Oct 15, 2024  
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog

Fairhaven Core Curriculum


Fairhaven students complete Fairhaven’s core curriculum in lieu of the WWU General University Requirements (GUR). A student who leaves Fairhaven for another WWU program must complete the GUR. Fairhaven College also offers the opportunity for self-motivated students who have demonstrated exceptional learning skills to design an individualized alternative to parts of the core curriculum using existing course challenge procedures.

The Fairhaven Core Curriculum includes a series of courses designed to widen students’ exposure to various areas of study, to connections among disciplines and to interdisciplinary theory and practice. Its purpose is to help students become perceptive, probing learners who can ask questions and pursue answers with care and confidence. Skills in reading, writing, presentation and analysis are emphasized. Each course deals with methods of knowing and understanding, themes, modes of creativity and practical applications to be found in each area of study.

Elements of this core contribute to its unique character:

  • Courses are conducted in a collaborative seminar format.
  • Class sizes seldom exceed 20 students.
  • A strong mentoring/advising relationship is established.
  • Interdisciplinary studies mirror the shape of complex problems.
  • Instruction is shared by all Fairhaven faculty members - artists, scientists, philosophers, lawyers, historians, poets, social scientists, anthropologists, psychologists - who adapt the diverse themes of their disciplines to core studies.
  • Evaluation takes the form of narrative assessment.

There are core courses in each of the three curricular stages: exploratory studies, concentrated studies and advanced studies, as outlined in the degree-specific requirements. Students need not complete one curricular stage before advancing to the next.

Exploratory Studies (Stage One)


Concentrated Studies (Stage Two)


Advanced Studies (Stage Three)


Fairhaven Graduation Requirements


Fairhaven Core Curriculum  
Completion of at least 25 credits at Fairhaven and 50 credits outside Fairhaven
180 Minimum Total Credits 
60 Minimum Upper Division Credits 
Residency Requirement  
Final Quarter Requirement 
Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)