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Empowering Your Potential Without Boundaries

Take control of your future in a trusted, accredited learning environment. Western Illinois University’s (WIU) online undergraduate and graduate programs offer flexible and affordable options to working adults, students with significant responsibilities in their home and community, and anyone looking for a more accessible education. WIU provides holistic support to all students—online or on campus—and empowers you to conquer every obstacle that stands in your path.

Academic Excellence You Can Count On

A Western education is distinguished: we have been recognized as a Top Public School, Best Value School, Best Midwestern College, and more. Join a community of ambitious learners and work toward accredited online degrees at WIU.

Flexible Format Fits Your Schedule

Seamlessly blend your learning and your out-of-class commitments in 100% online courses. Interact with your professors and connect with your peers from anywhere with an internet connection!

Personalized Faculty Mentorship

Thrive under the guidance of dedicated faculty who provide one-on-one advising on your career goals, coursework, future education opportunities, and more. As part of our commitment to excellence in all programs, full-time faculty teach 94% of WIU online classes.

Find the Right Online Program for You

No matter where you’re starting from—high school, some college, employment, or anywhere else—WIU offers online programs that can fuel your goals. Our online college courses are available anywhere in the world. Study at the undergraduate or graduate level to earn a degree, short-term certificate, or credentials in individual courses.

Online Bachelor's Degree Programs

Program
Accountancy (Bachelor of Business) with options in 1) Management Accounting, & 2) Taxation
Anthropology (Bachelor of Arts)
Business Analytics (Bachelor of Business) [renamed Business Administration effective Fall 2025]
Options available starting Fall 2025: 1) Business Analytics, 2) Economics, 3) Finance, 4) Human Resource Management, 5) Management, 6) Marketing, & 7) Supply Chain Management
Communication (Bachelor of Arts)
Economics (Bachelor of Arts)
Emergency Management (Bachelor of Science)
Fire Protection Services (Bachelor of Science)
Fire Administration option
General Studies (Bachelor of Arts)
Geographic Information Science (Bachelor of Science)
with options in 1) Geoenvironment and Planning & 2) Geospatial Science
History (Bachelor of Arts)
History option
Law Enforcement & Justice Administration (Bachelor of Science)
Political Science (Bachelor of Arts)
Political Science - General option (renamed Government and Politics effective Fall 2025)
Sociology (Bachelor of Arts)
Sociology - General emphasis

Online Courses

Department
Accounting, Finance, Economics and Decision Sciences: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Agriculture: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Art and Design: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Biological Sciences: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Broadcasting and Journalism: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Chemistry: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Communication: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Computer Sciences: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Counselor Education and College Student Personnel: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Earth, Atmospheric, and Geographic Information Sciences: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Education: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Engineering and Technology: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
English: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Foreign Languages and Literatures: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
General Honors: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Health Sciences and Social Work: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
History: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Kinesiology: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Law Enforcement and Justice Administration: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Management and Marketing: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Mathematics and Philosophy: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Military Science: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Music: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Nursing: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Physics: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Political Science: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Psychology: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Race, Religion, Gender, and Multidisciplinary Studies: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Sociology and Anthropology: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Speech Pathology and Audiology: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
Theatre and Dance: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026
University Courses: Fall 2025 | Spring 2026 | Summer 2026

Bachelor of Arts in General Studies

Lay the groundwork for a wide range of professional opportunities through Western’s special degree completion program. The Bachelor of Arts in General Studies is ideal for adult learners who have previously earned college credits and intend to complete a bachelor’s degree. Choose an online or hybrid format to prepare for business, industry, government, and human services careers.

“My overall experience at WIU has been great. The faculty here has also been so helpful because they want their students to succeed.”

Lauren Hall, Accounting

Admissions and How to Apply

Our transfer-friendly admissions process is easy to navigate online, and the welcoming WIU admission staff are here to help with any questions that arise with your application, admission materials, admission decision, or anything else about our online college courses.

Affordable Tuition with Financial Aid

At Western, we deeply value your time, energy, and investment in your education. We match that energy with affordable online college degrees, tuition transparency, and financial aid for online students. As a result, we’ve been named #2 among the best value online colleges and universities, meaning we equip you with a high-value education at a low cost.

Support and Resources for Online Students

Receive direct, dedicated support in your academics, well-being, career planning, and more. Western offers dozens of virtual resources and digital hangout spaces, along with the same counseling, tutoring, and academic advising services available to on-campus students.

Ready to Launch Your Future through WIU Online?

WIU’s online degree programs open doors to a purpose-driven education built on all-around support for your learning, career building, and thriving. Get in touch with our admissions team to discover more about your potential at Western.

Online FAQs

Can I work full-time and study online?

Yes. You can enroll in WIU online classes part-time while maintaining your full-time employment.

Do I need to come to campus?

Online degree programs are 100% virtual with no requirements to go to campus. However, you can also choose a flexible hybrid format if you want to blend online and on-campus learning. Talk to an admissions counselor to find out more.

I took some college classes previously. Can I transfer those credits?

Yes, you can transfer up to 90 credits from prior institutions.

Can I apply to WIU Online any time?

For most undergraduate programs, yes! WIU online bachelor’s degree programs admit students on a rolling basis.

Graduate programs may have specific application deadlines. Check the requirements for your program.

Will my diploma say “online”?

Diplomas for degree programs look the same whether you study on campus or online—because the quality of programming is the same in every format! WIU degrees are well-respected by employers and increase upward mobility throughout your career.