WKU Online
WKU Online
Higher Education, Your Way.
Welcome to WKU Online! Whether you're a recent high school graduate ready to earn a degree in an in-demand field or an adult learner wanting to advance or change your career, our fully online degree programs and courses are thoughtfully designed with your success in mind.
Achieve your educational goals without disrupting your life. Learn anytime from anywhere you choose. Complete your degree in a comparable timeframe as on campus students or take advantage of the flexibility to work at a different pace.
Enjoy the same high-quality, affordable education Hilltoppers receive at our Bowling Green and regional campuses, but our dedicated faculty members bring their expertise directly to you.
Join a vibrant student population that includes many first-generation college students, adult learners, military-affiliated students, transfer students, and more. WKU is proud to be a Military Friendly school.
Gain exclusive access to our nationally-recognized Student Support Specialists. Students who use their services are 20% more likely to excel in online courses and see their GPAs increase.
Years Experience in
Online Education
Out of 50 U.S.
States Represented
Students Enrolled in
1 or more Online Class
Fully Online
Degrees & Certificates
Success Rate for
Online Classes
In the nation
for online learning
Find Your Program
WKU Online offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and has several certificate programs to meet the most sought-after job skills. No matter where you are on your academic journey, we’re here to help you reach your academic goals.
Education and Behavioral Sciences
- Counseling and Student Affairs
- Educational Administration Leadership and Research
- Professional Studies
- Teacher Education
- Applied Human Sciences
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Kinesiology, Recreation and Sport
- Nursing and Allied Health
- Public Health
- Social Work
- Information Systems
- Management
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Biology
- Geography and Geology
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Communication
- English
- History
- Political Science
- Sociology and Criminology
Find Your Next Course
WKU Online wants to help you keep moving forward! If you’re already part of the WKU community or curious about what we have to offer, then explore our extensive online course offerings.
Taking online courses is a great way to complete degree requirements from anywhere.
To view the online courses that are available for your preferred term, follow the
steps below.
Step 1:
Click here to open TOPNET
Step 2:
Select your preferred term
Step 3:
Select "Web" from the "Campus" options
Step 4:
Click "Show Me Classes"
Taking online colonnade courses is the most convenient way to complete your general
education requirements. To view the available online colonnade courses for your preferred
term, follow the steps below.
Step 1:
Click here to open TOPNET
Step 2:
Select your preferred term
Step 3:
Select "All -- Colonnade Courses ONLY"
Step 4:
Click "Show Me Classes"
Step 5:
Under the "Campus" column, view programs that are offered via "web" or "On Demand" for online colonnade courses.
On Demand courses give you the freedom to start anytime and complete coursework on
your schedule. To view the On Demand courses that are available during your preferred
term, follow the steps below.
Step 1:
Click here to open TOPNET
Step 2:
Select your preferred term
Step 3:
Select "On Demand" from the "Campus" options
Step 4:
Click "Show Me Classes"
Top 5 Undergraduate Programs for '23-'24
Top 5 Graduate Programs for '23-'24
Pick Your Pace
It’s your journey to the top. Choose the pace that fits you best. Whether you prefer a more structured experience or need flexibility, WKU Online has course options designed to meet your needs. Read more about them below.
Semester-Based Online Courses
Our semester-based courses combine a more traditional on-campus pace with all of the convenience of online learning. To view upcoming online courses click the button below, select your preferred term, and select "web" under the "by campus" option.
On Demand Courses
If you're seeking a more flexible journey, our on demand courses are perfect for you. Enroll whenever you're ready, and you can complete your coursework in as little as seven weeks or take up to nine months. Start any day, study any time, and work from any place you choose.
Starting Your Journey
Taking the next step in elevating yourself can be overwhelming. Let us help you!
Reach out to one of our friendly Recruitment and Resource Specialists with your questions or let them guide you through the application process. We’re waiting on you to start your climb and become a Hilltopper today!
Contact a Recruitment & Resource Specialist!
Schedule MeetingMeet with CrissyMeet with JenniferMeet with Jordan
Guiding You Upward
As a WKU Online student, you have exclusive access to our nationally-recognized Student Support Specialists to help you on your journey. They are committed to climbing higher with you—because your success is their success! That’s why they’re called WKU CARES.
A typical coaching session, whether by phone or video chat, lasts 30-45 minutes. During the appointment, you and your Support Specialist will discuss your strengths, challenges, and academic goals.
Our Student Support Specialists are ready to help you with:
- Developing online learning strategies
- Building your academic skillset
- Navigating WKU resources
- Maintaining a work-life balance
- Managing your time and commitments
- Making the most of your educational and career goals
WKU Online students who interacted with our Student Support Coaches were 20% more likely to succeed in courses than other students and made substantial improvements to their GPAs.
Celebrating Success
Since launching our first correspondence courses in 1920, WKU has been a leader in distance education in Kentucky and beyond. WKU Online is consistently recognized for the quality of our programs, our expert faculty, and exceptional student support. Explore our recent awards and accolades below.
U.S. News & World Report has once again recognized Western Kentucky University among
the top institutions for online learning, ranking WKU’s online bachelor’s programs
No. 71 in the nation.
“It is truly exciting to see how innovation and collaboration between the WKU Online
team and our academic programs have delivered such remarkable results,” said Dr. Jay Carroll, Assistant Director of WKU Online.
Read more about the ranking process here.
With 2 nearby military installations, WKU has a long history of serving military-affiliated students.
We are extremely proud to be a Military Friendly School multiple years in the running because of our online program flexibility, special military tuition rate, and our Textbooks For Troops™ (T4T) lending library that provides textbooks for military, veteran, and eligible dependent students enrolled in WKU courses.
WKU CARES has received the Gold Award in the NASPA Excellence Awards, highlighting
its outstanding commitment to supporting students through innovative programs and
personalized coaching services. This national recognition underscores the impact of
WKU CARES in fostering student success, particularly among off-campus, non-traditional
and military-connected students.
Read more about the award here.
Faculty and Staff Awards
Dr. Ellen Casale, winner 2024 Online Teaching Award
"Recognizing the challenges faced by full-time professionals, our online courses in special educator and administrator preparation are structured for flexibility and engagement. We mix live sessions with on-demand content, creating a learning environment that respects your time constraints and supports your educational goals, helping you advance in your career without compromising on quality."
UPCEA Membership and Recognition
WKU Online's membership in UPCEA demonstrates our commitment to staying at the forefront of best practices, innovation, and emerging trends so our programs remain relevant and responsive to the needs of today’s distance learners. Two former WKU team members, Julie Uranis and Patrick Flanagan, now serve in key leadership positions within UPCEA.
Accreditation & Reciprocity
Since 1926, Western Kentucky University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and our accreditation is reviewed and reaffirmed every ten years. WKU Online also participates in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)Electronic Campus program, which allows residents of the 15 SREB member states to receive in-state tuition for certain programs not offered by public colleges or universities in their state of residence.
