TRANSFER GUIDE
ACTIVE MINDS CHANGING LIVES
Take the Next Step
Dive deep into your interests, cultivate your passions, and forge a path toward a future as unique as you are. As the premier undergraduate-focused university in the Pacific Northwest, Western offers you the personal attention, small class sizes and support of a small college along with the academic choice, campus resources and student life of a large university. Exceptional academic programs, a strong sense of belonging and an unbelievable location distinguish us from universities across the country.
student population
undergraduates
15,574 95% number of academic programs
160+ classes taught by faculty, not graduate assistants
average class size
29 student-to-faculty ratio
19:1
99% new students who begin as transfer students 37%
#1 public, master’s-granting university in the Pacific Northwest for 19 years in a row U.S. News & World Report In the top 10 nationally for grads who go on to earn research doctorates among master’sgranting institutions
Among the nation’s 100 best values in education, combining an outstanding education with economic value Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Named a top national producer of Fulbright Scholarship winners in 2016-2017
distance to Seattle, WA
distance to Vancouver, B.C.
90 miles 55 miles distance to Mount Baker Ski Area
52 miles campus concerts produced by the Associated Students in 2016
annual performances and exhibits of student work
29 300 student-run clubs and organizations
200+
acres of forest adjacent to campus
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Home to one of the first environmental colleges and one of the first interdisciplinary colleges in the nation
President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction award for five consecutive years
Winner of the 2015 Active Minds Healthy Campus Award, recognizing Western as one of the five healthiest schools in the country
Outside and National Geographic Adventure magazines ranked Bellingham among the top communities in the country for outdoor lovers
Ranked as one of the top 10 colleges with the best perks by Huffington Post Teen thanks to our student-operated Outdoor Center
#2 Peace Corps volunteer-producing university among medium-sized schools One of the “50 Best Colleges by the Sea” Best College Reviews 2
Learn Without Limits
Join an academic community that thrives on experiential learning, collaborative relationships, and cultural diversity. Earn credit while studying abroad, support community organizations, participate in internships that build on your knowledge, or contribute to research that makes a difference at home and around the world.
Western students, faculty and administrators contribute 1 million hours of annual community service, including volunteering, service learning and internships Western students have interned for Microsoft, Boeing, the Washington State Legislature, Merrill Lynch, REI, Swedish Hospital, the Seattle Mariners, the White House, Tesla, NASA, the National Wildlife Federation, the United Nations and K2 Sports, among others
Study abroad programs are offered in more than 90 countries around the globe
Do Research That Matters Sam’s double major in Economics and Environmental Studies has given him a unique perspective, allowing him to apply logical business modeling to environmental issues. He recently put his knowledge to work tackling the everpressing problem of clean water scarcity. By creating experimental graphic models of water reservoir failure rates, Sam’s research can anticipate water shortages and ensure future environmental infrastructure provides safe and continuous sources of water. “Breakthroughs come once you apply yourself and take the initiative, rather than waiting for someone else to do it.”
Sam Schultz
Orange Park, FL Economics and Environmental Studies
Study Abroad Her sophomore year, Aminata studied abroad in Cuba and felt a personal connection to the island. She found a thriving Afro-Cuban culture, and realized how much of her own indigenous Malian culture has been lost. Inspired, she began a project on indigenous holistic learning. She wants to give indigenous children the resources she never had, so they can have a voice, reclaim their culture and honor what has been lost. “Seeing people that look like you, that are intellectual and smart, that have made changes no matter how small or big, gives you the feeling in your gut that you’re made of greatness.”
Aminata Dolo Mali Political Science
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EXPLORE GET READY TO
Live and learn in a location nationally recognized for its breathtaking beauty and endless outdoor possibility. With a vibrant downtown, thriving arts and music scenes, and an easy drive to and from Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., Bellingham is a place students love to call home.
Vancouver, BC
BELLINGHAM Seattle
Tacoma
Olympia inches of annual snowfall at Mount Baker, the most of any ski area in the world
population of Bellingham
659 85,000 typical weather is pleasantly mild
32°F to 72°F
Vancouver
Portland, OR 5
Campus
Downtown Bellingham: 0.8 miles
Bellingham Marina: 2.7 miles San Juan Ferry Terminal: 40 miles
Boulevard Park: 1.1 miles
Spokane Galbraith Mountain: 3.4 miles
Lake Whatcom: 3.8 miles Larrabee State Park: 7.8 miles
Deception Pass: 55 miles Olympic National Forest: 202 miles
Mount Baker Ski Area: 52 miles
Vancouver, British Columbia: 55 miles Downtown Seattle, WA: 90 miles 6
Get Involved Western is home to more than 200 student-created and -run clubs and organizations, covering just about every interest. Run for student government, advocate for sustainability or social change, volunteer, celebrate your culture, join a club, and head outdoors or downtown to balance schoolwork with hard-earned play.
The Ethnic Student Center represents 18 ethnic and cultural clubs, and is a social community that supports historically underrepresented ethnic students and allies. It’s often referred to as a “home away from home.”
You’ll find clubs for every interest, including 45 academic, 9 service, 31 music, dance, and art related, 12 environmental, 16 pre-professional, 21 recreational, 15 gaming, and many more.
From kayaking to sailing to paddleboarding, Western’s Lakewood property is watersports central.
Western’s Associated Students produces awesome campus concerts, cultural events, fairs and engaging speakers series.
At Western’s Underground Coffeehouse you can hear live music, study with a good cup of coffee or just hang out with friends on comfy couches.
Western’s state-of-the-art Wade King Student Rec Center has a rock climbing wall, a pool, an indoor track, weight rooms, a cardio floor and much more.
The Sehome Arboretum borders campus and offers easy access to 180 acres of woods, six miles of trails and quiet study nooks.
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The Outdoor Center will outfit you with everything you need for backpacking, hiking, skiing or mountain biking. Resources include equipment rentals, a bike shop, outdoor excursions, educational materials, instructional clinics and an uberknowledgeable staff.
College of Humanities and Social Get Your Head Sciences
in the Game
Once you hear the roar of the crowd, you will get what we mean when we say blue love is true love. Whether you are an aspiring NCAA Division II athlete, want to try new sports or prefer cheering from the bleachers, there are countless ways to show your Viking pride. “Athletics at Western taught me how to be a leader. I had to step up as team captain when I was a junior, and I’ve been the bridge between my teammates and the coaching staff ever since.”
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Sierra Shugarts
Federal Way, WA Communication Studies
Sierra helped lead her team to victory in the NCAA Division II National Championship and was named player of the year by the Soccer Coaches Association of America. After her team’s championship win, she spent the summer playing for the Seattle Sounders.
2016 NCAA Division II National Champions: Women’s Soccer and Women’s Rowing (8th title) NCAA sports: basketball, soccer, cross country, women’s volleyball, indoor and outdoor track & field, softball, golf, and women’s rowing
Of the 23 active club sports, Western’s most popular are baseball, volleyball, rugby, lacrosse, ultimate, and softball
Popular intramural sports include badminton, dodgeball, flag football, kickball, racquetball, indoor soccer, and tennis
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BELLINGHAM Port Angeles
Anacortes Mt. Vernon Everett
Poulsbo Bremerton
Seattle Burien Tacoma
Extended Education: Experience Western Throughout the Puget Sound
wwu.edu/locations < ----------
---------------------------------------------------- > ee.wwu.edu Western’s reach expands to various sites in the Puget Sound, allowing more students and families to experience Western close to home. From youth programs, adult education, and traditional degree and certificate programs, you can find Western in your community and online. Extended Education helps facilitate these opportunities for students of all ages through unique collaboration with Western’s colleges, departments and local communities, linking university resources with educational needs. • Complete your educational goals through evening or distance education options • Accelerate your career with degree and certificate programs • Gain hands-on application of knowledge through professional development • Explore new or current interests with a variety of lifelong learning opportunities
Western offers flexible bachelor’s and master’s degree options allowing for balance between personal and educational pursuits Summer is an open quarter – formal admission into Western is not required – and with 500+ courses offered on campus, online and abroad, it’s a great opportunity to get ahead
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WesternOnline delivers quality online degree and certificate programs and courses for students in Washington State and across the globe
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Get Noticed Western has a reputation for producing creative, dynamic professionals who go on to make an impact in the world. When Clayton Knight (Physics) and Harrison Mills (Graphic Design) arrived at Western, they never could have imagined what would be in store for them. Even though they excelled in different academic fields, the duo shared a musical connection. Shortly before graduating in 2012, they formed ODESZA, a Grammy nominated (‘15) electronic group now touring internationally.
Photo by Julien Bajsel
WESTERN ALUMNI AROUND THE GLOBE TJ Martin (’05) Oscar Award Winning Director
Brent Wise (’10) Sr. Engineer, Tesla Motors
Gina Cole (’12) Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist
Byron Yee (’09) Peace Corps Volunteer, West Africa
Katie Brown (’00) 2014 Washington Teacher of the Year
Hoby Darling (’97) President and CEO of Skullcandy
Jane K. Carten (’01, ’06) President of Saturna Capital
Luz Gonzàlez MD (’02) Pediatrician
Polly Woodbury (’14) Fulbright Fellowship Winner, Thailand
Bachelor’s recipients continue their education at U.S. and international institutions, including: Vanderbilt (Medical Physics), Oberlin College (Violin Performance), University of Edinburgh (Informatics), University of Oregon (Polymer Science), University of Washington (Genome Sciences), Oslo School of Architecture and Design (Design), and George Washington University (Environmental Resource Planning)
Top employers of bachelor’s degree recipients: Peace Health St. Joseph Medical Center, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, Microsoft, Everett School District and Lake Washington School District
96% of bachelor’s recipients are either employed within six months of graduating or are continuing their educations (of those who responded to our annual employment survey) 10
Academic Programs COLLEG E O F H U M A N I T I ES AN D S OCIA L SC I EN C ES Anthropology, BA +* Anthropology/Biology, BA Anthropology/Social Studies, BA Archaeology, BA Behavioral Neuroscience, BS Biocultural Anthropology, BA Chinese Language and Culture, BA +* Communication Sciences and Disorders, BA + Communication Studies, BA +* Community Health, BS East Asian Studies, BA + English +* Creative Writing, BA +* Literature, BA * French, BA +* German, BA +* History History, BA +* History/Social Studies, BA Humanities +* History of Culture, BA Religion and Culture, BA + Japanese, BA +* Journalism Environmental Studies/Journalism, BA News/Editorial, BA + Public Relations, BA + Visual Journalism, BA Kinesiology Health and Fitness Specialist, BS * Movement Studies, BS Pre-Health Care Professions, BS Pre-Physical Therapy, BS Sport Psychology, BS + Linguistics, BA + Multidisciplinary Studies, BA Philosophy, BA + Physical Education & Health P-12, BAE Political Science, BA + Political Science/Social Studies, BA * Psychology, BS +* Recreation, BA Sociology, BA, BS +* Sociology/Social Studies, BA + Spanish, BA +* Student/Faculty Designed, BA, BS
COLLEG E O F SC I ENCE AN D E N GIN EER I N G Biology, BA, BS +* Biology/Anthropology, BS Biology/Mathematics, BS Biology – Secondary Teaching, BS Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, BS Marine Biology, BS Molecular and Cell Biology, BS Chemistry, BA, BS +* Biochemistry, BS Computer Science, BS + Computer and Information Systems Security, BS ∆ Engineering & Design Electrical Engineering – Electronics, BS
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Electrical Engineering – Energy, BS Industrial Design, BS Industrial Technology – Vehicle Design, BS + Manufacturing Engineering, BS + Plastics and Composites Engineering, BS Geology, BA, BS +* Geophysics, BS Mathematics, BA, BS +* Applied Mathematics, BS Mathematics/Computer Science, BS Statistics, BS Physics and Astronomy +* Physics, BS + Science Education, BAE *
Terrestrial Ecology, BS Toxicology, BS Environmental Studies, BA +* Environmental Education, BA Environmental Policy, BA + Geography, BA +* Geography/Social Studies, BA Urban Planning and Sustainable Development, BA + Student/Faculty Designed, BA, BS
CO L L EG E OF B U SINESS AND ECO N O MIC S
With an emphasis on interactive learning and social justice, Fairhaven College is Western’s small liberal arts college. Working closely with faculty advisors, Fairhaven students design an interdisciplinary program of study tailored to their interests and goals. Experiential learning, self-direction, strong advising, and student-faculty collaboration are hallmarks of a Fairhaven education.
Accounting, BA + Business Administration + Business and Sustainability, BA + Business and Sustainability - Energy Studies, BA Finance, BA International Business, BA + Management, BA Management Information Systems, BA Marketing, BA Operations Management, BA Economics, BA + Economics/Accounting, BA Economics/Environmental Studies, BA Economics/Mathematics, BA Economics/Political Science, BA Economics/Social Studies, BA Financial Economics, BA Politics/Philosophy/ Economics, BA Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management, BS +
W O O D R ING C OLLEG E OF EDU CATION Early Childhood Education, BAE * Elementary Education Professional Program * Exceptionality & Disability, BAE Human Services, BA Language, Literacy and Cultural Studies, BAE Nursing (RN-to-BSN), BSN ∆ Secondary Education Professional Program Special Education, BAE *
CO L L EGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING AR T S Art * Art History, BA + Art Studio, BA, BFA * Dance, BA, BFA +* Design, BA, BFA + Music, BA, BMus +* Music Composition, BMus Music Education, P-12, BMus Music History and Literature, BMus Music Performance, BMus Theatre, BA +*
HUXL EY C OLLEG E OF THE EN V I R O NMENT Environmental Science, BS + Freshwater Ecology, BS Marine Ecology, BS
FAIRHAVEN C OLLEG E OF INTERDISC IPLINARY STU DIE S
Fairhaven Interdisciplinary Concentration, BA, BAE Law, Diversity and Justice Concentration, BA +
OTHER INTERDISC IPLINA RY ST U DIE S American Cultural Studies, BA + Canadian-American Studies, BA + Energy Policy and Management, BA + International Studies Leadership Studies
PRE- PROFESSIONAL PAT H WAYS Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Dentistry Pre-Law Pre-Medicine Pre-Nutrition Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Assistant Pre-Veterinary Pre-Professional Pathways are not offered as majors, but can be incorporated into or taken alongside majors offered at Western
wwu.edu/majors < -------------+ minor offered (additional minors in a range of disciplines are also available) * related teaching endorsement offered ∆ requires specialized transfer degree (BA) Bachelor of Arts degree (BS) Bachelor of Science degree (BAE) Bachelor of Arts, Education degree (BMus) Bachelor of Music degree (BFA) Bachelor of Fine Arts (BSN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing This list of academic programs is subject to change without advanced notice.
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Kevin Miller
Bothell, WA Communication Studies
As a student in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, you get the best in liberal arts education. Immerse yourself in a collaborative learning environment that inspires exploration of life, culture and society both inside and outside the classroom. Kevin strongly reflects these exploratory and entrepreneurial values. As a student, he decided to put the social media marketing skills he was learning to work in the real world. It paid off. Kevin successfully promoted his music, getting beats he’d composed into TV shows and Hollywood movies. For Kevin, making music is about discovering purpose, and when he realized he could help others achieve that dream, he founded his own entertainment company, AllApproach. Since then, his business has only grown as he helps dozens of artists get their music out into the world. “It’s really about finding a sense of purpose, building self-confidence, and inspiring the people who make music.”
With seven on-campus newspapers, magazines and journals to write for, students can expect to get real experience writing, reporting and editing for award-winning publications Three graduates won 2016-17 Fulbright Fellowships
Collaborate with Psychology faculty on their research or present your own at PsychFest, an annual celebration of student research
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College of Science and Engineering
Jill Kuyt
Longmont, CO Industrial Design
Conduct cutting-edge research, take renewable energy to the next level, design a race car or turn recycled waste into useful objects. At Western’s College of Science and Engineering, you create the future you want to see. Students in Western’s highly-acclaimed Industrial Design program get to design, develop and share their innovative and functional designs, and consistently receive national and international recognition for their work. “I have always loved creating things and solving problems. Industrial Design combines engineering thinking with form and creativity, like architecture for everyday things. We make things that people can relate to and interact with.” During her sophomore year, Jill experienced the design process all the way through, from finding a client and coming up with ideas, to manufacturing a final product. She created a three-sided, kidfriendly easel and donated it to a local preschool. “The project was fun – I learned a lot, and it was rewarding to deliver the final piece and watch the kids enjoying something I had created.”
Active learning and close working relationships with faculty mentors will prepare you for graduate school and research-intensive fields Explore natural marine habitat, sophisticated labs, and a fleet of research vessels at our 78-acre off-campus coastal research facility, the Shannon Point Marine Center
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Electrical, Manufacturing, and Plastics and Composites Engineering programs are designed with input from industry advisory committees to prepare students for professional positions
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College of Business and Economics
Corban McKay
Everett, WA Business Administration
The College of Business and Economics teaches the importance of collaboration, creative problem solving and community. You will build a network of professors, career advisors and mentors, and develop lifelong advocates in the business world. You will also get real experience that will help you launch your career. “The College of Business and Economics at Western is recognized by companies all over. Many companies recognize that Western students are hardworking and detail-oriented and look to Western for their new graduates.” As part of his coursework, Corban participated in four internships and helped solve real problems for real companies. For one project, Corban helped a small, local company identify ways to maximize revenue and operate more smoothly. “The people I met as a Business student provided a ton of resources, which were a huge help when it came to applying for jobs. Because of the connections I made, I was able to line up a job straight out of college.”
CBE faculty are experts in their fields and approach business in a way that benefits people, the planet and profits After earning an undergraduate in Business, you can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with just one additional year of study
Western students participate in local and international internships, and it’s not uncommon for these internships to turn into solid jobs
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Woodring College of Education
Emma Caro
Everett, WA Elementary Education: Language Literacy and Culture Studies
Emma is a passionate advocate for disadvantaged children and for giving them the power to speak for themselves. Woodring supports future teachers like her by providing a learning environment in which they can thrive and pursue their passions. “I spoke only Spanish when I first attended public school, and did not feel successful until my teachers provided extra resources and spent extra time with me. They are the reason I am here today. When I become a teacher, I hope to be that person who provides extra support for those who need it most.” Emma wants to teach at a low-income school after she graduates, but she isn’t waiting to make a difference. She leads a campus club representing undocumented students, tells her story to raise aid for students in need, and recruits students of color for Woodring’s education programs – doing her part to ensure more elementary school students have mentors who truly understand their experiences.
Woodring is widely recognized as a premier teacher education preparation college in the Northwest Woodring’s teaching programs are the longest-running degree and professional offerings at Western, and the Human Services program is the only one of its kind in Washington state
Pair your major with a minor that aligns with your interests, such as Education and Social Justice or Bilingual Education, or a certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
Teacher education students spend an average of 725 hours in real-life classrooms, gaining vital knowledge and experience to set themselves up to be the leading educators of tomorrow
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College of Fine and Performing Arts
Bailey Ellis
Seattle, WA Theatre/Dance Photo by Charlotte Roulet
The arts can open up new ways of existing with the world around us. That has been a resounding concept for Bailey during his time at Western in the College of Fine and Performing Arts. “A common misconception is that ‘acting is lying’ or that ‘acting is pretending.’ These ideas are misguided. To quote one of my professors, ‘acting is living truthfully in imaginary circumstances.’ Through my study of Theatre, I’ve become more empathetic and driven.” A Theatre major and Sociology minor, Bailey has taken a lot of classes that have transformed his perceptions of himself and the world, but there’s one in particular that will stick with him. In the spring of his sophomore year, Bailey took a physical acting class, the goal of which was to strip away mental, physical and emotional barriers constructed by society in order to express physical, vocal, and emotional truth on stage. Bailey deeply explored parts of himself and his memories. “There was a moment in class when my professor coached me through an exercise that left my acting partner and me exhausted and in tears, but through which we were able to make incredible emotional discoveries. The discoveries have stayed with me, influencing how I perform and create art to this day. This intimate relationship with my professors combined with the commitment my professors have to their material and students has forever changed my life.”
There are nearly 300 annual performances and exhibits of student work at Western each year Western has three professional on-campus art galleries, two smaller galleries dedicated to exhibitions of current Western students, and one of the top ten outdoor sculpture collections in the country
Bellingham has one of the highest per capita concentrations of working artists anywhere in the country, and guest artists, teachers and speakers are drawn from the nearby world-class cities of Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
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Huxley College of the Environment
Jonathan Flynn
Oceanside, CA Environmental Science
In 1960, Huxley became one of the first environmental colleges in the nation. More than half a century later, Huxley continues to enjoy a reputation as a premier educational institution for future environmental professionals capable of addressing real-world problems. Jonathan discovered how he can make a difference in the planet’s future. He writes about the importance of research, dispels myths, and improves public understanding of science in a podcast produced by Huxley faculty. A writer and aspiring middle school teacher, Jonathan is already tackling issues like media depictions of science, inclusivity in research, and the importance of environmental conservation – efforts he hopes will change the future of our world. “If we don’t have a scientifically literate society, we can’t expect people to understand larger issues, like climate change.”
Internships and learning experiences that take place outside the classroom are an essential part of the Huxley curriculum Western’s setting between the mountains and the bay offers unique opportunities for research and fieldwork
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The Planet, an award-winning environmental magazine, is the only undergraduate environmental journalism magazine in the nation
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Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies
Sophia Wickman
Clinton, WA The Literature and Politics of France and North Africa
Fairhaven is one of the oldest interdisciplinary colleges in the nation, and a truly unique place. A 400-student college offering seminar classes of 14 to 20 students, Fairhaven emphasizes community and social justice. As a Fairhaven student, you will take an uncommon level of responsibility for your education while working closely with faculty mentors. After completing a set of interdisciplinary core courses, you can either design your own degree or pursue any major offered by Western. Examples of recent student-designed concentrations include Medicine and Social Justice, and Youth Advocacy: Social Activism through Expressive Arts. Sophia combined her biggest interests and developed her course of study, combining the literature and politics of France and North Africa. She didn’t just study her passions – she lived them. She spent a year learning in Morocco, an adventure that inspired her to take on her current project: translating a Moroccan novella from French to English for the first time. “Bringing together all my experiences into one project and making a new piece of literature available to the English-speaking world is so exciting!”
Fairhaven alumni are leaders in a range of fields, including social entrepreneurship, law, audio recording, social justice, education and sustainability The student-run Outback Farm offers hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture, habitat restoration, ethnobotany and environmental studies
Three Fairhaven students annually receive a $20,000 Adventure Learning Grant that allows them to travel abroad for 10 months
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Scholarships and Financial Aid Western is dedicated to helping students save money through a variety of financial aid options, and has a long tradition of making college affordable for families who cannot afford full tuition and expenses. Eligible students have access to: • Scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership potential, special talents and multicultural achievement. • Dedicated scholarships for transfer students, including Phi Theta Kappa members and other high-achieving students. • Need-based financial aid and low interest loans to students whose FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) demonstrates they could not otherwise afford to attend. • Need-based work-study (FAFSA dependent) and other onand off-campus employment opportunities. FAFSA priority deadline:
Western’s school code:
January 31 003802
Working on Campus All students are invited to apply for campus jobs, where they are recognized as students first and employees second. Not only will you work in a convenient location, but you will have outstanding opportunities for professional development and community building. Need help finding work? Western’s Student Employment Center is a free resource, and can provide you with job listings and volunteer opportunities.
2017-2018 Estimated Cost of Attendance WA Resident Tuition $6,249
NonResident Tuition +
$20,760
Fees
includes technology, health services, student recreation center, public transport, etc.
$1,930
Housing and Meals* $10,971
Books and Supplies* $906
Personal Expenses* $2,259
Getting Around* $1,236
WA Resident Total $23,551
=
NonResident Total $38,062
Costs represent annual expenses for full-time students (10-18 credits) * Not fixed costs; varies depending on student, living arrangements and meal plan
admissions.wwu.edu/tuition
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At thousands less than private colleges and large research universities, you will find that Western is a great value and very competitive in terms of quality and cost.
Paying for College
One of the 100 best values in the nation among public colleges for combining educational excellence with economic value Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine
Western disbursed more than $17 million in scholarships during the 2015-2016 academic year
One of the best “Bang for the Buck” schools in the nation, based on graduation rates and low loan default rates Washington Monthly magazine
TRANSFER PLANNING RESOURCES
TRANSFERRING CREDIT YOU HAVE QUESTIONS. WE HAVE ANSWERS. You’ve worked hard to earn college credits, so naturally you will want to know how previous courses will transfer toward your bachelor’s degree. Credit acceptance is governed by Western’s credit policies, and the majority of students are pleased to learn that most, if not all, of their previous coursework transfers easily to Western. While Western provides transfer credit reports to all students who have earned college credit before they register for their first quarter, why wait for the good news? You can review the following online tools at any time to determine how many credits Western will accept in transfer, and, most importantly, how those credits will apply toward your degree requirements at Western. Western’s Transfer Course Equivalency Guide provides a detailed list of courses from community colleges and most public baccalaureate institutions in Washington state that Western accepts in transfer. If you have earned transfer credit from a college or university outside Washington state, reviewing the Transfer Course Equivalency Guide and Western’s Catalog for similar courses should give you a good idea of how your credits will transfer. We provide a comprehensive list of credits awarded for Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and Cambridge International exams on our website as well. While Western generally grants credit for baccalaureate-oriented courses completed at institutions of higher education accredited by the Regional Associations of Schools and Colleges, there are some restrictions. A summary of our transfer credit policies is available at admissions.wwu.edu/transfer. If you have further questions after taking advantage of the resources listed below, please don’t hesitate to contact us at transfer.credit@wwu.edu or (360) 650-3440.
APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION
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PROGRAMS OF STUDY
admissions.wwu.edu/apply admissions.wwu.edu/catalog
TRANSFER COURSE EQUIVALENCY GUIDE
TRANSFER STUDENT FAQS
admissions.wwu.edu/tceg admissions.wwu.edu/transfer/faqs MAJOR GUIDES
TRANSFER RESOURCE CENTER
wwu.edu/majors wwu.edu/vtc 21
APPLYING TO WESTERN
To facilitate a smooth transition to Western, keep the following in mind. PREPARE FOR YOUR ACADEMIC MAJOR Whenever possible, complete prerequisite courses before you transfer. Research the courses Western requires for your academic area, talk with your transfer advisor, and utilize Western’s online resources for transfer students. Gaining related work or volunteer experience helps, too!
DON’T WAIT TO TAKE MATH AND ENGLISH Strive to complete college-level mathematics and English Composition before submitting your application for admission to Western. Doing so strengthens your application by alleviating any concerns we may have about your ability in these fundamental areas.
PLAN AHEAD With careful planning, you can often use the same course for multiple purposes. A course that meets a general education requirement at your current college, for example, might also serve as a necessary prerequisite for your intended major at Western.
Western Washington University (WWU), in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policy on Providing Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination. Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity, Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office, Western Washington University, Old Main 345, MS 9021, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu. WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request an accommodation, please contact disAbility Resources for Students, Old Main 120, 360.650.3083 (voice) or 360.650.7175 (VP), drs@wwu.edu. One week advance notice appreciated. To request this document in an alternate format, please contact the Associate Director of Admissions, Office of Admissions, 360.650.3440, admissions@wwu.edu.
WRITE A HELPFUL ESSAY You can further strengthen your application by ensuring your essay helps us understand: • Your academic plan and experiences you’ve had that relate to your educational or career goals • Your potential contributions to the Western community such as unique perspective, cultural pride, special talent, leadership experience, etc. • Any circumstances that have helped or hindered your academic achievement and your strategies for succeeding at Western
APPLICATION DEADLINES Transfer/Post-baccalaureate Fall Quarter
March 1
Winter Quarter
September 15
Spring Quarter
January 1
Summer Quarter
March 1
Freshman/Running Start Fall Early Action Deadline
November 1
Fall Regular Decision Deadline
January 31
Winter Quarter
September 15
Spring Quarter
January 1
The following academic departments require additional information prior to admission to Western: Art, Design, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Services, Industrial Design, Music, Secondary Education, Special Education and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).
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Office of Admissions Old Main 200, MS 9009 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
ADMISSIONS.WWU.EDU/VISIT
CAMPUS TOURS Take a 90-minute walking tour of campus led by a current student, see inside a residence hall, and learn all about the exciting opportunities Western has to offer. ¡Se ofrecen giras del campus en español!
TRANSFER DISCOVERY DAYS In addition to a campus tour, our Transfer Days program also allows you and your family to get questions answered during an admission presentation, view our residence halls, visit academic department open houses, learn about student support resources, tour the rec center, and more.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Large open-house style events for prospective students occur in the fall. Check our website for the most up-todate information regarding special visit opportunities.
ADMISSIONS.WWU.EDU/CONNECT
OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS (360) 650-3440 admissions@wwu.edu admissions.wwu.edu MEET OUR COUNSELORS We’re here to help answer your questions: admissions.wwu.edu/team
ASK A STUDENT Do you have a question for a current student? Ask a Student Admissions Representative: admissions.wwu.edu/ask-a-student