Graduate School FAQs

students in Cullowhee
As the westernmost campus in the UNC system, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµdelivers the quality education you would expect from one of the best systems of higher education in the nation. Our programs focus on applied experience and real-world research that our students use to further their expertise and careers under the guidance of world-class faculty.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the requirements for admission? 
An undergraduate background appropriate for graduate study in the proposed field. An applicant may be required to take additional coursework to strengthen the undergraduate background. A satisfactory score on the standardized graduate test for the program selected (e.g., GRE, GMAT).

How do I apply to graduate school?
You can  using our online application. You will need to set up a free Slate account in order to access the online application. Once your application is complete, it will be sent to the program for review.

Are there deadlines for admission?
Yes. Each program has its own deadlines based on entry term. All are listed on our main program list page.

Do I have to take the GRE?
It depends. You will need to submit GRE scores for some, but not all programs. Individual program requirements are listed on our main program page in the corresponding program dropdown.

What is the Institution Code for the GRE?
5897

I have a copy of my transcript, will that be sufficient?
For the application, yes. You will upload your unofficial transcripts into your . 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.

How long does it take to get a master's degree?
It varies by program, but students can typically complete a master's degree in about 2 years.

How many credits will I need to take to be considered a full-time graduate student?
Graduate students must enroll in at least nine credit hours per semester to be considered full time.

How do I calculate my GPA, since my program requires me to submit a GPA for the last 60 etc. hours of course work?
Download and fill out the GPA Calculator (XLS). Enter the number of hours you earned at each grade. Some programs require applicants to report GPA on the last 60 hours You may submit this file with your application to show GPA on your last 60 hours of undergraduate course work.

Can I enroll in two degree programs at the same time?
No. However, you can be enrolled for certificate completion at the same time as a degree program. For example, you could be enrolled in the Business Administration M.B.A. program and Innovation Leadership Certificate, or the Communication Sciences and Disorders M.S. program and the Interprofessional Autism Certificate, etc.

What if my plans change, and I am unable to attend for the term I applied for?

Deferrals require program approval and are only for accepted students. You must email  to request a deferral before the last day of the add/drop period of your entry term. Failing to do so will result in deactivation of your student record, and you will have to reapply and pay the application fee.

How much does it cost to go to Graduate School at WCU?
Compared to other institutions, WCU's Graduate School is competitively priced. View our tuition and fees page for current tuition rates.

How do I pay for graduate school?
You can pay for graduate school in many ways. Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµoffers various scholarships, study grants, and tuition waivers. Some residential programs also provide graduate assistantships. Learn more about paying for graduate school.

What is a graduate assistantship?
A graduate assistantship is a job. You work 20 hours per week teaching, conducting research, or in some other professional development position on campus. Learn more about graduate assistantships.

Can I get an assistantship if I have another job?
No, you cannot have any other employment than the assistantship. 

Is my tuition automatically waived if I receive a graduate assistantship?
No. You must have an assistantship to receive a tuition waiver (remission), but not everyone with an assistantship will get a waiver. Speak with your program director or department head for information about tuition waiver availability.

How do I get in-state residency?
For more information on Residency for Tuition Purposes, please refer to the or connect with the Registrar

How do I register for courses?
Log in to myÄ¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµto register for your classes.
Username: Your student ID# (nine digits, begins with 920)
Password: Your birthdate in the following format, MMDDYY

If you don't know, or can't remember your student ID# refer to your admission letter, or contact the .

How do I access my Canvas online course?
1. Go to  or Canvas
2. Type in your Username (ID) and Password. 
 Username: Your Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµID number (nine digits, begins with 92)
Password: Your password is your birth date in the following format. MMDDYY.
If you don't know your Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµID number, please contact the .
If you have any problems with logging on to your course, call the IT Services Help Desk at 828.227.7487 or 1.866.928.7487 or email: ithelp@wcu.edu

How do I order and pay for my books? Where do I pick them up?
You can purchase books online through the , or in person. Contact the bookstore by phone at 828.227.7346 or toll free at 866.272.4102. Asheville students contact Programs in Asheville at (828) 251-6642 for book pick up information.

I am graduating this semester, what do I need to do?
Log in to myÄ¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµand complete the Application for Graduation under the "Student Services" tab. You must complete the application at the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate. If you have trouble with the application, or need help filling it out, contact the University Registrar's Office at 828.227.7216

What do I need to know if my class is in Asheville?
For the latest information about Asheville classes, visit our Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµPrograms in Asheville website.

Is transportation available to class in Asheville from Cullowhee?
No, we currently have no transportation system in place. However, many students do carpool.

My classes are in Asheville, am I a distance student?
No. Distance students are those taking courses in a program offered only online. Program modalities are listed on our main program list page.

Where is the Graduate School main office located?
The Graduate School is conveniently located near the main entrance to WCU's Cullowhee campus. When entering campus, take an immediate right. Then, take your first right across the bridge to the Cordelia Camp Building. Our office is located in 110 Cordelia Camp Building. Campus Map

Cullowhee is located 45 minutes west of Asheville between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, less than 3 hours from Atlanta.

Where do I go for help in getting a job in my major?
Many of our programs focus on helping you get a job. Check with your Program Director and visit our .

Is student insurance available? If so, how much does it cost?
Yes, student insurance is available for residential students. For more information, visit Student Health Insurance and WCU's Health Center.

Are there any graduate student organizations?
Yes, Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓÆµhas a very active graduate student population including the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and discipline-specific organizations.

Additional Information