Western isn’t a place where you show up for four years, learn a few things, and get a job that bores you.
That’s for normal schools.
We want people with an appetite for ambition and who want to make a positive impact in their communities.
At Western, students develop the world’s first transparent solar window, professors help send rovers to Mars, and graduates teach code to fifth graders. Through close relationships with professors and a community dedicated to equity, justice, sustainability, and academic excellence, we help people find their purpose. And we inspire them to pursue that purpose with everything they’ve got.
We bring together those who want to change the world with the people who are changing it.
This is a place where, together, we can MAKE WAVES.
Table of Contents
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.
~14,500 enrolled students
93% undergraduates
17:1 student-to-faculty ratio
3,000+ student jobs
200+ academic programs
<100 miles to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
180+ acres of forest adjacent to campus, with 6 miles of trails
26 average class size
4.3 Yrs average time to graduation
250+ student-run clubs and organizations
50+ countries available for studying abroad
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
Lead the Change
Juliana Covarrubias was motivated by the ongoing environmental issue of plastic in the ocean to research how to recycle various ocean plastics. Juliana and her research team found ways to recycle common items found in the ocean, including buoys, nets, and fishing lines. Juliana shared her team’s findings in an article published in the Society of Plastics Engineers journal and at the Annual Technical Conference for Plastics Professionals.
Juliana also participated in mentorship programs to help younger students learn more about Western’s Polymer Materials Engineering program. These opportunities came with scholarships, which allowed her to focus on her studies and research. This inspired her to create the Pay It Forward Scholarship to help other engineering and design students follow their passions at Western.
After graduating, Juliana began working as a Research and Development Project Engineer at Janicki Industries and hopes to improve the sustainability of the aerospace industry.
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.
Read more about Olivier’s story.
Help Create a Brighter Future
Caitlyn Blair, born and raised in Colorado, was drawn to Western because of her childhood love of whales. She designed her major in Marine Ecology, minored in Education and Social Justice, and was in the first Salish Sea Studies minor cohort.
As part of her Salish Sea Studies minor, Caitlyn did important research on the health of the Salish Sea. She also contributed to the State of the Salish Sea report that brought awareness to, not only the decreasing orca population, but also the many stressors affecting different ecosystems in the surrounding regions.
Read more about Caitlyn’s story.
Kaleigh Carroll Journalism
As editor-in-chief of The Planet, advocated for making real progress on difficult problems in student newsrooms from equitable hiring practices to ethical coverage of vulnerable communities.
Aliyah Dawkins
Biochemistry & Neuroscience
Is working towards a career in biomedical research to develop better drugs for people impacted by brain diseases, while building the representation of African Americans in medicine and biomedical research.
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
Zoe Hemez Honors, Energy Science & Technology
Was awarded a Sustainability, Equity, & Justice Fund grant to work with local builders, county planners, ecologists, tribal members, and students to design a sustainable tiny home community to be occupied by WWU Sustainability Pathways interns.
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 academicsuccess
Ranked #7 nationally for grads who go on to earn PhDs
99% of classes are taught by faculty, not graduate students
A top national producer of Fulbright Scholars in 2023-24
“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.”
Take courses that average 18 students per classroom
Live in the Honors Residential Community, including Edens Hall
Meet with specialized Honors advisors
Learn more about Western’s HonorsCollege
Create a meaningful senior capstone project
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
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
International Business German BA
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
Language, Literacy & Cultural Studies BAE
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 Science BS
Multidisciplinary Studies BA
Multilingual Elementary Education BAE*
Multilingual Special Education BAE*
BS = Bachelor of Science
* = Related Bachelor of Arts, Education (BAE) degree or teaching endorsement available
This list of academic programs is subject to change without advanced notice.
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
Business Analytics
Cybersecurity
Digital Humanities
Education & Social Justice
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Environmental Justice
Film Studies
Global Studies
Holocaust and Genocide Studies
Honors
Human Rights
Leadership Studies
Salish Sea Studies
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics)
Sustainable Design
Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies
Women’s Literature
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.
The Perfect Environment to Study the Environment
Our location offers unbelievable opportunities for all students who step outside the confines of a brick and mortar 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
You’ll know you’re in Red Square if you see the beautiful Fisher Fountain surrounded by students studying, grabbing a bite to
or playing frisbee. It also hosts the Associated Students (AS) Info Fair right before the
The VU is the hub for student communities, engagement, and activities. Here you’ll find the Associated Students, Ethnic Student Center, Outdoor Center, KUGS 89.3 FM, Multicultural Center, the AS Bookstore, and so much more.
Just behind campus is a 180-acre park with 6 miles of walkable trails in the Sehome Hill Arboretum Western students maintain the trails by clearing debris, removing invasive plant species, and monitoring its ecosystems.
Between Fairhaven College and Buchanan Towers is the Outback Farm, a student-maintained organic farm. It’s home to community gardens, chickens, a teaching apiary, and more.
The Performing Arts Center is where you’ll find the Mainstage Theatre, PAC Concert Hall, and Douglas Underground Theatre (DUG), where you can watch plays, recitals, and concerts performed by WWU students, alumni, and more!
In addition to the usual equipment, you’ll find at a fitness center, the Wade King Recreation Center also features a heated pool, a 30-foot rock climbing wall, and a 13-foot bouldering wall.
As the official art museum of WWU, the Western Gallery provides free access to a wide range of contemporary art and oversees the outdoor sculpture collection across campus.
Located in Haggard Hall since 1959, the Planetarium is home to a large dome theatre that hosts fun and interactive presentations with a projected simulation of the night sky, planets, and more.
Right outside our Communications Facility and Academic Instruction Center, you’ll find the Comm Lawn, where AS hosts many outdoor events, including our annual endof-year music festival, Lawnstock!
A brick building with classical pillars at the main entrance, at Edens Hall you’ll find suite-style rooms prioritized for students in the Honors College.
The Salish Sea Institute, along with the Border Policy Research Institute and the Center for Canadian-American Studies, provide the opportunity for international collaboration here in Canada House
Work/Life Balance
At Western, the college experience extends beyond the classroom. Whether you want to start a club 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.
With 250+ student-run clubs and organizations, you’ll find a club for 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 a rock-climbing wall, a pool, a hot tub, an indoor track, weight rooms, a cardio floor, and much more.
• At Western’s Underground Coffeehouse, you can listen to live music, study with a good cup of coffee or hang out with friends on comfy couches.
• 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 also been 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!
Western Athletics
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 2023-24. 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).
Your Home Away from Home
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.
“One of the biggest ways I contributed to Western’s community was that I was involved in Hall Council my first year as the VP of Student Engagement and as a Resident Advisor (RA) for my next two years. I wanted to help give guidance to incoming first-year students who may not know how to navigate college. I am a first-gen college student and when I first got to Western, I had no idea what I was really doing. I was given a lot of help from my RA, which inspired me to do the same.”
Drake-Anthony Pearisaeff, Sociology and Human Services
Living on campus is optional; 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 one using our portal.
Options include substance-free, gender-inclusive, Black Affinity, Pride, Honors College, and international community.
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
Find You. Be You.
For more than 30 years, the Ethnic Student Center (ESC) has been home to many identity-oriented clubs open to students of all backgrounds. The goal of the ESC is to help students affirm their identity, build a sense of community, and cultivate leadership. These clubs offer a “home away from home” for all students.
And through the advocacy work of Western students, the Multicultural Center opened in 2019 and allowed for an expansion of the ESC and programs of the Multicultural Services. Students within the ESC have moved on to become leaders on campus and in the community.
African Caribbean Club
Arab Student Association
Baile Folklorico
Black Student Union
Blue Group
Chinese Student Association
Educators of Color
Filipino-American Student Association
Iranian Student Community
Japanese Student Association
Jewish Student Union
Latine Student Union
Latinx Men in Higher Education
Mixed Student Organization
National Society of Black Engineers
Native American Student Union
Pacific Islander Student Association
Queer Transgender People of Color
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
South Asian Student Association
Vietnamese Student Association
Explore other AS clubs and resource centers that foster student success to 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
2 additional studentcurated galleries
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
20+ campus concerts produced by the Associated Students (AS)
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.
Lily Duong’s journey into teaching is a story of passion, community, and giving back. Growing up in a lively household with her family’s pho restaurant in Burien, she found solace and support at her high school’s college and career center, where mentors inspired her to pursue education. Now, as a student at Western’s Woodring College, Lily is not only preparing to become a teacher but also making a significant impact on her community. From mentoring incoming students to co-founding the Educators of Color club, Lily is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and guiding others just as she was once guided.
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 product electricity. As the research moved forward, so did Daniel. 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. Daniel will continue monitoring the Western Gallery windows and collect data on how much energy they generate day-to-day.
Watch Lily’s story
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.
“I loved my time in the Computer Science Department at Western. Phil Nelson taught my all-time favorite class: device drivers. That class challenged me in new ways (like how to test your code when a small mistake can result in a kernel panic) and really solidified my interest in lower-level programming.”
David Katsandres Computer Science Major
Where Do Our Alumni Work?
From Bellingham to Australia, Western alumni are making an impact around the world. Here are a few places they are working now:
• Boeing
• Microsoft
• Amazon
• Starbucks
• T-Mobile
• Nordstrom
• Google
• Meta
• Oracle
• Expedia Group
• Western Washington University
“I have continued to build off of my studies at Western. As a dance artist, I work with a group of Asian American artists, and have received grants from Seattle’s Office of Arts & Culture, the Washington State Arts Commission, Humanities Washington, and am currently completing a year-long paid apprenticeship program to learn traditional Japanese dance.”
Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor
News-Editorial Journalism Major, Dance & Anthropology Minor
Invest in Yourself
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 top 40 “best bang for the buck” schools in the west, based on graduation rates and low loan default rates. – Washington Monthly
One of the 100 best values in Washington and nationwide. – Kiplinger’s Personal Finance
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.
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.
Visit our Scholarship Center for additional opportunities: financialaid.wwu.edu/scholarships
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 open in December and Western’s priority filing deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is January 31.
†
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 admissions, 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
November 1 Early Action Deadline
December 1 FAFSA & WASFA Applications Open
January 31 Regular Decision 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 and spring. Please visit our website for a complete list of upcoming events.
