DISCOVER
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON
FIND YOURSELF AT EVERGREEN Curious about the world? Eager to make an impact? You’ve come to the right college. Set amid a serene Pacific Northwest forest, Evergreen is a public liberal arts and sciences college in Olympia, Washington, with a program in Tacoma. Evergreen’s curriculum focuses on real-life problems, themes, and experiences. Here you’ll discover a better way of learning: hands-on and self-directed, with class sizes that are remarkably small for a public college. At Evergreen, you set your own academic goals. You can mix a variety of interests and, instead of declaring a major, develop your own area of emphasis through fields of study and paths of study. Narrative evaluations with meaningful feedback replace simple grades. By the time you graduate, you’ll command the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills employers desire.
1
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
evergreen.edu/academics
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 2
CREATE YOUR WAY UNDERGRADUATE FIELDS OF STUDY African American Studies Agriculture American Studies Archeology Biology Botany Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship Cell and Molecular Biology Chemistry Classical Studies Climate and Environmental Justice Communication Community Studies Computer Science Creative Writing Cultural Studies Ecology Economics Education Education and English Language Learning Ethnic Studies Film and Media
Studies Film, Video, and Audio Production Food Justice Food Studies Food Systems Gender, Sexuality, and Queer Studies Geography Health History International Studies Languages and Linguistics Latinx and Latin American Studies Law, Government, and Public Policy Literature Marine Science Mathematics Microbiology Music and Performing Arts Native American and Indigenous Studies Natural Resource Management Philosophy
Physics Political Economy and Political Science Psychology Sociology and Anthropology Visual Art and Visual Studies Zoology
GRADUATE PROGRAMS MASTER’S DEGREES IN: Environmental Studies Public Administration Teaching
3
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
PATHS OF STUDY
Culture, Text, and Language in World Societies Environmental Studies Food and Agriculture Integrated Biology and Chemistry Latinx, Latin American Studies, and ELL Educatin (El Camino) Literary Arts Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences Media Arts and Studies Native American and Indigenous Programs Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice Psychology Visual Arts
TACOMA CAMPUS Community and Organizational Development Law, Justice, and Public Policy Public Administration and Management Environmental Studies and Public Health Social and Human Services Education and Outreach Communication and Media Literacy Early Childhood Education
Make a claim on your future.
evergreen.edu/apply
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 4
“I love the fact that I learned so much more than just computer science. Diversity is incredibly valuable and it brings a rich perspective to all of our lives. I learned to work collaboratively with others and to build strong relationships. My experience at Evergreen was much more like the ‘real world’ than any previous college I had attended.” –Deborah Barnett ‘87, alumna
5
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, EQUITY AND SUPPORT Evergreen’s commitment to equity and inclusion isn’t just talk. We provide programming, resources, scholarships, and other support to create opportunities for underrepresented groups in higher education. And while we celebrate the diversity inherent in our learning community, celebration alone isn’t always enough. We use a holistic approach to create an equitable and inclusive learning environment for all with several dedicated spaces around campus including our Social Justice Center and Student Equity and Arts Lounge. Because an investment in the success of all learners is an investment in a better world. Learn more about equity and student support at evergreen.edu/equity.
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 6
LOW COST, HIGH VALUE As one of the few public liberal arts and sciences colleges in the nation, Evergreen provides students the personal attention, research opportunities, and academic support normally associated with private colleges. And we do it at a price you’ll find hard to beat. Beyond cost, few other colleges prepare you better for the way the world really works. Here you will unlock lifelong opportunities for professional and personal success. About 86% of our graduates find success in careers, service, or in graduate schools across the globe just one year after graduation.
2023-2024 TUITION1
WA RESIDENT Tuition + Fees $8,604 Average Financial Aid (without loans) $10,263
TUITION COST AFTER AID
$0.003
WUE2 $10,419 $23,323
NON-RESIDENT $29,913 $15,310
$0.00
$14,603
Based on 2023-24 school year tuition. Based on total cost of attendance you could receive a refund. Get a better idea of what Evergreen will cost you at evergreen.edu/costs NOTES: 1. Estimated at the time of print, October 2024. Board or Trustees finalizes Tuition each May or June for the upcoming school year. Visit https://evergreen.edu/costs for updates. 2. WUE is the Western Undergraduate Exchange available to students from 16 Western States and Territories with a High School GPA of 3.5 or above, for details visit: https:// www.evergreen.edu/wue. 3. The balance would be given to the student for the purpose of paying room and board, whether living on campus or off.
7
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Known as Scholastic Achievement Awards at Evergreen, these awards recognize your academic work in high school or previous colleges. We define achievement broadly, you might be surprised by the range of awards we have when you visit www.evergreen/admissions/saa. Best thing about Evergreen’s awards? All you have to do is apply for admission and submit your transcript(s) to find out what you are eligible for.
MERIT AWARDS You will automatically be considered for our Merit Awards at the time of application.
UNWEIGHTED GPA 3.5-4.0
WASHINGTON RESIDENT $1,200
NON-RESIDENT $12,000
$900
$10,000
3.0-3.49 2.5-2.99
$5,000
WESTERN UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE (WUE) If you reside in a WUE state*, you’ll automatically be considered for this merit-based award. This award is in place of the awards listed above.
UNWEIGHTED GPA WUE AWARD AMOUNT 2.75-4.0 $17,034 *Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Hawaii, and Guam.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION AWARDS Earning a college degree takes time, effort, and… money. Evergreen supports students on all fronts. We highly encourage all students to apply for scholarship and tuition awards. And we have a lot of them. There’s a variety of opportunities in numerous subject areas and amounts. Something for everyone! We are committed to helping you and your family afford a college education with the many forms of financial assistance available to all students who qualify. Learn more at evergreen.edu/scholarships.
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 8
ONE PROGRAM COUNTLESS OPPORTUNITIES At Evergreen, a single program takes the place of multiple classes. A program spans one, two, or even three quarters—allowing you the time needed to produce the kind of work that would make any portfolio shine. Most programs at Evergreen are team-taught, so you’ll learn from faculty with expertise in multiple academic fields. Since you’ll take just one program at a time, you’ll develop a close working relationship with your faculty team. They’ll know your schedule, so you won’t have to worry about a workshop conflicting with a test. Here’s how that looks compared to other schools:
TYPICAL EDUCATION
EVERGREEN EDUCATION
CLASS 1
A
A
CLASS 2 B
CLASS 3 C
CLASS 4 D
B
INTERDISCIPLINARY
PROGRAM
C
Example: A program typically combines a variety of subjects that explore the theme from different perspectives. It covers all the same subjects as a traditional education, but also explores in depth how they interconnect.
D
EVERGREEN EDUCATION FALL
9
1 PROGRAM exploring WINTER 1 PROGRAM expanding SPRING your interests, incorporating into advanced work on your research, field, lab and interests with the same studio work. classmates and faculty. 16 credits 16 credits
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
1 PROGRAM where you can pursue an internship, or create something for your portfolio. 16 credits
BETTER THAN A LETTER, MORE THAN A NUMBER At most schools, you are what your grade-point average says you are. At Evergreen, you’re a person whose academic work tells a rich, dynamic story.
Unlike other colleges, you have the opportunity to represent yourself in your Evergreen transcript. Evaluations highlight your work in narrative form, featuring assessments from both you and your faculty. These detailed documents provide specific examples of your achievement or progress and let you tell the world about your accomplishments. The level of detail in an evaluation goes far beyond a single letter or number. It can helpyou improve over the course of your college career and even make you stand out to employers and graduate schools.
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 10
WE THRIVE TOGETHER
evergreen.edu/learning
At Evergreen, artists, biologists, writers, mathematicians, filmmakers, computer scientists, and countless others work together to create a place where vibrant and thrilling ideas are born every day. But we don’t stop there. We bring those ideas into the lab, studio, classroom, or forest to see how they work when they’re brought to life. Everyone here learns from each other, which means you’ll benefit from an empowering learning community that will support your success every step of the way. From your fellow students to your faculty and staff, we’re all here to help each other thrive.
11
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
At a large university, you may find yourself sitting in the back of a lecture hall barely able to see your faculty. But at Evergreen, your faculty will not only know your name, they’ll get excited about your ideas and passions. They’ll collaborate with you. And they’ll be more available to help you reach your goals. With more access to faculty comes more opportunities to brainstorm, connect, and create powerful work. You will have unparalleled opportunity to personalize your education and to develop the knowledge and skills you need.
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 12
WHAT STUDENTS SAY Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s why students love Evergreen, in their own words.
“My first impression of Evergreen was the flexibility with the programs here. Having three courses in one program—I like it because my mind works in different ways. It gave me a chance to see how things come together, how they’re interconnected. You could learn math and have cultural studies with it, or ethnobotany with chemistry. It brings things together.”
–Bakari Davis ‘19
evergreen.edu/student-life
13
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
“Evergreen is so amazingly hands-on... It just emphasizes qualities that you have inherently in you, and it teaches you how to facilitate yourself into spaces that are promising and have a lot of hope. I’m really hopeful about what I’ve learned here and what I’m going to be able to walk away with.”
–Sylvia Chowdhury ‘20 “I came up here from Texas, because where better to study plants than the Pacific Northwest? I guess Evergreen struck me as a really good place to get the practical learning needed to study botanical sciences. And there are such small class sizes here that working with my professors one-on-one and getting that extra lab experience is so easy and attainable for me.” –Avery Craddock ‘21
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 14
IT’S YOUR WAY Instead of taking classes you’re not interested in simply to fulfill a requirement for your major, at Evergreen you can focus your attention, time, energy, and money on what’s important to you. Each quarter, you’ll choose one 16-credit program that connects different topics around a central theme you are interested in. With the help of academic advisors and faculty, you’ll build the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in our ever-changing world. With Evergreen’s integrated approach to learning, you can combine several fields of study into a unique focus area. Or you can choose a Path of Study, which will guide you through introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels of interdisciplinary study within a field.
A SAMPLE WEEK IN THE LIFE OF A STUDENT MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
9 a.m.–noon Lecture
9 a.m.–noon Lecture
9 a.m.–noon Lab Time
9 a.m.–noon Group Research
Day for Study
1-3 p.m. Laboratory or studio
1-3 p.m. Field Study or studio
1-3 p.m. Guest Speaker
GREENER FOUNDATIONS Greener Foundations is a holistic first-year student success course that is built into select academic programs. Faculty and staff collaborate to bring study skills, health and wellness education, advising, and more into the classroom.
15
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
YEAR 1
FRESHMAN 0–44 CREDITS
YEAR 2
SOPHOMORE 45–89 CREDITS
YEAR 3 JUNIOR
90–134 CREDITS
YEAR 4 SENIOR
135+ CREDITS
new subjects, build key skills, EXPLORE Discover and broaden your knowledge.
emphasis, and try intermediate or REFINE ofadvanced work.
Focus your interests, identify your area
Add depth with practical and field experience
community-based learning or DIG DEEP through in-depth research.
internships. Talk to your academic advisor to FOCUS or figure out what is best for you. Apply what you have learned with a capstone
Evergreen offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) (180 credits plus academic statement). You also have the option to earn a combined Bachelor of Arts & Science (B.A./B.S.) (225 credits plus academic statement). B.S. and B.A./B.S. degrees require a specific number of upper-division science credits.
HOW WE’LL HELP YOU ACADEMIC AND CAREER ADVISING
Our advisors can help you find your way! Each new student is assigned an advisor and will receive an email prior to their first quarter. Advisors can help with things like: navigating Evergreen, choosing programs or courses, resource referrals, graduate school preparation, and career exploration.
ALL-CAMPUS MENTORING DAYS Meet faculty and hear about their own educational pathways and areas of expertise. Start planning for your career or graduate school and get to know the Evergreen curriculum.
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 16
ACADEMIC RESOURCES At an overcrowded university where competition for resources is high, you may have to wait years to get access to the good stuff. But at Evergreen you can have quick, easy access to our electron microscope. Or TV studio. Or 3D printers. Or...
Here are some of the resources you can use as an undergraduate at Evergreen:
Digital and analog recording studios
5-acre organic farm Puget Sound
Dance studios
Digital and film analog photo studio
3D printers 2D and 3D animation studios
Scanning electron microscope
Carving studio
CCAM TV studio Virtual reality studio
Letterpress and printmaking studio
Marine labs Mycology lab Ceramics studio 800 acres of forest lab
17
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
Fiber arts studio
INTERNSHIPS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Your once-in-a-lifetime opportunities await. From government agencies to museums, farms, businesses, and corporations, you’ll find Evergreen interns just about everywhere. Internships let you hone real-world skills as you earn college credit. Are you passionate about government? Kick off your congressional career in Evergreen’s unique legislative internship program. Want to make an instant impact at the community level? The Center for Community-Based Learning and Action will maximize your talents. Whatever you’re looking for, you can get real, on-the-job experience that will prepare you for life after college.
“I was mentoring and helping with literacy. What I learned was that children need to have a caring person in their life and that may not always be a parent or guardian. That role can be filled in the classroom, too.”
–Nelly Irwin‘17, interned as a teaching assistant
on the nearby Skokomish reservation
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 18
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE College is one of the best opportunities to make life-long connections.
Writing Center and Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning Center (QuaSR)
Learning centers that offer free peer tutoring in writing, math, and science of all kinds.
Costantino Recreation Center (CRC)
The home of campus recreation and athletics for students, staff, and faculty.
The Outdoor Program (TOP)
Offers local and regional hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures for students. We have a four-season equipment rental center.
Red Square
Evergreen’s iconic gathering place (especially when the sun is out).
19
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
The Student Equity and Arts Lounge (SEAL) A student-centered space where you can attend workshops, study, or just hang out and chat.
Housing Community Center (HCC)
Host to many movie nights and The Pod, Evergreen’s friendly campus corner store.
House of Welcome (s’gwi gwi ? altxw)
The home of our growing indigenous arts campus. Also hosts many cultural events for the Evergreen community.
Children’s Center
The Evergreen Children’s Center provides the highest quality child care, support and understanding for each child’s development.
LIFE ON CAMPUS An inspiring learning environment makes all the difference. The Evergreen experience extends beyond academic studies. You’ll also find recreation and athletics opportunities, groups and clubs, housing options, meal plans, and much more to explore. Evergreen boasts many acres of forest with winding trails leading to a beautiful unspoiled beach on Puget Sound. You can wander, find yourself, or simply enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s natural treasures. Campus housing offers free WiFi, a short commute to class, and the chance to bond with your fellow Greeners. Student groups nourish your interests in art, music, spirituality, culture, politics, environmental issues, gaming, and more.
Schedule a campus tour at evergreen.edu/visit.
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 20
OLYMPIA AND BEYOND You’ll be amazed at what you can find in a two-hour drive.
Downtown Olympia 15 mins
Theater Farmer’s Market Café Thai food Food trucks Capitol Lake Percival Landing
Olympic National Forest 60 mins
Pacific Ocean 75 mins
Columbia River
Washington State Capitol
EVERGREEN Capitol Forest 30 mins
West Olympia 10 mins
20 mins
2 hrs
Portland 2 hrs
21
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
12 mins
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Food Co-op Pizzeria Taco Trucks Yauger Park Thai food Bowling alley Sandwich Shop Garfield Nature Trail
Priest Point Park
15 mins
If you’re looking for variety in your life, Evergreen’s location couldn’t be more perfect. In one direction lies urban excitement. In another, outdoor adventure. In yet another, homegrown amenities seasoned with small-town charm. As a student, you’ll have easy access to mountains, Pacific Northwest rainforests, Puget Sound, the Pacific Ocean, and some of America’s coolest cities. Seattle and Portland are just a day trip away, and our gorgeous part of the world boasts hundreds of parks and trails to explore. Whatever your style, you’ll find it in and around Olympia.
Tacoma 40 mins
Seattle
Mount Rainier
90 mins
90 mins
14,411 feet
ELEVATION OF MT. RAINIER
71.4 miles
FROM EVERGREEN
Tacoma Dome CONCERTS AND LIVE EVENTS
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 22
PROUD PARENTS Students leave Evergreen well-equipped for life after college. Here’s what parents of Greener grads have to say.
“Sophia thrived under Evergreen’s approach to learning where a variety of academic interests were layered into every program she studied. She relished the close relationships with faculty who took the time to listen and ask important questions. The immersion in full-time academic programs allowed her to feed her curiosity, to inquire broadly and deeply about subjects that fired her imagination.”
23
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
“Love for learning led Thomas to college, yet he felt weary of the standard education process. Evergreen’s Socratic learning environment sparked in Thomas a deeper interest in the exploration of the world and his own psyche. Through daily interactions with instructors and students in his pro-grams, as well as cultivating leadership skills on the Evergreen men’s soccer team, Thomas found it extremely rewarding to assist and encourage other students to achieve their potentials.”
“Saul asked if I would read his academic statement about his four years of learning at Evergreen. I was impressed and proud to read about the faculty and student relation- ships that inspired and pushed him, the year of study abroad that challenged and excited him, and the learning community that supported and engaged him. Saul’s Evergreen experience has prepared him well for the world.”
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 24
YOUR WAY TO WHAT’S NEXT It’s no coincidence that Evergreen alumni flourish in the working world. Nearly 9 in 10 are employed or pursuing graduate or professional studies within a year of graduation.
Paul Stamets ’79 is a mycologist, author, medical researcher, and inspiration for a Star Trek science officer.
Lynda Weinman ’76 founded the premier software and digital media training site, lynda.com, and is a leading author on web design and graphics.
Macklemore ’09 is a Grammy award-winning rapper artist and songwriter.
Denny Heck ’73 was a U.S. Congressman for Washington State’s 10th congressional district from 2013–2020.
CC BY 2.0 Generic / photo by Drew
25
THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE
Carrie Brownstein ’98 is a musician (including bands Sleater Kinney and Wild Flag), author of Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir, and actress in Portlandia, and Transparent.
Bre Pettis ’95 co-founded MakerBot Industries, which produces 3-D printers. An entrepreneur, video blogger and multimedia artist, he has hosted Make magazine’s Weekend Projects podcast.
Mirah Yom Tov Zeitlyn ’96 also known as Mirah, is a singer-songwriter with eleven full-length releases.
Jon E. Cawthorne ’91 dean of libraries at West Virginia University, is a leader for technology and information access. Photo by Jill Wurm
“We have Greeners working on the most significant and challenging environmental issues of our time. Our hiring managers tell us that Evergreen degrees impress them because they believe that the educational model inspires intentional, self-motivated learning—an essential quality because of the dynamic nature of our work.”
–Maia D. Bellon ‘91, former director, Washington State Department of Ecology
DISCOVER YOUR WAY 26
Office of Admissions 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW Olympia, WA 98505 admissions@evergreen.edu (360) 867-6170
Visit evergreen.edu/apply and take the first step toward joining our community of passionate and independent learners. The Evergreen State College has been accredited continuously by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1974.
The Evergreen State College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, education programs or activities it operates including admissions and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the recipient’s Title IX Coordinator. Title IX Office Location: Evans Hall 3009 • Title IX Phone: (360) 867-5224 • Email: titleixcoordinator@evergreen.edu 09/2023