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.
Admission to any graduate program at WCU requires admission to the Graduate School. Graduate students are required to have access to technology that meets the University computer requirements.
Applicants must complete and submit the Graduate School online application and pay the non-refundable $65 application fee.
Applicants for admission to the Graduate School are expected to hold a minimum of a bachelor's-level degree from a regionally accredited college or university prior to beginning a program of study. Certain programs may require specific degrees or coursework as a requirement for admission (see Program Admission Requirements for individual programs). An applicant may be required to take additional coursework as either co-requisites or prerequisites to strengthen or supplement the undergraduate background.
Some programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test results (check your academic program for specific requirements).
Test Resources:
*Not all degree programs require entrance exams.
Unofficial transcripts showing any completed degrees should be uploaded, and any coursework from any college/university attended in the last five years should also be uploaded within the online application*. If you are offered admission, one official transcript showing a conferred baccalaureate or higher-level degree will be required prior to the first day of the enrollment term.
Former WCU students who graduated from WCU are not required to submit official transcripts for their WCU degrees. Please do not send transcripts to the Graduate School. All uploaded transcripts are considered unofficial and are sufficient for admission review.
*Please note: some programs may require additional undergraduate transcripts or transcripts older than five years to verify coursework for licensure purposes, completion of course prerequisites, etc. In addition, an applicant may submit transcripts for any other coursework they would like to have considered.
Acceptable upload formats:
one of the current members (WES is preferred) in the link below:
National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
If you have any questions, please contact an admission specialist at gradadmissions@wcu.edu
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. Please note that international applicants are welcome to apply to residential programs (Cullowhee or Asheville) during Fall entry terms only. Including the above Graduate School Requirements, please see the additional materials for international applications:
Transcripts/ Foreign Transcript Evaluation: Applicants who earned a degree from an institution outside the United States must have their transcripts evaluated by one of the current members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services
A document-level transcript evaluation verifying baccalaureate-level degree must be submitted to the Graduate School directly from an approved third-party transcript agency. Programs may require course-level transcript evaluation for admission and/or transfer credit requests.
Official foreign transcript evaluations must be sent directly to WCU’s graduate school from the evaluator. Unofficial copies of your foreign transcript evaluation may be uploaded for application review, but official evaluations are still required in order to register for classes.
Order the Foreign Transcript Evaluation to be sent to either:
WCU Graduate School
1 University Drive OR gradadmissions@wcu.edu
110 Cordelia Camp
Cullowhee, NC 28723
For more information on this requirement, visit our International Student FAQ page.
If you have any questions, please contact an admission specialist at gradadmissions@wcu.edu
Tests of 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) or Duolingo English Test 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 IELTS, with a minimum band score of 6 on each of the four modules.
As a result of test center closings in many countries impacted by COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate School now accepts Duolingo English Test examination results. Duolingo English tests taken after January 1, 2021 will be accepted.
To be admitted, a minimum score of 105 will be required. In addition to providing a score at or above the minimum, the Graduate School or graduate programs may choose to require students to participate in a video conference interview prior to making an admission decision.
A TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo is not required for applicants who
GRE/ GMAT/ Other Standardized Tests
Some programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test results (check your academic program for specific requirements).
WCU School Code: 5897
Test Resources:
*Not all degree programs require entrance exams.
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.
This requirement will be waived for applicants who:
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.
Some programs may require GRE, GMAT, or other standardized test results (check your academic program for specific requirements).
WCU School Code: 5897
Test Resources:
*Not all degree programs require entrance exams.
Please refer to the current Graduate Catalog for additional information on admission requirements and policies.