William Carey University (WCU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About William Carey University
Tucked among the pines in Hattiesburg, William Carey University is known for a tight-knit, faith-informed learning environment where professors actually know your name. Academics lean strong in the health sciences, education, business, and the arts, with an emphasis on real-world practice. You'll find bright labs, studios, and study spaces, plus tutoring, advising, counseling, and a responsive library team that helps you dig deeper.
Student life skews friendly and laid back. Intramurals, music and theater, worship and service projects, and plenty of outdoor time keep things balanced. And the city's coffee shops, murals, and bike rides on the local trail offer easy escapes and part-time work. Career prep runs through everything here, from clinical and school placements to internships with regional employers. The culture values courtesy and purpose, with traditions rooted in service and community that feel unforced and genuine.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
William Carey University (WCU) offers 51 degree programs across 17 major academic fields, graduating approximately 1,247 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Education (16 programs, 599 graduates), Health (8 programs, 384 graduates), Biological Sciences (2 programs, 58 graduates), Business (2 programs, 52 graduates) and Psychology (5 programs, 43 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Education (16 programs, 599 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education | 158 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
13.1202 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 126 |
|
Master's
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0401 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 86 |
|
Master's
|
13.1205 |
| Education of Individuals with Multiple Disabilities | 58 |
|
Master's
|
13.1007 |
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching | 52 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1314 |
| Educational and Curriculum Supervision | 30 |
|
Master's
|
13.0404 |
| Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities | 29 |
|
Master's
|
13.1011 |
| Music Teacher Education | 28 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (O)
|
13.1312 |
| School Counseling and Guidance | 9 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Gifted and Talented Education | 8 |
|
Master's
|
13.1004 |
| Learning Sciences | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.0607 |
| Higher Education Administration | 3 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
13.0406 |
| English Language Arts Teacher Education | 3 |
|
Master's
|
13.1305 |
| Art Education | 2 |
|
Master's
|
13.1302 |
| Mathematics Teacher Education | 2 |
|
Master's
|
13.1311 |
| Biology Teacher Education | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.1322 |
Health (8 programs, 384 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteopathic Medicine | 152 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.1202 |
| Registered Nursing | 120 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.3801 |
| Pharmacy | 40 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.2001 |
| Health Administration and Management | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Physical Therapy | 21 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.2308 |
| Nursing Education | 13 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
51.3203 |
| Health Professions Education | 7 |
|
Doctorate (R)
|
51.3202 |
| Music Therapy | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.2305 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 58 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 38 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Biomedical Sciences | 20 |
|
Master's
|
26.0102 |
Business (2 programs, 52 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 46 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
52.0201 |
| Business Administration and Management | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0299 |
Psychology (5 programs, 43 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 31 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Counseling Psychology | 9 |
|
Master's
|
42.2803 |
| Developmental and Child Psychology | 1 |
|
Master's
|
42.2703 |
| Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology | 1 |
|
Master's
|
42.2708 |
| School Psychology | 1 |
|
Master's
|
42.2805 |
Liberal Arts (1 programs, 26 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Studies | 26 |
|
Bachelor's
|
24.0102 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 20 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 16 |
|
Bachelor's
Master's
|
43.0107 |
| Forensic Science and Technology | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0406 |
Arts (4 programs, 15 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | 6 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Studio Arts, General | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0702 |
| Music Performance | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0903 |
| Theatre Arts | 2 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
Communication (2 programs, 10 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Mass Communication and Media Studies | 5 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0102 |
English (1 programs, 7 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at William Carey University (WCU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about William Carey University (WCU)
How much does it cost to attend William Carey University (WCU)?
The annual tuition at William Carey University (WCU) is $14,685 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $31,068 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $7,599 and books and supplies $1,899.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does William Carey University offer?
William Carey University (WCU) offers 51 academic programs across 17 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate (Research), Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (16 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (8 programs)
- Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research (2 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for William Carey University?
William Carey University (WCU) has an 58% acceptance rate and a 61.6% yield rate, making it selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 571
- Students admitted: 331
- Students enrolled: 204
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at William Carey University?
William Carey University (WCU) provides financial aid to 5% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $13,564 and average loans of $4,694.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,203
- State/Local grants: $1,954
- Institutional grants: $11,034
- Federal loans: $4,694
The university supports 169 students with grants and 38 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for William Carey University graduates?
William Carey University (WCU) graduates earn a median salary of $37,639 after 6 years and $43,087 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $26,279 (25th percentile) to $65,483 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $72,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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