Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Graduate School at Western Carolina University. As the westernmost campus in the UNC system, WCU delivers the quality education you would expect from one of the best systems of higher education in the nation. Our programs focus on applied experience and real-world research that our students use to further their expertise and careers under the guidance of world-class faculty. 

Our graduate students also meet tremendous need in the western North Carolina region. Our nursing students serve elderly home-bound patients as part of their service learning outreach; our engineering students work with high-tech manufacturers to develop new products and product reproduction techniques through our Rapid Product Development center; our business students support start-ups in one of the most entrepreneurial cities in the nation. That collaboration between industry in our region and our students helps us to build stronger futures for both.

Explore our Programs

WCU offers more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs designed with three things in mind: quality, flexibility and affordability. As a regional comprehensive university, our focus is on master's-level programs in high-demand areas. However, we also offer a limited number of doctoral programs including programs in physical therapy, nursing practice and educational leadership to meet the demands of the region.  

Degree Programs 

Certificate Programs

Locations

WCU offers graduate programs at its main campus in Cullowhee, at its instructional site in Asheville and online.

• Cullowhee   Western Carolina University's main campus in Cullowhee is just minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our unique mountain location with its biodiversity and cultural realities serves as a rich training ground for graduate students studying fields from art and biology to social work and physical therapy.
• Asheville   WCU in Asheville provides access to graduate degrees for working professionals in the region in fields such as accounting, engineering, public affairs, nursing and educational leadership.
• Online   WCU offers 10 fully online graduate degrees in fields ranging from entrepreneurship to health sciences to education and much more.