May 24, 2025  
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2025-2026 Western Washington University Catalog

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Minor


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Introduction

The STEAM minor adds the Arts to the traditional STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) framework in order to facilitate an understanding of the interrelationship between STEM fields and Art. Integrating visual experience with scientific processes can: provide students with the means to explore visual expression through technology, demonstrate the relationship between STEM concepts and the Arts and exemplify how the arts can enhance scientific understanding through processes such as data visualization, sonification and creative problem solving.

Why Consider a STEAM Minor?

A STEAM minor can supplement your major by providing access to courses taught outside your major course of study. A STEAM minor is interdisciplinary and can result in gaining skills in fine arts, computer science, music, design and Salish Sea Studies. Whether you are a business major seeking to gain skills in 2 and 2D Design, or an Environmental Science major interested in data visualization and data sonification, a STEAM minor may give you access to faculty, courses and peers working across disciplines and areas of study.

Student Resources

Department website: Art and Art History

Contact information: Fine Arts 116, 360-650-3660, ArtInfo@wwu.edu

Department advising: Ashley Mask, Fine Arts 240D, 360-650-3660, maska@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample Careers: Curator/Assistant Curator, Museum Educator, Gallery Attendant, Collections Assistant, Museum Administration, Docent, Preparator

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students submit an application outlining their reasons for completing a minor in STEAM and how the curricular content will enhance their major degree. Applications can be found at the online application webpage. Due to limited spots available in the minor, the minimum 2.5 GPA does not guarantee acceptance. See application page for more details about the minor admission process. 

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements (23 credits minimum)


Studio Requirements (10 credits)


ART 120 and ART 280 are required for all STEAM minor candidates.

Studio Art Majors Requirement (5 credits)


❑ In addition to requirements above, to earn a STEAM minor, Studio Art Majors [BA/BFA] must also complete 1 of the following 2 courses:

Additional Requirements (8-13 credits minimum)


❑ Must complete one of the following elective group options:

  • Studio Art Majors [BA/BFA]: Must complete courses from Category A and B, with at least TWO courses from Category B, to meet the 8-credit minimum requirement
  • Non-Studio Art majors: Must complete courses from either Category A and B, with at least ONE course from Category B to meet the 13-credit minimum requirement.

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