Mar 28, 2024  
2012-2013 Catalog 
    
2012-2013 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

All-University Programs


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Western Washington University is organized into seven colleges and a Graduate School. This organization not only accommodates Western’s size and complexity, but also enables flexibility and innovation in Western’s curriculum.

Some programs at Western are available through one department or college; some are interdisciplinary, involving several academic units; and some, the All-University Programs listed below, involve all or most of Western’s departments and colleges.

Center for International Studies

360-650-7544
http://www.wwu.edu/international/

The Center for International Studies provides a focus for international education at Western. Its mission is to foster international and global perspectives for all Western students, faculty, and staff through courses, international experiences and study abroad. 

Asia University America Program

For full program listing, please see Extended Education  or contact the office at 360-650-3922; by fax at 360-650-2284; by email at auap@wwu.edu; or visit the AUAP website at www.wwu.edu/auap/.

Center for Canadian-American Studies

The Canadian-American Studies major and minor are designed to expand knowledge of Canada and understanding of Canadian-American issues and problems.

The Canadian-American studies curriculum prepares students for positions in businesses, government agencies, communications and international organizations operating in the US, Canada or globally. Canadian-American studies combines well with other majors and minors to add depth and international expertise.

Examples include combinations with international business, marketing, geography, tourism, and other specialities for employment in firms doing business in Canada or with Canadians. Political scientists, sociologists, environmental scientists and communications specialists and others employed by government agencies and nongovernment organizations will find the program of substantial value. Canadian-American studies has a strong interdisciplinary orientation involving classes ranging from economics to literature.

Opportunities for study and internships in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec are available.

For more information on Canadian-American Studies contact the office at 360-650-3728; by email at canam@wwu.edu; or visit the Canadian American Studies website at www.wwu.edu/canam/.

Center for East Asian Studies

The Center for East Asian Studies provides a focal point for the University’s interaction with East Asia and for academic study of the region. The program in East Asian studies emphasizes the interdisciplinary study of the area, primarily the countries of China, Japan, Korea and Mongolia. The course of study is designated to attain three major objectives. First, it offers students an opportunity to acquire accurate detailed and comprehensive knowledge of a region that is becoming increasingly important in world affairs. Second, it prepares students who are attracted by job opportunities related to East Asia in business and government. For those who wish to teach about East Asia, the program provides appropriate preparation. Third, it provides solid undergraduate training for students who plan to enter East Asian programs for graduate studies.

For more information on East Asian studies contact Massimiliano Tomasi, 360-650-3339, e-mail: Massimiliano.Tomasi@wwu.edu; or visit the website at www.wwu.edu/eas/

Intensive English Program

For full program listing, please see Extended Education  or contact the IEP office at 360-650-3755; by fax at (360) 650-6818; or by email at iep@wwu.edu, or visit the website at www.wwu.edu/iep.

International Programs and Exchanges

Study Abroad

International Programs and Exchanges (IPE) administers and cooperates in more than 100 international study abroad programs in Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, Oceania and Africa. A variety of study abroad, exchange and international internship options are available for a quarter, semester, or year-round. Qualified students for all study abroad and international exchange programs are concurrently enrolled at the University and the study abroad program or institution, earn WWU credit and maintain financial aid eligibility and residency.

Faculty-led and international study abroad courses within departments are normally assigned x37 course numbers. At the completion of a study abroad or exchange program, credits for course work may be applied to major, minor or electives toward graduation. Since special application and registration procedures are required for participation in study abroad or exchange programs, it is important to contact IPE well in advance of the program deadline.

IPE, in collaboration with Extended Education (EE), provides support to the development and implementation of faculty-led study abroad programs. IPE also provides administrative support to the International Programs and Advisory Committee (IPAC).

International Students, Faculty and Scholars

IPE serves international students, faculty and scholars at Western by providing advising, programs, and preparation and maintenance of immigration records. IPE also assists with resolving financial, academic, employment and personal difficulties in coordination with other university offices and community resources.

Program information and advising are available from International Programs and Exchanges, Miller Hall 208, 360-650-3298, ipe@wwu.edu; www.wwu.edu/ipe.

Center for Service-Learning

360-650-7542
www.wwu.edu/csl

Service-learning is an experiential learning method in which students learn through active participation in meaningful service experiences that meet community needs. Service-learning offers students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom, explore the richness and diversity of their community, and examines social justice issues while applying classroom theory in a community setting.

The Center for Service-Learning provides resources, including training and program support, to students, faculty, and community partner organizations.

Western offers many courses that include service-learning; look for the SL designation on Classfinder or contact the Center to learn more.

Field Experience Programs

Western Washington University recognizes that work experience outside of the classroom can enhance student learning by providing opportunities to put theory into practice. To this end, the University works closely with a wide variety of businesses and community and governmental agencies which offer internship opportunities, and many academic departments require or make academic credit available for field experience.

Students interested in exploring field experience opportunities should contact the Career Services Center, Old Main 280.

Post-Baccalaureate Professional Schools

Admission to graduate professional schools requires a baccalaureate degree and is competitive. Early consultation with the relevant advisor and excellent academic work are crucial to success.

Dentistry

Admission to dental schools is highly selective and includes evaluation of GPA, letters of recommendation, scores from the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and an interview, as well as demonstrated dental knowledge and community service.

Course requirements for entry into a dental program afford each applicant an opportunity to pursue almost any area of interest as a major field of study and still acquire the background necessary to prepare for the DAT and to pursue a dental curriculum. The DAT must be taken the year prior to admission to dental school; normally it is taken in the junior year.

Early consultation with a pre-professional advisor is strongly recommended. Students will find it valuable to engage in early and regular discussions of matters such as selection of a major, course sequences and graduation requirements at Western, as well as dental school entrance requirements, application procedures, the DAT, mock interview, and other pertinent information. 

Typical freshman year curriculum:

  • CHEM 121, 122, 123 (begin 121 as soon as possible)
  • BIOL 204, 205, 206 (continues into second year)
  • ENG 101
  • MATH (pre-calculus or calculus, depending upon major)

Pre-dentistry students should also seek advising in their major department.

Advisors: Dr. George Kriz, Director of Advising for Pre-Healthcare Professions, George.Kriz@wwu.edu; Renée Murray, Graduate and Pre-Professional Programs Advisor, Renee.Murray@wwu.edu; Old Main 280, 360-650-3268, careers@wwu.edu.

http://www.careers.wwu.edu/prehealth_dentistry.shtml.

Law

Law schools require a baccalaureate degree. They do not require a specific undergraduate major, but do seek students who are broadly educated. Admission is selective based primarily on GPA, LSAT scores and letters of recommendation. Law schools want students who excel in oral and written communication; understand economic, political and social institutions; and have well-developed objective and critical thinking skills. Western’s General University Requirements are intended to aid students in honing these skills.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT), normally required of applicants to American and Canadian law schools, is offered on the Western campus several times each year. Applications and test schedule information may be obtained from the Testing Center and the Department of Political Science. Students should plan to take the LSAT late in their junior year or early in their senior year.

Advisors: Dr. Paul Chen, Department of Political Science, Arntzen Hall 436, 360-650-4876, Paul.Chen@wwu.edu; Julie Helling, Fairhaven College, FA 333, 360-650-4907, Julie.Helling@wwu.edu.

Medicine

The faculties of the School of Medicine at the University of Washington and other medical and osteopathic schools in the U.S. believe that the appropriate level of scholarly achievement and preparation for medicine can best be developed in a liberal arts program with the emphasis on a discipline selected by the student.

In recognition of the diverse opportunities afforded the graduate in medicine, specified entrance requirements are purposely kept to a minimum. This enables each student to pursue, as a major field of study, almost any area of interest — the arts, humanities, social sciences, biological or physical sciences — and still acquire the background necessary to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and to pursue a medical curriculum. The MCAT must be taken at least one full year prior to the date of admission to medical school; normally it is taken in the junior year.

Early consultation with the pre-professional advisors is strongly recommended. Students will find it valuable to engage in early and regular discussions of matters such as selection of a major, course sequences, community service, physician shadowing, and graduation requirements at Western, as well as medical school entrance requirements, application procedures, the MCAT, mock interview, and other pertinent information.

Typical freshman year curriculum:

  • CHEM 121, 122, 123 (begin 121 as soon as possible)
  • BIOL 204, 205, 206 (continues into second year)
  • ENG 101
  • MATH 124 and 125
  • PSY 101
  • General University Requirements

Premed students should also seek advising in their major department.

Advisors: Dr. George Kriz, Director of Advising for Pre-Healthcare Professions, George.Kriz@wwu.edu; Renée Murray, Graduate and Pre-Professional Programs Advisor, Renee.Murray@wwu.edu, Old Main 280, 360-650-3268, careers@wwu.edu; http://www.careers.wwu.edu/prehealth.shtml.

Optometry

Twenty accredited optometry programs in the U.S. offer the Doctor of Optometry (OD).  Admission into an optometry program is highly selective and includes evaluation of GPA, letters of recommendation, scores from the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), an interview, and demonstrated exposure to the profession.

A strong and broad undergraduate academic background in Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, English and Psychology is emphasized yet no specific major is preferred.  Students may pursue a major of any area of interest while still acquiring the background necessary to prepare for the Optometry Admission Test (OAT) and to pursue an optometry curriculum.  The OAT must be taken at least one full year prior to admission to optometry school; normally it is taken in the junior year.

Early consultation with the pre-professional advisors is strongly recommended. Students will find it valuable to engage in early and regular discussions of matters such as selection of a major, course sequences, community service, and graduation requirements at Western, as well as optometry school entrance requirements, application procedures, the OAT, mock interview, and other pertinent information.

Typical freshman year curriculum:

  • CHEM 121, 122, 123 (begin 121 as soon as possible)
  • BIOL 204, 205, 206 (continues into the second year)
  • ENG 101
  • Math 124
  • PSY 101
  • General University Requirements

Pre-optometry students should also seek advising in their major department.

Advisors: Dr. George Kriz, Director of Advising for Pre-Healthcare Professions, George.Kriz@wwu.edu; Renée Murray, Graduate and Pre-Professional Programs Advisor, Renee.Murray@wwu.edu; OM 280, 360-650-3268, careers@wwu.edu.   

Pharmacy

Programs at Washington State University, University of Washington, and other institutions lead to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Western provides courses that prepare students for admission to these and other programs. Admission into a pharmacy program is highly selective and includes evaluation of GPA, letters of recommendation, scores from the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and an interview.

Students can pursue almost any area of interest as a major field of study and still acquire the background necessary to prepare for the PCAT (or GRE) and pursue a pharmacy curriculum. The PCAT (or GRE) must be taken the year prior to admission to pharmacy school; normally it is taken in the junior year.

Because admission requirements at pharmacy programs are highly variable, students are strongly encouraged to seek advisement from the pre-healthcare professions advisors. Students will find it valuable to engage in early and regular discussions of matters such as selection of a major, course sequences, GUR courses, community service, and graduation requirements at Western, as well as pharmacy school entrance requirements, application procedures, the PCAT and GRE, mock interview, and other pertinent information.

Typical freshman year curriculum:

  • CHEM 121, 122, 123 (begin 121 as soon as possible)
  • BIOL 204, 205, 206 (continues into the second year)
  • ENG 101
  • Math 124
  • General University Requirements

Pre-Pharmacy students should also seek advising in their major department.

Advisors: Dr. George Kriz, Director of Advising for Pre-Healthcare Professions, George.Kriz@wwu.edu; Renée Murray, Graduate and Pre-Professional Programs Advisor, Renee.Murray@wwu.edu, OM 280, 360-650-3268, careers@wwu.edu.

Physical Therapy

Admission to a graduate program in physical therapy is highly selective. Students prepare for entry by obtaining a baccalaureate degree, completing the prerequisite course work for entry into each specific program, and by obtaining volunteer clinical experience. Students may complete undergraduate degrees in any area. Most physical therapy programs are three-year programs offered at the doctoral level.

Admission requirements for entry into a physical therapy program include the completion of a required prerequisite set of courses, three letters of recommendation and the completion of an internship under the direction of a physical therapist (200 to 500 hours). Most programs require submission of scores from the Graduate Record Exam (GRE — general test only) and some require a minimum score on the two sections of the GRE. The GRE should be taken in the fall quarter of the application year.

Specific information on each program can be obtained from the PT Education link on the American Physical Therapy Association home page at www.apta.org. Program prerequisites, statistics, and curriculums are presented by geographic location. Students are encouraged to review prerequisite courses early in their academic planning and to develop a plan of study within the first quarter of entry to Western.

Courses which are common to many prerequisite requirements for physical therapy programs:

  • BIOL 204, 205
  • BIOL 348, 349 
  • CHEM 121, 122, 123
  • PHYS 114, 115, 116
  • PSY 101, 230 or 250
  • Statistics

Advisors: Dr. Gordon Chalmers, ET 275, 360-650-3113, Gordon.Chalmers@wwu.edu; Dr. Brandi Row, CV 24, 360-650-4277, Brandi.Row@wwu.edu; Dr. Dave Suprak, CV 105, 360-650-2586, Dave.Suprak@wwu.edu

To schedule a meeting with an advisor contact: PEHR General Office (CV 102, Sherena.Geariety@wwu.edu, 360-650-3505) and she will assign you to an advisor. Then you should contact your assigned advisor to schedule an appointment.

Pre-physical therapy advising webpage: http://www.wwu.edu/alliedhealth/Pre-Physical%20Therapy.shtml

Nursing

Western does not offer a nursing education program but many Western students enter nursing programs by transferring to a nursing program or by entering a nursing program after graduation. Registered Nurse (R.N.) credentials are obtained after successfully completing a state board examination following completion of a certified nursing program at the community college (Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), also known as a Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a four-year university (BSN) or direct-entry Masters of Science (MSN) program. (A ‘direct entry masters’ is a masters degree that accepts students who have a bachelors degree, but do not have a RN credential. Some MSN programs, such as University of Washington’s are only for students who already are RNs). To be eligible for a nursing education program, students must complete a specified set of prerequisites and obtain volunteer or paid health care experience. Students may work on completing the prerequisites at WWU and apply for entry into the ASN or BSN program, with or without a degree at WWU. Completion of a degree is required for the direct-entry MSN program.

Information on nursing education programs can be obtained from: the National League For Nursing Accrediting Commission, www.nlnac.org/Forms/directory_search.htm, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, www.aacn.nche.edu/CCNE/reports/accprog.asp, and www.allnursingschools.com/.

Pre-Nursing is not a major at WWU. Examples of Western majors that cover some or all of the prerequisites include: Biology-Anthropology, Biology, Community Health and Kinesiology/Pre-Healthcare Professions.

Volunteer work: It is recommended that students obtain 200+ hours of volunteer or paid health care experience. It is also recommended that students consider obtaining the Certified Nursing Assistant license via a local technical or community college.

Advisors: Dr. Gordon Chalmers, ET 275, 360-650-3113, Gordon.Chalmers@wwu.edu; Dr. Brandi Row, CV 24, 360-650-4277, Brandi.Row@wwu.edu; Dr. Dave Suprak, CV 105, 360-650-2586, Dave.Suprak@wwu.edu

To schedule a meeting with an advisor contact: PEHR General Office (CV 102,  Sherena.Geariety@wwu.edu, 360-650-3505) and she will assign you to an advisor. Then you should contact your assigned advisor to schedule an appointment.

Pre-nursing advising webpage: http://www.wwu.edu/alliedhealth/Pre-Nursing.shtml

Occupational Therapy

Students prepare for entry to a graduate program in occupational therapy by obtaining a baccalaureate degree, completing the prerequisite course work for entry into specific programs, and by obtaining a broad variety of volunteer clinical experience under the direction of an occupational therapist. Students may complete undergraduate degrees in any area. Most programs require submission of scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE - general test only).

Specific information on each occupational therapy program can be obtained from the American Occupational Therapy Association at www.aota.org/Educate/Schools.aspx. Students are encouraged to review prerequisite courses early in their academic planning and to develop a plan of study within the first quarter of entry to Western.

Pre-Occupational Therapy is not a major at WWU.  Examples of Western majors that cover some or all of the prerequisites include: Biology-Anthropology, Community Health and Kinesiology/Pre-Healthcare Professions.

Courses which are common prerequisites to many occupational therapy programs:

  • PSY 101, 230, 250
  • BIOL 204, 205
  • BIOL 348, 349
  • CHEM 121, 122 
  • PHYSICS 101 
  • MATH 240, KIN 307 or BIOL 340

Advisors: Dr. Gordon Chalmers, ET 275, 360-650-3113, Gordon.Chalmers@wwu.edu; Dr. Brandi Row, CV 24, 360-650-4277, Brandi.Row@wwu.edu; Dr. Dave Suprak, CV 105, 360-650-2586, Dave.Suprak@wwu.edu

To schedule a meeting with an advisor contact: PEHR General Office (CV 102, Sherena.Geariety@wwu.edu, 360-650-3505) and she will assign you to an advisor. Then you should contact your assigned advisor to schedule an appointment.

Pre-occupational therapy advising webpage: http://www.wwu.edu/alliedhealth/Pre-Occupational%20Therapy.shtml.

Veterinary Medicine

Washington State University and 27 other U.S. veterinary medical colleges offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).  Admission into a veterinary medicine program is highly selective and includes evaluation of GPA, Graduate Record Exam (GRE), extracurricular and community service, volunteer experience within the field, letters of recommendation and an interview. Western offers coursework that will satisfy the pre-requisites of most DVM programs.

Students can pursue almost any area of interest as a major field of study and still acquire the background necessary to prepare for the GRE and pursue a veterinary medicine curriculum. The GRE must be taken at least one full year prior to admission to veterinary medical school; normally it is taken in the junior year.

Because admission requirements at veterinary medical schools are highly variable students are strongly encouraged to seek advisement from the pre-healthcare professions advisors. Early and ongoing consultation with the pre-professional advisors is strongly recommended to discuss matters such as selection of a major, course sequences, community service, graduation requirements, application procedures, the GRE, mock interview, and other pertinent information.

Typical freshman year curriculum:

  • CHEM 121, 122, 123 (begin 121 as soon as possible)
  • BIOL 204, 205, 206 (continues into second year) 
  • ENG 101 
  • MATH 124
  • General University Requirements

Pre-veterinary students should also seek advising in their major department.

Advisors: Dr. George Kriz, Director of Advising for Pre-Healthcare Professions, George.Kriz@wwu.edu; Renée Murray, Graduate and Pre-Professional Programs Advisor, Renee.Murray@wwu.edu; OM 280, 360-650-3268, careers@wwu.edu

Professional Transfer Programs

Students who plan to complete a baccalaureate program at another institution should seek advice from that institution for curriculum planning, test requirements and information on application procedures. The Western advisor listed below is also available to students.

The institution to which the student is transferring determines admission to the program and makes decisions regarding the transferability of credit.

Programs undergo constant revision. The student, therefore, must bear responsibility for continued contact with the transfer institution.

Engineering

Western provides two curricular paths to a career in engineering. The Two-Plus-Two program requires two years of study at Western Washington University followed by two or more years of study at an engineering college.

The second path is a dual degree program the Three-Two program, that requires three years at Western Washington University followed by two years of study at the College of Engineering at the University of Washington. At the conclusion of this five-year program students will receive two degrees: the Bachelor of Arts from Western and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Washington.

The primary purpose of both pre-engineering programs is to provide a strong fundamental education in science and mathematics, to develop skills necessary for success at an engineering college. In addition to courses in science and mathematics, engineering schools and colleges also require additional courses distributed in social sciences and humanities, which can be selected from Western’s offerings, to meet the requirements of the specific engineering school to which the student intends to transfer. Note that most engineering schools specify a minimum number of credits completed and a competitive grade point average for admission to a given engineering program.

Pre-Engineering Program

While at Western, students may complete two years of courses in science and mathematics, and other areas depending upon the engineering field of interest. The choice of courses should be tailored to meet the requirements of the engineering school to which the student plans to transfer. Transfer generally occurs after two years of study.

Three-Two Dual Degree Program

Western cooperates with the College of Engineering of the University of Washington in a program of engineering education based upon a broad foundation of liberal arts. The program consists of three years at Western Washington University followed by two years in the College of Engineering at the University of Washington. The nature of the program makes it difficult to pursue by students who do not begin at Western as freshmen. A minimum of 135 credits must be completed prior to leaving Western for the University of Washington, and at least 90 of these must be earned at Western.

While at Western, students may complete the pre-engineering courses listed below and take General University Requirements in communications, humanities, social sciences, non-Western and minority cultural studies, math and science for the Bachelor of Arts degree. Upon successful completion of the program the student will receive the Bachelor of Arts from Western and the Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Washington. This two-degree program provides an excellent liberal arts, mathematics and science background prior to specialization in engineering. The combined program is competitive and designed specifically for students who have strong preparation in communication skills, mathematics and science.

The curriculum does not guarantee admission to the College of Engineering at the University of Washington. Entrance to the University of Washington is competitive, so students must maintain a sufficient grade point average in order to gain admission to the University of Washington.

Introductory core courses

All pre-engineering students, regardless of intended engineering field, should take:

  • CHEM 121
  • ENG 101
  • MATH 124, 125, 204, 224, 331
  • PHYS 161, 162, 163
  • CSCI 140 or 141 (check with engineering program you intend to transfer to and take the CSCI course with the appropriate computer language)
  • 15 credits of Humanities and Social Sciences (at least one course in each)

Students interested in mechanical, civil, aeronautical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering or materials science or engineering should also take CHEM 122 and ETEC 112, 224, 225, and 226.

Students interested in electrical or computer engineering may also take ETEC 271, 273, and 274, but students should be aware that these courses are unlikely to transfer.

Students interested in chemical or biomedical engineering should also take CHEM 122, 123, 351, 352 and check with the engineering program of interest to see if any biology is appropriate as well.

Check with the pre-engineering advisor for additional courses.

Students not prepared to take Mathematics 124 (Calculus) should enroll in a preparatory sequence, under advisement.

Program advisor: Dr. Jeffrey L. Newcomer, Department of Engineering Technology, ET 206, 360-650-7239, Jeff.Newcomer@wwu.edu.

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