Central Michigan University brand identity

Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, United States Founded 1892 World Rank #2122

Overview

Acronyms: CMU
Founded: 1892
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
World Rank: #2122
Rank in United States: #275
Motto: Sapientia, Virtus, Amicitia
Colours: Maroon and gold
Central Michigan University institutional building
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Established in 1892, the Central Michigan University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Mount Pleasant (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Michigan.

Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Central Michigan University (CMU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Central Michigan University (CMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 132-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.

International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

CMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Central Michigan University's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.

Address: 1200 S. Franklin Street
Postal Code: 48859
Phone: +1 (989) 774 4000
Fax: +1 (989) 774 7267
Social Media:

Academic Details

Central Michigan University's student-to-faculty composition and recognition standing are listed below. Student support staff (advisers, counsellors) are typically separate from academic staff and often uncounted here.

Total Students: 10,035
Student Enrollment: 15
Academic Staff Range: 800-899
Campus Setting: Rural
Memberships & Networks
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) National Athletic Association (NAA) National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Academic Structures

The colleges, schools, and faculties that house Central Michigan University's degrees are below. Clinical units and teaching hospitals are often part of medical schools, with separate governance arrangements.

Unit 8 items
  • College of Business Administration
  • College of Communication and Fine Arts
  • College of Education and Human Services
  • College of Graduate Studies
  • College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • College of Medicine
  • College of Science and Engineering
  • Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions

Programs Offered

The programme finder below covers every degree Central Michigan University currently offers. Programme codes here often map to international classification systems used for credential recognition abroad.

Bachelor's Degree

93 programmes

Browse 93 programmes at Central Michigan University for undergraduate entry. Each combines core theory with the credits needed to progress toward honours or a master's.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication Public Relations
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering Environmental Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician General Engineering
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Outdoor Education Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Astronomy and Astrophysics Physics & Astronomy
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Climate Studies & Meteorology
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Public Administration Public Administration
Social Work Social Work
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Corporate Communications Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Real Estate Business Administration
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
History History

Master's Degree

54 programmes

Central Michigan University's 54 programmes at this tier lead to a master's qualification, valued for the focused, research-informed depth they add beyond undergraduate study.

Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Literature English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Public Administration Public Administration
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
History History

Doctorate

17 programmes

There are 17 programmes to choose from at Central Michigan University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.

Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Materials Sciences Materials Science
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Medicine Medicine
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
History History

Professional Doctorate

3 programmes

There are 3 programmes to choose from at Central Michigan University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Medicine Medicine
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

37 programmes

Beyond the main degree tiers, Central Michigan University runs 37 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.

Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Software and Media Applications Digital Media & Game Development
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Engineering-Related Fields General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Non-Professional Legal Studies Law
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Homeland Security Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Public Administration Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Geography and Cartography Geography
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Public Health Public Health
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History

How to apply to Central Michigan University

A practical five-step guide to applying to Central Michigan University, from programme research through submission and follow-up.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Central Michigan University

    Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Central Michigan University offers 204 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Each programme at Central Michigan University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Apply directly via Central Michigan University's online portal at www.cmich.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (989) 774 4000. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Central Michigan University

Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Central Michigan University as a study destination.

When was Central Michigan University founded?

Central Michigan University was established in 1892 (approximately 134 years ago).

What city is Central Michigan University in?

Central Michigan University operates from Mount Pleasant, United States.

What is Central Michigan University's control type?

Central Michigan University operates as a public institution.

How big is Central Michigan University's student body?

Central Michigan University serves approximately 15,000-19,999 students.

How is Central Michigan University ranked?

It ranks #2122 globally and #275 in United States.

What is Central Michigan University's academic structure?

Central Michigan University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Central Michigan University officially recognised?

Central Michigan University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How do I find Central Michigan University online?

The institution's website is www.cmich.edu.

Top-Ranked Universities in the United States

Top the United States universities often run international branch campuses. Central Michigan University's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.

Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-affiliated universities form a network of comparable institutions — Central Michigan University sits among them. Network membership often signals shared values around academic quality and student support.

Faculties at Nearby Universities

Universities geographically close to Central Michigan University are listed below — useful if commute, campus visits, or regional culture factor into your shortlist. Many students compare nearby options before committing to a final choice.

Where Else to Study Education & Teaching

Looking for Education & Teaching programmes beyond Central Michigan University? Other universities in the United States cover the same discipline. Cross-comparing modules, assessment styles, and faculty profiles is the fastest way to find the right fit.

Universities Often Compared with Central Michigan University

Looking at Central Michigan University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Central Michigan University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.

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