Instrumental-Secondary
Music Performance: Instrumental
Music Performance
• Keyboard
• Vocal
Music Theatre Performance: B.F.A.
Music Therapy
Music
• B.A. Program
• Jazz Studies
Musical Arts: B.M.A.
Product Design
Stage Management: B.F.A.
Theatre Design & Technical
Production: B.F.A.
College of Health and Human Services (269) 387-7367
Health Administration
Healthcare Services & Rehabilitation Sciences
Healthcare Services & Sciences*
Healthcare Services & Sciences
Clinical Practice in Health*
Healthcare Services & Sciences Physician Assistant Preparation
Nursing
Nursing: RN to BSN Program*
Occupational Therapy
Assistant
Public Health
Social Work
Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences
2023-24 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts
Merze Tate College (269) 387-4410
University Curriculum/ Exploratory Advising**
Majors are subject to change.
*These programs are available online.
**After exploring options, students will choose a permanent major/program from which to complete their degree.
Western offers 38 different accelerated degree programs that allow students to take up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework during their undergraduate senior year, leading to a master’s degree in as few as five years.
Aerospace Engineering (M.S.)
Applied Economics (M.A.)
Biological Sciences (M.A.), (M.S.)
Chemical Engineering (M.S.E.)
Chemistry (M.A.)
Civil Engineering (M.S.E.)
Communication (M.A.)
Students can select from one of three unique pathways to determine a study plan in the post-graduate program of their choice.
Pre-Health Pathway
Pre-chiropractic
• Pre-dental
• Pre-forensic science
• Pre-medical (Allopathic)
• Pre-medical (Osteopathic)
• Pre-optometry
Pre-pharmacy
Pre-physical therapy
• Pre-physician assistant
• Pre-public health
• Pre-veterinary
Pre-Law Pathway
Pre-Secondary Education Pathway*
• English
• French Integrated Science (includes biology, chemistry, earth/space science, and physics)
Latin
• Mathematics
• Social Studies (includes history, political science, geography, and economics)
• Spanish
Note: Arabic, Chinese, German, and Japanese can be pursued as a second endorsement area.
**Teachable subject areas are completed as a bachelor’s degree with a pre-secondary education pathway through the College of Arts and Sciences. This will prepare you for post-baccalaureate teaching certification programs, such as the M.A. in secondary education through the College of Education and Human Development. See wmich.edu/ teaching/academics/graduate/secondary for details.
Comparative Religion (M.A.)
Computer Engineering (M.S.E.)
Computer Science (M.S.)
Counseling Psychology (M.A.)
Criminal Justice (M.A.)
Data Science (M.S.)
Earth Science (M.S.)
Electrical Engineering (M.S.E.)
English (M.A.)
Exercise Science (M.S.)
Family and Consumer Sciences (M.A.)
Geography (M.S.)
Hispanic Studies (M.A.)
History (M.A.)
History: Public History (M.A.)
Industrial Engineering (M.S.E.)
International Development Administration (M.I.D.A)
Manufacturing Engineering (M.S.)
Mathematics (M.A.)
Mechanical Engineering (M.S.E.)
Medieval Studies (M.A.)
Music (M.A.)
Orientation and Mobility (M.A.)
Paper and Printing Science (M.S.)
Political Science (M.A.)
Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Sociology (M.A.)
Special Education:
Clinical Teacher (M.A.)
Special Education:
Master Teacher (M.A.)
Statistics (M.S.)
Teaching: Secondary Education
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (M.A.)
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (M.A.)
Workforce Education and Development (M.A.)
Students are multifaceted people with physical, mental, social and emotional health needs directly tied to their success, and are provided holistic support from the moment they arrive on campus. Through their Western experience, Broncos are empowered to explore their purpose, live their best life and pursue a meaningful career.
Whole-student support
Sustainability, safety, connectivity and sense of belonging are woven into the very fabric of the programming, spaces and services at Western. Students will find a comprehensive experience that includes free, personalized mental health services, individualized academic support and digital tools for accessing resources and tracking health and well-being.

Uwill provides free, personalized mental health services whenever and wherever students need them—24/7, including holidays. Students can choose a therapist and set up a teletherapy appointment that works with their schedule.
Bronco students will also benefit from Welltrack Boost, a selfhelp app that provides digital tracking and exercises to improve emotional health. wmich.edu/students/health/uwill
Sindecuse Health Center offers short-term individual, couples and group counseling. Counseling can help you manage anxiety and stress, learn skills to cope with problems and develop new ways of thinking, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle. wmich.edu/healthcenter/ counseling
Student Success Navigators offer proactive support for students, making sure they have the help they need to overcome any potential barriers to success and thrive throughout their college experience. wmich.edu/navigator
The Peer2Peer program partners every new student with an established WMU student as an eMentor to aid in the transition to campus. These mentors help students access University resources, explore and engage in University life, make connections on campus and succeed academically and professionally. wmich.edu/transitions/peer2peer
400+ student organizations
4,000+ concerts, plays, musicals and other campus events each year
Building a better future At WMU, we’re proud to offer our students modern facilities that promote innovation and active learning. That’s why, since 2020, we’ve built:
• A brand-new, state-of-the-art student center
• Arcadia Flats, a modernized student housing complex
• A fully renovated Dunbar Hall
• The Aviation Education Center
Fresh, healthy dining options
Students can choose from 26 different campus eateries, many of which offer customizable food choices such as gluten-free and allergen-free meals.
Diverse housing Traditional, suite, loft and apartment-style rooms are available.
wmich.edu/housing
Unique Living Learning Communities (LLC) allow those with similar majors and interests to live together.
• Aviation House
• Bronco Connect Community
• Business Community
• Engineering House
• Fine Arts House
• Global Hall
• Health Professional Community
• Honors Community
• Spectrum House
wmich.edu/housing/communities


94% of students say that using the Student Recreation Center improves their health and well-being wmich.edu/news/2023/02/70910
#1 Athletic Program in the MAC*
1 NCAA Division I National Championship 9 postseason appearances
*2024-25 Learfield Directors' Cup


16 Division I varsity sports
wmich.edu/admissions/scholarships
Our goal is to make college financially accessible for any student with the ambition to pursue a degree. We know scholarships and financial aid are essential to funding a college education. We offer a wide range of opportunities and resources that put college in reach for as many students as possible. At Western:
• All scholarships are test-free.
• The Common App plays a significant role in determining scholarship awards.
• Many scholarships are auto-awarded based on academic achievement.
• Top awards are determined through a holistic review process of the Common App, considering factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, essays and counselor ratings.
• Semifinalists for top awards are notified early in the calendar year and invited to virtual interviews before final awards.
In
who complete their application by the Dec. 15 Early Action deadline receive priority consideration for admissions awards; however, students who apply after that will still be considered for scholarship opportunities as long as funding remains available. We encourage all students to apply and submit materials as soon as possible.
One of the best ways for your students to offset the cost of a college education is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
WMU uses the FAFSA to determine need-based awards, so encourage your students and their parents to complete the FAFSA as it can help to lower the cost of tuition.
• The FAFSA can be submitted at studentaid.gov.
• Western’s FAFSA code: 002330
While the timeline is dependent on federal processes, WMU strives to award financial aid packages in late January. We understand that the cost of a college education is a significant investment. Our financial aid team is committed to helping prospective students navigate all aspects of the financial aid process.
Student Financial Aid | wmich.edu/finaid | (269) 387-6000
Students will be selected via a holistic application review.
Medallion WMU’s most prestigious merit-based award for undergraduate students includes money toward tuition, fees and housing and one-time funding to cover study abroad or research. Current total value = up to $93,120. Visit wmich.edu/medallion for specifics.
*Full-time, lower level (up to 15 credits/semester) on main campus for fall and spring semesters. Differential tuition assessed by the Haworth College of Business, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Fine Arts is not included in the rates. View details at wmich.edu/registrar/tuition.
**Double occupancy room in the Valley neighborhood with the Bronco Gold meal plan.
‡Estimated using survey responses from current WMU students.
WHO HOLD A BACHELOR’S
Students may report/submit ACT or SAT test scores if they wish, but it is not required. If a student chooses to submit, they can self-report their scores on the admission application. Applicants who choose to submit should report/submit scores from all test dates. Western does not use ACT/SAT scores for scholarships. wmich.edu/apply/transcripts/testing
Earning college credit before enrolling in college is a great way for students to get an early start on their higher education. Western accepts Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and dual enrollment credit.
wmich.edu/admissions/freshmen/earlycredit
Incoming first-year students with a high school GPA of 3.60 or higher will be eligible for admission to the honors college. All incoming first-year students meeting the criteria will be automatically eligible for admission to the honors college. Incoming honors students will receive priority registration privileges in early May.
wmich.edu/honors
Designed to guide first-year students in developing the skills, behaviors and attitudes that lead to college success, the Alpha Program serves students who show potential to be successful at WMU but who do not meet regular admission guidelines. Students will be offered admission to WMU via the Alpha Program during the admission process. Upon enrolling at Western, Alpha students become part of cohort and receive support from student mentors and dedicated faculty and staff.
wmich.edu/alpha
WMU offers high school students the opportunity to take WMU courses as a dual enrollment student.
wmich.edu/early-college
ATYP
The Academically Talented Youth Program is an advanced and accelerated educational opportunity for academically talented middle and high school students.
wmich.edu/precollege/atyp/about
If a student meets or is on track to meet the criteria by high school completion, they are assured admission to WMU, based on the following admission criteria:
• 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.
• Overall performance and trend is neutral or positive.
• Satisfactory approval of any conduct violations (most conduct violations do not prevent students from being admitted).
Each student must apply to the institution through Common App and provide all required documents. Note: the Assured Admission program provides clarity as to whether your student is admitted to WMU; however, it does not guarantee admission to our competitive programs.
wmich.edu/admissions/assured-admission
*Some colleges and programs may have special admission criteria or different deadlines. Check with your admissions representative.

Prospective students can join our mailing list to receive information about admissions events, important deadlines, scholarship announcements and application updates. wmich.edu/requestinfo
We use a few pieces of information to make admission decisions: official high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores (if student chooses to submit) and additional information such as extracurricular activities, awards and honors. No one item will guarantee admission for a student.
1. Complete the Common App and WMU supplement
2. Submit official high school transcript(s)
Students will receive an email to create their Gold Gateway account once they submit their application. There, they can track their application file*, view their admission decision and see their personalized enrollment steps.
*A complete first-year student admission application includes: the Common App and WMU supplement, official high school transcript(s) and $40 application fee or waiver.
Application deadlines
Fall semester
• Dec. 15: Early Action (non-binding)
• Full consideration for all majors and scholarships.
• Priority invitation for the honors college.
• Deadline for competitive majors.
• June 1: Rolling Admission Admission to most academic programs.
Spring semester Jan. 1
Summer I session May 1
Summer II session June 15
Competitive programs
Aviation flight science and direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing
Admission is only considered for the fall entry term. A complete application file must be received by the Early Action deadline of Dec. 15. Applicants should complete all areas of the Common App to maximize consideration. Students admitted to these programs must confirm their admission by May 1. wmich.edu/apply/competitive
1. Complete the WMU application
2. Submit official transcript from each college or university attended
3. Submit official high school transcript(s) if fewer than 24 college credits have been earned.
Application
15
1
15
Competitive program
Aviation flight science
Admission is only considered for the fall entry term. A complete application file must be received by Feb. 15. Applicants should complete all areas of the WMU application to maximize consideration. Students admitted to this program must confirm their admission by May 1. wmich.edu/apply/competitive
Transfer student tip
Transfer students should submit their application and required documents six to eight months before they intend to transfer so they can meet with an advisor and register for courses in the same time frame as current WMU students.
Find your rep
College fair invitations may be sent directly to the representative in your area. wmich.edu/admissions/recruiter
We’re here to help Army ROTC wmich.edu/rotc (800) 968-7682
Career and Student Employment Services wmich.edu/career (269) 387-2745
Dining wmich.edu/dining (269) 387-4844
Disability Services for Students wmich.edu/ disabilityservices (269) 387-2116
Diversity and Inclusion wmich.edu/diversity (269) 387-6313
Housing and Residence Life wmich.edu/housing (269) 387-4735
New Student Orientation wmich.edu/orientation (269) 387-2167
Student Center wmich.edu/studentcenter (269) 387-4860
Student Engagement wmich.edu/ studentengagement (269) 387-2115
Student Financial Aid wmich.edu/finaid (269) 387-6000
Study Abroad wmich.edu/ studyabroad (269) 387-5890
December
FAFSA available
Dec. 15
Early Action (non-binding) application deadline
Admission to all academic programs, admission scholarship consideration and priority invitation to the Lee Honors College
January - April
Admitted student events (registration required)
Financial aid awarding begins
February - March
Departmental, endowed and college scholarship deadlines
May 1
Admission confirmation priority deadline
Required for aviation flight science and direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing
June 1
Rolling admission application deadline
Admission to most WMU academic programs
May - June
New Student Orientation (registration required)
Move-in and Fall Welcome activities
Oct. 3 | Oct. 24 | Nov. 7 | Nov. 15
Students may register at wmich.edu/admissions/openhouse.
For spring, several options for admitted students and other recruitment events will be hosted. As those details are finalized, they will be shared at wmich.edu/visit
Western Michigan University prohibits discrimination or harassment that violates the law or that limits opportunities of admission, employment or education based on the protected classes of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, height, weight, or marital status. Retaliation against any person or group who makes a good faith complaint or participates in a grievance, investigation or related processes is prohibited by law and policy. For more information, please visit wmich.edu/equity/nondiscriminationnotice.
Visit wmich.edu/about/facts for detailed sources of statistics in this publication. All information stated is correct at time of printing and subject to change. This piece was printed by a company that uses Saphira Eco products.

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