Health and Community Studies

Introduction

The Department of Health and Community Studies is comprised of two undergraduate programs, a Human Services Bachelor of Arts and an RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN); a minor in Ecopsychology; five graduate programs, a Master of Education in Adult and Higher Education (M.Ed.), Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN), Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration (MSN), Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling (M.A.), Master of Social Work (MSW) and two post-masters certificates in nursing education and leadership. Each program is committed to an academic learning experience that integrates theory and practice using a strengths-based model of professional practice and a shared commitment to equity and social justice. For more information on these programs, please visit wce.wwu.edu/hcs.

Faculty

DEVYANI CHANDRAN (2014) Chair and Professor. BA, Lady Shri Ram College; MSW, Tata Institute of Social Sciences; PhD, University of Kansas.
ELIZABETH BOLAND (2004) Professor. Academic Program Director of Rehabilitation Counseling. BA, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
SANDRA BRANSON (2023) Professor, Academic Program Director of Nursing. BS, Texas Woman’s University Houston; MS, PhD, University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing.
DANNY CARROLL (2025), Assistant Professor, BS, Indiana Wesleyan University; MSW, Indiana University; PhD Social Work, Indiana University.
HOPE CORBIN (2013) Professor. BA, State University of New York at Plattsburgh; MPhil, University of Bergen; PhD, University of Bergen.
SONDRA CUBAN (2013) Professor. Academic Program Director of Adult and Higher Education. BA, Sonoma State University; MILS, University of Hawaii-Manoa; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
CHRISTINE ESPINA (2017) Associate Professor. BSN, Oklahoma Baptist University; MSN, University of Washington; DNP, University of Washington.
JOHN KORSMO (2006) Professor. BA, Portland State University; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
DEVYN NIXON (2025) Assistant Professor. BSN, University of Washington – Bothell, MSN-FNP, Gonzaga University, (anticipated) DNP/MPH, Johns Hopkins University
THEODORE THORNHILL (2022) Associate Professor, BA, Florida Atlantic University; MS, Florida State University; MA Sociology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Ph.D, University of Massachusetts Amherst.
NICOLE TORRES (2021) Assistant Professor, BA, Colorado Mesa University; MA, University of Chicago; PhD, University of Washington; MSW, University of Washington.
KATIE WAHLER (2024) Assistant Professor. BSN, Creighton University; MSN-FNP, Clarkson College; (anticipated) DNP, University of Nevada – Reno

Emeritus Faculty

RAINE DOZIER Professor Emeritus of Human Services, BA State University of New York; MA, PhD, University of Washington.

Senior Instructors

KEVIN BENGTSON (2018), Senior Instructor. BA, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay; MS, University of Wisconsin-Stout; PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison
MICHELLE BURKHART (2022) Senior Instructor. BA and M.Ed., Western Washington University.
CHRISTINA VAN WINGERDEN (2021) Senior Instructor, BA and MEd, Western Washington University; PhD Simon Fraser University

Human Services

wce.wwu.edu/hs

The Human Services major (B.A.) attracts students with a strong commitment to social and economic justice, human dignity, self-determination, and the desire to effect change through direct and indirect service delivery. Since the program’s inception in the mid-1970s, Western has graduated thousands of human services majors who have committed their careers to the helping professions. Graduates work in a variety of settings as case managers, grant writers, youth workers, volunteer coordinators, human resource specialists, trainers, or advocates working with people who have experienced child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, homelessness, addiction, and other social issues. Many graduates pursue advanced study in such areas as social work, education, public policy, law, nonprofit management, and counseling.

Course of Study

The major provides students with an opportunity to build a deep understanding of the human services profession within dynamic and collaborative learning environments. Built on a liberal arts foundation, the core of the curriculum examines the profession within the context of self, individuals and small groups, organizations, communities, and global systems. Partnering with community-based human services agencies and organizations, the major incorporates several quarters of field study, including two supervised internships, that integrates theory, knowledge, and skills with professional practice. Together, classroom and field-based study prepares graduates to confront the challenges of the 21st century. For additional information visit: wce.wwu.edu/hs.

The Human Services major is offered in Bellingham with face-to-face delivery and via a distance online delivery program.

Admission Expectations

Applicants to the major in Human Services with a GPA below 2.75 may contact the department to discuss the admissions exceptions policy. A personal interview may be required.

Questions

For additional information on the Human Services major, see wce.wwu.edu/hs, call 360-650-7759, or e-mail hsp.info@wwu.edu.

Nursing

wce.wwu.edu/nursing

Western’s unique Nursing Program is for Registered Nurses (RNs) looking to advance their career with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing. The program offers an RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, one in nursing education and the other in nursing leadership and administration. In addition to the MSN, the program offers two post-master’s certificates to provide master’s-prepared registered nurses with an opportunity for additional training in nursing education or nursing leadership and administration. The program prepares RNs to assume pivotal nursing roles while upholding the core values of courage, compassion, commitment, communication, and collaboration. Faculty and staff have created a supportive, engaged, diverse learning community to provide a caring and nurturing environment.

Through rigorous coursework, immersive practice experiences, and opportunities for community engagement, graduates are well-prepared to address the evolving challenges and opportunities that shape modern nursing practice.

Questions

To learn more about Western’s Nursing Program, including the RN-to-BSN Program or the MSN program, email nursing@wwu.edu, go to wce.wwu.edu/nursing, or call 360-650-6700.

Nursing, BSN (RN-to-BSN)

wce.wwu.edu/nursing/rn-bsn

The Nursing BSN (RN-to-BSN) program is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) completion program for graduates of associate degree registered nursing (ADN) programs. Students apply to Western and the program as transfer students in the final year of their associate degree or as licensed registered nurses. The program includes GUR courses and 45 upper division major credits, allowing student to complete four quarters full-time of nursing program courses to earn their BSN. Students can choose between the fully online option or the hybrid option, which meets on Western’s Bellingham campus four times per quarter.

The RN-to-BSN program is specifically designed for registered nurses who have completed an Associate’s or Diploma nursing program (Nursing DTA/MRP preferred), currently have their RN licensure, or are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become licensed as an RN before the start of quarter two of the program. The program cannot admit students new to nursing or those with a pre-nursing degree.

For additional information on the RN-to-BSN Program, email bsn.applications@wwu.edu, go to wce.wwu.edu/nursing/rn-bsn or call 360-650-6700. All students interested in nursing at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program manager.

Master of Science in Nursing Education

wce.wwu.edu/nursing/msn-nursing-education

The MSN in Nursing Education is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit, non-thesis master’s degree program. The program combines online coursework with hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the community. The program empowers students to excel in educating future nurses, communities, nursing staff, and patients. Graduates are prepared to integrate health equity and inclusive teaching and design principles into nursing education, including online formats and simulation modules.

Applicants to the MSN in Nursing Education must hold an active Washington state registered nurse license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.

For additional information on the MSN in Nursing Education Program, email nursing@wwu.edu, go to wce.wwu.edu/nursing/msn-nursing-education or call 360-650-6700. All students interested in nursing at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program manager.

Nursing Education Post-Master’s Certificate

The Nursing Education post-master’s online, part-time certificate provides master’s-prepared registered nurses with an opportunity for additional training in nursing education. Students join their peers in the MSN in Nursing Education program specialty courses.

For additional information on the Nursing Education Post-Master’s certificate, email nursing@wwu.edu. All students interested in nursing at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program manager.

Master of Science in Nursing Leadership & Administration

wce.wwu.edu/nursing/msn-nursing-leadership-admin

The MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration is a two-year, full-time, 48-credit non-thesis master’s degree. The program combines online coursework with hands-on practical experiences arranged by the faculty in the community. The program readies students to lead in healthcare organizations and community settings. Graduates are equipped to integrate health equity into nursing leadership and administration, including systems thinking, implementing effective change, and strategic financial management.

Applicants to the MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration must hold an active Washington state registered nurse license and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from an accredited college or university.

For additional information on the MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration Program, email nursing@wwu.edu, go to wce.wwu.edu/nursing/msn-nursing-leadership-admin, or call 360-650-6700. All students interested in nursing at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program manager.

Nursing Leadership & Administration Post-Master’s Certificate

The Nursing Leadership & Administration post-master’s online, part-time certificate provides master’s-prepared registered nurses with an opportunity for additional training in nursing leadership and administration. Students will join their peers in the MSN in Nursing Leadership & Administration program specialty courses.

For additional information on the Nursing Leadership & Administration Post-Master’s certificate, email nursing@wwu.edu. All students interested in nursing at Western are encouraged to schedule an advising session with the program manager.

Adult and Higher Education

wce.wwu.edu/ahe

The Adult and Higher Education program is designed to prepare both entry-level and advanced practitioners and administrators as teachers, trainers, educators, managers, and leaders in community college and continuing education settings as well as non-profit organizations and industry sectors. Upon graduation, competence is expected in such areas as leadership, program development, instructional technology, teaching, research, policy making, curriculum development, assessment and program planning.

For additional information, the program office is located in Miller Hall 417B, see wce.wwu.edu/ahe, call 360-650-3190, or email ahe.info@wwu.edu.

Rehabilitation Counseling

wce.wwu.edu/rc

The Rehabilitation Counseling program (M.A.) prepares dedicated and qualified rehabilitation counselors who will partner with individuals with disabilities to enhance their lives, including self-determination, independence, meaningful employment, and full community participation. Graduates work in a variety of public and private settings and are eligible to sit for the Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Examination that is required by many organizations. The program includes a combination of face-to-face, hybrid, and distance courses, with in-person class sessions offered at the program’s outreach site located on the Everett Community College campus.

For additional information, the program office is located in Office 325 of the Everett University Center, visit wce.wwu.edu/rc, call 360-650-2209, or email rc.everett@wwu.edu.

Master of Social Work

This new MSW program offers two different pathways: 1.) Regular Standing MSW pathway (starts fall 2027) which is a 2-year program intended for applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than social work and 2.) Advanced Standing pathway (starts summer 2028) which is an accelerated program designed for applicants who have earned a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited (Council on Social Work Education) program within the past five years.

Graduates are prepared for roles in community mental health, integrated healthcare, schools, child and family services, aging and disability services, hospitals, nonprofits, and public agencies. The advanced generalist design supports preparation for clinical licensure while equipping graduates to lead ethically, use data for improvement, and partner with communities to dismantle oppressive systems.

To learn more about Western’s Master of Social Work programs, email Danny Carroll at carrold@wwu.edu or call him at 360-650-2210.

Programs

Undergraduate Major

Undergraduate Minor

Graduate

Certification

Courses

Adult and Higher Education

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400, 500 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Human Services

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Nursing

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400, 500 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Courses numbered X37; X97; 300, 400, 500 are described in the University Academic Policies section of this catalog.

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