At Western Carolina University’s Graduate School, we believe your career has vast potential. So we’ve created a program that will empower you to fully realize it: Courses that teach practical skills you’ll be able to apply immediately. Research opportunities that give you the experience employers are looking for. Professional connections and relationships that will give you an edge. Not only will you be accelerating the time it takes to achieve your own personal and professional goals, but you’ll also become a vital part of our region’s economy, helping to build stronger communities and a thriving place to live.
As a regional comprehensive university, our focus is on masters level programs and applied doctoral programs in high-demand areas. The Graduate School at Western Carolina University offers more than 40 graduate degree and certificate programs, designed with three things in mind: quality, flexibility, and affordability.
110 Cordelia Camp
69 East University Way
Cullowhee, NC 28723
828.227.7398 tel
A transcript from each college or university attended must be uploaded with the online application. Do not send transcripts to Western Carolina University. Refer to the Application Instructions for specific instructions and for international transcript instructions.
Graduate School
828.227.7398
grad@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Summer | May 1 |
Not Required
College of Business- Graduate Programs Office
businessgrad@wcu.edu
Graduate Programs Manager
Deanna Allan
dallan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 15 |
Summer | April 1 |
(note: The Accountancy program will become fully online starting Fall 2024)
.
Aaron Plantenberg
828.227.3896
aplantenberg@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
If required by program of study (Social Work, MSW or Clinical Mental Health Counseling)
For current WCU MSW and Clinical Mental Health Counseling students:
For practitioners:
Graduate Program Director
Tom Ashcraft, M.F.A.
828.227.7280
tdashcraft@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | February 1 |
Not required
Complete the Graduate School Online Application
Location: Cullowhee - WCU Main Campus
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Applicants must:
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Ashley Thrasher, LAT, ATC
828.227.3511
abthrasher@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
SUMMER |
EARLY DECISION - OCT. 15 FINAL - FEB. 1* |
*ATCAS applications for Summer will open on July 1st
*Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Not Required
1. All of the following requirements must first be submitted through ATCAS.
2. After completion of your ATCAS application, complete the requirements in the WCU Graduate School portal. You will receive email instructions on how to access this portal. REMINDER: Do not skip Step 1.
Although not required for admission, the following courses are recommended for students to take prior to starting the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program.
Western Carolina University Graduate School can not accept applications in our application system for the Athletic Training M.S. degree. You must apply in the Athletic Training Centralized Application System (ATCAS).
Upon submission of your ATCAS application, WCU Graduate School will contact you via email with instructions to access your ATCAS application in the WCU Graduate School Application Portal. Please access your application portal when notified, where you will complete a few additional WCU Graduate School forms and monitor your application status for an admission decision.
Interviews are required for admission into the Master of Science in Athletic Training Program. Once the application has been reviewed, qualified candidates will be invited to complete an interview with the athletic training selection committee. Interviews will be conducted online. For additional information about the interview process, please reach out to the program at wcuathletictraining@wcu.edu.
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Kathy Mathews
Office: Apodaca 520
828.227.3659
kmathews@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority Fall - Final |
March 1 May 1 |
Spring - Priority Spring - Final |
November 1 December 1 |
Not required
To be eligible for consideration the applicant should have an undergraduate grade point average of 3.00 (out of 4.00) or higher, an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Biology or related science from an accredited College or University
College of Business- Graduate Programs Office
businessgrad@wcu.edu
Graduate Programs Manager
Deanna Allan
dallan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority | April 1 |
Fall | August 1 |
Spring* | December 15 |
*The MBA program accepts and welcomes International applicants to apply only for Fall terms.
GMAT or GRE are accepted (this requirement may be waived due to work experience, academic history - Waiver Request Form)
WCU School Code 5897
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Scott Huffman
828.227.3669
shuffman@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority Fall - Final |
March 15 June 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
*The Chemistry program accepts and welcomes International applicants to apply only for Fall terms.
Not required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Andrew Denson
828.227.3867
denson@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Not Required
Dr. Leigh Odom
Department Chair - Communication Sciences and Disorders
Western Carolina University
158 HHS Building
kmodom@wcu.edu
828.227.7251
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | February 1 |
Not required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Bruce Gehrig
211 Belk Building
828.227.2201
ggehrig@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Summer | May 1 |
Not required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Melodie Frick
828.6546564
mhfrick@wcu.edu
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program Leader
Dr. Russell C. Curtis
828.227.7310
curtis@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority | December 1 |
Fall - Final | February 1 |
Summer | February 1 |
Applicants may apply for Summer or Fall admission. Summer admission allows students to take 1 - 2 courses, as space allows; otherwise, and if Summer course enrollment is at full capacity, newly admitted students will begin courses in the Fall semester.
GRE General Exam – at least 150 on verbal or quantitative– writing score of 4. GRE
School Code: 5897
The test score requirement is waived if the applicant has one of the following:
If you meet the criteria above, you may submit a GRE waiver form within the portal as part of your application.
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Melodie Frick
828.654.6564
mhfrick@wcu.edu
School Counseling Program Leader
Dr. Lisen Roberts
828.227.2291
lroberts@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority | December 1 |
Fall - Final | February 1 |
Summer | February 1 |
Applicants may apply for Summer or Fall admission. Summer admission allows students to take 1 - 2 courses, as space allows; otherwise, and if Summer course enrollment is at full capacity, newly admitted students will begin courses in the Fall semester.
GRE General Exam – at least 150 on verbal or quantitative– writing score of 4. GRE School Code: 5897
The test score requirement is waived if the applicant has one of the following:
If you meet the criteria above, you may submit a GRE waiver form in the portal as part of your application.
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Lisa Lefler
828.227.2164
llefler@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Summer | May 1 |
Not Required
Program | Contact | |
---|---|---|
Suite 201 Advsing | Suite 201 | suite201@wcu.edu |
Secondary/Special Subject Area Program Coordinator | Dr. Jennifer Barrett-Tatum | jabarrett@wcu.edu |
Elementary/Middle Grades | Dr. Jennifer Barrett-Tatum | jabarrett@wcu.edu |
English | Dr. Jonathan Bradshaw | jlbradshaw@email.wcu.edu |
Special Education - Gifted & Mild to Moderate | Dr. Lisa Bloom | bloom@wcu.edu |
Special Education - Severe/Profound | Dr. Karena Cooper-Duffy | kcooper@wcu.edu |
Gifted, Creative, and Innovative Education | Dr. Lisa Bloom | bloom@wcu.edu |
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall |
August 1 Elementary/Middle Grades: August 1 |
Spring |
December 1 Elementary/Middle Grades: December 1 |
Summer |
May 1 Elementary/Middle Grades: May 1 |
Not Required
The fully online MAT was designed to enable students holding degrees other than education degrees to study in selected teaching programs at the advanced graduate level. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree in the major of the concentration and must meet the prerequisite requirements of the department housing the concentration. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in a major other than the MAT concentration may not qualify for the MAT.
The program leading to the MAT degree in comprehensive education requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of graduate study. The MAT requires students in all concentrations to complete 21 semester hours in the professional core. A year-long internship or the equivalent is required. The specific requirements for each concentration are listed in each concentration area.
The Comprehensive Education MAT has two phases. Successful completion of phase one leads to recommendation for an initial level teaching license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, pending completion of all state-mandated requirements. Phase two leads to recommendation for an advanced level teaching license from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, again pending completion of all state-mandated requirements.
Program | Contact | |
---|---|---|
Special Education - General Curriculum | Bridget Lopez | blopez@wcu.edu |
Special Education - General Curriculum | Dr. Lisa Bloom | bloom@wcu.edu |
Special Education - Adapted Curriculum | Dr. Karena Cooper-Duffy | kcooper@wcu.edu |
STEM | Bridget Lopez | blopez@wcu.edu |
TESOL | Bridget Lopez | blopez@wcu.edu |
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Summer | May 1 |
Not Required
Location: Biltmore Park Instructional Site, Asheville and Online
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Complete applications are reviewed after the deadline passes
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Emily Virtue
828.227.3371
evirtue@wcu.edu
Student Services Specialist
Denise Royer
828.227.3325
droyer@wcu.edu
Semester Start | Deadline |
---|---|
Summer | February 1 |
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Yang Zhang
828.227.2564
yzhang@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
*The MSET program accepts and welcomes International applicants to apply only for Fall terms.
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Jonathan L. Bradshaw
jlbradshaw@wcu.edu
828.227.3270
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
*The English program accepts and welcomes International applicants to apply only for Fall terms.
GRE General Exam – optional
The Graduate School at WCU accepts student applications throughout the year. It is recommended that applicants submit a completed application and all supporting materials at least four weeks prior to the start of first term. Nevertheless, it is best to apply early because limited seats are available each semester.
Graduate Program Director
Andrew J. Bobilya, Ph.D.
828.227.3326
ajbobilya@email.wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
FALL - PRIORITY FALL - FINAL |
February 1 June 1 |
Not required
Student Services
828.654.6510
wcunursing@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Summer |
Priority Deadline: October 1
Final Deadline: February 1 |
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Brook T. Alemu
828.227.2647
balemu@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | May 1 |
Spring | November 1 |
NOTE: Different deadlines apply to the Dietetic Internship program. Please see Nutrition dropdown.
Not required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Yancey Gulley
828.227.3372
nygulley@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall- Priority Fall- Final* |
March 1 June 1 |
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Elizabeth McRae
828.227.3481
mcrae@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority Fall - Final |
April 15* August 1 |
Spring - Priority Spring - Final |
October 15* December 1 |
*We accept applications after these dates, but those submitted beforehand receive priority consideration when it comes to assistantships and other funding opportunities
Not required
Graduate Program Contact
Dr. Siham Lekchiri
828.227.2493
slekchiri@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | April 1 |
Spring | November 1 |
Summer | April 1 |
Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or better, 3+ years of full-time HR work experience, or a previously earned graduate degree may be eligible for a GRE waiver.
Applicants who do not meet the above waiver requirements may still be admitted into the program by submitting GRE scores of at least 150 on verbal reasoning, a score of 141 on quantitative reasoning and an analytical writing score of 3.5.
Applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or better, 3+ years of full-time HR work experience, or a previously earned graduate degree may be eligible for a GRE waiver.
Applicants who do not meet the above waiver requirements may still be admitted into the program by submitting GRE scores of at least 150 on verbal reasoning, a score of 141 on quantitative reasoning and an analytical writing score of 3.5.
College of Business- Graduate Programs Office
businessgrad@wcu.edu
Graduate Programs Manager
Deanna Allan
dallan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 15 |
*Applications received after the date for "Priority Consideration" might be processed, but it should be anticipated that the entry date could be delayed until the next semester
A transcript showing a conferred baccalaureate or higher-level degree must be uploaded with the online application. Do not send transcripts to Western Carolina University. Refer to the Application Instructions for specific instructions and for international transcript instructions.
GRE/GMAT/MAT - Optional - if deemed necessary to support an applicant's case beyond other materials submitted
Required Items:
Preferred Items:
Additional Optional* Items:
*If deemed necessary to support an applicant's case beyond other materials submitted.
Student Services
828.654.6510
wcunursing@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Summer | October 15 |
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required, with a combined score of 300 or higher (150 verbal and 150 quantitative) preferred. Please plan to take your GRE at least one month before the application deadline. Applications missing GRE scores on the October 1 deadline will not be considered.
WCU School Code - 5897
Submitted through the online application:
Please visit the DNP - Nurse Anesthesia Admissions page for specific details on admission requirements:
Student Services
828.654.6510
wcunursing@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | JULY 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Not Required
Student Services
828.654.6510
wcunursing@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Nurse Educator & Nurse Leadership | JULY 1 |
Spring - Nurse Educator & Nurse Leadership | December 1 |
Not Required
Student Services
828.654.6510
wcunursing@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Summer | April 1 |
Not required
Submitted through the online application:
Please visit the DNP Admissions page for specific details on admission requirements:
Graduate Program Director
Christina Meyer-Jax
cmeyerjax@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall - Priority | January 6 |
Fall - Regular | March 1 |
Fall - Final | June 1 |
Not Required
Western Carolina University Graduate School cannot accept separate applications in our application system for the Nutrition – M.H.S. degree.
Upon submission of your DICAS application, WCU Graduate School will contact you via email with instructions to access your DICAS application in the WCU Graduate School Application Portal. Please access your application portal when notified, where you will be able to complete a few additional WCU Graduate School forms and monitor your application status for an admission decision.
Location: Cullowhee - WCU Main Campus and Biltmore Park, Asheville
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM
University Program Specialist
Linda Donaldson
828.227.2290
donaldson@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | OCTOBER 15 |
*PTCAS applications for the Fall entry term will open on July 1.
Request that Educational Testing Service (ETS) send official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test to Western Carolina University: PTCAS GRE Code 0342.
Western Carolina University Graduate School can not accept applications in our application system for the Physical Therapy - D.P.T. degree.
Upon submission of your PTCAS application, WCU Graduate School will contact you via email with instructions to access your PTCAS application in the WCU Graduate School Application Portal. Please access your application portal when notified, where you will be able to complete a few additional WCU Graduate School forms and monitor your application status for an admission decision.
Dr. Lisen Roberts
828.227.2291
lroberts@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | April 1 |
Spring | November 1 |
Not required
Additional materials to submit with the online application
College of Business- Graduate Programs Office
businessgrad@wcu.edu
Graduate Programs Manager
Deanna Allan
dallan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 15 |
While not required, applicants who wish to strengthen their applications may submit GRE or GMAT scores.
College of Business- Graduate Programs Office
businessgrad@wcu.edu
Graduate Programs Manager
Deanna Allan
dallan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 15 |
Summer | May 1 |
While not required, applicants who wish to strengthen their applications may submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Student Services
828.654.6510
wcunursing@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Summer |
april 1 |
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. David Solomon
dsolomon@email.wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | March 1 |
GRE Test Waived if Cumulative undergraduate GPA is 3.4 or above.
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Lori Unruh
lunruh@wcu.edu
828.227.2738
Office: G50 McKee Building
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | February 1 |
Graduate Program Director
Dr. David Solomon
dsolomon@email.wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | February 1 |
GRE Test Waived if Cumulative graduate GPA is 3.7 or above.
Graduate Program Director
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Heather Rimes
828.227.3494
hnrimes@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Summer* | May 1 |
*The MPA program accepts and welcomes International applicants to apply only for Fall terms.
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Heidi Von Dohlen
828.227.3311
hbvondohlen@wcu.edu
Student Services Specialist
Denise Royer
828.227.3325
droyer@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | May 1 |
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Heidi Von Dohlen
828.227.3311
hbvondohlen@wcu.edu
Student Services Specialist
Denise Royer
828.227.3325
droyer@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | May 1 |
*Please note: the program has extended the deadline for the Fall 2024 entry term until July 15th at midnight ET.
Not Required
Course Number | Course Title | Typically Offered |
---|---|---|
SPED 684 OR | Social and Emotional Needs of Exceptional Learners | ONLINE - SPRING |
SPED 504 OR | Educational Programs for Students with Behavioral Disorders | ONLINE - FALL |
SPED 620 OR | Education in a Diverse Society | ONLINE - FALL & SPRING |
SPED 505 OR | Education Programs for Students with Learning Disabilities | ONLINE - SUMMER |
SPED 639 | Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Classrooms | ONLINE - SUMMER, FALL , & SPRING |
Dr. Kristina Lind - Associate Professor, School Social Work Certificate Coordinator
College of Health and Human Sciences - Department of Social Work
828.227.3893
klind@wcu.edu
Rachel Wike - Coordinator of Education Admissions & Licensure Officer
College of Education and Allied Professions
rwike@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Summer | May 1 |
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Charlie Stoops
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | April 1 |
Summer - Advanced Standing (must have BSW) | February 1 |
Dr. Karena Cooper-Duffy
kcooper@wcu.edu
Bridget Lopez
blopez@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring |
December 1 |
Summer |
May 1 |
Not required
Dr. Lisa Bloom
bloom@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring |
December 1 |
Summer |
May 1 |
Not required
Dr. Lisa Bloom
bloom@wcu.edu
Bridget Lopez
blopez@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring |
December 1 |
Summer |
May 1 |
Not required
College of Business- Graduate Programs Office
businessgrad@wcu.edu
Graduate Programs Manager
Deanna Allan
dallan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 15 |
While not required, applicants who wish to strengthen their applications may submit GRE or GMAT scores
Program Director
Patricia Bricker
828.227.3311
bricker@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Spring | December 1 |
Summer | May 1 |
Fall | August 1 |
Not Required
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Erin Callahan
828.227.3925
eecallahan@wcu.edu
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Not required
The program requires 15 hours of coursework
Graduate Program Director
Dr. Jonathan L. Bradshaw
jlbradshaw@wcu.edu
828.227.3270
Semester | Deadline |
---|---|
Fall | August 1 |
Spring | December 1 |
Not required