Western Carolina University
About
Western Carolina University is a public regional comprehensive university with nationally and internationally recognized teacher-scholars dedicated to student learning. The University provides comprehensive educational opportunities to residents in North Carolina’s far west region and attracts students from across the country and around the globe to explore the region’s vast natural diversity. Founded in 1889 as a teaching college, Western Carolina University is the fifth oldest institution in the University of North Carolina System. It now serves more than 11,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral level programs.
Western Carolina University’s mission is to create learning opportunities that incorporate teaching, research, service and engagement through on-campus, off-campus, online and international experiences. The university focuses on educational outreach and research, and creative and cultural activities to sustain and improve individual lives and enhance economic and community development in Western North Carolina and beyond. Educating future teachers has been a passion of ours since WCU began as a teaching college over 125 years ago. With that, we pride ourselves on continuing to offer unparalleled teacher education programs for those beginning their journeys to become teachers and for current teachers working to advance in their careers.
My combined degree of Special and Elementary Education takes on every aspect of inclusion. I am grateful for the instruction provided by top notch professors on diversity, culture, and ability. The Inclusive Education program provides unique learning opportunities that help us transform the way we think about teaching, engage us in activities that help us understand a universal design for learning, and inspire us to be the change we want to see in the world of education.
Kalliope Balatsias
Programs
Bachelor’s & licensure
Undergraduate Teacher Education Programs
Program Info
Get Deadline Reminders
Application Fee & Annual Tuition
$1,000
In State Tuition
$5,000
Out of State Tuition
$65
Application Fee
Ways to Lower Your Costs
Students at Western Carolina University have reduced the cost of their program using these methods. Check with Western Carolina University to see if you can, too!
$275,000
Grants, Stipends, Scholarships
The College of Education and Allied Professions has over 66 unique scholarships and awarded approximately $275,000 to students for the 2023-24 academic year.
$1,000-$2,000
Work Study, Working While Still Enrolled
Work study opportunities are available. Typical awards are between $1,000 and $2,000 dollars per year based on financial need.
$500-$2500
NC Promise
Through NC Promise, the state has significantly reduced student tuition cost to $500 per semester for in-state and $2500 per semester for out-of-state students. See more information here.
For more information visit:Financial Aid Office
Licensure Areas
Birth to Kindergarten (PK-K)
Elementary Education (K-6)
English (9-12)
Health & Physical Education (K-12)
Language Arts, Middle Grades (6-9)
Math (9-12)
Math, Middle Grades (6-12)
Music (K-12)
Science (9-12)
Science, Middle Grades (6-9)
Social Studies (9-12)
Social Studies, Middle Grades (6-9)
Spanish (K-12)
Special Education: Adapted Curriculum (K-12)
Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12)
Stats
Male
Female
24%
76%
American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black
Hispanic/Latino
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander
White
Two or more races
0%
1%
4%
5%
0%
86%
3%