Western Washington University
Bellingham, United States • Founded 1893 • World Rank #2547
Overview
Established in 1893, the Western Washington University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Bellingham (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Washington.
Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Western Washington University (WWU) is a large-sized coeducational US higher education institution. Western Washington University (WWU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 131-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
WWU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with Western Washington University or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
The numbers behind Western Washington University: student body, academic staff, and the recognising bodies validating its work. A baseline read for assessing institutional capacity and rigour.
Academic Structures
Western Washington University delivers teaching through the academic units below — useful for orienting yourself before reading individual programmes. Each unit operates with a degree of academic autonomy.
Unit 8 items
- College of Business and Economics
- College of Fine and Performing Arts
- College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- College of Sciences and Technology
- Fairhaven College
- Graduate School
- Huxley College of the Environment
- Woodring College of Education
Programs Offered
Below are Western Washington University's active programmes grouped by degree level, with search. Use the filter to narrow by keyword and the level groupings to compare options at the same qualification tier.
Bachelor's Degree
97 programmes
Western Washington University runs 97 programmes at bachelor's level — undergraduate programmes that usually span three to four years and serve as the standard entry route into a profession or further study.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning Landscape Architecture
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering Electrical Engineering
Polymer/Plastics Engineering General Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering General Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering General Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services Linguistics & Language Studies
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Slavic, Baltic and Albanian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other Linguistics & Language Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General Family & Consumer Science
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services Family & Consumer Science
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Botany/Plant Biology Biological Sciences
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Zoology/Animal Biology Biological Sciences
Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology Ecology & Conservation
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Applied Mathematics Mathematics
Statistics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Mathematics and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Accounting and Computer Science Liberal Arts
Marine Sciences Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Geography and Environmental Studies Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies Sport and Exercise Science
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Human Services, General Public Administration
Community Organization and Advocacy Public Administration
Public Policy Analysis Public Administration
Social Sciences, General Social & Cultural Studies
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Archeology Social & Cultural Studies
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Economics Economics
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Urban Studies/Affairs Urban Planning
Social Sciences, Other Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Dance Performing Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Film/Video and Photographic Arts Film & Animation
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods Operations Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
34 programmes
There are 34 programmes to choose from at Western Washington University for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Psychology, General Psychology
Research and Experimental Psychology Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Music Music
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Business/Commerce, General Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
Western Washington University offers 1 programme at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
Western Washington University offers 1 programme at doctoral level — the highest academic tier, centred on original research that contributes new knowledge to a field.
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Speech & Language Therapy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
17 programmes
Alongside its degrees, Western Washington University provides 17 programmes at associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation level, typically shorter and more applied in focus.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy Forestry & Natural Resources
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management Information Systems & Technology
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians General Engineering
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Historic Preservation and Conservation Liberal Arts
Sustainability Studies Liberal Arts
Data Science Liberal Arts
Outdoor Education Sport and Exercise Science
Geography and Cartography Geography
Geography and Cartography Geography
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Western Washington University
What applying to Western Washington University typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Identify the right programme
Use the programme finder to browse Western Washington University's 150 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check entry requirements
Programme-level requirements at Western Washington University typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Prepare your application documents
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Submit via the institution
Western Washington University processes applications through www.wwu.edu. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Get in touch with admissions
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at +1 (360) 650 3000. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Western Washington University
The questions below summarise Western Washington University's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
How old is Western Washington University?
The institution opened in 1893 (approximately 133 years ago).
Where can I find Western Washington University?
The institution is located in Bellingham, United States.
What is Western Washington University's control type?
It is a public higher-education institution.
How many students does Western Washington University have?
The institution has a student body of 15,000-19,999.
Where does Western Washington University stand in university rankings?
Western Washington University holds rank #2547 globally and #307 in United States.
What is Western Washington University's academic structure?
Western Washington University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Western Washington University officially recognised?
Western Washington University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
How do I find Western Washington University online?
You can find Western Washington University online at www.wwu.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Some the United States systems publish government rating frameworks (NIRF, QS Stars, regulatory grading) alongside rankings. These add independent signals beyond commercial ranking tables.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
If Western Washington University's National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) membership influenced your interest, these institutions belong to the same network and offer comparable mobility and credential-recognition benefits. Membership shapes everything from exchange access to joint research opportunities.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Healthcare and student insurance rules often apply at the regional level around Western Washington University. Nearby universities typically follow the same health-coverage requirements for enrolled students.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Programme-led research opportunities for Liberal Arts students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Often Compared with Western Washington University
Mid-career outcome data (5–10 year post-graduation) is harder to source but more revealing than starting-salary data. Where available for peer institutions, it is worth comparing.
