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Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA, USA
ADVENTURE AT WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
Western Washington University (WWU) stands out as a hub of adventure, offering a Recreation Management & Leadership major with concentrations in tourism, community recreation, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic recreation. This multidisciplinary program emphasizes the importance of recreation and leisure in enhancing individual well-being and community life, blending social, behavioral, physical, and environmental sciences with arts and humanities. With the stunning natural surroundings of the Mount Baker Wilderness, adjacent forest trails, Chuckanut Mountains, and Larrabee State Park, WWU provides unparalleled access to outdoor exploration and conservation efforts. The campus's commitment to 100 percent renewable energy underscores its dedication to preserving the environment, with initiatives like the Western Wilderness Trail Corps maintaining trails in the North Cascades and student-led environmental service clubs like LEAD promoting outdoor engagement. The Outdoor Center at WWU supports students with rental equipment, planned expeditions, and community-building opportunities, reflecting the university's commitment to adventure and environmental stewardship.
Western Washington University's campus boasts a mix of architectural styles set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, offering stunning views of Bellingham Bay. Take a virtual tour to discover its scenic coastal setting!
Join the Vikings and experience the excitement of NCAA Division II athletics at Western Washington University. With a focus on academic excellence and athletic success, WWU offers student-athletes a supportive environment to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.
West, Small City: Western Washington University is located in Bellingham, a scenic coastal city in the Pacific Northwest. The campus setting offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and waterfront, providing students with a vibrant and inspiring place to learn and grow.
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Western Washington University has around 86% of students receiving financial aid. WWU offers scholarships for diverse criteria, including academic achievement, financial need, leadership qualities, and specific programs of study.
WWU sparks creativity near the Puget Sound. Imagine yourself showcasing your dance choreography in the Performing Arts Center, attending a renowned chamber music series on campus, or exploring printmaking in a studio overlooking the Salish Sea. WWU offers a dynamic arts scene with proximity to Seattle, celebrating both established artists and student-led innovation.
Western Washington University has a moderate Greek Life presence, with about 10% of students participating. The university hosts 7 fraternities and 8 sororities, focusing on leadership development, community service, and academic achievement.
Western Washington University offers unique internship opportunities that reflect its location and strengths. The university's Huxley College of the Environment is known for placing students in coveted internships with environmental organizations and agencies throughout the Pacific Northwest. WWU's partnership with the Port of Bellingham provides hands-on experiences in maritime industries and waterfront development. The university's award-winning Vehicle Research Institute offers internships where students work on cutting-edge automotive projects, including electric and hybrid vehicle design. Additionally, WWU's proximity to Seattle's tech hub allows for internships with major companies like Microsoft and Amazon, particularly for students in computer science and business programs.
WWU provides majors within its colleges, with popular choices in Business, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, Education, Computer Science, and Liberal Arts disciplines. The university supports customization through a wide range of minors and opportunities for interdisciplinary studies. For a full list of academic programs, click the link below.
A college campus might lean a certain way politically, but the surrounding community can have a very different cultural and political vibe. Exploring the area beyond campus can give you a better picture of the local political landscape. Use the link below to research the location of any college you're considering.
Western Washington University is renowned for its strong emphasis on undergraduate research, particularly in the sciences and environmental studies. The university's Shannon Point Marine Center offers students unique opportunities to conduct hands-on marine biology research in the Salish Sea ecosystem. WWU's Advanced Materials Science and Engineering Center (AMSEC) involves undergraduates in cutting-edge research on novel materials, often resulting in student co-authored publications. The Spatial Institute at Western engages students in geospatial analysis projects, addressing real-world issues in urban planning and environmental management. Additionally, WWU's annual Scholars Week showcases hundreds of student research projects across all disciplines, highlighting the university's commitment to undergraduate scholarly activity.
Feeling safe on campus matters—it helps you focus on your studies, make new friends, and enjoy college life without constant worry. Look for schools with strong safety measures so you and your family can feel confident in your choice.
Western Washington University is a medium school with 17000 undergraduate students on campus.
Western Washington University features a vibrant campus life with over 200 student-run clubs and organizations, reflecting the diverse interests of its student body. The Outdoor Center is a hub of activity, offering equipment rentals and organizing trips for skiing, kayaking, and rock climbing, taking full advantage of WWU's proximity to the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound. The Associated Students of WWU runs several unique programs, including an on-campus bike shop and a free bus pass program, promoting sustainability and community engagement. Western's commitment to environmental consciousness is evident in popular clubs like Students for Sustainable Food and the Zero Waste Western initiative. The university's location in Bellingham also inspires niche groups such as the Bellingham Urban Sketchers and the Whatcom County Bird Society, connecting students with the local community and natural environment.
Western Washington has a predominantly White student body (around 71%). Notable smaller populations include multiracial, Asian, and Hispanic/Latino students. Internationals comprise around 3% of the student body. Geographically, WWU enrolls primarily Washington state residents with a broader draw from the Pacific Northwest.
Western Washington University offers a variety of on-campus housing options, with 16 residence halls and apartments catering to different student preferences. The university's unique Living-Learning Communities, such as the Fairhaven Complex, integrate academic interests with residential life, fostering collaborative learning environments. WWU's commitment to sustainability is evident in its LEED-certified buildings, including the Alma Clark Glass Hall, which opened in 2021.
Dining services at Western prioritize locally-sourced, organic ingredients, with the campus garden supplying produce to dining halls. The Viking Commons, the largest dining facility, offers diverse options including a dedicated vegan station and a rotating international cuisine section. WWU's dining program stands out for its "OZZI" reusable container system, significantly reducing disposable waste. The university also operates the student-run Outback Farm, which supplies organic produce to campus eateries and hosts educational workshops on sustainable agriculture.
Western Washington University offers over 175 academic programs across seven colleges, with unique majors like Energy Policy and Management, and Marine and Coastal Science. The university's Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies allows students to design their own majors, fostering innovative and personalized learning paths. WWU's strong environmental focus is reflected in popular programs such as Environmental Science and Sustainable Design, while its location near the Canadian border has led to a robust Canadian-American Studies program. Students typically declare their majors by the end of their sophomore year, with the flexibility to combine majors and minors across different colleges, creating interdisciplinary educational experiences.
Western Washington University offers the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), which provides support services for students from migrant and seasonal farmworker backgrounds. The university also offers various scholarships and grants, including the Washington College Grant, which provides need-based financial aid to eligible students.
Are you curious about admission data at this school? Check it out, but remember that you are so much more than a number.
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