Western Washington University

About Western Washington University

Founded in 1893, Western Washington University serves 14,620 students. Though the university does not offer doctoral degrees, it was ranked the second best public master's-granting university in the West by U.S. News & World Report in 2008.

Classes and labs at Western Washington University are typically small and average about 10-19 students. Only two percent of all courses are taught by graduate teaching assistants. Blue and white are the school colors, and the school mascot is Victor E. Viking.

Admissions and Enrollment Information

Before completing the online application, applicants should ensure that they meet the minimum high school course requirements. High school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores are required to complete the application package. The application review committee also considers community involvement, leadership, difficulty of courses, strength of character and multicultural experiences. Transfer applicants should submit a transcript detailing courses taken at all post-secondary schools, and international students must provide proof of English language competency.

Western Washington University Colleges

College of Business and Economics

The College of Business and Economics confers degrees in areas of business administration, economics and management. The college is also home to various research centers, such as the Economic Education Center and the International Business Center. The college's programs were developed by faculty with terminal degrees.

Fairhaven College

Fairhaven College is an interdisciplinary college of liberal arts. Students enrolled in the college have the option to create their own degree programs by drawing from various academic departments and colleges of the university. The goal of the interdisciplinary undergraduate program is to produce students who can make connections between seemingly disparate areas of study. Many Fairhaven College students participate in the Outback Farm. The Outback Farm project is a student-run farm that promotes and teaches the concept of sustainability to the community and students.

College of Fine and Performing Arts

The College of Fine and Performing Arts offers degree programs in theatre, music, art and dance. In addition to offering these degree programs, the College of Fine and Performing Arts also hosts a CFPA Education Matinee Series. The goal of the matinee series is to provide educational activities that will inspire and challenge children and high school students. Recent activities have included a dance concert and a performance of the Marriage of Figaro.

Graduate School

The Graduate School at Western Washington University provides students with information on graduate programs and their application requirements and deadlines. The school also provides information on graduate assistantships, financial aid and tuition and fees. Prospective students can also apply to programs online through the Graduate School webpage.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences includes the Department of the Humanities and the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Degree programs are offered in areas such as psychology, philosophy, history and political science. The college uses the Dean's Fund for Excellence to support projects such as an interdisciplinary speaker series, student or faculty research and travel and student assistantships.

Huxley College of the Environment

Huxley College of the Environment offers a variety of degree programs in the environmental sciences. These programs are meant to educate future leaders and thinkers in various fields of environmental science. Currently the college is home to four institutes: the Institute for Watershed Studies, the Resilience Institute, the Institute of Spatial Information and Analysis and the Institute of Environmental Toxicology. The Resilience Institute focuses on practices and methods that can help communities withstand natural disasters.

The College of Sciences and Technology

The College of Sciences and Technology has degree programs in areas such as physics, biology, chemistry and computer science. The college also provides students with opportunities to join academic clubs that focus on an area of interest within science and technology. The WWU Neuroscience Club is open to students with an interest in neuroscience.

Woodring College of Education

The Woodring College of Education was established in 1893 as the New Whatcom State Normal School. During the first day of classes, 88 students enrolled; by the third week that number had almost tripled. Today the college offers degree programs in early childhood education, literacy, special education and many other areas. In addition to offering these programs, the college also houses a number of resource centers, such as the Asian American Curriculum and Research Project and the Center for Education, Equity and Diversity, that provide instruction and material related to the education curriculum.

Contact Information

• Address: 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225
• Phone Number: (360) 650-3430