Graduate application Instructions

Materials Needed  

All graduate programs require the following:

  1. Completed application form submitted online. Apply Now page.
  2. One official transcript from every college and university attended (except West Chester University).  The official transcript should be sent directly from your undergraduate Registrar to The Graduate School office. Please have them send it directly to: gradadmissions@wcupa.edu If they do not offer electronic option, it should be sent to the following address: The Graduate School, McKelvie Hall, 102 W. Rosedale Ave. West Chester, PA 19383. 
  3. Two letters of recommendation for degree and certificate programs. 
    • Please list 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)
    • The references you indicate on your application will receive a notification email to submit a reference.
  4. 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.

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.)
    • The references you indicate on your application will be sent an email notification to submit a reference.
  • 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.

Additional Requirements for International Students

Application procedures and requirements can be found here. In addition to fulfilling all the general University requirements, applicants whose permanent residence is other than the United States must meet the following requirements:

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

Applicants are required to submit evidence of English Language Proficiency. This may be done through submission of TOEFL scores, IELTS academic test scores, Duolingo English Test scores, or completion of an English Language Service (ELS) program. WCU's institution code is 2659.

  • TOEFL - an applicant must attain a minimum score of 80
  • IELTS - an applicant must attain an overall score of 6.5
  • Duolingo English Test - an applicant must receive a minimum score of 105
  • ELS - an applicant must submit proof of completion of ELS level 112 (Intensive English for Academic Purposes).

Student Visa

If you require a student visa, please indicate this on the application form. If you are already in the United States, please supply a copy of your current visa. If you are currently attending another university on an I-20, you will need a new I-20 document for WCU (transfer).

Proof of Financial Support

International students must be able to verify their ability to meet all educational and living expenses before a U.S. Immigration Form (I-20) can be issued by West Chester University. Detailed information on proof of financial support can be obtained through the Global Engagement Office. This proof is not required until after formal acceptance.

Where to Send Your Application Supplemental Materials

All corresponding materials should be sent directly to:

GradAdmissions@wcupa.edu



Or 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 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.

Application Deadlines

Submit all supporting credentials to The Graduate School by the deadlines listed in Requirements for Programs of Study and Degrees Offered. If you have missed the application deadline, consult with the graduate coordinator for your intended program for advisement regarding the possibility of enrolling as a non-degree student for a maximum of 9 credits while awaiting a decision on your application. Students interested in receiving a graduate assistantship must apply no later than April 15 for the fall semester and October 15 for the spring semester.

International Application Deadlines

International applications must be submitted in full by the following dates. Some programs may have earlier deadlines. Please review the Requirements for Programs of Study and Degrees Offered website for details.

  • Summer – March 15
  • Fall  – June 15
  • Spring – November 15

Graduate Assistantship

Graduate Assistantships offer graduate students at West Chester University an opportunity to work in Academic affairs, Student Affairs, and Administrative Services areas. Students selected for graduate assistantships awards will receive tuition remission in 3 credit units (each unit requiring 5 hours of work per week) and a stipend of $1,250 per 3 credit unit. Please note, students are responsible for any additional fees charged in excess of tuition. For questions about the Graduate Assistantship process,

contact Graduate Assistantships.

 

Applicants who have been accepted into a degree program should contact the graduate coordinator of that program to inquire about the availability of an assistantship. Assistantships are also offered by the Center for Academic Excellence, Residence Life and Housing, the Academic Computing Center, and other offices. Please contact these offices or The Graduate School for additional information.

Students interested in receiving a graduate assistantship must apply no later than April 15 for fall semester and October 15 for spring semester. Please check the appropriate field on the application.

Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action Policy

West Chester University is committed to providing leadership in extending equal opportunities to all individuals.   West Chester University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. West Chester University is required to comply with all Title IX, the Clery Act, and Campus SaVE requirements in order to provide safe and equitable opportunities for all students.  Questions or complaints regarding this policy statement should be directed to Lynn Klingensmith, Social Equity Director/Title IX Coordinator, located at 13/15 University Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382; email:

L. Klingensmith

; phone: (610) 436-2433. Additionally, inquiries concerning Title IX and its implementing regulation can be made to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Region III, The Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East – Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA, 19107; Phone: (215)656-6010; Fax (215)656-6020.

Certification and Professional Licensure Programs

In accordance with the 2019 Federal rule (34 CFR §668.43 (a)(5)(v)(A) through (C) ), and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), WCU is required to disclose information regarding our programs that can lead to professional licensure and certification. West Chester University is approved to offer programs that may lead to licensure/certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  To find out more, please visit our website here.  Any updates will be posted to this website.  Note that state requirements are subject to change at any time and without notice. If you are considering other professions that may require licensure/certification in a state other than Pennsylvania, you should seek guidance on your state’s requirements.  

West Chester University — Annual Campus Crime and Security Report Availability

The Annual Campus Crime & Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on-campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by West Chester University, and on public property within the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security. You can obtain a copy of this report by contacting Public Safety at (610) 436-3478 or by accessing the following: Annual Fire Safety and Security Report .