Introduction
Upside-Down Program: The usual route to a BA degree calls for general education in the first two years and specialization in the last two years. The Upside-Down Program, BA gives selected students an option to reverse this process. Graduates of Washington state 2- and 4-year colleges who hold the ATA, the AAAS or other approved two-year technical degrees may apply to transfer their specializations to Fairhaven as the completed major. Stages 1 and 3 of the Core Curriculum and a minimum of 90 credits are then required for graduation. Students are expected to complete as much as possible of their elective credit at the upper-division level (courses numbered 300 or above). Each application for this program is reviewed on an individual basis. Students are urged to contact Fairhaven College early in the admissions process.
Why Consider the Fairhaven Upside-Down Program Major?
For students with a two-year technical or pre-professional degree, this is an opportunity to put those studies at the center of a four-year BA degree.
Student Resources
Website: Fairhaven
Contact information: 360-650-6680, Fairhaven.College@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: Early Childhood Education, Environmental Conservation Technician, Graphic Design, Human Services
Admission Process
Category of Major : Capacity-constrained major
Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies has a selective admission process for the Upside Down, BA program and enrolls transfer students and students from other WWU programs fall, winter, and spring quarters. New applicants to Fairhaven and to the University complete the WWU Undergraduate Application (available online or in print form). For information on how to apply, please see the website of the Western Washington University Office of Admissions.
In addition to the WWU application, Fairhaven requests an admissions essay and an interview (in person or by videoconference). Applicants may submit letters of recommendation. Fairhaven may request letters of recommendation, if needed to strengthen a student’s application. For more information or to make an appointment, please email Fairhaven.Admissions@wwu.edu.
Visitors are welcome and with advance notice, appointments may be arranged with Fairhaven advising and admissions staff, students or other WWU staff.
Grade Requirements
A grade of ‘S’ in Fairhaven courses or C- or better in courses in other departments is required for this degree.
