At Western Washington University, we don’t just imagine a better future—we roll up our sleeves and build it. Our students and faculty turn ideas into action, tackling challenges from the lecture hall to the lab, from the coast to the Cascades, and beyond.
WWU offers an immersive, personalized university experience that’s increasingly rare. This place is rooted in a real community that shapes how we teach, learn, and live.
Our students come from every corner of Washington, across the country, and around the globe. Together, we are united by a drive to do work that we find meaningful. At Western, academic excellence isn’t about prestige. It’s about access and opportunity — and our graduates leave here fully prepared to pursue their purpose.
Bird’s-Eye View
Before we take a closer look at the academic programs, activities, and opportunities available to you at Western, here’s a quick snapshot of the facts & statistics that we have found are important to students and their families.
93% undergraduate students
200+ academic programs
26 average class size
18:1
student-to-faculty ratio
180+ acres of forest adjacent to campus, with 6 miles of trails
<100 miles to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
4.3 Yrs average time to graduation
3,000+ student jobs
250+ student-run clubs and organizations
50+ countries available for studying abroad
~14,700 enrolled students
Best in the Pacific Northwest
Western has been named one of the top universities in the region for 26 years in a row.
- U.S. News & World Report
Where You Build Your Future
Renee Rockett started her college career interested in a variety of topics: engineering, data analysis, coding, business management, and informatics. And in Western’s Supply Chain Management program, she found a major that allows her to explore many of those disciplines at once.
Rockett transferred to Western and immediately made connections with the Supply Chain Management Program’s Director, Peter Haug, and other students in the program.
“It’s amazing how we all are very close with each other,” Rockett said. “We all want to help each other and that’s kind of what I craved.”
After completing internships with both REI and Nordstrom, Rockett is excited to see what opportunities await after graduation.
“The thing that I love about supply chain is, every single business needs it,” she says.
Watch Renee’s story.
Olivier Singbo always knew he had a mind for engineering. His journey–from working with development groups in Benin and serving on U.S. Navy ships to studying electrical circuits at Olympic College–deepened his understanding that mastering the world meant mastering energy. Now, as a student at Western’s Institute for Energy Studies (IES), Olivier is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in energy science and technology.
As part of his major, Olivier participated in Project ZeNETH, a student-led program aimed to build an off-grid, net-zero-energy tiny house with the mission to give students practical education while addressing important issues like housing, climate change, and sustainable design.
Olivier took the skills he learned from Project ZeNETH back to his hometown in Benin, where he took his family’s house off-grid and connected it to solar power, creating a more reliable energy source for his family and community.
Watch Olivier’s story.
Learn How to Make a Difference
Maiyuraq Nanouk Jones is majoring in environmental science with an emphasis in Freshwater & Terrestrial Ecology and was named one of two Western recipients of the 2025 Civic Leadership Award.
Nanouk Jones is an Inupiat Inuit from the small town of Unalakleet, Alaska, and much of her advocacy work is focused on protecting the Arctic. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Arctic Youth Network, as an Arctic Youth Ambassador, and helped create the Arctic Youth Conference, which was held in Norway in January 2025.
Learn more about Maiyuraq’s story.
Lily Duong Elementary Education
Inspired by her mentors who helped her pursue higher education, she co-founded the Educators of Color club, which is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and guiding others just as she was once guided.
Caitlyn Blair Interdisciplinary Studies
As part of her Salish Sea Studies minor, she did important research on the health of the Salish Sea and brought awareness to the decreasing orca population.
Dylan Willis Industrial Design
Was part of the student-led team that secured an $80,000 grant to fund the space for Western’s Makerspace, which has become an essential space promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community.
Melaku Akalwold Violin Performance & Music Education
Combined his love of teaching and his love of ensemble music performance as a double major in music and education. Knowing that music can positively impact young students’ lives, he plans to make music more accessible to kids in school.
Academic Excellence
Research, scholarship, and creative endeavors are fundamental to the Western experience. 93% of our students are pursuing their first degree. As a predominantly undergraduate-focused university, you’ll find opportunities to engage in research that are frequently reserved for graduate students at other universities, sometimes as early as your first quarter on campus.
Learn more about Western’s academic success
A top national producer of Fulbright Scholars in 2024-25
Ranked
99% of classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students
“My academic experience at Western was incredible. I felt so supported by the university and faculty. The amount of out-of-class hours that faculty have helped me to be my best is numerous. I have felt that hard work is very rewarded at Western, and if you have a desire to be involved in things like research or teaching assistantships, those opportunities are available here at WWU.”
Live in the Honors Residential Community, including Edens Hall
Learn more about Western’s Honors College
Recognized as one of the best in the nation, Western’s Honors College is a diverse, interactive learning community in which high-achieving students and award-winning faculty seek to challenge themselves and each other. Honors College students can still pursue any major they choose, and there are no additional fees.
Explore Over 200 Academic Programs
Interdisciplinary Concentration – Law, Diversity, & Justice Emphasis BA
Financial Economics BA
French BA*
French/German BA
French/Spanish BA
G
General Science BAE*
Geography/Social Studies BA
Geology BA BS
Geophysics BS
German BA*
German/Spanish BA
H
History BA*
History/Social Studies BA
Human Services BA
Humanities: History of Culture BA*
Humanities & Social Sciences
Student/Faculty Designed Major BA BS
I
Inclusive Education BAE*
Industrial Design BS
J
Japanese BA*
Journalism
News/Editorial BA
Public Relations BA
Visual Journalism BA
K
Kinesiology
Exercise Science Specialization BS
Pre-Healthcare Professions
Specialization BS
Sport Psychology Specialization BS
L
Latin American Studies
History Concentration BA
Spanish Concentration BA
Linguistics BA
Linguistics, Literature, & Writing BA*
M
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Management BS
Marine and Coastal Science BS
Mathematics BA BS*
Applied Mathematics BS
Mathematics/Computer
Additional Academic Opportunities
In addition to bachelor’s degrees, you can enrich your experience through the Honors College, Distinguished Scholars programs, certificates, and 90+ minors, including:
African Studies
Arts Enterprise & Cultural Innovation
Cybersecurity
Digital Humanities
Education & Social Justice
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Physical
= Bachelor of Arts
BAE = Bachelor of Arts, Education
BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
BMus = Bachelor of Music
BS = Bachelor of Science
* = Related Bachelor of Arts, Education (BAE) degree or teaching endorsement available
This list of academic programs is subject to change.
Environmental Justice
Film Studies
Global Studies
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Honors Interdisciplinary Studies
Human Rights
Leadership Studies
Salish Sea Studies
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics)
Sustainable Design
Pre-Professional Pathways
While these are not majors, pre-professional pathways can be incorporated into or taken alongside the 175+ majors offered at Western.
Pre-Chiropractic
Pre-Dentistry
Pre-Law
Pre-Medicine
Pre-Nutrition
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Pre-Optometry
Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Physician Assistant
Pre-Physical Therapy
Pre-Veterinary
Build Your Own Major
Through Western’s Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, students can design their own majors, called interdisciplinary concentrations. Fairhaven faculty work closely with students through intensive advising and classes of 15-20 students. Curriculum focuses on social and environmental justice and diversity.
Where Nature and Knowledge Meet
Our location offers unbelievable opportunities for all students who step outside the confines of a physical classroom and apply their learning in nature’s laboratory. With the Mount Baker Wilderness, Bellingham Bay, and more than 20 rivers and creeks in our backyard, Western is an incredible place for outdoor research.
Where else can you walk among 800-year-old Alaskan yellow cedars in the morning, watch an orca pod from one of the San Juan Islands in the afternoon, and explore the glaciers and mountain waterfalls of North Cascades National Park in the evening? Get outside and research your world.
180 acres of forest in the Sehome Arboretum, offering trails and quiet spaces just steps from campus
100 miles of shoreline along the Salish Sea, known for its beauty, biodiversity, and rich cultural history
17 protected natural areas dedicated to the conservation of our region’s critical ecosystems
10 incredible lakes where you can swim, kayak, paddle board, or just relax and enjoy the view
22 beautiful rivers and creeks, several of which are just a short walk from campus
1,500 miles of scenic trails in the Mt. Baker Wilderness, perfect for new and experienced hikers
“I am most interested in biological changes in marine organisms as a result of climate change and other anthropogenic impacts, and I just finished a capstone research project that examined the effects of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) on zebrafish mortality and growth. Being able to spend time doing research on something that is relevant to local environmental concerns, as well as something that I am interested in, was a really great feeling.”
– Abi Lee, Marine & Coastal Science
Professors Who Show Up for You
In Fall 2023, Western Assistant Professor of Music & Director of Voice Studies, Richard L. Hodges, realized a lifelong dream by singing at The Metropolitan Opera House in New York City as a member of the cast of X: The Life and Times of Malcom X.
Despite the demands of performing on one of the world’s most iconic stages, Hodges still made time to connect with his students and teach classes remotely while he was in New York.
“Being a good teacher is just as hard as being a good performer,” Hodges says, “but what could be better than helping my students become who they want to be?”
Read more about Richard’s story.
Dr. Alia Khan, an associate professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, studies how climate change is affecting snow and ice melt in the North Cascades.
“One of the most interesting parts of my job is getting students out to our research sites,” Dr. Khan says.
Students in Khan’s classes gain first-hand experience conducting research at Mt. Baker using remote sensors that communicate with satellites and drones, as well as by physically collecting snow samples.
Read more about Alia’s story.
This Is What College Should Feel Like
At Western, the college experience extends beyond the classroom. Whether you want to join a committee or run for student body president, the Associated Students (AS) makes it easy to get involved. The AS provides student leadership on campus, registers students to vote, and represents students in issues concerning the WWU community.
Student Engagement is home to 250+ student clubs and organizations that encompass almost every interest, including academic, cultural, artistic, environmental, recreational, and many more.
• The Outdoor Center will outfit you with everything you need to explore. They offer equipment rentals, a bike shop, outdoor excursions, instructional clinics, and knowledgeable staff.
• Western’s state-of-the-art Wade King Student Recreation Center has rock-climbing and bouldering walls, a pool, a hot tub, an indoor track, weight rooms, a cardio floor, and much more.
• Zoe’s Bookside Bagels is conveniently located inside Miller Library, and is a popular spot to grab a quick breakfast on campus.
• From kayaking to sailing to paddleboarding, Western’s Lakewood property is water sports central.
You’ll Feel Supported
There’s no question about it: going to college is a life-changing experience. At Western, you’ll have a network of support systems to help you along your journey.
Academic Support: In addition to advising and tutoring, Western provides equal access to students with disabilities and outreach to multicultural and non-traditional students. WWU has been nationally recognized as committed to improving the experiences and advancing the outcomes of first-generation students.
Health & Safety: Our Student Health Center and Counseling & Wellness Center provide care and resources to take care of your physical and emotional well-being. We also have Campus Security and a multichannel emergency alert system to ensure the safety of all students, staff, and faculty on campus.
Financial Support: Our Financial Aid department is always ready to help you connect with student employment and scholarship opportunities. And there are programs on and off campus that help students experiencing food and shelter insecurity.
Career Services: Need help finding an internship? Not sure how to write a resume? We have dedicated staff to help you chart your career path and connect you with jobs and internships. And all WWU alumni can access these resources for life!
Athletics & Campus Recreation
No matter the season, athletics are a source of renewable power for the Western community. Our student athletes and teams generate excitement on campus, the club sports and intramural programs spark new friendships, and our exercise bikes (literally) help keep the lights on.
Western competes in 15 NCAA Division II sports, has won a combined 13 National Championships, and won 6 conference titles in 2024-25. Programs include:
Basketball
Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field
Volleyball (Women’s Only)
Golf
Softball
Cross Country
Soccer
Cheer
Rowing (Women’s Only)
Western offers 25 club sports, including rugby, ultimate, hockey, and swimming, and popular intramural programs that include basketball, flag football, soccer, softball, and more.
With both Carver Gymnasium and Harrington Field just a short walk from dorms and classrooms, it’s easy for Western students to join the excitement and support their Vikings from the stands.
The Women’s Rowing team won their 9th NCAA Division II National Championship in 2024, thrilling the entire Western community.
Our Men’s Soccer Team has appeared in two NCAA Division II Championships (2016, 2019) and won 3 GNAC Regular Season Championships (2002, 2008, 2019).
Housing and Dining
Your residence hall is more than just a place to study and sleep — it’s your new community. Build lifelong friendships, kick back in shared spaces, attend community events, and build leadership skills by getting involved with your hall association.
“I love it here so much. I can’t even think of the words to describe it. I came here and I immediately felt like I was at home. One of those rare feelings where you just know that you’re where you’re meant to be.”
Stephanie Peterson, Biology
Living on campus is optional, yet 90% of first year students choose to do so; new students who meet deadlines are guaranteed housing for their first year.
You can request to live with a friend, let us assign you a roommate, or search for a good match using our portal.
Our housing communities are open to all students and include options like substance-free, gender-inclusive, Black Affinity, Pride, Honors College, La Comunidad, and international communities.
Room rates are based on amenities and size, so you can select a housing plan that fits your budget.
Our dining halls provide vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options with a focus on sourcing responsibly, minimizing food waste, and reducing packaging to reduce our environmental impact.
Explore options for visiting campus in-person or virtually
An Inclusive Community
The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement brings together Multicultural Student Services (MSS), LGBTQ+ Western, and the Disability Access & Disability Outreach Centers. Together they support student success through programs, advocacy, and spaces that foster connection, inclusion, and understanding across our student body.
Our Multicultural Center (MCC) is a “home away from home” for all Western students. This welcoming space is also home to MSS, which includes the Black Student Coalition, Blue Resource Center, Ethnic Student Center, La Plaza, LGBTQ+ Western, Tribal Relations, and the Department of Health Promotion and Resilience. The MCC also includes beautiful community space to study, hold club meetings, and meet friends.
Active Ethnic Student Center Clubs
African Caribbean Club
Arab Student Association
Baile Folklorico
Black Student Union
Blue Group
Chinese Student Association
Educators of Color
Filipino-American Student Association
First Year First Generation
Honoring, Uplifting Unheard Experiences in Storytelling
Iranian Student Community
Japanese Student Association
Jewish Student Union
Korean Student Association
Latine Student Union
Latinx Men in Higher Education
Mixed Student Organization
Native American Student Union
Organization of Students of Color in Engineering
Pacific Islander Student Association
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
Soleil Magazine
South Asian Student Association
Vietnamese Student Association
Learn more about how The Centers fosters student success for underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.
Art Happens Here
Art is a vital part of Western’s campus and community. On campus, you will find our nationally-recognized interactive sculpture garden, our Performing Arts Center with three different stages for plays and musical performances, and the Western Gallery. We also have art and dance studios, photography labs, wood and metal shops, and more! In the broader Bellingham community, you’ll discover monthly art walks, summer festivals, and live music and theatre.
3 professional campus art galleries
15 unique exhibitions featured in our studentcurated gallery each year
16 music, art and theatre majors to choose from
300 performances and exhibits each year
35 installations make up one of the nation’s top 10 sculpture collections
BFA Studio Art graduate Joel Aparicio working on a mixed medium project in the studio.
(Photo courtesy of Payton Dickerson)
BFA Dance graduates Emma Rose DeSantis, Courtney Holleman, Paige Pimmel. (Photo courtesy of Clinton James Photography)
BFA Dance graduate Caroline Schmidt. (Photo courtesy of Clinton James Photography)
Bachelor of Music in Performance graduates Namarea RandolphYosea and Lauren Zinke in a WWU Opera production of “L’incoronazione di Poppea”. (Photo courtesy of Charlotte Roulet)
Bring Your Big Ideas to Life
At Western, your education will be transformative. You will learn to reason your way through complex problems, be encouraged to think outside the box, and be supported as you explore new solutions to our world’s most pressing problems.
No matter what area of study you focus on at Western, you will find the lasting impact students have made both on and off campus.
Scholars Week, Western’s annual showcase of outstanding student research, celebrates creative activities, performances, and other academic projects that result from collaborative participation between students and faculty.
59% of our graduating seniors reported they had collaborated with a professor on a research or creative project outside of class requirements.
Watch Alison’s story
As an undergraduate and graduate chemistry student, Daniel Korus worked closely with professors to research solar windows made from glass laminated with pigments that harvest solar energy and produce electricity. UbiQd, an advanced materials company, partnered with Western to create the solar windows and hired Daniel as their project manager. You can see the cutting-edge technology today on campus at the entrance to the Western Gallery.
When Alison Lührs graduated from Western with a theatre degree, she never imagined she was about to begin a long and successful career in the gaming industry. Lührs was hired by Wizards of the Coast to be the online community manager for the trading card game Magic: The Gathering. After gaining some experience, she then made the jump to video games as the point person for Baldur’s Gate 3, which won multiple Game of the Year awards. Those accolades led Lührs to her present job as the narrative director for Bungie’s Destiny 2, a game that has been played by more than 90 million people worldwide.
Watch Daniel’s story
Get Ready for Your Future
74% of Washington school districts have a Western graduate among their certified staff of teachers, administrators, and others.
#1 all-time producer of Peace Corps volunteers in the nation among medium-sized colleges & universities.
90% of Western Alumni are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation and have 24% less debt than the national average.
“(Linguistics Professor) Ed Vajda was such an amazing teacher. I took his class on the languages of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books and was just hooked. But even then I didn’t realize how much my linguistics work would inform the research I was doing in computer science, and vice–versa.”
Neal Digre ‘16, Linguistics & Computer Science Major
Read more about Neal’s story
Alumni Connections
Connections matter in the professional world, and The Foundation for WWU & Alumni provides excellent opportunities for students to network with 150,000+ alumni who can help make a difference in your career. Through internships, mentorships, and job opportunities, our alumni care about your success, both as a student and as a graduate.
Zoe Malee’s (’24) artistic talent came to the attention of Cameron Jennings (’06), the label designer for Bellingham favorite Tony’s Coffee, while he was teaching a class in packaging design at WWU in Spring 2023. And when Tony’s needed someone to design the artwork for a Western-themed blend, he knew that Malee would be perfect. All Nighter, with its cozy notes of chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar, is now being brewed in all dining halls on campus, and Malee’s eye-catching design, which depicts a class late night study session, is a signature accomplishment to add to her portfolio.
Watch Zoe’s story
Tuition and Costs
Western’s rates of graduation, employment, and admission to competitive graduate programs are among the best in the nation for universities of our type and size. And, as one of the top 5 public schools in the Western United States (U.S. World & News Report), our goal is to ensure that a college education is affordable for all students.
One of the 100 best values in Washington and nationwide. – Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
One of the top 40 “best bang for the buck” schools in the west, based on graduation rates and low loan default rates. – Washington Monthly
planning for your future after college through the Merriman Financial Literacy Program.
Paying for College
We know that affordability is often a major consideration for students and families. Our Admissions Team is here to help you understand the types of financial aid that are available and to assist you throughout the application process.
Apply for Financial Aid
Even if you don’t think you qualify, we encourage all students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington Application for State Financial Aid† (WASFA) to ensure they receive the best financial aid package possible. Applications for the FAFSA†† and WASFA are expected to open October 1 and Western’s priority filing deadline for the 2026-27 academic year is January 31.
Scholarships
Western provides scholarships to students which recognize their academic success, leadership potential, special talents, and multicultural achievement. Many of these scholarships are awarded based on information you provide in your application, but some may require additional materials.
The Scholarship Center is your resource to finding and applying for scholarships beyond your first year at Western: financialaid.wwu.edu/scholarships
Learn more about the Washington College Grant: wsac.wa.gov/wcg
Scholarships
Who is ConsideredAmount
Admissions Achievement Award WA Residents
$1,500-$4,000
All-Washington Academic Team ScholarshipsWA Residents $2,500 minimum
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program Out of State around $15,000
Western Award for Excellence (WAE) Out of State
Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship* All Students
$5,000-$12,000
$2,000-$3,000
National Merit Scholarship* All Students $10,000 minimum
Learn more about Admissions scholarships: admissions.wwu.edu/scholarships
*May require additional application materials.
† Washington residents ineligible to complete the FAFSA due to immigration status may apply for financial aid by completing the WASFA
†† Western’s FAFSA School Code is: 003802
The Whole You
Grades are important, but we know there is much more to you than your GPA. At Western, when we review your application for admission, we are looking for students with a long record of academic success and those who are only beginning to reach their full potential. We also consider the difficulty of your coursework, your talents outside the classroom, and the contributions you’re making to your community. Everyone’s college journey is different, and we want to hear about what makes your story unique.
Test Scores are Optional (Seriously)
SAT or ACT scores are not required to apply for admission. We will consider test scores if submitted, but admission decisions are made on an individual basis, and every applicant receives full consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships.
We’re Here to Help
Questions? Connect with your Admissions Counselor by visiting our website: admissions.wwu.edu/team.
Apply to Western
Are you ready for the greatest adventure of your life? Then why wait any longer? You can start your application – and learn more about the admissions process – by visiting: admissions.wwu.edu/apply
It Pays to Apply Early
If you complete your application by November 1 you:
• are guaranteed to receive a response from Admissions by December 31
• will receive priority scholarship review and financial aid notification
• still have until May 1 to enroll if admitted
Admissions Timeline
Set a reminder for these important dates and deadlines to ensure you submit your materials on time and stay on track for admission to Western.
August 1 Fall Application for Admission Opens
October 1 FAFSA & WASFA Applications Open
November 1 Early Action Application Deadline
January 31 Regular Decision Application Deadline
May 1 National College Decision Day
Start your application, and learn more about the admissions process
Office of Admissions
Old Main 200, MS 9009 516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Campus Tours
Explore our beautiful campus, learn more about the application process, and take a closer look inside a residence hall room during a 60-minute tour led by a current Western student.
Virtual Connections
Can’t make it to campus? Check out our hosted & self-guided virtual tours, register for an online info session, or schedule a 1-on-1 video chat with your Admissions Counselor.
Special Events
We also hold large, open-house events in the fall, winter, and spring. Please visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events.
