West Chester University
Founded in 1871, West Chester University is a leading, comprehensive, public university and is the largest school in the Pennsylvania State System. With a total undergraduate enrollment of more than 13,000 and more than 2,000 graduate students in West Chester, Philadelphia, and our graduate campus, WCU is also the fourth largest university in the Philadelphia area.
The University boasts more than 180 programs of study through undergraduate and graduate programs, offered on our main campus and Graduate Center in West Chester, at our new Center City Philadelphia location, and online.
Worried that you’ll be a number if you choose a larger school? At West Chester University, you’ll be number one. Our faculty members are teaching in the classroom each day. You’ll never settle for a teaching fellow or grad assistant, and with a student to faculty ratio of 20:1, you’ll get to know and build relationships with your professors. Whether you take classes in West Chester, Philadelphia, or from the comfort of your own home, WCU specializes in creating a personalized educational experience.
Undergraduate
West Chester University excels in teacher education, business, health, natural and social sciences, music and the arts. WCU is committed to high quality education at every level and offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate programs, through in-class instruction, hybrid models and online options. WCU strives to create offerings that fill industry needs, resulting in highly sought-after programs like the B.S. in Pharmaceutical Product Development, AACSB-accredited business programs and a plethora of health science programs. West Chester University has been recognized as both a top regional university and a top public school in the north, a top school for veterans and a top 100 best buy.
Our main campus is located in West Chester, PA, but our students are everywhere! Not only do we offer courses in Philadelphia and online, we also offer programs around the world. At WCU, we encourage our students to get out and explore the world around them. Study abroad locations range from Australia and Brazil to South Africa and Turkey, and anywhere else you can think of. Can’t decide where to go? Take more than one trip! While WCU still offers the traditional full semester and year-long stays, more and more faculty members are signing on to lead intersession trips that can last as little as a week.
Philadelphia
West Chester University’s campus in Philadelphia offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees for the busy professional. Part-time programs allow our students to live their lives to the fullest. Programs include criminal justice, communications, social work, and a special RN to BSN program for registered nurses.
WCU in Philadelphia is located right in Center City on the second floor of the Galleria Mall at 701 market Street. Our location is convenient to public transportation, and also offers discounted parking rates. WCU shares this space with several universities from the State System, meaning that you’ll benefit from interacting with other students and faculty members from across the region.
Graduate
WCU offers more than 80 graduate and certificate programs ranging from education and nursing to public policy and business administration. Programs are available full-time and part-time with a selection of programs also offered online. WCU recently added two doctoral programs to the graduate studies repertoire: the Doctor of Nursing Practice and the Doctor of Public Administration, both available completely online.
Graduate students are an integral part of WCU, and are regularly recognized as outstanding contributors to our campus community. Many graduate students join Graduate Student Association, which provides programming and professional development throughout the year, as well as other program-specific organizations. WCU also provides leadership and funding opportunities for graduate students through graduate assistantships.