About the Graduate School

Mission and Vision

The Graduate School at Western Carolina University serves to support graduate students and faculty, beginning with the support of prospective students as they explore programs of interest and move through the application process. The central mission of the Graduate School is to provide services and resources to promote an engaged and diverse community of study and to ensure quality graduate education and active scholarship.  The Graduate School will advocate for graduate students, faculty, and programs to benefit the scholarly activities within the university and the region.

 

Activities coordinated by the Graduate School

• Recruitment of prospective students
• Collection and processing of applications
• Coordination of the admission process with academic programs
• Assisting students with academic policy, course registration, and course withdrawal
• Coordination and allocation of graduate scholarships and tuition remissions
• Processing and assignment of graduate assistantships to graduate programs and campus units
• Monitoring academic eligibility
• Coordination of Graduate Student Association
• Processing of graduate faculty applications
• Reviewing theses/disquisitions for formatting
• Working with the Graduate Council to approve new/revised graduate programs, curricula, and policy
  
  

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Strategic Plan

Read our Strategic Plan (2020-2025) 

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Graduate Program Locations

Main Campus - Cullowhee

Western's main campus is located in Cullowhee, North Carolina, in a valley of the southern Appalachian Mountains. Scenic vistas, clear whitewater streams, and dense forests abound in our mountain environment. While the climate is mild, four distinct seasons offer a variety of picturesque scenes at any time of year.

Asheville - Biltmore Park

Western Carolina University operates an instructional site at Biltmore Park Towne Square in Asheville where it offers graduate programs in business, nursing, counseling,  and more. 

 Online Programs 

WCU is home to top-ranked graduate programs in fields ranging from nursing to education to business. We build online learning communities that bring accomplished students together with professors dedicated to their success.