Western Carolina University Courses & FeesCullowhee North Carolina, USA

The WCU Accounting Program focuses on the development of students’ critical thinking and decision-making abilities to prepare them for the challenges they will face in the workplace. The business core requirements span multiple disciplines, including accounting, economics and marketing. The requirements include courses such as Financial Accounting, Introductory Microeconomics and Social Issues, and Marketing Planning and Strategy. The major requirements include Intermediate Accounting and Auditing. Numerous internship opportunities are available to students in the program. Each fall WCU hosts an Accounting Career Day in which employers come to campus to interview students for internship positions. The annual Meet the Firms Night in Asheville also allows students to network with employers. 

The degree program allows students to develop a comprehensive background in business theory, application and practice by way of a rigorous curriculum taught by enthusiastic faculty members. The business core includes courses from multiple disciplines, including accounting, finance and marketing. The major requirement includes courses such as Business Organization, Contracts and Sales Credits, Legal and Professional Skills Credits, International Business Law, and Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility. In addition to curriculum-based learning opportunities, students may choose to participate in the Business and Law Society and the Campus Mediation Society, both of which are open to all students.

The first baccalaureate paramedic Program in the nation, Western Carolina University's EMC Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs through the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the EMS Professions. Currently, WCU is one of only 20 institutions in the nation offering the Bachelor of Science degree in Emergency Medical Care. Students may apply to either the residential program in Cullowhee or the online distance education program. Current paramedic certification is required for entry into the distance education program. Students may choose one of two available concentrations: health management or science (pre-med). Program graduates may pursue careers as paramedics, educators, physicians, physician assistants, and EMS administrators.

At WCU, entrepreneurship is a practical, hands-on program with a curriculum designed by actual entrepreneurs who meet the challenges of growing an entrepreneurial venture in the face of increasing competition. With two major concentrations, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Leadership, you'll focus on a comprehensive view of business and the strategic thinking needed to run your own. The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship combines courses from disciplines such as accounting, mathematics, and economics with discipline-specific courses in an area of knowledge in the type of business students would like to start. The program provides the flexibility for  students to develop the types of businesses they wish to pursue.  The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major with a concentration in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship combines business core requirements from disciplines such as accounting, economics, management, and marketing with mid-to-upper-level entrepreneurship courses and electives. This program takes a practical hands-on approach under the direction of a faculty composed of entrepreneurs.  Whichever degree option they choose to pursue, all students participate in service-learning activities while working with regional professionals and businesses.

At WCU, entrepreneurship is a practical, hands-on program with a curriculum designed by actual entrepreneurs who meet the challenges of growing an entrepreneurial venture in the face of increasing competition. With two major concentrations, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Leadership, you'll focus on a comprehensive view of business and the strategic thinking needed to run your own. The Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship combines courses from disciplines such as accounting, mathematics, and economics with discipline-specific courses in an area of knowledge in the type of business students would like to start. The program provides the flexibility for  students to develop the types of businesses they wish to pursue.  The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major with a concentration in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship combines business core requirements from disciplines such as accounting, economics, management, and marketing with mid-to-upper-level entrepreneurship courses and electives. This program takes a practical hands-on approach under the direction of a faculty composed of entrepreneurs.  Whichever degree option they choose to pursue, all students participate in service-learning activities while working with regional professionals and businesses.

The B.S.B.A. with a major in Innovation Leadership and Entrepreneurship requires 120 total hours: 42 Liberal Studies hours, 36 Business Core hours, 24 major hours and 18-24 general elective hours, depending on Liberal Studies courses completed. 

Covering a broad range of courses, students in the Health Management concentration will study marketing, finance, accounting, and, communication as it pertains to the health industry.

Students from this concentration may find themselves in positions such as Healthcare Administration, Medical Office Administration, Healthcare Human Resource Administration or Healthcare Operations.

Students take foundational courses in accounting, business law and ethics, economics, information systems and statistics. Additional management courses center on human resources and team-building, how to be a successful supervisor, leadership approaches for entry-level managers, project management and techniques for managing the creation of products and services. A senior seminar in management requires students to integrate all of the management concepts they have learned in a way that prepares them for the professional world of work. Courses are taught by professors committed to helping students develop real-world skills through application beyond the classroom and who discuss the latest research and trends in the field. Students also interact with successful business professionals at events such as WCU’s “Insights and Reflections” speaker series.

The program emphasizes active academic learning enhanced by practical experience with businesses and economic and community development agencies. In addition to foundational business courses in accounting, business law and ethics, economics, information systems, management and statistics, coursework covers marketing and sales techniques, strategies, theories and principles. Students examine how businesses create value, participate in simulated selling situations and explore how marketers use information to make good decisions. They apply marketing analysis and skills to real-world cases. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships or co-ops with businesses and develop leadership skills through membership in on-campus clubs. Other opportunities include conducting research with faculty and interacting with successful business professionals at events such as the college’s “Insights and Reflections” speaker series.

Core courses range from water and landscape ecology to methods for studying, conserving and managing natural resources. Students then concentrate their studies in forest resources or soil and water conservation. Courses incorporate hands-on and field experiences. Students practice sampling techniques at the nearby Cullowhee Creek Field Station and Western Carolina Hydrological Research Station, and take part in fieldwork made possible through WCU’s partnerships with the National Park Service, United States Forest Service and Balsam Mountain Preserve. In addition, paid internships assisting with tasks such as water quality monitoring or mapping are available through the nonprofit Forest Stewards program. Students also can get involved with the Institute of Watershed Research and Management, or Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, which are based at WCU.

Coursework prepares students to administer, plan, lead and instruct outdoor and recreational programs and study topics from ethics and hazards connected with back-country pursuits to coordinating commercial recreation services. Students perform service work in the region and gain hands-on experience through internships at sites such as the Nantahala Outdoor Center or local recreation departments. In addition, students have an opportunity to earn nationally recognized certifications such as Wilderness First Aid for course credit. The WCU Parks and Recreation Management Club hosts social activities, assists with a community canoe slalom, and brings students together for activities from outdoor pursuits to trail maintenance. Students may choose to reside and study together in WCU’s Outdoor Adventure living and learning community, and participate in WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee outdoor program trips.

The Master of Accountancy Program builds on your existing accounting education with a 30-semester hour program focusing on subjects such as accounting theory, auditing standards, concepts of taxation, tax research, accounting information systems and business law. Students will also receive the 150-hours of experience necessary to satisfy AICPA and state board requirements for CPA licensure. Full-time students are eligible to apply for graduate assistantships that provide practical experience in research, teaching and administrative roles. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 to 18 months while part-time enrollees can finish in 24 months.

The degree program’s curriculum is composed of classes that prepare students to solve business problems with information technology solutions. Students develop valuable critical thinking and decision-making skills as they follow the curriculum. The business core curriculum includes courses from multiple disciplines such as accounting, economics, law and marketing. The major requirements include courses such as Foundations of Information Technology, Business Applications Development, and Computer Information Systems Analysis and Design. Students can elect to take advantage of cooperative education or internship courses that allow them to work in actual industry positions, earning credit, salary and vital experience.

Each program furnishes students with the technical skills needed to succeed in their chosen careers. Students follow a rigorous curriculum building on a background of applied sciences and mathematics and emphasizes Project-based Learning (PBL). The applied systems technology degree places strong emphasis on the integration of theory and applications for mechanical systems, computer-based modeling, manufacturing and production processes, and related areas. Students in this concentration complete a two-semester senior capstone project for industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and mentors. The technical operations degree features courses from the disciplines of mathematics, english, engineering technology, electrical and computer disciplines, and mechanical disciplines. Courses include Technical Writing, Engineering Graphics, Engineering Analysis, Electrical Systems, Project Managment, and 3-D Modeling.

Each program furnishes students with the technical skills needed to succeed in their chosen careers. Students follow a rigorous curriculum building on a background of applied sciences and mathematics and emphasizes Project-based Learning (PBL). The applied systems technology degree places strong emphasis on the integration of theory and applications for mechanical systems, computer-based modeling, manufacturing and production processes, and related areas. Students in this concentration complete a two-semester senior capstone project for industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and mentors. The technical operations degree features courses from the disciplines of mathematics, english, engineering technology, electrical and computer disciplines, and mechanical disciplines. Courses include Technical Writing, Engineering Graphics, Engineering Analysis, Electrical Systems, Project Managment, and 3-D Modeling.

The program curriculum combines engineering courses with complementary coursework to ensure electrical engineering graduates are well-rounded individuals able to work effectively in team environments and adapt to different work environments. The curriculum emphasizes engineering design with applications of mathematics and sciences, and professional skills such as communication skills, professional and ethical responsibility, and contemporary issues. All students are required to participate in a two-semester senior capstone project for industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and industry mentors who excel in many areas.

Composed of technical and liberal studies courses, the program curriculum is designed to develop well-rounded graduates who succeed in many different professional environments. Project-based technical courses include circuit analysis, microcontrollers, and digital signal processing. Students are required to participate in a two-semester senior capstone project for externally supported industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and industry mentors. Our mentors excel in many areas, including automation, robotics, and optoelectronics. Outside of the classroom and lab, students are encouraged to further their learning and experience by becoming involved with professional engineering societies.

The program focuses on a foundation of math, science, and engineering courses, including Calculus, Physics, Mechanics, Circuits, and Engineering Design. Each of the three concentrations requires upper-level courses such as Design of Machine Elements (mechanical), Design of Manufacturing Systems (manufacturing), and Power Electronics (electric power). All students are required to participate in a two-semester senior capstone project for industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and industry mentors.

The program focuses on a foundation of math, science, and engineering courses, including Calculus, Physics, Mechanics, Circuits, and Engineering Design. Each of the three concentrations requires upper-level courses such as Design of Machine Elements (mechanical), Design of Manufacturing Systems (manufacturing), and Power Electronics (electric power). All students are required to participate in a two-semester senior capstone project for industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and industry mentors.

The program focuses on a foundation of math, science, and engineering courses, including Calculus, Physics, Mechanics, Circuits, and Engineering Design. Each of the three concentrations requires upper-level courses such as Design of Machine Elements (mechanical), Design of Manufacturing Systems (manufacturing), and Power Electronics (electric power). All students are required to participate in a two-semester senior capstone project for industrial sponsors under the guidance of faculty members and industry mentors.