Frequently Asked Questions
When considering graduate programs, it's important to note that the only program in our college currently requiring a GMAT/GRE is the Master of Accountancy and Data Analysis. However, it's recommended to thoroughly check the information on the program's page and review the Graduate Admissions requirements for any updates or changes before applying. This will ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information for your application.
Yes. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75. When there are more applicants than seats in our programs we will always pick the most qualified students. This means that having a minimum score on any of the requirements does not assure admission.
Yes, we have a policy in place for the transfer of graduate level courses, allowing for the acceptance of up to 6 credit hours. When considering graduate level business courses, please ensure that they have been taken at an institution accredited by AACSB. For courses originating from non-business programs but still related to the field of business, elective options may be considered. It's important to note that such elective courses should come from institutions with appropriate accreditation.
For these transfers to be recognized, they must be approved by the respective department head. Additionally, it's necessary to complete the Graduate Curriculum Exception form, providing the required details. This process ensures that your transferred credits are appropriately evaluated and integrated into your academic plan.
When applying for the MBA program, it is important to select two concentrations to be recorded accurately. Follow the steps below to ensure your concentrations are properly reflected in your application:
What should I do if I have already applied without selecting my second concentration?
If you have already submitted your application without including your second concentration, we kindly request that you complete the application process again. We apologize for any confusion caused by the form.
To add your second concentration, use the following steps:
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- Login using the credentials you created when you completed your first application.
- Complete the application form again and select your second concentration.
- While holding the "Ctrl" (or "Control") key on your keyboard, click on your second concentration to add it to your application.
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A WKU ID number is a nine-digit number beginning with 8 that is assigned to each person who submits an application. The ID number is issued within 1 to 3 business days of the application submission.
If you have not been admitted or you are an international applicant, you will need to submit a new graduate school application here. When you submit the new application, be sure to use your existing WKU ID number (nine-digit number beginning with 8) as the login ID. This will allow the application to autofill with most of your information, will allow the Graduate School to migrate all admission documents you have already provided to the new application, and will prevent you from paying another application fee. Once this new application is received, the term that you are being considered for admission will be updated.
No. The application fee is a one-time nonrefundable fee. As long as you use your assigned WKU ID number as the Login ID when submitting a new application for the same type of application (Graduate or Doctoral), you will not be charged another application fee.
Active-duty members of the U.S. military and veterans, as well as their dependents, are eligible for application fee waivers. If this applies to you, please call or email the Graduate School at (270) 745-2446 or graduate.school@wku.edu.
Domestic applicants can have their official transcript delivered electronically through third-party delivery service like Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse. Both Domestic and International applicants can request that their university mail an official transcript to our office or mail a transcript that has remained sealed from being issued by the previous university’s registrar’s office. Official, sealed transcripts can be dropped off at our office. Please see the address provided below.
The Graduate School
Western Kentucky University
Wetherby Administration Building, Room 207
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11010
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1010
Domestic students may defer their admission by using the Change of Term Request form to change their term of enrollment. International students must submit an updated application for the new term, as well as updated financial documents, in order to create a new I-20 form. When you submit the new application, be sure to use your existing WKU ID number (nine-digit number beginning with 8) as the login ID. This will allow the application to autofill with most of your information, will allow the Graduate School to migrate all admission documents you have already provided to the new application, and will prevent you from paying another application fee. Once this new application is received, the term that you are being considered for admission will be updated.
Yes. Both our business program AND our accounting program are accredited. Only 3 universities
in the state of Ky have such accreditation. We are accredited by AACSB International. This accreditation is only for the top business and accounting programs. AACSB accreditation
assures qualified faculty, solid academics, and resources for excellent business and
accounting programs. Only the top 15% of business programs earn AACSB accreditation.
We are proud to be one of them.
A large percentage of colleges are only accredited by a regional arm of the Department
of Education. WKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
(SACS). SACS and other regional arms of the Dept. of Education accredit entire institutions
including junior colleges. These regional accreditation units fulfill an important
purpose overall but do not accredit business programs separately. This means that
regional accreditation does not tell a perspective student much about the schools'
business program. The result is that there are very many colleges with this "overall"
regional accreditation who have business programs that fail to meet the rigorous standards
of AACSB. We recommend that you consider only business programs who are AACSB accredited.
Absolutely, your course selection process is an integral part of your academic journey. Depending on the specific program you're enrolled in, you will have a combination of core classes that form the foundation of your degree. Alongside these core classes, you will have the opportunity to tailor your curriculum through electives or stackable certificates that will determine the remaining courses you take.
Working with a dedicated advisor, you'll collaboratively establish the optimal sequence of classes based on your academic and career goals. This personalized approach ensures that your educational path aligns with your aspirations while maximizing the value of your program.
Students must maintain an overall MBA GPA of 3.0 during their entire program.
Many of our courses are designed to have instructors post their own materials on the course platform. Therefore, you won't need to purchase any textbooks for this specific course. You will always want to check your syllabus for required or suggested textbooks.
The diploma you receive upon graduation will not indicate whether your degree was earned online or through interdisciplinary studies. It will display the name of your program or degree, such as "Bachelor of Arts" or "Master of Business Administration," without any reference to the mode of instruction or the interdisciplinary nature of your studies.
The purpose of your diploma is to recognize your successful completion of the degree requirements and signify the knowledge and skills you have acquired in your chosen field of study. It serves as a testament to your hard work and dedication throughout your academic journey.
If you have any additional questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out to the Registrar's Office.
Using Degree Works will allow you to monitor your progress through the program, track degree completion, and try out options for other programs by running a "what if" scenario. We recommend you check it frequently.
The Application for Graduation is submitted through TopNet. It is an Office of the Registrar form and fee. ("Student Services", "Student Records", "Application for Graduation")
For tuition and fees information, please visit the Bursar's website.
Certainly, it's important to note that we do not provide any financial aid directly through the Graduate Programs office. If you're seeking financial assistance, we recommend visiting WKU's Student Financial Aid office, which can provide comprehensive information and guidance on available options.
Additionally, many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs, which can be a valuable resource for covering some or all of your tuition costs. We encourage you to connect with your employer to explore the tuition reimbursement opportunities they might offer and determine how they can contribute to your educational investment.
Regarding your Tuition Assistance (TA), our office doesn't handle tuition assistance directly. The Department of Student Financial Assistance Veterans Affairs will be your best point of contact for any TA-related inquiries. That office can be reached at (270) 745-3732 or via email at va.questions@wku.edu. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information about your TA.
International students should be aware that F1 Visa sponsorships and graduate assistantships may have specific eligibility criteria depending on the nature of the program. If the program is conducted online, it's important to note that F1 Visa sponsorships and graduate assistantships are not available options.
For in-person programs, while F1 Visa sponsorships and graduate assistantships can potentially be options, it's crucial to understand that they may not cover the entirety of tuition expenses. The availability and extent of these opportunities can vary on a case-by-case basis.
It's advisable for international students to thoroughly research and inquire about the specific offerings and financial support options available for their chosen program. This will help ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of the possibilities and limitations related to F1 Visa sponsorships and graduate assistantships within your academic context.
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