Frequently Asked Questions

No, the $65 application fee is mandatory. We hope that won’t deter you from applying to the program.

There is not actually a minimum GPA requirement for the University. The chemistry program will be looking for roughly a 3.0 or higher. However, exceptions for lower GPA may be made if other application materials are persuasive.

Official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the academic version of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required for applicants from countries where English is not the primary language (scores cannot be more than 2 years old). A minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (Internet-based) is required on the TOEFL. A minimum overall band score of 6.5 is required on the IELTS, with a minimum band score of 6 on each of the four modules.

Exceptions to the English Standardized exams are available for the categories listed below. For verification purposes applicants who qualify must request this exception for processing:

 

• Applicants from countries where English is the SOLE OFFICIAL language of instruction (Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada-except Québec, England, Ghana, Ireland, India, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales)
• Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university in the United States. If you are currently enrolled at a U.S. institution, you must submit an official transcript and verification of degree candidate status from that institution to qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS waiver
• Applicants who have received or will receive a degree from an accredited university where English is the SOLE language of instruction. If you are a degree candidate in a university where English is the SOLE language of instruction, you must submit an official verification from that university that English is the SOLE language of instruction along with your anticipated date of graduation to qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS waiver.

The cost of attendance varies whether you are in-state or out-of-state. A per-semester break-down is below. If you have your own health-insurance coverage, you can obtain a waiver and you won’t have to pay that component.

 
2017-2018 In-State
Tuition: $2,217.50
Fees: $1,463
Health Insurance: $1,270

Total: $4,950.50

2017-2018 Out-of-State
Tuition: $7,421
Fees:$1,463
Health Insurance: $1,270

Total: $10,154

Typically, our graduate students are paid through an assistantship to teach introductory chemistry lab courses. The stipend for that is $6,250 per semester.

 
You may be eligible for financial aid. For additional information about the cost of graduate school at WCU and sources of financial support, review tuition and funding information.

We review applications on a rolling basis, and accept students for both the fall and spring semesters. For full consideration for financial assistantance, applicants are urged to have a complete application (including recommendations) submitted by March 15 for fall admission or November 1 for spring admission. However, later applications will still be considered and we make every effort to provide financial support!