Western Washington University (WWU)

Western Washington University - a state university in the United States, working since 1893. The main building is located in Bellingham. The university is considered one of the best in America and all over the world.

Western Washington University (WWU) — one of the leading higher education institutions in the Pacific Northwest, awarding degrees in more than 200 bachelor's programs, 40 master's and doctoral specialties.

Opened in 1893, WWU was founded as a private women's school specializing in teacher training. Several decades later, in 1977, the institution received university status and its current name. Today, Western Washington University is home to more than 14,000 students, making it the third largest university in the state of Washington.

Western Washington University consists of seven colleges, each offering specialized higher education programs: from science and engineering, economics and business to performing arts, humanities and social sciences. Each field of study is developed under the guidance of highly qualified teachers with advanced degrees in their fields and many years of academic and research experience: they not only impart high-quality knowledge focused on modern trends, but also involve students in scientific work and internships, helping them develop professional qualities and skills.

In addition to practice-oriented professional training, WWU students can expect a vibrant extracurricular life with opportunities for growth in creativity, sports, social activities, science and other areas.

WWU comprises seven specialized colleges offering programs in the following scientific fields:

• Humanities and Social Sciences,
• Science and Engineering,
• Business and Economics,
• Fine and Performing Arts,
• Interdisciplinary Studies,
• Environment,
• Pedagogy and Education.

In addition to specialized colleges, WWU also includes research institutes and centers engaged in intensive scientific work in important areas: from intercultural interaction, economics and business relations to financial education, justice administration, and ecology. Both qualified specialists with many years of experience and students of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs participate in the research.

WWU has eight residential complexes located in three parts of The Ridge campus, within walking distance of each other. On other academic grounds, North Campus and South Campus, four residences with similar characteristics have been prepared. According to statistics, 88% of students choose to live on campus (however, graduate and doctoral students receive rooms only if there are vacancies, with undergraduate students being prioritized).

Residential complexes offer various room formats: standard, deluxe, apartments. The capacity of the premises also varies: the buildings have single, double, and triple rooms fully furnished, with access to bathrooms and common areas. Some buildings have small kitchens where residents can cook their own food.

Large dining halls with their own kitchens operate on WWU academic grounds, where qualified chefs prepare national and international cuisine dishes. Here you can find both full hot meals, as well as pastries, sandwiches, various drinks and sweets. There are also fast-food outlets on the territories offering a wide variety of quick snacks.

The main areas of extracurricular activities at WWU are sports, social activity, and art. Every year, more than 250 student organizations and clubs are available on campus, helping to develop important skills: from communication, teamwork, public speaking to physical health, talent realization, and expanding career prospects.

WWU has formed men's and women's teams in several competitive sports: basketball, cross country, track and field, soccer, tennis, and swimming. Students can participate in sports sections as amateurs without entering the competitive level, but they can also earn scholarships, receive additional points, and realize their potential in competitions with other universities in the region.

Thematic clubs, including creative and social ones, operate under the guidance of the Student Union. Thanks to responsible students, association members perform at external venues, have maximum opportunities to promote their ideas on campus grounds. The list of communities includes:

• A cappella singing,
• Software development,
• Anime,
• American Sign Language,
• Cinema, literature,
• Board games,
• Ceramics,
• Chinese culture,
• Circus art,
• Cybersecurity,
• Improv comedy, theater,
• Digital photography,
• Charitable crafts,
• Study abroad,
• Figure skating.

The WWU operates an Outdoor Recreation Center, planning regular excursions and hikes in the wilderness. Students sign up for any program they like, gather in small groups led by an experienced instructor, and explore the region: architectural, historical and cultural attractions, natural beauties of the state.

• No. 3 among leading universities in the Northwest Pacific region according to US News & World Report,
• US leader in the number of graduates with a doctoral degree,
• One of the best institutions awarding master's degrees, according to Washington Monthly rankings,
• Included in the College Consensus ranking in the "Best Green Colleges" category,
• 99% of classes are taught by faculty with advanced degrees,
• Student-to-faculty ratio - 17:1,
• Average class size - 26 students, no more than 30 students study in each class,
• High rate of employment in the specialty,
• 14% of students are representatives from other states and countries.

The number of students does not exceed 20 thousand, and foreigners can also qualify for admission. Students successfully participate in student exchange programs.

WWU operates almost year-round as the study programs at different levels slightly differ in training dates. In general, the study periods are as follows:

• Autumn: September-December,
• Winter: January-March,
• Spring: March-June,
• Summer: June-August.

Study days are weekdays, from Monday to Friday, and rest is organized on weekends, national and international holidays.

Tuition covers medical services, use of non-academic buildings, leisure organization, use of student technologies, the Sustainable Development Fund. Approximate list of additional expenses:

• Registration and administrative fees,
• Accommodation, meals,
• Books, school supplies,
• Some extracurricular activities,
• Additional academic, career support not provided by the program,
• Personal expenses.

The admission process includes several stages:

• Filling out the registration form, providing documents and paying the entrance fee,
• Passing an interview, possible testing,
• Receiving an invitation to enroll,
• Making deposits for accommodation, booking a place on the course,
• Arriving at campus at the beginning of the semester and starting studies.

Admission to WWU is competitive, so academic and personal achievements from your previous place of study are important for enrollment. According to statistics from recent years, approximately 3180 applicants are enrolled in the first year.

WWU graduate statistics show that approximately 90% of students are employed or continue their academic path within six months of completing their studies. To date, WWU has trained more than 140 000 specialists who have found work around the world.

Applicants must provide an established set of documents to confirm their own progress, pass exams. In the future, a decision is made regarding their enrollment. More than 70% of applicants become students. In this case, the chances of admission depend on the popularity of the specialty.

It should be noted that the year is divided into academic quarters.

In a year, you will have to pay $ 17,500, so education will not be cheap. At the same time, financial assistance in the form of special scholarships is guaranteed.

Education is conducted in full-time and distance format.

WWU has a centralized scholarship system that allows students to fill out one application and be considered for all scholarships offered at WWU. A wide range of funding options are distributed across several categories: academic achievement, special talent, leadership qualities.

Additionally, there is a funding system focused on helping students in difficult life situations: the university provides discounts on tuition fees, grants, and selects employment programs for them.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision