Western Illinois University
Macomb, United States • Founded 1899 • World Rank #4435
Overview
Established in 1899, the Western Illinois University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the rural setting of the large town of Macomb (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Illinois.
This institution also has a branch campus in Moline. Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Western Illinois University (WIU) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution.
Western Illinois University (WIU) 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 125-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 70-79% making this US higher education organization a moderately selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. WIU 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
Where Western Illinois University is located and how to contact its offices. Disability and accessibility information is usually held by a separate student services office worth contacting directly.
Academic Details
Institutional vitals for Western Illinois University: how big, how staffed, and how recognised it is. Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) interacts with these metrics in shaping the daily academic experience.
Academic Structures
Western Illinois University's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.
Unit 5 items
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business and Technology
- College of Education and Human Services
- College of Fine Arts and Communication
- School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach
Programs Offered
Search and filter Western Illinois 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
72 programmes
Western Illinois University lists 72 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.
Agriculture, General Agriculture
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other Communication Studies
Graphic Communications Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Information Systems & Technology
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Climate Studies & Meteorology
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Fire Protection Emergency & Disaster Management
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual Arts
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Public Health Public Health
Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services Nutrition & Dietetics
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Managerial Economics Economics
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Hospitality Administration/Management Hospitality Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations Retail Management
Construction Management Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
38 programmes
Western Illinois University lists 38 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication Media Studies & Mass Media
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Social and Philosophical Foundations of Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Museology/Museum Studies Liberal Arts
Behavioral Sciences Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
2 programmes
These 2 programmes make up Western Illinois University's doctoral catalogue, where candidates work closely with supervisors to produce publishable, original research.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
12 programmes
These 12 programmes group Western Illinois University's shorter and preparatory qualifications together: associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and foundation courses that suit focused or transitional study.
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Museology/Museum Studies Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management Sport and Exercise Science
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Geography and Cartography Geography
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Western Illinois University
Step-by-step guidance for applying to Western Illinois University, covering the typical sequence from programme selection to admissions follow-up.
- 1 Find a programme that fits your goals
Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Western Illinois University runs 124 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.
- 2 Confirm you meet the requirements
Before applying to Western Illinois University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for United States.
- 3 Assemble your application package
Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Western Illinois University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.
- 4 Submit your application
Lodge your application through the official website (www.wiu.edu). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.
- 5 Contact admissions and follow up
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (309) 298 1414. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Illinois University
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Western Illinois University as a study destination.
When did Western Illinois University open?
Western Illinois University traces its founding to 1899 (approximately 127 years ago).
Where is Western Illinois University located?
Western Illinois University is located in Macomb, United States.
Is Western Illinois University public or private?
Western Illinois University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Western Illinois University?
Student enrolment at Western Illinois University is around 7,000-7,999.
What is Western Illinois University's ranking?
It ranks #4435 globally and #474 in United States.
How is Western Illinois University organised academically?
Western Illinois University is organised into 5 academic units across its disciplines.
Who recognises Western Illinois University?
The institution holds recognition from Higher Learning Commission.
Where can I learn more about Western Illinois University?
You can find Western Illinois University online at www.wiu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
the United States's most prominent universities are listed below — relevant for assessing Western Illinois University's national positioning. National prominence signals not just academic strength but also employer recognition.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Cross-credit recognition between National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) members reduces friction for students moving between universities. Western Illinois University's membership often eases credit transfer to the institutions below.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Religious and cultural amenities cluster around Western Illinois University's region, so the universities below typically draw from similar community infrastructure outside the campus itself.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
If Western Illinois University is on your shortlist for studying Education & Teaching, these peer institutions in the United States offer comparable academic depth, industry links, and graduate outcomes. Cross-applying to multiple is common practice in this discipline.
Universities Often Compared with Western Illinois University
Looking at Western Illinois University through a comparison lens? These universities share similar academic positioning and are commonly considered against Western Illinois University during the application process. Cross-comparison helps clarify the institutional fit beyond ranking signals.
