The Graduate School

General Application Requirements

WCU offers more than 120 doctoral, master's, certificate, certification, and accelerated programs to help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Application systems, requirements, and deadlines vary per program. Please review the details below and contact us with any questions at GradAdmissions@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2943. 

We’re here to help!

At a minimum, all graduate programs require the following materials:

• Online application. Most graduate programs at WCU require you to apply through The Graduate School; however, several programs utilize external application systems. To find the appropriate application, see the Where to Apply section below.  
• Official transcript from each college and university attended. See Transcript Guidelines below.
• Personal statement. Specific requirements regarding the personal statement are provided within the online application.
• Letters of recommendation. Most programs request two recommendation letters to support your application. Some programs require three. As you move through the online application, it will inform you how many letters are required and prompt you to enter contact information. Each recommender will receive a notification from the system with instructions for submission. It is best to request academic and/or professional references, such as college professors or employment supervisors, who can attest to your academic or professional aptitude or potential.

Some programs may require additional application components, such as resumes, test scores, interviews, auditions, English Language Proficiency (international applicants only), etc.

Please complete a brief Inquiry Form to learn about the requirements for your program of interest.

Inquiry Form

Applicants are responsible for assuring that The Graduate School receives all necessary materials by the posted application deadlines.

All application materials become the property of West Chester University and may not be returned or forwarded to another institution.

Transcript Guidelines

WCU Students and Alums

WCU students and alumni must include WCU in the Academic History section of the online application, but do not have to order transcripts. After you submit the application online, The Graduate School will upload your WCU transcript. Please allow a few days for processing.

Transcript Ordering

Applicants cannot upload their transcripts. Transcripts must come from a third party to be considered official, as outlined below.

• U.S. Transcripts: Transcripts must be sent directly to WCU’s Graduate School. You can request transcripts through your college or university's Registrar. Some institutions may use third-party services such as the National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment.
• International Transcripts: Students submitting transcripts for studies outside the U.S. must submit official, course-by-course evaluated transcripts prepared by a NACES member organization. The credential evaluation agency must send the transcripts directly to WCU’s Graduate School.

Direct official transcripts to one of the following addresses:

• Electronic transcripts should be directed to GradAdmissions@wcupa.edu. 
• If electronic transmission is unavailable, transcripts should be mailed to The Graduate School, McKelvie Hall, 102 W. Rosedale Ave. West Chester, PA 19383.
  
  

Application Deadlines

Many of WCU’s graduate programs offer rolling admission, allowing you the flexibility and time you need to apply on your timeline. Other programs, however, have strict deadlines that must be followed to ensure your application is considered for admission.

Programs with application deadlines are listed below. 

Where to Apply

The following graduate programs use external centralized application systems.

• SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY APPLICATION
• ATHLETIC TRAINING APPLICATION
• PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT STUDIES APPLICATION
• NUTRITION + DIETETIC INTERNSHIP APPLICATION

West Chester University undergraduates interested in applying for one of WCU’s accelerated bachelor’s to master's programs:

• ACCELERATED ENROLLMENT FORM

Applicants to all other graduate programs:

• THE GRADUATE SCHOOL APPLICATION

Candidates interested in taking a class(es) as a non-degree or senior citizen student:

• NON-DEGREE AND SENIOR CITIZEN APPLICATION
• WELLS SUMMER MUSIC INSTITUTE
  
  

Application and Deposit Fees

A $50 fee* must be paid online when submitting your application. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be credited toward any charges if you subsequently register as a student. The online application cannot be processed without credit card information.

*Note that fees for the centralized application systems vary per program and are not paid to West Chester University.

Getting Started

Tip: Our application works best using Google Chrome or Firefox Internet browsers. We advise NOT using Live, Outlook, or Hotmail email accounts for your application login.

1. You will be prompted to create a username and password. Your username will be the email address that we use to communicate important information to you. This email address should also be the same one you used if you've registered for an admissions event or requested information from the Admissions Office.
2. Once your account is created, you will receive an email to verify your account and a link to begin your application.
3. Select the term/year to begin an application.
4. Follow the prompts on each page. Sections with an *asterisk must be filled in.
5. After you have completed your application, you will be prompted to pay the $50 application fee.