
516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225-5996, USA


Courtesy of Western Washington University
Western Washington University was established in 1893 as a teacher training school, reflecting its early commitment to education. Over the years, it evolved from a normal school into a comprehensive university, expanding its academic offerings beyond teacher education to a wide range of disciplines. This growth was marked by a series of name changes and institutional developments that aligned with the increasing scope and diversity of its programs. The university's history is characterized by its adaptability and steady expansion, responding to the changing educational needs of the region and the nation. Throughout its development, Western Washington University has maintained a focus on providing quality education and fostering a strong connection with its community.
Western Washington University offers a diverse range of academic faculties and departments designed to cater to various interests and career goals. Prospective students can explore programs across multiple disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.
The university is organized into several primary colleges, each housing numerous specialized departments. The College of Business and Economics provides education in fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, and management, preparing students for dynamic roles in the business world. Meanwhile, the College of Science and Engineering offers departments including biology, chemistry, computer science, environmental science, geology, and physics, ideal for students seeking careers in scientific research or technological innovation.
For those interested in arts and humanities, Western Washington University hosts the College of Fine and Performing Arts and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. These colleges present departments in areas like art, music, theatre, English, history, philosophy, psychology, and sociology, encouraging creative and critical thinking development.
The university also emphasizes education and human development through its College of Education and the College of Health and Human Development. These faculties focus on training future educators, health professionals, and human services practitioners, equipping students with practical skills for meaningful community impact.
Overall, the wide-ranging faculties and departments at Western Washington University establish a foundation for academic rigor combined with opportunities for interdisciplinary study and personal growth.
Western Washington University is situated in Bellingham, Washington, at 516 High Street, ZIP code 98225-5996. This location places the university within an accessible area of the city, which is known for its vibrant community and proximity to natural landscapes, offering students a balanced environment for academic life and outdoor activities. Bellingham is served by the Bellingham International Airport, which facilitates convenient travel options for students coming from different regions.
Western Washington University emphasizes a commitment to providing high-quality education that prepares students for meaningful careers and engaged citizenship. Its mission centers on fostering intellectual growth, creativity, and critical thinking through rigorous academic programs. The university strives to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that encourages diversity and promotes social responsibility.
In its vision, Western Washington University aims to be recognized as a leading institution that cultivates innovation and leadership. It seeks to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex global challenges. The university also highlights its dedication to community partnership and sustainability as integral components of its long-term educational goals.
Name of the institution
Western Washington UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
City: SmallInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
10,000 - 19,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
QuartersFoundation year
1893
Certificate of less than 1 year
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practice
Certificate of at least 1 year, but less than 2 years
Associate's degree
Certificate of at least 2 years, but less than 4 years
Doctor's degree - other
Other degreeDegrees
Accounting and Related Services
$46,243Anthropology
$27,803Applied Mathematics
$36,366Archeology
Data not availableArea Studies
$23,659Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Data not availableBiochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
$34,529Biological and Physical Sciences
Data not availableBiology, General
$22,308Business Administration, Management and Operations
$42,166Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
$33,140Chemistry
$34,788Communication and Media Studies
$32,487Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
$26,203Computer and Information Sciences, General
$69,837Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Data not availableDance
Data not availableData Science
Data not availableDesign and Applied Arts
$39,818Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
$27,543East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$27,933Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Data not availableEconomics
$38,176Electrical and Computer Engineering
Data not availableElectrical Engineering Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableElectrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
$68,568English Language and Literature, General
$22,884Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
Data not availableFinance and Financial Management Services
$41,065Fine and Studio Arts
$24,490Geography and Cartography
$29,880Geography and Environmental Studies
Data not availableGeological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences
$34,569Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Data not availableHealth and Physical Education/Fitness
$27,634Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
$26,408History
$24,557Human Services, General
$33,003Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableInternational Business
$35,386Journalism
$34,510Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$25,901Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services
$24,576Management Information Systems and Services
$52,624Manufacturing Engineering
$66,425Marine Sciences
Data not availableMarketing
$40,450Mathematics
$23,832Mathematics and Computer Science
Data not availableMechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians
Data not availableMental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
$38,384Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
$28,664Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$22,773Music
$21,568Natural Resources Conservation and Research
$25,380Natural Resources Management and Policy
Data not availableNeurobiology and Neurosciences
Data not availableParks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
$26,359Philosophy
$19,765Physics
$43,871Political Science and Government
$29,100Polymer/Plastics Engineering
$55,793Psychology, General
$27,918Public Health
Data not availableRegistered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$71,492Religion/Religious Studies
Data not availableResearch and Experimental Psychology
Data not availableRhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
$22,536Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
$27,288Sociology
$26,202Special Education and Teaching
$49,253Statistics
Data not availableSustainability Studies
$29,412Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$50,090Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$46,458Visual and Performing Arts, General
Data not available