Western Michigan University Reviews

  • 87 Reviews
  • Kalamazoo (MI)
  • Annual Tuition: $18,254
85% of 87 students said this degree improved their career prospects
91% of 87 students said they would recommend this school to others
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Student & Graduate Reviews

Colleen McChesney
  • Reviewed: 1/17/2020
  • Degree: International Relations
"I am proud to call Western Michigan University my alma mater because of the incredible faculty and academic staff that sincerely care about student growth and development. During my time as and undergraduate, President Dunn served as the university president. I believe the reason for Western's community came from his love for students and not placing himself above anyone. He would go on morning walks around campus, attend football games in the student section, I even got invited to his house for a pool party over the summer! (He is a champion at cornhole!) My professors were always willing to meet with me and discuss my future, classes, potential career paths, and helped shape who I became academically and professionally. My advisor served as my most important mentor and is still my go-to for recommendations and discussions about what path I should take."
Me1991
  • Reviewed: 12/10/2019
  • Degree: Supply Chain Management
"I feel like this is a great school for a first time college student fresh out of high school or a student that is a full time student or a student that doesnt work a day job. I had to transfer out after one semester because finding a class that didn't interfere with my Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm job schedule was impossible. There as limited online classes for most subjects and for others there was absolutely no online option. I felt that my teachers also didn't care of you worked full time and had absolutely no evening office hours. My hybrid Macroeconomics instructor assigned absolutely NO homework, which I personally feel is ridiculous for a math based class. My holistic health instructor was excellent and had a well structured lesson plan that told you exactly what she wanted you to get out of each lesson. And the transfers for business class was a waste of time. I have no idea how young students havent been taught how to write a resume or what professional dress looks like by the time they leave high school, but this is less of a problem with the school and more of a problem with our public education system. All and all if you are a young transfer student or a new college student it is probably an excellent school, but if you work full time I'd advise looking into an online education."
Ashley
  • Reviewed: 11/17/2019
  • Degree: Occupational Therapy
"Honestly, this school is phenomenal. They are always finding ways to improve or upgrade. They listen to their students and find ways to get them involved. Their academics are very powerful and they have experienced professors who actually care about their students. The food is great and the atmosphere overall is welcoming."
Student
  • Reviewed: 10/19/2019
  • Degree: Environmental Engineering
"My advisor discouraged me from going into science and was condescending. I felt awful and couldn’t even stay after he treated me that way, so I transferred to a community college for a technology associates degree. Wouldn’t recommend this institution if you are unsure of your path."
sarwat
  • Reviewed: 9/4/2019
  • Degree: Education
"Best time of my life was spent at WMU. My mentor (Dr. R Nelson -the best) and my professors were extremely helpful and supportive. Campus life was diverse and extremely welcoming. It prepares each student to face the real world. Except the cold, I had nothing but positive experiences here."
T. P.
  • Reviewed: 4/30/2019
  • Degree: Business
"Unfortunately, I would have to say this: I went into this program with what I thought was a passion for business based on my DECA achievements and the internships I had before my first semester at WMU. I have come out of this program with absolutely no desire for business at all. After earning a 3.6 GPA and a Bachelor's degree, I'm now a carpenter's apprentice. For anyone who is even considering majoring in business at WMU, research their business college very well. It could be the worst decision you'll ever make."
Rose Ferrell
  • Reviewed: 2/15/2019
  • Degree: Teaching
"I just didnt have the support that I needed mostly. Having a support system away from school and at school are both highly desirable and needed. I'm sure much has changed since I attended, but having a mentor or counselors is very important and needed. I lacked that.."
Denise Slate
  • Reviewed: 1/24/2018
  • Degree: Education
"I went to Western Michigan University to complete my degree in Secondary Education. While everyone there was sociable, the academic portion was somewhat lacking. The education classes did not prepare to teach, instead they focused on general theories of education, while subject area classes were great. In short my experience at WMU was less than desirable, due to the lack of resources, focus, and desire to improve in their own teaching methods."
Aimee O Yervasi
  • Reviewed: 12/31/2017
  • Degree: Fitness Trainer
"I attended Western Michigan Universtiy from 1992-1994. At the time it was one of only a handful of graduate programs in Athletic Training. I loved my experience at WMU. I graduated with the skills and knowledge needed to help me attain a job with Yale University and later with Villanova University. The program is very thorough with opportunities to receive an MA or MS in athletic training depending on the depth and length of research. I would recommend this program to any athletic trainer seeking a masters degree with opportunities to practice in a variety of athletic training settings."
Mike M
  • Reviewed: 12/17/2017
  • Degree: Healthcare Administration
"I went to Western due to not taking high school too seriously and for the fact that it was cheap. "A Degree is a Degree" and to a point, it is correct. If you have a connection or other credentials, a Western Degree fills the check box. With that being said, it certainly has never impressed any hiring manager I've worked with, and is a regional school at best. That's not the worst thing, but if you want to move out of state to anywhere but Chicago, you're facing an uphill battle.My first few years out of undergrad were tough, though this is partially due to my degree being useless for any specialized job. Eventually though, I bullshitted my way into a finance gig, and eventually got my PMP certification, which has helped me getting a job and talking to recruiters over 10 fold what my B.S. ever has (and for only 4 grand at Villanova too). As for the actual curriculum, I am not exaggerating that the average student here is significantly stupider than the average person of my high school, and most people are just focused on partying and simply passing. In regards to my program, I was in the Interdisciplinary Health Services program, which I would not recommend to anyone who isn't motivated enough to go to graduate school (PA, Nursing, OT, PT, etc). The Degree is next to useless otherwise, unless you want to work in some crappy hospital job at 35k a year. I also feel like I didn't learn much at all, and almost all my classes were able to be passed with next to no effort due to simply regurgitating whatever the teacher's viewpoints said. The only challenging classes were my STEM ones. The rest were essentially superfluous fluff obviously created just to cheat students out of more of their parent's money. Really, if you read a Social Justice Warrior's timeline on facebook for 5 minutes, you will be able to pass any of the non science classes in this college, as there is WAY too much stress on being "diverse". Overall, my view of Western as an academic institution is pretty negative, and I really don't think it prepared me well for the work force or for finding employment. For what it is worth, I know many of my friends who were in other Majors did not have struggles finding jobs, all though most were for tier 2 companies opposed to industry leaders. Thankfully I was able to research and further my education with more in demand certifications, and now make good money for a 26 year old, but the fact remains that I don't think paying the 10,000 or so I spent on all of them would be needed if even I went to a school like Michigan State. Really, I can only recommend here if you're very cost conscious, and want a degree that will pretty much guarantee you employment anywhere (such as engineering or computer science). Party Scene was great though."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: MBA
"Great program especially for working adults."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"Attending WMU was the best decision I ever made. I learned about my career path, but also about life in general."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 9/1/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"The masters program was easier than I expected but the professors were knowledgeable."
Kathryn Dristy
  • Reviewed: 6/28/2017
  • Degree: Art & Design
"Overall I had a wonderful experience during my undergrad at WMU. The professors in the art ed program are knowledgeable, and the degree requires a variety of art classes which are exciting and insightful. On top of that, the art facilities at WMU are top of the line and brand new. The intern year really prepares you for teaching as well. It requires a year long internship where you work with a professor to build your resume, website, attend conferences, and network. This year really prepared me for the real world challenge of being an art educator."
Anonymous
  • Reviewed: 5/22/2017
  • Degree: Social Work
"Quality professors, interesting courses available, nice facilities, some challenges in scheduling courses needed towards the end of my degree."
Deb Usitalo
  • Reviewed: 3/28/2017
  • Degree: Business
"I never once met with an advisor. I am not sure if I was supposed to find one or if one was supposed to contact me. I was satisfied with the classes I took but I did not feel completely ready for the real world. I also hated the profession I chose; I am now pursuing a graduate degree in a completely different area. Perhaps if I would have hunted down an advisor..."
S Brown
  • Reviewed: 3/5/2017
  • Degree: Health Sciences
"Western Michigan has one of the best music therapy programs in the country. As an equivalency/Master's student, I've had the opportunity to take undergraduate and graduate-level courses simultaneously in order to complete my degree in the quickest time possible. The faculty at WMU create a great environment that fosters student growth and prepares them to enter their internships and careers with the confidence and skills needed to be successful in the field."
Ashley Williams
  • Reviewed: 3/3/2017
  • Degree: Psychology
"Attending Western Michigan University has sufficiently prepared me for the next steps in my professional career. The courses I have taken have both motivated and prepared me to thrive in a graduate program, as well as an entry-level position. The school is widely diverse, has a multitude of clubs and programs to join, as well as a friendly student body. Campus is small enough to where you will see familiar faces around, which is comforting as a incoming freshman. The class sizes are generally small, giving you easy accessibility to your professor, and to have deep discussion with your classmates. The university also has a wide variety of services in order to help you succeed - such as, The Counseling Center, The Writing Center, Career and Student Employment Services, etc. I highly enjoyed my time as Western student and would recommend WMU to any student looking for a fun, friendly, engaged community to learn in."
Emily Upshur
  • Reviewed: 2/24/2017
  • Degree: Occupational Therapy
"I attended Western Michigan University for my undergrad and graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Health Services in the Spring of 2016. I was very pleased to have been accepted into their well-know top 50 ranked Occupational Therapy Masters program which I began in the Fall of 2016. Western Michigan University is a great school with wonderful faculty and I am proud be be a alumni as well as a current student. They truly thrive in putting their students first and helping them succeed!"
Forever Bronco
  • Reviewed: 2/21/2017
  • Degree: Biomedical Sciences
"My undergraduate experience was a lot of fun and WMU provided me with a smooth transition into living on my own. I made life-long friends in my clubs, classes and in the community and I will forever be thankful to WMU for this. If I had to point out an area of improvement for this school, it would be their advisors. I wish someone stayed on top of my academics, extracurricular activities and career focus."