Western Carolina University

When reviewing applications, we look at the whole student, including past academic record, test scores, and other achievements. Before applying, be sure to review WCU’s admission requirements and contact us with questions.

Academic Requirements

The WCU Graduate School looks for students who demonstrate a strong academic record and significant experience in their proposed fields of study. Requirements include:

• Transcripts. Official transcripts showing an in progress or conferred Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a satisfactory overall GPA (3.0 or higher). Applicants completing the Bachelor's degree after accepting an admission offer must submit an official final transcript showing Bachelor's degree conferral. Your undergraduate academic background should relate to your proposed graduate study. Some departments may accept students who do not have related undergraduate credentials. Some applicants may be required to take undergraduate courses to build competency in the field.
• Standardized Tests. Official, acceptable scores on the required standardized graduate test for the program selected (e.g., GRE, GMAT). International applicants may also be required to submit official passing language proficiency test scores. 
• Letters of Recommendation. (If required by the program to which you are applying). Recommendation letters are only valid once; new recommendation letters must be submitted with each additional application. If letters are not required by the program, you must still submit the names and e-mail addresses of three different possible recommenders before you will be able to submit your application. 

At WCU, we welcome students with diverse educational backgrounds. We've designed our application process with the goal of evaluating your academic achievements in context.

For programs without specific deadlines, all International applications must be complete by April 1 for fall term and September 1 for spring term.

Required application materials include:

Transcripts. International applicants must have their transcripts and full course descriptions translated into English and evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service. A document-level transcript evaluation verifying baccalaureate-level degree must be submitted to the Graduate School directly from an  approved agency for foreign transcripts displaying a satisfactory academic record. Some programs may require a course-by-course level evaluation. Check with your program for specific requirements. Some applicants may be required to take undergraduate courses to build competency in the field. 

Standardized Tests. GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test results (check your academic program for specific requirements).

Language Proficiency . 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. 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. This requirement will be waived for applicants who successfully complete WCU's Intensive English Program (IEP).

Additional Departmental Requirements

Some graduate programs require applicants to submit supplemental material as part of the online application process.  Please familiarize yourself with any additional requirements of your program  prior to completing the online application.

The current Graduate Catalog also lists admissions requirements for individual graduate programs.