nestled in america’s heartland is close to everything in the midwest! , , ,
WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
• Spencer Student Rec Center Working out with Women Who Lift Club
• University Union Caramel latte at the Daily Drool™
• Currens Hall
Nursing Clinical Prep class
• Spring Lake Park Outdoor hike
• Lincoln-Washington-Grote Beast style burger at MrBeast Burger™
• Thompson Dining Center French toast at 3 Egg Omelet Bar™
• Garwood Hall 2D Design class
• University Union Grilled nuggies at Chick-fil-A™
• Stipes Hall Working on assignments in computer lab
Niko
• Morgan Hall Statistics class Bel
• Memorial Hall Visiting Career Services Center
TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE
• Knoblauch Hall Crime Lab class
• Malpass Library Leading a study group
• University Union Chicken queso bowl
• Sherman Hall Leading an Admissions
Currens
Corbin-Olson Dining Center
Memorial Hall
Malpass Library
Simpkins Hall
Horrabin Hall
Knoblauch Hall Beu Health Center
Future Goldfarb Center for Performing Arts
LIFE OF A LEATHERNECK
Jay Angel ,
• Waggoner Hall
Shift at Hotline, a student-run crisis line
• Simpkins Hall
group session
Union bowl at Qdoba™
Admissions group tour
English 290 Intro to Film class
• Sallee Hall
Fundamentals of Public Speaking class
• Corbin-Olson Dining Center
Buffalo wings at Rocky’s Western Wings™
• Digital Rec & Esports Arena Fortnite™ battles with friends
• Horrabin Hall
Meeting with Honors College advisor
• Stipes Hall
Coffee break at Dividends™
• Morgan Hall
American Government and Politics class
• Beu Health Center
Completing Social Work internship
• Multicultural Center
Attend Black Student Association Meeting
Spencer Student Rec Center
University Union
Currens Hall
Spring Lake Park
Garwood Hall
Sherman Hall
Library Morgan Hall
Digital Rec & Esports Arena
Multicultural Center
Sallee Hall
Waggoner Hall
Thompson Dining Center Stipes Hall
LincolnWashington-Grote
WE’RE MORE THAN NUMBERS
7k 76% 11%
OUT-OF-STATE STUDENTS STUDENTS FROM ILLINOIS TOTAL STUDENTS
13% 32% 17 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE IDENTIFY AS STUDENTS OF COLOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
#3 BEST VALUE COLLEGE — COLLEGE CONSENSUS
#4 TOP PUBLIC ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY — NICHE
#10 TOP PUBLIC MIDWEST UNIVERSITY — U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT “BEST MIDWESTERN COLLEGE”
PRINCETON REVIEW
#8 MILITARY FRIENDLY IN MIDWEST — MILITARY TIMES
WE’RE ALL LEATHERNECKS!
COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
GET AROUND MACOMB ON GO WEST, THE ONLY FREE BUS SYSTEM IN ILLINOIS , , ,
FIND ALL 100+ BULLDOGS
You may notice when visiting our Macomb campus and community that we REALLY love bulldogs. Rocky on Parade invites area artists, including WIU students and faculty, to submit design proposals for these larger-than-life bulldogs.
LOCAL EVENTS
DOWNTOWN BLOCK PARTY - AUGUST
Macomb, IL, is a small town and has a stronger community than larger cities!
Jonathan, Graduate Student, Sport Management
ART, WIND & FIRE FESTIVAL - SEPTEMBER
UNFORGETTABLE LINCOLN DAYS - OCTOBER
MOON OVER MACOMB FESTIVAL - OCTOBER
DICKENS ON THE SQUARE - DECEMBER
World’s MonopolyLargest Game!
Roll the dice and play on Macomb’s historic Courthouse Square! Macombopoly is the world’s largest Monopoly board, paying homage to the classic board game and its inventor, former Macomb resident, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Magie-Phillips.
Macomb Area
Here, you’ll find state parks, novel retail, outdoor adventuring, exciting recreation, awesome amusements, and uncommon historic landmarks. Macomb’s downtown is a historic district that showcases a Courthouse and Square that date back to the mid-1800s and feature a unique collection of shopping and dining experiences.
Start your journey at go.wiu.edu/visit
CAMPUS EVENTS
GAMEDAYS, ROCKY AFTER DARK, HOMECOMING, FIRST WEDNESDAY ART NIGHTS, BINGO NIGHTS, CALLE MURRAY BLOCK PARTY, ROCKYTHON DANCE MARATHON, AND SO MUCH MORE ALL FREE!
#2 BEST GREEK LIFE IN ILLINOIS
— NICHE ,
200+ WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH A
Lifting Up ‘Necks
• Casa Latina Cultural Center
SORORITIES AND FRATERNITIES, VOLUNTEER ORGS, ACADEMIC ORGS, & STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
• Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
• LGBT*QA Resource Center
• Women’s Center
The Multicultural Center (MCC) celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion through cultural programming, events, panels, and conversations. The MCC recognizes and invites all backgrounds to build community together!
People are excited to have you here, and there are so many opportunities to shine on campus. You can try something new and unexpected and there will be people to cheer you on.
Abby, Senior, English
I was drawn to Western by how welcoming and open everyone on the campus is. As someone who falls into the LGBT*QA category, having our Multicultural Center feels like a safe place to escape where I can find a good area to study.
Kayla, Freshman, Graphic Design
Being an Admissions Ambassador has been a dream job that I landed on campus, and I get to tell prospective students about my own experiences to help them choose their new home!
Destinee, Senior, General Studies
TRAVEL THE WORLD
Western Illinois University’s School of Management and Marketing and the School of Agriculture formed an international educational experience for students to travel to Costa Rica in Spring 2024.
WIU offers unique study-abroad and semester-abroad opportunities, faculty-led academic endeavors, and volunteer work and internships.
“WIU provided me with the once-in-a-lifetime trip to study abroad in Costa Rica,” Senior Agriculture Student Tyler Barrington said.
,
Succeed at Western
• Academic Support—FREE tutoring, including the University Writing Center
• Career Services—Career fairs bring employers to campus to hire students
• Counseling Services—Mental health services, including therapy dogs, for student support
• Disability Resources—Works with students on accommodation requests
• Food Pantry—Provides food and personal care items to students in need, at no cost
“As a transfer student, I was blinded by the weight of my circumstances, but I discovered WIU’s resources which helped me see success as a reality.”
Ke’Arra`22, Psychology
2023
EAT - PLAY - SLEEP
Living-Learning Communities at WIU
Live with students who share the same passion as you!
Agriculture · Broadcasting & Journalism · Business Studies
Community of Liberal Arts & Sciences · Education · Fine Arts
Honors · Public Safety · ROTC · STEM · Transfer Year Experience
“This campus doesn’t just give you an education, it can give you a genuine connection to some of the most important people you’ll ever meet.”
Kyle`24, Social Work
Room Options
Living on campus is a great way to make lifelong friends.
Choose from single or double room styles—see examples above or at go.wiu.edu/housing Choose your roommate through Roommate Matching.
wESTERN ILLINOIS ATHLETICS
MEN’S D1 SPORTS
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Track/Field
WOMEN’S D1 SPORTS
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track/Field
Volleyball
Bowling - NEW Fall 2025
Raegan mccowan Female Athlete of the year
15+ Sport Clubs
Including the Western Electronic Gaming Association (WEGA), housed in the gamer-focused Digital Rec Center (DiRC).
WHAT THE HECK IS A LEATHERNECK?
In 1927, WIU Athletic Director Ray “Rock” Hanson was granted permission by the U.S. Navy, based on his status as a Marine hero, to use a Marine term for his team.
Western Illinois University holds the distinction of being the only non-military institution to officially have its nickname derived from an armed forces unit.
“Rock” Hanson
WIU Equestrian Show Team
ALUMNI ADVICE
I think the single most important thing I learned at WIU was networking and how to be personable with everyone I interact with. I recently accepted a position with the Office of United States Senator Tammy Duckworth, working with constituents from more than 50 counties.
Zander `24, LEJA & Sociology Staff Assistant for Senator Duckworth
During my time at Western, I had the privilege of being taught by professors who loved and respected the art of acting. I was fortunate enough to experience a good blend of academic learning and performance experience at Western which helped to prepare me to be a successful performer.
`09, MFA
WIU gives alumni a chance to secure roles in amazing places like these and live out their dreams!
Melody
Theatre Broadway Performer in The WIZ
ALUMNI ADVICE
College is about expanding the mind. Don’t be afraid to fail because college is where you can learn to pick yourself back up. Whatever it is you love, do it when times get tough because the tough days of studying are always better when you combat it with the things that bring you joy.
Ari `24, Political Science Children’s Ministry Coordinator at The Crossing
WIU was an important chapter in my life, and played a key role in getting me to where I am today. It was the right place for this small-town central Illinois kid to get a great education and launch an amazing career.
Joe `97, Accounting Chief Operating Officer at Caterpillar Inc.
Academic SPOTlights ,
“Professors here are not only concerned about your grades, but about helping you become the best version of yourself. They are constantly looking to get you out of your comfort zone and network, because they care about you.”
Madison, Senior, Agriculture Business
Accountancy
Specialized accounting accreditation by the CMA (Institute of Certified Management Accountants) ensures a quality education.
Agriculture
300+ acres of University owned farmland just minutes from campus.
Anthropology
Flexible degree options: Take courses in the classroom, online, or a combination of the two.
Art
Opportunities for participation in exhibitions, field trips, teaching activities, visiting artist and scholar events, and community events.
Biology
Only program at an Illinois public institution with access to over 1,500 acres of natural area along the Mississippi River.
Broadcasting & Journalism
Award-winning, nationallyrecognized program in news and sports with hands-on learning opportunities.
Academic SPOTlights ,
Business Analytics
One of the first programs in the region that is both STEM recognized and AACSB accredited that empowers students with the expertise to transform data into strategic insights, driving improved business performance and innovation.
Chemistry
Diverse career paths upon graduation, including in academia, industry, healthcare, pharmaceutical, and environmental fields.
Civil Engineering
Access to a wide range of analysis and design software.
Clinical Laboratory Science
100% job placement rate with students securing employment prior to graduation.
Communication
Versatile and flexible degree program which can be used for sales, training and development, public relations, marketing, recruitment, politics, law, and human resources management.
Computer Science
State-of-the-art computer labs support teaching and practical experience.
Academic SPOTlights ,
CConstruction & Facilities Management
Labs support teaching and practical experience with the most updated versions of design and project management software.
Cybersecurity
Western Illinois University has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (NCAE-CD).
Economics
One of few programs in the region that is both STEM recognized and AACSB accredited, that combines foundational economic theory with practical business applications.
I was very fortunate these past few years at WIU. I had many memorable professors who pushed me to be the best learner I could be, which ultimately has helped me teach and push my students during student teaching.
Megan`24, Biology, Science Teacher at Mercer County High School
Educational Studies
100% job placement rate with students securing employment prior to graduation.
Electrical Engineering
Gain real-world experience with industry and business professionals from internships and capstone projects.
Elementary Education
Many scholarship opportunities, including Golden Apple Scholars and the Great River Teacher Corps.
Academic SPOTlights ,
Through my degree, and WIU’s multiple Engineering programs, I was able to establish a focus in robotics, working with advanced technology.
Justine, Junior, Engineering
Emergency Management
The only university in the country that meets the requirements for DOD, FEMA, and other agencies.
Engineering
Opportunities for real-world experience in required internship and senior design projects.
Engineering Technology
State-of-the-art labs used for 3D printing, welding, and industrystandard machinery/software, design, prototyping, quality assurance, and cost reduction.
English
Versatile degree options
offering pathways to a variety of careers in the public and private sector, including education, publishing, law, marketing and outreach, and technical profession.
Exercise Science
Log more than 500+ hours of hands-on learning to launch a career as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, athletic trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, fitness trainer, athletic coach, or exercise physiologist.
Finance
An AACSB accredited program that features cutting-edge tools with experiential learning opportunities and provides students with a deep understanding of financial theory, analysis, and strategy to navigate careers in real estate, banking, investment, or personal finance.
Academic SPOTlights ,
Fire Protection Services
Curriculum written by firefighters; only fire medic program in the country with options for EMT and paramedic training.
Foreign Languages & Cultures
A wide variety of study abroad opportunities available, including facultyled programs in Spain, France, Mexico, and Quebec.
Forensic Chemistry
Graduates work in crime labs, the FBI, for an NCAA testing facility, 23 and Me, and Ancestry.com, among many options.
“The WIU GIS Center has participated with the state of Illinois conversion to Next Generation 911 for over four years while assisting 20 counties and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). Next Generation 911 uses GIS for multiple elements of functioning in a centralized environment. This project has afforded multiple students the opportunity to obtain hands-on experience that has led to job and internship opportunities, as well as unique learning opportunities.”
Chad Sperry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Center Director
General Studies
Fully customizable program tailored to individual student needs, where you choose up to three minors.
Geographic Information Science
Only GIS program in Illinois with its own GIS Center which allows for hands-on experience.
Health Services Management
One of the few programs in the country that offers the HSM bachelor’s with an MBA in five years. Courses are taught by knowledgeable instructors with practical field experience.
Academic SPOTlights ,
“Having graduated from WIU and interned with ATF, I can attest that WIU provides the foundation necessary to secure a position in federal law enforcement. My advice to aspiring candidates: Gain experience early, build your resume, and start applying as soon as possible.”
Special Agent Anthony Zito`98, LEJA
THE WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION (LEJA)
RECENTLY HOSTED THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS AND EXPLOSIVES (ATF) ON CAMPUS TO RECRUIT STUDENTS FOR POSITIONS. THIS IS AMONG THE MANY JOB FAIRS HOSTED TO HELP STUDENTS FIND CAREERS.
History
Local, state, and national internships in public history, study abroad opportunities, and funding for research to enhance skills and job readiness.
Human Resource Management
An AACSB accredited program, with an award-winning student chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and a curriculum that aligns with SHRM standards.
Information Systems
Provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies through partnerships with leading firms like Cisco, Microsoft, and Amazon.
Law Enforcement & Justice Administration
Nationally-ranked programs come with all faculty who have real-world experience.
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Major in your Minors: Design your curriculum with two College of Arts and Sciences minors plus a third minor from any college within WIU.
Management
Unique opportunities to learn more about sustainable business practices, strategic thinking, and international management.
Academic SPOTlights
Marketing
An AACSB accredited program with options in Enterprise Marketing, Digital Technology, and OmniChannel Marketing that features hands-on learning through simulations.
ACCOUNTING & BUSINESS DEGREES ARE ACCREDITED BY AACSB INTERNATIONAL. WIU IS AMONG ONLY THE TOP 2% OF BUSINESS SCHOOLS TO EARN THIS PRESTIGIOUS DISTINCTION.
Mathematics
Tailor your education with virtual coursework options in Mathematics, Math Education, Data Science and Statistics, and Actuarial Science.
Mechanical Engineering Program accreditation through ABET, with a 100% pass rate on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam.
The faculty for the music department is exactly what you want before going into music education. And the fact that they are one of the few schools in the state with a Music therapy program sells that. Emily, Sophomore, Music
Meteorology
100% job placement rate with students securing employment prior to graduation.
Middle Level Education
900+ hours in clinical field experiences, 20+ hours in volunteer work, programming for your future profession, and mentoring by staff who specialize in teacher education.
Music
Gain real-world experience through a variety of opportunities within the department and outside the department, with more than 150 performances on campus each year.
Academic SPOTlights ,
“I am very proud of the WIU School of Nursing Class of 2023 for achieving an impressive passage rate on the NCLEX. This accomplishment is a testament to the dedication of the nursing faculty in providing quality education to their students, as well as to the diligence and hard work exhibited by the students in their exam preparation.”
WIU Nursing Director Patricia Eathington
Musical Theatre
Students gain regional and national exposure by actively participating in KC/ACTF, SETC, USITT, and other major theatre conferences.
Nursing
100% NCLEX pass rate.
Nutrition & Dietetics
5,828 square feet dedicated to your skill development, including a corporate dining room, industrial kitchen, walkin cooler, and demonstration kitchens.
Nutrition & Foodservice
Management
100% job placement rate with students securing employment prior to graduation.
Physical Education
Graduate with nearly 700+ hours of classroom experience and a robust resume.
Physics
Small classes and individual attention from faculty dedicated to involving students in their active research.
Academic SPOTlights
I was considering majoring in psychology before choosing this university, but after speaking with some of the department professors and learning about the opportunities available to me, I felt confident that WIU would be an excellent fit for me.
Claire, Sophomore,
Psychology
Political Science
Learn through in-depth simulations like Model Illinois Government, simulating Congress, and Model United Nations.
Psychology
Get real-world experience with Hotline, a student-run crisis intervention telephone service, and face-to-face Peer Counseling.
Public Health
Complete a 360+ hour capstone internship in a public health organization.
Public Relations
U.S. News and World Report recently rated Public Relations as the #1 Best Creative Job for professionals who crave challenge and who excel in innovation.
Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration
600 hours, on average, of hands-on experiential learning through coursework.
Social Work
550+ hours of experience in a social service setting through volunteer experience, coursework, and practicum.
S
Academic SPOTlights ,
“Don’t be afraid to show who you are to people, to be authentic and truthful and to not let anyone tell you who you should or shouldn’t be.”
Riley`24, Musical Theatre
Sociology
Graduates enjoy various career opportunities: human services, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, education, and human resources.
Special Education
The State of Illinois grades the Special Education major as Exemplary for equipping WIU students with subject expertise, teaching experience, and skills needed to be successful.
Speech Pathology & Audiology
Gain experience as student clinicians in the WIU SpeechLanguage Hearing Clinic, serving more than 1,500 clients per year.
Supply Chain Management
Students have many opportunities to learn outside the classroom through industryrecognized certifications, internships, and remote engagement opportunities with industry professionals.
Theatre
Campus summer stock company auditions are held each year, providing numerous internship opportunities.
Commitment
A Full Ride
Want to boost your resume? Earn exclusive scholarships? Learn more at go.wiu.edu/honors.
As a Centennial Honors Student, my academic journey is diverse and challenging. From Anthropology to a Wealth Management course, Honors projects and a significant Honors thesis, the Centennial Honors College provided me with opportunities beyond my expectations.
Jordan `24 History
YOUR ‘NECKS STEPS
How do I apply?
1. Complete an online application at go.wiu.edu/apply or with the Common App
2. Pay the $30 application fee or send fee waiver
3. Freshman Admission Requirements:
- 2.75+ GPA on a 4.0 scale
- 2.74 GPA and below are reviewed on a holistic basis for potential alternative admission to our Reach Program
4. Transfer Admission Requirements
- 2.0+ cumulative college GPA
5. Send us your unofficial or official transcripts
When is the deadline?
• March 1 is the deadline to be eligible for scholarships.
Have previous college credit?
Send documents to: Undergraduate Admissions
Western Illinois University 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455
admissions@wiu.edu
• WIU reviews credits completed through dual enrollment, dual credit, Advanced Placement College-Level Equivalency, military training, and International Baccalaureate programs.
Official vs. unofficial transcripts?
• WIU accepts unofficial and official transcripts to make an admission decision. Official transcripts are sent directly from each previous school to WIU.
Dual enrollment?
• Take Dual Enrollment classes at WIU in high school to get a jump start on college. Learn more at go.wiu.edu/highschool
What will you major in? Feel like everyone is asking you that now?
Some students know exactly what they want to do, but others learn along the way and discover their passions while at Western.
INTEGRATED 5-YEAR DEGREES
Master’s Degree
Complete your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 5 years.
Accountancy
Applied Statistics & Decision
Analytics
Business Administration (MBA)
Chemistry
Communication
Computer Science
Educational Studies
GIScience and Geoenvironment
History
Instructional Design & Technology
Mathematics
Museum Studies
Physics
Political Science
Public Safety Administration
Quantitative Economics
Recreation, Park & Tourism
Administration
Sociology
Sport Management
94% OF CLASSES TAUGHT BY FULL-TIME FACULTY
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PREP
Pre-Engineering
Pre-Forestry
Pre-Health (Pre-Medicine)
Pre-Law (History)
Pre-Law (Political Science)
Pre-Veterinary Medicine
UNDERGRADUATE MINORS
Interested in minors that complement your major?
You’re the ‘Necks Big Thing!
UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS
Accountancy •∞
Agriculture
• Agricultural Business
• Agricultural Science
• Agriculture Teacher Education (6-12) * Anthropology ∞ Art
• Art Studio
• Art Teacher Education (K-12) *
• Graphic Design Biology
• Botany
• Environmental Biology
• Medical Sciences (Pre-Health Professionals)
• Microbiology
• Science/Biology Teacher Education *
• Zoology
Broadcasting & Journalism
• Broadcast Production
• Journalism and Strategic Media
• Sports Broadcasting
Business Analytics ∞ Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Pharmacy
• Science/Chemistry Teacher Education *
Civil Engineering ²
Clinical Laboratory Science
Communication •∞
Computer Science
Construction & Facilities
Management
Cybersecurity
Economics ∞
Educational Studies
Electrical Engineering ²
Elementary Education
• Early Childhood Education (Birth-2) • *
• Elementary Education (1-6) • *
• English as a Second Language Education (9-12) • *
• Multilingual Education • *
Emergency Management ∞
Engineering ²
• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
NAVIGATION SYMBOLS USED
•
Engineering Technology • English
• Creative Writing
• English Teacher Education *
• Literature and Language •
• Professional Writing •
Exercise Science
Finance ∞
Fire Protection Services
• Fire Administration ∞
• Fire Medic
• Fire Science
Foreign Languages & Cultures
• French
• French Teacher Education (K-12) *
• Spanish
• Spanish Teacher Education (K-12) *
Forensic Chemistry
General Studies •∞
Geographic Information Science
• Geoenvironment & Planning ∞
• Geospatial Science ∞
Health Services Management History
• History ∞
• History - Teacher Education (9-12) *
• Pre-Law
Human Resource Management
•∞
Information Systems
• Law Enforcement & Justice Administration •∞
Liberal Arts and Sciences
• African American Studies •
• Paired Minors • Management ∞
Marketing
• Digital Marketing
• Enterprise Marketing ∞
• Omni-Channel Marketing
Mathematics
• Actuarial Science •
• Data Science and Statistics •
• Mathematics
•
• Mathematics Teacher Education *
Mechanical Engineering ² Meteorology
• Applied Meteorology
• Operational Meteorology
Middle Level Education (5-8) *
Music
• Applied Music
• Music Business
• Music Teacher Education (K-12) *
• Music Therapy
Musical Theatre
Nursing
Nutrition & Dietetics
Nutrition & Foodservice
Management
Physical Education *
Physics
• Engineering Physics
• Materials Science
• Science/Physics Teacher
Education *
• Standard Physics
Political Science
• American Government
• International Relations/ Comparative Politics
• Political Science - General ∞
• Pre-Law
• Public Administration/ Public Policy ∞
Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Psychology •
Public Health
•
Public Relations
Recreation, Park &
Tourism Administration
• Adapted Recreation and Inclusion
• Community Organizations
• Outdoor Recreation
• Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration
• Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
Social Work
Sociology ∞
Special Education (K-12) *
Speech Pathology & Audiology
Supply Chain Management
•∞
Theatre
• Performance
• Production/Design
Abiodun, Graduate Student, Computer Science
Elizabeth`24, Special Education
Kayla,
Somayyah`24, Psychology