2011–12 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season

The 2011–12 Mid-American Conference women's basketball season began with practices in October 2011, followed by the start of the 2011–12 NCAA Division I women's basketball season in November. Conference play began in January 2012 and concluded in March 2012. Bowling Green won the regular season title with a record of 14–2 by one game over Eastern Michigan and Toledo. Tavelyn James of Eastern Michigan was named MAC player of the year.

Third seeded Eastern won the MAC tournament over fifth seeded Central Michigan. Tavelyn James of Eastern Michigan was the tournament MVP. Eastern Michigan lost to South Carolina in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Miami, and Toledo played in the WNIT.

Preseason awards
The preseason poll and league awards were announced by the league office on November 1, 2011.

Preseason women's basketball poll
(First place votes in parentheses)

East Division

 * 1) Ohio
 * 1) Ohio
 * 1) Ohio
 * 1) Ohio
 * 1) Ohio

Tournament champs
Toledo

Postseason awards

 * 1) Coach of the Year: Curt Miller, Bowling Green
 * 2) Player of the Year: Tavelyn James, Eastern Michigan
 * 3) Freshman of the Year: Claire Jakubicek, Northern Illinois
 * 4) Defensive Player of the Year: Andola Dortch, Toledo
 * 5) Sixth Man of the Year: Jalisa Olive, Central Michigan