Western Kentucky University is part of the public Kentucky postsecondary education system, which includes eight four-year institutions and a community and technical college system comprised of 16 institutions. By statute, Western Kentucky University is governed by its Board of Regents. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) serves as a coordinating board for the system.

WKU's undergraduate division offers one hundred one academic majors that lead to the baccalaureate degree and 111 academic minors are available. Nine associate degree programs are offered along with thirty-seven undergraduate certificate programs. The Graduate School at WKU offers education in 104 degree and certificate programs. The University confers a wide range of Master degrees along with a Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Psychology. WKU also offers non-degree Rank I and II and certification-only teacher education programs. Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctorate degrees.

The Center for Research and Development (CRD) at WKU is uniquely positioned to dramatically enhance economic development initiatives. From starting a business and providing business space to providing lab services to spur business growth, the staffs at the CRD is here to assist student. With over 275,000 square feet of space located on 27 acres, the CRD provides start-up and existing businesses with the resources needed to succeed. Offering an ideal environment for businesses to collaborate with technology-based companies, practicing engineers, and university scientists.

The university is concerned about the health and wellness of students, faculty, and staff and provides many options for helping every individual live a healthy lifestyle. The Counseling and Testing Center provides mental health and adjustment counselling for students who may be struggling with stress, depression, anxiety and other worries that keep them from achieving academic success. The Health Education & Promotion program provides various health-related programming, services, presentations and resources for the WKU student body.

WKU students lead active, engaged lives. We want your WKU experience to be all it can be. The Department of Student Activities works to provide co-curricular activities for those who want to become involved at Western Kentucky University. Whether it is a student organization, student government, leadership programs, campus wide programming, Downing Student Union (DSU) activities, or volunteerism programs, there is something for each student who wants to become involved.

The university's hilltop campus is a place of beauty and friendliness. WKU is located in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a city with a population of more than 60,000 approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville. WKU's Regional Campuses are located in Glasgow, Owensboro, and Elizabethtown-Fort Knox.