General Application Requirements
Materials Needed
WCU is here to help you during this time. Please email us at gradadmissions@wcupa.edu if you have any questions, and we will be happy to assist you.
All graduate programs require the following:
- Completed application form submitted online.
- One official transcript from every college and university attended (except West Chester University). The official transcript should be sent directly from the Registrar's Office to the West Chester University Graduate School.
- A written statement of your professional goals. The quality of your statement is of critical importance to the success of your application for admission. Several programs have specific requirements for the essay. Please refer to Requirements for Programs of Study and Degrees Offered.
- Please list at least two persons, such as a college professor or employment supervisor, who can attest to your academic or professional skills. Some programs may require 3 letters (see specific requirements for each program)
In addition, some programs require the following (see specific requirements for each program):
- Graduate Record Examination (General and/or Advanced) and/or the Graduate Management Admissions Test. Upon your request, test scores are sent by the originating source (e.g., Educational Testing Service) directly to the Graduate School office.
- Two letters of recommendation for degree and certificate programs. Check individual program requirements for special instructions or requirements. (Some programs require 3 letters.)
- An audition (music applicants only)
- Resume
- Any supplemental information (e.g., forms, writing samples required by department)
- A few departments may require a personal interview as part of the application process.
Transcript Guidelines
WCU Students and Alums
WCU students and alumni must add WCU as an institution below but do not have to order transcripts. After you submit your application, The Graduate School will upload your WCU transcript to your application.
Transcript Ordering
Applicants cannot upload their transcripts. To be considered official, transcripts must come from a third party, 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.
Where to Send Your Application Supplemental Materials
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 Avenue
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383-2600
The applicant is responsible for assuring that all necessary materials are received by The Graduate School office by the recommended application deadlines.
All application materials become the property of West Chester University and may not be returned or forwarded to another institution.
Application Fee
A $50 fee must be paid online when submitting your application. The application fee is nonrefundable and cannot be credited toward any charges if you subsequently register as a student. The on-line application cannot be processed without credit card information.
Graduate Assistantship
A graduate assistantship is an opportunity to work on campus in a research or service-oriented capacity in order to gain valuable work experience in higher education or an academic field and earn a tuition waiver and stipend.
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