Founded in 1889 to bring higher education and career opportunities to the western region of North Carolina, Western Carolina University is now a major educational, scientific and cultural force, serving more than 9,400 students from 46 states and 39 countries. Western's academic programs span more than 120 areas of study and include the nation's highest-ranked entrepreneurship program, a national award-winning teacher education program, one of the only outdoor research stations for forensic science, and the nation's first accredited four-year emergency medical care program.

The university offers studies in the arts, sciences, technologies, business, and humanities with programs at the bachelor's, master's, intermediate and doctoral levels. Its distinguished faculty include national award-winning authors, nationally- and internationally-recognized experts in business, education, environmental science, and television- and electronic-music production, as well as winners of Emmy, O. Henry, and National Endowment for the Arts awards—to name a few. WCU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, holds 21 separate program accreditations, and is a member of more than 30 state and national associations and organizations to which its academic programs are related.

US News & World Report's 2009 guide to "America's Best Colleges" ranked WCU among the top 10 public universities in South that offer master's degrees. 

As "the people's university," Western is committed to engagement that promotes economic development and meets the needs of the region for education, research, and community service. The recently announced Millennial Initiative, which doubled the size of the campus, is being developed as a knowledge enterprise zone where faculty and students, private industry, and government partners conduct research and development on scientific and technological innovations with commercial potential.

In October 2009, WCU announced that it had raised $51.8 million in private giving for endowed scholarships, professorships and programmatic support. 

As a focused-growth institution, WCU is expanding its enrollment to 14,000 students during the current decade, serving students on its main campus in Cullowhee, in Asheville and Cherokee, at various community colleges throughout the region and, increasingly, online. Even as it grows, Western continues to offer small class sizes, assuring close interaction between students and faculty with a firm foundation for academic success and strong encouragement for leadership, reflection, and service.

Situated in a beautiful valley between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, Western is 52 miles southwest of Asheville. The forests, waterways and national parks near Western's 600-acre campus offer endless opportunities for outdoor research and recreation. The university's Mountain Heritage Center provides a link to the rich traditions of the Southern Appalachians, while its connection with the Eastern Band of Cherokee gives students and researchers unparalleled access to the history, language and culture of Native Americans.

With its unique blend of academic excellence, emphasis on engagement, and strong focus on the future, Western is successfully preparing students for the challenges of a global economy in the 21st century. For more information, go to www.wcu.edu

The University engages the community, region, state, and beyond to serve our students' educational needs and interests. A diverse population of working adults, military personnel, and international students can gain career advancement through more than a dozen undergraduate and graduate programs.

Many of our distance education students have family, work, and other responsibilities that may not allow them to come to our campus regularly because of schedule, location, or time limitations. Distance education helps to fulfill WCU's mission by offering certificates and degree programs that meet the needs of a diverse group of students. Our faculty members are committed to serving your learning needs and can be reached by email, fax, phone, or other web-based technologies. Most of your learning takes place at a place convenient for you—including your personal computer—although, depending on the program, you may be required occasionally to come to a location for an exam or laboratory exercise. Click here for more information on distance learning at WCU.