Advising

Post-Baccalaureate Certification

Post-Baccalaureate Certification Process

Admission to Western Michigan University

Graduates from a four-year accredited institution who wish to obtain Michigan teacher certification should contact the Office of Admissions ((269) 387-2000, Seibert Administration Building) for an application. The completed application and official transcripts from all previously attended institutions are required prior to admission. A transmittal form from the Office of Admissions will be sent to the College of Education Office of Admissions and Advising, where it will be determined whether the coursework for Initial Teacher Certification will also lead to a second bachelors degree.

After admission to the University

The College of Education Office of Admissions and Advising (2504 Sangren Hall) will send you the Request for Program Processing form to declare your choice of teachable major and minor.

Post Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification students seeking transcript evaluation, program outline, academic advising, and audit are assessed a processing/auditing fee as follows:

WMU student or graduate within one semester of graduation date--No Charge
WMU graduate with enrollment date more than 1 semester after graduation--$25.00
Non WMU graduate--$55.00

After receipt of payment and completed program processing form, your official program is written and you will be contacted (this process may take three to four weeks).

Teacher Certification pre-program requirements

Pre-education requirements for students interested in teaching programs in:

Art or Music
Family and Consumer Sciences
Health, Physical Education and Recreation
Special Education (January 15 yearly deadline)
Teaching, Learning, and Educational Studies

Post Baccalaureate Initial Teacher Certification Application

Important notes

Applications to the Professional level are processed once all pre-education requirements have been met, however Special Education accepts applications only once a year on January 15th.
Professional level education courses must be taken in sequence as outlined on the curriculum guide and/or as the advisor directs.
Current undergraduate catalog requirements are in effect. Residency/transfer credit requirements and a time limit on coursework may be in effect. The program may require an additional 50 to 60 semester hours of credit for secondary level certification.
Due to the sequencing of the Professional level education courses, it may require a MINIMUM of three to four semesters to complete a certification program.
The Michigan Board of Education will issue a teaching certificate only after the certification program has been successfully completed. The Basic Skills examination and the Subject Area examination for each subject in which certification is sought must also be passed.

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