As part of the overall mission of Western Washington University and the College of Sciences and Technology, the mission of the Department of Physics and Astronomy is to:

• Provide a curriculum in Physics and Astronomy with the breadth and depth to facilitate and support effective learning in the core areas of the discipline at all levels;
• Provide a range of courses in Physics and Astronomy which enhance the education of students of the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences;
• Provide courses at a variety of levels which serve the needs of other major programs within the College of Sciences and Technology;
• Provide students with opportunities to participate in original research, and to encourage and support faculty research and the improvement of pedagogical methods;
• Provide an overall supportive and sustainable working and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff.