Western Carolina University

If you are a U.S. student, we recommend you submit your completed application and all supporting credentials to the Graduate School at least four weeks prior to the start of first term. Be sure to review the Departmental Application Deadlines in case the program you wish to attend has additional deadline requirements. If you wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship, your materials must be to the Graduate School by early March for fall admission and early October for spring admission.

 Deadlines for Applying as an International Student 
If you are an international student, your materials must be received by the Graduate School by:

• April 1 for the following fall admission
• September 1 for following spring admission

Most of WCU’s graduate programs accept applications on a rolling basis. Directors evaluate applications as they are received. Nevertheless, you should apply as soon as possible because limitied seats are available each semester. A complete application and all supporting materials (e.g., test scores, recommendations, and transcripts) are necessary before considering any applicant for admission.

To stay on track, complete the Application Checklist and review these important dates before you begin preparing your application:

Deadlines for Applying as a U.S. Student  

Art, M.F.A. Business Administration, M.B.A.	February 1 July 15 (Fall admission) Nov. 15 (Spring admission) April 1 (Summer admission)
Communication Sciences and Disorders, M.S.	February 15
Counseling (Clinical Mental Health), M.S.	February 1
Counseling (School), M.A.Ed.	February 1
Educational Leadership, Ed.D. Elementary Education, M.A.Ed. Health Sciences, M.H.S.	February 1 March 15 (Fall admission) March 15 (Early Fall admission) April 19 (Final Fall admission) Oct.15 (Spring admission) April 19 (Summer admission)
Human Resources, M.S. Middle Grades Education, M.A.Ed.	April 1 (Fall admission) Nov. 1 (Spring admission) March 15 (Fall admission)
Nursing, M.S.
Nurse Administrator    Nurse Educator	April 15 (Fall admission) Oct. 15 (Spring admission) April 15 (Fall admission) Oct. 15 (Spring admission)
Nurse Anesthesia	May 15 (Spring admission)
Nurse Practitioner Nursing, Post-Master's Certificate	March 15 (Fall admission)
Nurse Educator track    Family Nurse Practioner track	April 15 (Fall admission) Oct. 15 (Spring admission) March 15 (Fall admission)
Physical Therapy, D.P.T.	October 15 (Fall admission)
Psychology (General), M .A.    Clinical    Experimental Specialist School Psychology, S.S.P. School Administration, M.S.A. Social Work, M.S.W.    Advanced Standing	March 1 (Fall/Sum. admission) Feb. 1 (Fall/Summer admission) February 1 (Fall admission) April 1 (Summer admission) July 1 (Fall admission) November 1 (Spring admission) April 15 (Fall admission) Feb. 1 (Fall admission)
Applicants submitting late applications may be considered if openings are available after this date. Please contact the Program Director for further information.

Financial Aid Deadlines

Be sure to keep these dates in mind if you’re applying for financial aid or WCU’s fellowships and scholarships:

• FAFSA deadlines: Financial Aid Office
• September 1:  Applications due for Morrill Family Fund for Research in Education 

Graduation Application Deadlines

Graduation applications should be completed the semester before you intend to graduate. Please contact the Registrar's Office (registrarsoffice@wcu.edu, or 828-227-7216) for current information regarding graduation.