Blaze a trail that’s boldly your own.
Western Carolina University is proud to be the home of adventurers and action-seekers. Where we wonder why, wander out and win the day. Here in Cullowhee, we face our fears and find purpose. We make discoveries and memories. And we bring Catamount spirit into every endeavor.
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Our Colleges
Colleges of Arts and Sciences
Western Carolina University’s College of Arts & Sciences inspires students to think critically, analyze information, and communicate courageously — so when you graduate, you’ll have what it takes to excel in your field, even as it evolves in the future. Whether it’s here in Carolina or anywhere across the globe, you’ll leave as an engaged citizen, ready to lead the charge and take on the world.
24
undergraduate degree programs
$400k
Scholarships Awarded
11
Graduate degree and certificate programs
College of Business
A business education at Western Carolina teaches you to think beyond the bottom line, equipping you to become a business leader who makes effective, ethical decisions. From accounting to sports management, our student-centered approach ensures that you’ll be Business Ready® in any field you pursue.
Western Carolina University will not only make you a better accountant. It will make you a better person.
– Owen Crettol ’23
College of Education and Allied Professions
As one of the university’s leading programs, this college will keep you engaged in our classroom — so one day, you can keep others engaged in yours. Through hands-on learning with field experiences, outreach projects, research and professional mentorship, we motivate students like you to become active citizens and community leaders who make a positive difference in their schools, their communities and the world.
With our Students to Teachers Through Educator Pathways program, we’re working to broaden the field of education, introducing the profession of teaching to high school students in diverse communities.
College of Engineering and Technology
You might have heard the phrase “applied engineering.” Here, we take it to the next level with a major focus on project-based learning and industry partnerships. Our unique combination of knowledge and experiential learning will prepare you to enter the job market with a distinct skill set, an innovative mindset and a drive to discover more.
$73,922
average starting salary after graduation
20:1
student-faculty ratio
175
engaged industry partners
College of Fine and Performing Arts
Whether your dream is to be sculpting in the studio or seeing your name at the top of the marquee, you’ll take center stage in this student-focused program. Drawing from the rich artistic and musical history of the region, you’ll experience the culture of western North Carolina both in the classroom and out in the community, and you’ll be led and supported by expert faculty who will prepare you to find your unique path in the arts, film and performance fields.
It’s refreshing. It’s like a breath of fresh air. There’s a sense of togetherness. And it can reflect in the way we sing with each other.
– Darius McLeod ’23
College of Health and Human Sciences
This is where health gets hands-on. In our nationally ranked program, you’ll draw from different disciplines and experience cutting-edge technology and facilities right here on campus. And then, you’ll venture even further, putting service into action through on-site clinics, groundbreaking research, and opportunities to provide care to the surrounding communities in western North Carolina.
Pop-up medical clinics for recently settled refugees give them vital care — and offer HHS students valuable experience.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
TURNING EXPLORERS INTO LEADERS
Our graduate programs are designed to deliver the relevant skills, applied experience and leadership acumen you need to advance your career in an increasingly competitive marketplace. The real-world challenges you’ll tackle here will push you out of your comfort zone, so you can be in control of your future.
27
master’s-level programs
6
doctoral degrees
3
instructional sites
ONLINE PROGRAMS
EDUCATION WITHOUT BOUNDARIES
You don’t have to be at Western to Live Western. In our top-ranked programs, you can advance your career from the comfort of your couch. Whether you study in a hybrid format or fully online, you’ll find a place to belong, in a learning community that brings ambitious students together with professors who are invested in your success — all while pursuing your degree in an in-demand field.
26%
of the student body learn online
42%
enrollment growth since 2016
76%
of distance students are over the age of 25
STUDENT SUCCESS
PREPARE FOR YOUR ADVENTURE
Student success is at the heart of everything we do at Western Carolina, beginning with our admission decisions and carrying through graduation and beyond.
KEIARA NEWSOME ’22
“The staff and faculty invested their time, talents and efforts into me, as a person, both in and out of the classroom.”
GRACE CHASTAIN ’22
“I knew that people in my academic program commonly worked in nonprofits, but I didn’t know what that would look like. Getting the professional work experience and seeing what a career path could look like was super helpful.”
PREPARE FOR YOUR ADVENTURE
Student success is at the heart of everything we do at Western Carolina, beginning with our admission decisions and carrying through graduation and beyond.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
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