The Clarets knew before kick-off that victory would see them bounce back into the top flight, having been outside the elite since their 2010 relegation.
And they were taking no chances, starting the game brightly with Ashley Barnes and Michael Kightly handing the hosts a comfortable lead - the latter with his second goal in as many games.
Wigan improved after the break but the outcome was never in doubt and Burnley's fans were left to celebrate, invading the pitch, as their team guaranteed a top-two finish.
The Clarets started brightly and after just two minutes Barnes attempted to slip Danny Ings in behind the Wigan defence, only for goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi to beat the striker to the ball.
Burnley, urged forward by the relentless home crowd, attacked again after 16 minutes as Kightly burst down the right channel before firing in a low cross towards Scott Arfield, only for a fine block from James Perch to cut the ball out.
But the pressure told in the 22nd minute as the deadlock was broken. Dean Marney's first-time cross found Barnes who turned the ball home from six yards for his third goal in Burnley colours.
Six minutes later the pair almost linked up again but a save from Al-Habsi prevented Barnes from doubling the lead.
Despite the pressure, the visitors almost levelled after 32 minutes with their first meaningful effort, Marc-Antoine Fortune heading Jordi Gomez's free-kick against the bar before Emmerson Boyce lashed over the rebound.
Burnley went 2-0 up in the 42nd minute as Kightly's free-kick from the left side of the box evaded everyone and flew into the corner off Al-Habsi's far post.
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