About WKU
The flat path is easy, but for the inspired there is a spirit that kindles a desire to climb higher.
Welcome to Western Kentucky University (WKU), home of the Hilltoppers. Our hilltop campus is a place of beauty and friendliness. WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a city with a population of more than 60,000 approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville. WKU's Regional Campuses are located in Glasgow, Owensboro, and Elizabethtown-Fort Knox. Schedule a tour or visit our virtual tour to view our distinctive landmark on a hill overlooking the city.
WKU’s undergraduate division provides four-year programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts, the Bachelor of Fine Arts, the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies, the Bachelor of Science, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Bachelor of Music, and the Bachelor of Social Work degrees. Ninety-four (94) academic majors that lead to the baccalaureate degree and seventy-five (75) academic minors are available. A number of professional and pre-professional advising tracks provide additional options.
In addition, WKU offers six (6) associate degree programs, sixty-nine (69) certificate programs, forty-eight (48) master's degree programs, two (2) specialist degree programs and four (4) doctoral degree programs.
Hilltoppers know that life at the top is worth the climb.
The WKU Mission
Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.
Learn about our vision and values
Scholars
Each year, WKU students earn national recognition in prestigious academic scholarship competitions. With support from the Office of Scholar Development, WKU have been selected for awards such as the Harry S. Truman Scholarship, Charles B. Rangel Graduate Fellowship, Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Critical Language Scholarship, Goldwater Scholarship, and National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
WKU has been named a Gilman Top Producing Institution by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Since 2001, over 300 WKU students have earned over $1 million as Gilman Scholars. Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships expand the population of U.S. students that study and intern abroad, ensuring more young Americans gain the professional skills, language abilities, and cultural competencies needed for successful careers that contribute to the country’s economic prosperity and national security.
With an institutional record of 7 recipients in the last application cycle, WKU has also been named a Boren Top Performing Institution. Since 2012, 36 WKU applicants have been selected, exceeding the national selection rate by nearly 20%. The David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships are sponsored by the National Security Education Program (NSEP), a federal initiative designed to build a broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills. Boren awardees receive significant early-career support after graduating, as well as preference in federal hiring.
In the past academic year, WKU produced two of only five Goldwater Scholarship recipients among Kentucky institutions, demonstrating that nationally recognized research careers start on the Hill. WKU also recently celebrated its first Gaither Junior Fellow—one of only sixteen selected in the nation, alongside students from Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Duke. The Barry Goldwater Scholarship identifies and honors university sophomores and juniors who excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) research, and the James C. Gaither Junior Fellowship funds international affairs research for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), one of the most important foreign policy think tanks in the world.
Academic Rankings
During the 2017-18 academic year, WKU earned more than 35 top recognitions for academic programs. U.S. News reported WKU one of the top public schools and within the best colleges for veterans. U.S. News also ranked WKU’s MBA program #72. In addition, WKU was named #1 Value College in the Top Best Online Colleges in Kentucky. Nationally, WKU is in the top five most affordable online colleges for MSW Programs, Master’s in Education Technology, and Master in Teacher degrees.
Alumni
The WKU family extends to a large community of alumni across the world. Students have started their climb with us, graduated, and moved on to become award-winning musicians and entertainers, groundbreaking scientists and researchers, nationally recognized educators, successful entrepreneurs and more. All of it began with their journey at WKU.
We encourage our alumni to stay connected to WKU so they never feel far from the Hill! At alumni.wku.edu, you can update your information, read the latest news, find a chapter or affinity group, check out the latest issue of WKU SPIRIT magazine and more. As an alumnus, you can find new ways to be engaged with the Hill. Come to campus for events like Homecoming, raise your hand and serve as an Alumni Ambassador or First-Gen alumnus to help others, and even find resources to grow in your career. And don’t forget, giving back through your time, talent and personal resources is a WKU tradition. You can become a member of the WKU Alumni Association and take advantage of the member benefits.
ADMINISTRATION
The President’s Cabinet is comprised of the University President and senior administrators. These individuals report to the President and are responsible for working together to determine University policy and provide strategic leadership and oversight of all functions of the institution.
ACCREDITATIONS
Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Western Kentucky University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Western Kentucky University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
COLLEGES
"Since I was little, I have seen myself as someone who would go on to do something extraordinary. I could not be more thankful for such an opportunity
that would only be available to me here at WKU.”
Tomo Brown, WKU Honors College
THE SPIRIT MAKES THE MASTER
The Colonnade Program is the name of WKU’s distinctive General Education curriculum. WKU has adopted the Colonnade Program in 2014 to ensure that each student possesses certain academic skills, a breadth of human knowledge, and an appreciation for the diversity of ideas and perspectives that exist in the nation and world.
Online Programs at WKU have been ranked in the top 5 by US News & World Report. WKU Online provides access to 90 online degrees and certificate programs, including more than 50 associate, bachelor and master’s degrees. More than 1,700 classes are offered via web each year. Classes follow a term–based calendar.
Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science in Kentucky
WKU is the home of the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky which offers a residential program for bright, highly motivated Kentucky high school students who have demonstrated interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Gatton was named the top high school in America by Newsweek / The Daily Beast three consecutive years and has been named to The Washington Post’s list of top-performing schools with elite students for nine consecutive years.
The Graduate School serves both as the point of contact for prospective and new graduate students and as a liaison between students and faculty members of all graduate programs. We are ready to share information and to offer further direction for graduate study in more than 90 degree and certificate programs.
Dixie & Peter Mahurin Honors College at WKU
The Mahurin Honors College serves over 1,100 students, includes 15 administrative professionals, offers over 150 Honors courses, and graduates over 150 scholars annually. The average incoming ACT/SAT score for freshman is 27/1290, with an average HS GPA of 3.82. The Mahurin Honors College (MHC) at WKU is dedicated to empowering high-potential and high-achieving students to reach their fullest potential. Through a vibrant honors atmosphere, MHC offers a transformative educational experience that fosters intellectual growth, leadership development, and a deep sense of community. By providing personalized academic opportunities, engaging seminars, and meaningful extracurricular activities, the Mahurin Honors College helps students challenge themselves, explore their passions, and prepare for a successful future. MHC is not just an academic distinction but a holistic journey that enriches every aspect of a student’s collegiate experience.
“I was recruited by 5 to 10 schools for soccer.
I chose WKU because it was the one campus that actually felt like home.”
Shayna Dheel, WKU Soccer
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