General University Studies

Students choose to participate in the SIC program for a variety of professional and personal reasons. The majority of students currently enrolled in the SIC program have a need to graduate expeditiously due to financial or other pressures. Others have found themselves unsuited to their chosen academic major. By transferring to the SIC program, these students are able to graduate in a timely manner.  Former WMU students enroll in the SIC program to complete their bachelor’s degree after leaving the university before graduation. The SIC program is able to provide these students with the means to obtain their bachelor’s degree in a manageable and straightforward fashion without the constraints of a specialized curriculum.

The SIC program was created to help students achieve a general B.A. or B.S. degree. Earning your bachelor's degree can benefit you in a variety of ways, such as helping you advance within your chosen profession, or providing you with the skills needed to change careers. Additionally, the eight branch campus locations provide former WMU students outside of the Kalamazoo area a way to complete their bachelor’s degree without having to commute to the main campus.

The Student Integrated Curriculum is a degree completion program available to former or current students in good standing who are within 15 credit hours of obtaining their degree but unable to complete their current major. Current students must be referred to the SIC program by their assigned academic advisor who will determine if the SIC curriculum is appropriate for their particular needs.

Currently enrolled students should see their academic advisor to discuss the option of transferring to the GUS program. If deemed appropriate, the advisor will forward a referral to the GUS advisor. Once the advisor has confirmed your referral, request an appointment with the GUS advisor.

Returning students should complete a readmission applicable attainable at www.wmich.edu/admi/undergradapp, and indicate GUS as their curriculum choice on the

The program appeals to individuals desiring to teach technical subjects in comprehensive high schools, trade academies, and area career and technical centers.

Requirements for admission to Western Michigan University:

• Complete and submit the Western Michigan University Application for Undergraduate Admission along with the application to the Office of Admissions and Orientation. When asked to select your program and intended major on the Undergraduate application, refer to the heading Extended University Programs. Write General University Studies for program and Occupational Education Studies for intended major.

Additional admission requirements for Occupational Education Studies majors

• Complete an approved program of work for the OES major from a Michigan Community College prior to transferring to WMU. Click here for approved programs of work.

Once admitted to WMU as a Pre-OES student, the student will receive a credit evaluation. The student will then meet with the OES advisor to plan their courses.

Please note: If an approved program of work for the OES major from a Michigan Community College was not completed, applicants must complete and submit their Michigan Occupational Competency Assessment Center (MOCAC) passing scores.

Graduation requirements for Occupational Education Studies following admission into the program:

1. Admission into College of Education as a candidate for Teacher Certification.
2. Vocational Endorsement
   Students must complete 4000 hours of recent and relevant work experience in their teachable major to receive a vocational endorsement
3. Technical Content
   Students must complete a teachable minor at WMU. The minor must be selected from the list of WMU teachable minors for secondary education.
4. Professional Education Courses (21 credit hours):
5. Directed Internship (12 credit hours)
6. General Education Courses (any courses not previously transferred in from community college)
7. Computer Literacy Course

A significant benefit of this program is that it affords the student the opportunity to design and complete an individualized program of study. The curriculum can be tailored to the student’s specialized interests, allowing them to pursue education which will prepare them for employment in areas where no conventional curricula exist. Because it is customized to a unique educational interest, it also assists students who are pursuing highly specialized graduate degrees the opportunity to prepare for graduate or professional study.

• Applicants can have earned no more than 75 credit hours at WMU and must be in good academic standing. Aside from WMU’s General Education and Intellectual Skills requirements, the major consists entirely of elective courses which must be sufficient in number to meet general degree requirements.
• Once a student has outlined their proposed courses, they are required to review their selections with a faculty member or advisor in the department(s) offering a majority of their proposed courses. They should seek advice from the department members regarding their selections and make appropriate changes. Once a department has provided guidance the Student Planned Curriculum Advisor oversees the ongoing student progress.

Students may be referred by an academic advisor or directly contact the General University Studies (GUS) advisor. Students will be required to complete an application outlining their goals and a tentative plan of study. Students who meet the program requirements should contact the GUS advisor for an appointment to discuss their educational plan and to obtain an application. Upon completion of the application and review by the GUS and department advisors, the student will be admitted into the Student Planned Curriculum.