Firstly Western Kentucky University take roots from the foundation of Glasgow Normal School in 1875. In 1922, the school was authorized by the state to grant four-year degrees and was renamed as Western Kentucky State Normal School and Teachers College. In 1930 the name of college was again changed at this time to Western Kentucky State Teachers College. One year later it was authorized to offer the Master of Arts degree. In 1948 the name was changed again to Western Kentucky State College. In 1966, Western Kentucky State College became Western Kentucky University.

The University’s mission is to support the academic, social, and moral development of first-year students and students in transition and to help build and sustain a climate on campus that values intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, self awareness, caring about others, personal responsibility, leadership, hard work, and integrity.

WKU is divided into six undergraduate colleges: The Bowling Green Community College of Western Kentucky University, The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, The Gordon Ford College of Business, Ogden College of Science And Engineering, Potter College of Arts and Letters, University College and College of Health and Human Services. WKU also offers many associate degree and certificate programs.

Distance Learning (DL) at WKU offers students a variety of ways to achieve their educational objectives outside the traditional college classroom. Online Learning (OL): semester based courses and programs are offered via the Internet. Moreover, WKU offers Telecourses (TC): semester based courses viewed by streaming online video, DVD, VHS, or Cable TV (WKYU TV). WKU’s accredited online classes and degree programs equal our traditional programs in meeting students needs, access to faculty, and interaction with other students. WKU online programs offer students unparalleled flexibility with no set class schedule, no travel time, and a variety of online services.

Western Kentucky University offers a variety of scholarships to qualifying students including Merit Scholarships, Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), Departmental Scholarships and Alumni Grants. Scholarships are available to both Freshmen and returning students and transfer students from community or junior colleges.