CMU Online Student Frequently Asked Questions

Students interested in an online undergraduate program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Some programs may have a higher GPA requirement. 

Students interested in an online graduate program must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7. Some graduate programs may have a higher GPA requirement. 

Contact us at onlineprograms@cmich.edu or 800-950-1144 to discuss the requirements for your program of interest.

Submit your application for admission and pay your application fee.

Request that official transcripts be sent directly to CMU from your previously attended institution(s).

Submit any additional materials identified in your application portal.

CMU offers six start terms throughout the year. Some programs have specific start times. Please refer to the individual program page or contact us at onlineprograms@cmich.edu or 800-950-1144 to determine available start times for your program of interest.  

View the academic calendar. The academic calendar identifies important term dates, billing, payment, and financial aid information, as well as registration and graduation timelines. 

Undergraduate
Sixty academic hours from other recognized colleges can be considered for transfer credit when relevant to your program at CMU. At least 30 semester hours must be earned with Central Michigan University. You can use our Transfer Equivalency Tool to estimate what may transfer to CMU. 


Graduate
A maximum of 9 semester hours may only once be transferred from one earned graduate credential to another master’s or higher degree program. Depending on your program of interest, up to 50% of previously earned graduate credit may be eligible for transfer.


Contact us at onlineprograms@cmich.edu or 800-950-1144 to talk through your specific situation.

Yes, CMU offers Prior Learning Credit for the knowledge you have already acquired through work, training, and life experiences. Undergraduate students may receive up to 60 prior learning credits and graduate students may receive up to 12 credits. Students work with their academic advisor to see if and how Prior Learning Credit may fit into their degree program.

CMU Online courses are instructor-led and not self-paced. Every course has a syllabus and course outline that identifies weekly engagement and assignments.

You should expect to access your course several times each week to complete assignments and engage with your class. Many courses require discussion board posts where you respond to a question posed by your instructor.  Some online courses may require you to meet virtually for a live lecture, and some may even involve group projects.

To preview an online course, click the Blackboard button below and use "onlinepreview" as both the username and password.

Blackboard

CMU has several course delivery formats. Some online courses require specific meeting times, while others do not. The course search and registration portal will identify the course format. Additionally, every course has a syllabus and course outline that will identify any live meeting/class times.

On average, you should expect to dedicate 9-12 hours per week to each course in which you are enrolled. This could vary based on the class level and program.

We offer a variety of support services to our online students, including:

A dedicated support team, including Academic Advising and Online Student Services, to help you throughout your academic journey.

CMU Writing Center
Math Assistance Center
Library Services

Reliable internet access is required to complete online courses. Additionally, it is recommended students use a PC or a laptop. While a cell phone or tablet (e.g., iPad, Kindle, Chromebook) may be compatible with the Blackboard app, some technical features are not suited for use with a mobile device.

CMU does not supply students with personal computers or home internet access.