Western Connecticut State University

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree

Accounting

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting prepares students for careers in public, corporate, and governmental accounting and for professional certification. Offered through the AACSB-accredited Ancell School of Business.

Addiction Studies

The M.S. in Addiction Studies develops professionals to be effective and ethical providers in the treatment of addiction. Graduates are prepared to meet CT Department of Public Health educational requirements to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC).

Adult Nurse Practitioner

The Department of Nursing offers post-master's coursework that prepares adult nurse practitioners to be eligible to take the adult nurse practitioner certificate exam. Admission requires an M.S. in Nursing with a significant clinical component.

Anthropology/Sociology

The Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology/Sociology examines human societies, cultures, and social structures, with options in General Studies, Global Studies, and Social Justice and Policy.

Applied and Computational Mathematics

The Bachelor of Science in Applied and Computational Mathematics offers concentrations such as Data Science and Machine Learning, Applied Differential Equations and Scientific Computing, and Actuarial Science.

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis is a non-degree graduate certificate for candidates who have previously completed a graduate degree and seek coursework to meet the BACB pathway 2 requirement. The program totals 21 credits and is being phased out by the 2028-2029 academic year.

Applied Behavior Analysis

The Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis has a requirement of thirty credits and is offered fully online, housed in the Educational Psychology Department. It offers courses students can apply toward advanced degrees or toward careers as Board-Certified Behavior Analysts.

Applied Computing

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Computing applies computing skills across disciplines and professional contexts.

Art

The Bachelor of Arts in Art provides study of art and visual culture within a liberal arts context.

Artificial Intelligence

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence provides students with a broad and deep knowledge of both practical and theoretical aspects of the discipline. Students may complete the program's 10 courses, totaling 33 credit hours, in one year, culminating in an original thesis, final project, or approved internship.

Atmospheric and Climate Science

This degree offers a comprehensive education in the fundamental principles of meteorology, climate systems, and environmental sciences, blending physics, chemistry, ecology, and mathematics with core courses in meteorology and climatic sciences. NOTE: Program pending Title IV approval and expected to begin Spring 2026.

Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biology provides a broad biology education and workforce training, with options in Biology, Ecology, and Pre-Health. All majors conduct research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.

Business Administration

Western's Master of Business Administration program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), focuses on preparing students for managerial positions and leadership roles in contemporary organizations. The degree requires completion of 37 graduate credits.

Chemistry

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offers options including ACS-approved Chemistry and Chemistry with a Biochemistry option, preparing students for careers and graduate study in the chemical sciences.

Communication

Students who major in communication prepare for graduate studies or careers related to managing interaction in social service agencies, businesses, and corporations; media use, creation, performance, analysis and criticism; and fields requiring public speaking, persuasion, and analysis of interpersonal and public speaking skills.

Communication Studies

Comprehensive Special Education Paraprofessional Program

Computer Science

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science prepares students for careers in software development, computing, and related technical fields, and for graduate study.

Contract Major (BA)

An individually designed Bachelor of Arts degree that allows students to create a specialized program of study in consultation with faculty.

Contract Major (BS)

An individually designed Bachelor of Science degree that allows students to create a specialized program of study in consultation with faculty.

Counselor Education

The MS in Counselor Education is a three-year online program offering two concentrations of study: School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Both options require 60 credits, and the program is accredited by CACREP.

Creative and Professional Writing

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative and Professional Writing is a terminal degree program founded on the belief that writers who can work in multiple genres are best equipped for professional careers. The low-residency program is delivered online with four required on-campus residencies, and students work across one creative and one practical genre.

Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers options in Corrections/Probation/Parole and Offender Rehabilitation, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security.

Cybersecurity

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Cybersecurity prepares students to protect information systems and manage security in business environments.

Digital and Interactive Media Arts

Digital and Interactive Media Arts (DIMA) conceptualizes emerging practices of personal, commercial, and artistic expression across high-tech channels, grounding students in aesthetics, programming, sound, and video production and design through a project-based approach, with options in Media Production, Art, and Computer Science.

Economics

The Bachelor of Arts in Economics examines economic theory, analysis, and policy.

Elementary Education

The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education is an interdisciplinary major preparing students for elementary teaching certification in Connecticut.

English

The Bachelor of Arts in English develops skills in literary study, critical analysis, and writing.

Finance

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance prepares students for careers in financial analysis, investments, corporate finance, and financial services.

General Studies Option

Global Studies Option

Health Administration

Western's Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.) program prepares students for managerial positions in a range of health services organizations. The MHA is an online program designed for part-time study, requiring 36 semester hours from three groupings.

Health Education

The Bachelor of Science in Health Education (PK-12) prepares students for certification to teach health education in schools.

History

The Bachelor of Arts in History develops understanding of historical events, methods, and interpretation.

History

The Master of Arts in History degree program develops students' skills in analyzing and interpreting historical events and interrelational developments in diverse areas of the world. A minimum of 30 semester-hour credits is required.

Homeland Security

Homeland Security

The Master of Science in Homeland Security prepares graduates for critical leadership roles within local, state, and federal government agencies as well as the private sector. It is a fully online, asynchronous program requiring 36 credit hours, completed through a comprehensive capstone project or an internship.

Instructional Leadership

The Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership focuses on enriching the leadership practices of practitioners from a range of occupations through individual and organizational growth. It offers a 60-credit program that can be completed in three years.

Instructional Leadership

Integrative Biological Diversity

The Master of Science in Integrative Biological Diversity blends the biological and environmental sciences with current social issues to train students to assess, manage, and think critically about biodiversity issues. The degree combines graduate courses with faculty expertise across the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) System.

Interdisciplinary Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to combine study across multiple disciplines.

Intermediate Administration and Supervision (#092)

The Certificate in Intermediate Administration and Supervision (Endorsement 092) leads to Connecticut administrative certification for positions such as department chair, curriculum director, assistant principal, and principal. The planned program totals 24 semester hours and is available to students enrolled in WCSU's Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership, offered in collaboration with CCSU.

Liberal Arts

Associate in Science offered through the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences.

Literacy and Language Arts

The MSED in Literacy and Language Arts prepares educators to become reading specialists, literacy coaches, and professional leaders who are highly knowledgeable in the foundations of literacy in grades 1-12. The one-year online program totals 30 credits.

Management

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Management prepares students for leadership and organizational roles across business and nonprofit sectors.

Management Information Systems

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Information Systems prepares students to design, manage, and apply information technology in business settings.

Marketing

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing prepares students for careers in marketing management, sales, advertising, and market research.

Master of Business Administration, Cybersecurity Concentration

Mathematics

The Master of Arts in Mathematics degree program provides students with an avenue to further in-depth study in theoretical or applied mathematics. The program requires completion of 30 semester hours and a culminating comprehensive examination that may include a thesis.

Mathematics

The Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics provides a foundation in mathematical theory and application within a liberal arts context.

Media Arts

Students who major in media arts prepare for careers in media creation and performance for television, film, radio, audio, social media, and graphics. Media Arts engages students in hands-on discovery, experimentation, problem-solving, and the development of original works.

Music

The Master of Music (M.M.) program offers two concentrations, Music Education and Jazz Pedagogy, designed for music educators, performers, and practitioners. Each concentration consists of 30 credits and can be completed in two years.

Musical Theatre

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre offers professional training in all aspects of musical theatre within a liberal arts context to prepare students for careers in the entertainment industry.

Music (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Music is appropriate for students who wish to study music within the broader context of a liberal arts education.

Music (BM)

The Bachelor of Music is a professional degree with options in Audio and Music Production, Performance (Vocal and Instrumental), and Jazz Studies.

Music Education

The Bachelor of Science in Music Education prepares students to apply for provisional PK-12 certification in the State of Connecticut and to pursue careers in music education.

Nursing

The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares nurses for leadership positions in nursing practice, with options to prepare for roles such as Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The program requires completion of 41 to 47 credits.

Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Registered Nursing Program) prepares students for professional nursing practice and licensure.

Nursing Education

The Doctor of Education in Nursing Education, developed collaboratively by WCSU and Southern Connecticut State University faculty, is designed to prepare nurses for academic faculty roles. It is the only program of its kind in the State of Connecticut.

Nursing Education

Nursing Practice

The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is designed for advanced practice nurses who wish to seek a terminal degree in nursing practice that is not research or educationally focused. Rather than completing a dissertation, DNP students complete a DNP project that evaluates a health care program or identifies clinical strategies for improving quality and patient care.

Nursing Practice

Nursing (RN to BS)

The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a completion program for licensed registered nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree.

Political Science

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science examines government, politics, public policy, and political theory.

Popular Music

The Bachelor of Arts in Popular Music is appropriate for students who wish to study popular music within the broader context of a liberal arts education.

Post-Master's Adult Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Professional Writing

The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing prepares students for careers and advanced study in creative writing, technical writing, public relations, journalism, and publishing, with options in Business and Technical Writing, Creative Writing, and Journalism and Public Relations.

Psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology studies human behavior and mental processes and prepares students for careers and graduate study in psychology and related fields.

Public Health

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health prepares students for careers in public and community health, with options in Allied Health Professions, Community Health, Fitness and Wellness, and Holistic and Integrative Health.

Secondary Academic Subjects, Grades 7-12 (Biology)

Secondary Academic Subjects, Grades 7-12 (Chemistry)

Secondary Academic Subjects, Grades 7-12 (English)

Secondary Academic Subjects, Grades 7-12 (History & Social Studies)

Secondary Academic Subjects, Grades 7-12 (Mathematics)

Secondary Academic Subjects, Grades 7-12 (Spanish)

Secondary Education: Biology

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in Biology.

Secondary Education: Chemistry

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in Chemistry.

Secondary Education: Earth Science

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in Earth Science.

Secondary Education: English

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in English.

Secondary Education: History/Social Studies

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in History/Social Studies.

Secondary Education: Mathematics

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in Mathematics.

Secondary Education: Spanish

Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education (7-12) preparing students for provisional teaching certification in Spanish.

Secondary Education / TESOL

The Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education/TESOL prepares secondary educators to work collaboratively in varied settings and cultural contexts, with options in Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Social Studies, or Spanish. The program totals 45 semester hours.

Social Justice and Policy Option

Social Work

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice.

Spanish

The Bachelor of Arts in Spanish develops proficiency in the Spanish language and knowledge of Hispanic cultures and literatures.

Special Education (PK-12)

The MSED in Special Education (PK-12) prepares special educators to work collaboratively in varied settings and cultural contexts, differentiating instruction and advocating for diverse learners. It is a one-year, 30-credit online program.

Special Services PK-12 (School Counselor)

Special Subjects, Fields or Instructional Areas - K-12 (Health)

Special Subjects, Fields or Instructional Areas - K-12 (Music)

Sport and Wellness Management

The Bachelor of Science in Sport and Wellness Management (formerly Health and Wellness Management) prepares students for careers in sport and wellness organizations, with options in Wellness Management and Sport Management.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

The Sixth-Year Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) prepares educators to work collaboratively in varied settings to assist English language learners. The program totals 30 semester hours.

Theatre Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts is for students who wish to study theatre within a broader liberal arts context, emphasizing areas such as performance, design/technology, theatre arts management, or theatre studies.

Theatre Arts (BFA)

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts offers professional training in three concentrations—Acting, Design/Technology, and Stage Management—within a liberal arts context.

Visual Arts

The MFA in Visual Arts is a two-year, nationally accredited program offering concentrations in Painting, Illustration, and Interdisciplinary Visual Art. Degree candidates complete a minimum of 60 credits, culminating in a Thesis Exhibition.

Visual Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts is a professional studio degree with options in Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, and Photography.