Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, United States • Founded 1834 • World Rank #482
Overview
Established in 1834, the Wake Forest University is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Winston-Salem (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North Carolina.
Officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Wake Forest University (WFU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Protestant religion. Wake Forest University (WFU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 190-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 20-29% making this US higher education organization a very selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
WFU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Geographic and contact information for Wake Forest University — useful before scheduling visits or sending enquiries. Each channel below routes to a different team, so pick the one matching your question.
Academic Details
A snapshot of Wake Forest University's academic profile — enrolment, staffing, and the bodies recognising its work. Useful as a benchmark when comparing against peer institutions or national leaders.
Academic Structures
Wake Forest University's academic backbone. Endowed schools (named after donors) may differ from general units in funding levels, scholarships available, and curriculum focus.
Unit 6 items
- Babcock Graduate School of Management
- Professional Schools
- School of Law
- Wake Forest Divinity School
- Wake Forest Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Programs Offered
Search and filter Wake Forest University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
Bachelor's Degree
38 programmes
Wake Forest University's 38 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Economics Economics
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Chemistry Chemistry
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
History History
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Music Music
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Engineering, General General Engineering
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Education, General Education & Teaching
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Statistics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
35 programmes
There are 35 programmes to choose from at Wake Forest University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Psychology, General Psychology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Chemistry Chemistry
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Data Analytics Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Medical Illustration and Informatics Health Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Law Law
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Statistics Mathematics
Mathematics Mathematics
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
11 programmes
At the highest level, Wake Forest University runs 11 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Biomedical/Medical Engineering Bio & Biomedical Engineering
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Molecular Medicine Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Genetics Biological Sciences
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
3 programmes
At the highest level, Wake Forest University runs 3 programmes. These doctoral programmes are built around a sustained research project rather than taught coursework.
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Medicine Medicine
Law Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
9 programmes
These 9 programmes group Wake Forest University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Statistics Mathematics
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Mathematics Mathematics
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies Law
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Wake Forest University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Wake Forest University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Wake Forest University's catalogue includes 96 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Wake Forest University's admissions process.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Submit your completed application through Wake Forest University's official website at www.wfu.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (336) 758 5000. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about Wake Forest University
A short Q&A covering Wake Forest University's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was Wake Forest University established?
Wake Forest University was founded in 1834 (approximately 192 years ago).
Where is Wake Forest University located?
Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, United States.
Is Wake Forest University public or private?
Wake Forest University is a private institution.
What is the student enrolment at Wake Forest University?
Student enrolment at Wake Forest University is around 8,000-8,999.
How is Wake Forest University ranked?
It ranks #482 globally and #97 in United States.
Does Wake Forest University have a religious affiliation?
Yes, Wake Forest University is affiliated with Christian-Protestant.
How is Wake Forest University organised academically?
Wake Forest University is organised into 6 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Wake Forest University officially recognised?
Yes, Wake Forest University is recognised by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
What is Wake Forest University's official website?
The institution's website is www.wfu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
National rankings in the United States often weight different signals than international rankings. The leaders below typically top both, but the order can differ meaningfully.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Student exchange agreements within National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) formalise mobility opportunities. The universities below typically have dedicated exchange slots reserved for students from Wake Forest University.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Protestant
Other Christian-Protestant institutions in the United States offer comparable campus values to Wake Forest University. Values continuity across affiliated institutions provides a sense of cultural fit that can ease transition into university life.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Wake Forest University. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies
Foreign-language teaching requirements for Linguistics & Language Studies programmes vary across the United States. Some run entirely in the national language; others offer English-medium delivery for international students.
Universities Often Compared with Wake Forest University
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to Wake Forest University: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.
