Admission to Majors
At Western Washington University, how you declare a major depends on your program of interest. A limited number of majors offer Direct Admission, meaning if you’re admitted to Western, you’re automatically admitted to that major. For all other programs, students follow the Standard Major Declaration Process after arriving on campus. No matter your path, we’re here to help you find the right fit for your academic journey.
Direct Admission Majors
Western offers Direct Admission to select majors, allowing you to start working towards your academic and career goals as soon as you start. If your intended major is not part of Direct Admission, you’ll follow the standard declaration process after starting at WWU.
If you apply and are admitted to Western, you can be officially declared into one of these majors:
- Accounting
- Business Administration
- Business Sustainability
- East Asian Studies, BA
- Environmental Policy, BA
- Environmental Studies, BA
- Geography/Social Studies, BA
- Geology, BA & BS
- Geophysics, BS
- History, BA
- History/Social Studies, BA
- Humanities: History of Culture, BA
- Linguistics, BA
- Linguistics, Literature, and Writing, BA
- Philosophy, BA
- Religion and Culture, BA
- Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, BA
Start Your Application
You are considered a First-Year student if you have not completed any college credits after high school.
You are considered a Transfer student if you have attempted any number of college credits after high school.
See All of Western's Majors
With over 200 programs, we offer a wide range of options, from traditional subjects to majors you design yourself, ensuring there’s a path that aligns with your passion.
Standard Major Declaration Process
For majors not listed above, you’ll enter WWU as an undeclared student, and during your time at Western, you will work with academic advisors to meet declaration requirements (such as completing prerequisite courses or maintaining a minimum GPA) and officially declare a major when ready.
How to Apply
- When completing your application for admission to Western, select your intended major.
- If admitted to a Direct Admission Major, your acceptance letter will confirm your program.
- If your major follows the standard major declaration process, you can apply to it after enrolling at Western when you are ready!
WWU is committed to helping you achieve your goals. Whether through Direct Admission or the standard process, you will have the support of faculty, advisors, and more to keep you on track.
Want to change majors?
If you change your mind about your major before arriving at Western, that’s ok! Contact us to let us know you want to update your intended major.
At Western, we encourage you to explore all your passions, as your interests may evolve during your time here. Many students change their major, add a second major, or pick up a minor along the way. Just make sure to connect with the Academic Advising & Student Achievement Center early and often to help you navigate your options while staying on track to graduate.