Academic Programs

Accounting is an important tool used by managers of organizations to plan, control, and report financial activity. Accountants work for all kinds of businesses.

American Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary field of critical inquiry that investigates power dynamics, inequality, and agency, at the intersection of race, gender, status, religion, class, and ability.

The scientific study of humankind in all the cultures of the world, past and present—explore what it means to be human.

Share your love of art with others and help enrich the lives of people in your community.

As art historians in-training, students explore why culturally significant objects came to exist, what purpose they served, and how they continue to captivate us. By studying human expression, artists and historians document the changing world.

Art Studio includes ceramics, drawing, fibers, inter/mixed-media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. The program provides opportunities to create, interpret, analyze, and make informed judgments about art, studio concepts, and practices.

Behavioral neuroscience explores the role of the nervous system in normal and abnormal behavior, thought, and emotion. This major emphasizes an understanding of nervous system structure and function from the molecular/cellular level to the systems level.

Biochemistry studies the chemical processes of living organisms. Biochemical research has had a huge impact on biology and medicine in the last few decades, helping us to better understand biological structures like cells, proteins, and DNA.

As scientists, biologists have three goals: Understanding the structure/function of organisms, generating and disseminating reliable data pertaining to biological systems, and developing a deep understanding of the natural world that can inform solutions.

From major corporations to independent businesses, every operation needs skilled administrators to succeed. A bachelors in business administration gives you the tools to fill leadership roles in both business and the community.

The State of Washington is a leader in responding to the societal imperative regarding environmental issues and Western's degrees in Business and Sustainability are action components of the state’s initiatives.

Canada and the United States share a continent and are linked by deep economic ties, common historical experiences, and many cultural similarities; they are also marked by real and important differences, which the program helps students better understand.

Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the identification, investigation, and use of substances of which matter is composed. Western’s Chemistry program is widely recognized by employers and graduate schools as one of the strongest in the US.

Western's Chinese Language and Culture program provides students with the opportunity to become competent communicators in Chinese language and culture, shared by 1.3 billion people, approximately one-fourth of the world’s population.

Anyone at any age can be affected by illness or injury that will impair the ability to talk or hear. Each one can be helped in some way by a speech-language pathologist, audiologist, or speech, language, and hearing scientist.

Communication Studies examines the ways in which humans interact through the use of symbols: verbal, nonverbal, and visual. It includes the study of communication among humans as well as providing experience in the crafting and presentation of messages.

Computer science is an exciting, growing, challenging field that is critical to many aspects of everyday life. For some, the most motivational aspect of computer science is being involved in creating technology that will help people the world over.

In our expanding data-driven world, Cybersecurity professionals are crucial defenders against cyber threats and terrorist attacks. Businesses need skilled cybersecurity specialists to protect company information and assets.

Dance studies create a foundation for understanding and evaluating contemporary thinking about dance and related arts, while nurturing a physical and intellectual understanding of the language of movement.

Design is the visual communication of ideas. Western's Design program emphasizes the process of problem solving and encourages students to make connections between culture and design, and their role as visual communicators.

To effectively advocate for and work with individuals with disabilities, it is imperative that professionals have a solid background in a variety of topics central to the provision of supports for individuals with disabilities.

Early childhood education relates to the teaching of children from birth to eight years old. Knowledge of developmental changes and the subjects being taught in an early childhood classroom are important for early childhood educators.

Elementary teachers have a unique opportunity to make a difference in their communities by laying the foundation for both future academic learning and for future participation in democratic society.

The East Asian Studies program offers an interdisciplinary study of the area, with a primary focus on the countries of China and Japan. Under special advisement, Korea and Mongolia are also subjects for study.

Do social and political issues such as income inequality, economic development, sustainable resource use, globalization, or the implications of free trade capture your interest? If so, you should consider a major in economics and its related fields.

Globally, access to modern energy services, including efficient usage, is essential to realize 21st century living standards. A transition from inefficient fossil fuels to a clean, efficient system is key to managing urgent risks such as climate change.

Engineering is the use of scientific principles to design and build machines, structures, computers and electronics, and other items. Western's program has three areas of study: Electrical & Computer, Manufacturing, and Polymer Materials Engineering.

English engages students in diverse literary heritages as well as fosters the development of sophisticated abilities in critical analysis, creative inquiry, reflective reading, and effective communication and expression.

The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to make positive changes towards a socially and environmentally just world.

Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems. Western’s program is committed to creating a space for students to value, change, and study the environment.

Do you want to use your knowledge and skills to promote positive change in the environment? Do you want to understand the interactions and interdependencies between human and natural systems? Then Environmental Studies is the major for you.

The field of finance encompasses many different areas including investments, financial institutions, corporate finance, and real estate. Coursework is offered in each of these areas as well as courses in multi-national finance and insurance.

The study of French includes instruction in language, literature, linguistics, and culture. Students of French at WWU acquire the skills required not only to speak the language, but also to study and appreciate francophone societies and cultures.

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the Earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the environment.

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you concerned about the environment? Are science and nature among your favorite subjects? Have you ever wondered why the Earth appears as it does? If you answer “yes," you may want to consider majoring in geology.

Geophysics involves studies in the application of physics as a means of understanding a range of geological processes. It is distinct from geology in that a more intensive set of math and physics courses, and applications of these skills, are required.

German Studies aims to teach students in depth about the cultures of the German-speaking world. Germany is the United States’ biggest European trading partner, and the German language is the second most commonly used business language in the world.

Humanities students acquire a substantial knowledge of religious, philosophical, literary and aesthetic movements in the history of Western culture. Students also study works of the humanities in at least one other culture, and that culture’s history.

The study of history involves a careful search through existing evidence to determine what happened in the past, but understanding how and why that evidence was created and saved is at the center of the discipline. It’s all about asking tough questions.

Do you want to make a difference in your community and empower others? A human services degree is the perfect career choice if your desire is to advocate for and improve the lives of individuals, families, or entire populations.

Industrial Design is a professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value, and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both the user and the manufacturer.

In this program, you will take an active role in the design and content of your education by building strong working relationships with faculty and exploring new ideas within a supportive educational structure.

The best way to understand a culture directly is through its language. Studying Japanese opens the door to learning firsthand about Japanese society through language, literature, culture, and civilization.

Increasingly the methods of distribution have become more complex, but the basic mission of a journalist remains the same: to serve the public by finding, defining, writing, editing, and dispensing information for a mass audience.

The Kinesiology Program provides concentrated study of human movement from developmental, mechanical, motor control, psychosocial, psychological, pathological, and physiological perspectives.

The United States and the different countries of Latin America have shared a critical history since the nineteenth century. Currently, close to 60 million Latino/a/x people are part of the U.S. society.

Linguistics, the science of language, is an interdisciplinary field which relates to the diversity of the cultures and languages of the world. It is an integral part of most serious pursuits dealing with aspects of language study and analysis.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management is an integrated professional education made up of three components: Operations Management, Business, and Engineering Technology.

The Marine and Coastal Science (MACS) degree program is a new cohort-based, interdisciplinary, experiential program that gives participants opportunities to engage in coastal and marine-focused research.

Marketing is more than just sales and advertising - it means satisfying the wants and needs of customers by building mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and customers. In Marketing, students learn how to help people solve problems.

Mathematics is the study of pattern, structure, and change. Although it is one of the most ancient disciplines, new mathematics is being created every day. It can be found in everything from internet security to green energy technology to investment.

Multidisciplinary Studies is designed to integrate a student’s academic interest and skills. Students learn to be integrative thinkers who see connections in seemingly disparate information and to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

The Music program is comprised of five degrees: General Music, Music Education, Composition, Musicology, and Performance.

The Natural Resource Management BA degree provides graduates with real-world, interdisciplinary skills and knowledge needed for natural resource and environmental management careers.

Western's nationally accredited RN-to-BSN program is a degree completion program for nurses to complete their BSN. It has been guided by national standards for nursing as well as WWU Student Learning Objectives.

Philosophy is among the oldest of intellectual disciplines and is the study of general and fundamental questions. What is ideology and where does it come from? What constitutes good and bad conduct, right and wrong values, or good and evil? What is art? What is the nature of beauty?

Physics is "the fundamental science." Astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, and engineering all apply the principles of physics to specific problems. Almost all areas of modern technology involve the applications of physics.

Political Science is one of the oldest fields of academic inquiry. In an increasingly interdependent world, the study of politics and government flourishes as relations between persons, groups, and nations become more complex.

Pre-Professional Pathways are not offered as majors at Western, nor are they at most other universities, but they can be incorporated into or taken alongside any degree-granting major offered at Western.

Most of the major issues facing the people of the world today—hunger, overpopulation, the continuing threat of war, prejudice, pollution, drug addiction—are people problems; people have created them, and it will be people who must and will find solutions to them.

The Public Health curriculum teaches students the effect of health promotion and education on individuals and their relationship with their environments. Effective Public Health is ecological in its approach.

The purpose of recreation and leisure is to contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and enhance the quality of community life.

The Secondary Education program is designed for students who want to become teachers at the middle or high school level and leads to a recommendation to the State of Washington for a teaching certificate with an endorsement in at least one subject area.

Sociologists examine subjects encompassing a vast array of human behavior: crime and punishment, the formation and dissolution of families, bureaucracy in organizations, conflicts between classes, and global inequalities.

The study of Spanish includes instruction in language, literature, linguistics, and culture. Students of Spanish acquire the skills required to not only speak the language, but also to learn about and appreciate Hispanic societies, cultures, and artistic expressions.

Help tailor educational experiences for students with disabilities. Figure out which services and supports will benefit each student and give them the resources they need. Our graduates are actively recruited to work in a variety of rewarding special education settings.

Gain the ability to analyze, make sense of data, and get useful answers. Statistical techniques allow us to make sure that conclusions and decisions are based on valid empirical evidence. Statistics is essential in science, business, and government.

Learn the history and craft of theater. Western offers many specializations including Acting, Dramatic Writing, Educational Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Management, Stage Management, Costume Design, Lighting Design, and Scenic Design.

The Upside-Down program at Fairhaven College gives students the unique opportunity to continue their education by expanding on the academic skills provided from a Washington state two-year college A.A.S or A.T.A. degree program.

This major prepares students to become city planners. Planners develop solutions for the design of sustainable communities and for the protection of the natural environment. Planners are at the forefront in promoting social justice and equity.

Help make cities healthier and more livable for everyone. Examine the dynamics between social and natural systems. Channel your passion for environmental issues and promote sustainable policies and practices in your neighborhood and beyond.

Examine how sex, gender, and sexuality shape and are influenced by societies throughout history. Look at social phenomena through an intersectional lens and a variety of theories to explain why things are the way they are and how we can change them.

Earn an MPAcc degree in one year while meeting the 5th year educational requirement to take the CPA exam.

An opportunity to start the MPAcc program a year early, for outstanding undergraduate students.

A social justice approach to education programs, in a hybrid in-person/online format designed for working adults.

Study Humankind in the Cultures of the World

Build knowledge and skills in the evidence-based diagnosis and treatment of hearing and balance disorders across the lifespan.

Conduct creative, independent research over a broad spectrum of topics. Gain background and skills for professional careers.

A research-based program in coastal marine and estuarine systems at Shannon Point Marine Center.

Student success. Cutting edge research. Gain a competitive advantage for careers or PhD study. Start fall, winter, or spring.

Preparing knowledgeable, skilled, culturally sensitive, and ethical professional counselors in a CACREP accredited program.

In depth experiences, real world impact. Start on your schedule in fall, winter, or spring.

Get a jump start on your graduate degree with a five-year BS/MS.

A unique, two-year MFA with a multigenre focus, and opportunities to gain teaching and editorial experience.

Accelerate your career in data analysis and modeling for environmental applications with a nine-month online program.

Developing strong leaders in education. Start any quarter at locations around Puget Sound, in Bellingham, or online in BC.

An EdD designed for aspiring superintendents, assistant superintendents, executive directors, and others in district-level leadership positions in the US and Canada. Everett and online options.

For a leg up in your career, or as an intro to a graduate program in Energy Studies, zero in on economic, law, and public policy issues related to energy in our climate vulnerable world.

Your passions, your goals. Pursue an advanced path in literary or writing studies in a small community of scholars.

Preparing future professionals to address environmental problems in careers as scientists or in PhD study.

A research-based program in coastal marine and estuarine systems at Shannon Point Marine Center.

An interdisciplinary approach to environmental problems.

In-depth research experience in an array of domains in psychology, supported by a mentorship model.

The Geographic Information Science Certificate provides students with in-depth, hands-on training in Geographic Information Science theory and techniques.

Cultivating professional geoscientists with the ability to conduct original and meaningful scientific research.

Understand the past, engage the present. Make real contributions to historical knowledge while pursuing your goals.

Design and implement programs to enhance human movement and performance. Start on your schedule: fall, winter, or spring.

Design, implement, and assess the psychological aspects of exercise, sport, and wellness programs. Cohorts begin every other fall.

Deepen your knowledge and practice in language and literacy instruction in a program designed for working teachers.

A five-quarter program leading to secondary level teaching certification, with a focus on promoting student learning. Start fall or spring.

A seven-quarter program leading to secondary level teaching certification with a focus on promoting student learning. Begins each summer.

Begin preparing now to apply for our forthcoming six-seven quarter program leading to secondary level teaching certification, with a focus on multilingual education.

Providing students with professional and academic training to address critical social and environmental issues

Prepare for professional-level work in music as a performer, conductor, composer, scholar, or educator.

Readies students to lead in healthcare organizations and community settings through hybrid classes and real-world practice experiences.

Empowers students to excel in educating future nurses, communities, and nursing staff through hybrid classes and real-world practice experiences.

Ancient discipline, cutting-edge field. Pursue your specific interests in math in this small yet flexible program.

Start your graduate studies early and earn both a BS and MS in Mathematics in five years.

A five quarter intensive program for emergent professionals. Begins each summer in Bellingham.

A two-year, evening program in Bellingham designed for working professionals.

A two-year interdisciplinary enterprise management program focused on assisting working professionals as they evolve into adaptive leaders prepared to manage in the dynamic, changing, and interconnected contemporary business environment. Offered weekends in Everett.

Enhance your teaching with new literacy practices for any level or content area with this one year certificate, online.

For a leg up in your career, gain expertise in the science, technology, economics, public policy, and planning issues associated with the development of electric energy systems in a context specific to the Pacific Northwest.

Preparing aspiring principals in a flexible program located in Bellingham, Seattle, Tacoma, and Bremerton.

Empower people, enhance lives. CACREP accredited, hybrid in-person/online program, located in Everett.

Preparing professional counselors for ESA certification at the elementary and secondary levels. CACREP and NCATE accredited.

A two-year academic and clinical program leading to professional positions or advanced study.

Prepares aspiring school district leaders with a flexible program offered in Everett.