Space for post-baccalaureate students is limited, and therefore admission is competitive. Proposed program of study, preparation for major, cumulative academic record, related experience, space availability and clarity of academic and career goals are the most important factors considered in the application review.

Many post-baccalaureate students will find their educational needs can be met through enrollment options offered through Outreach and Continuing Education supported location programs, Western's program for non-matriculated students or - in the case of lower division coursework - their local community college .

Former Western students

Please note that a student may earn only one of each type of degree from Western (BA, BS, BAE, BFA, BMus, BSN). Students who want to add an additional major to the type of degree they already earned may add an additional major, not a second degree. This will be noted as a transcript comment.  A student who has already earned a baccalaureate degree from Western Washington University may also enroll to earn a different type of undergraduate degree associated with a different major.

A complete application includes:

• Transfer and Post-baccalaureate Application for Admission submitted by the application deadline

• $70 non-refundable application fee

• Official transcripts from every college and university attended, even if you do not expect or desire to transfer credit 

• A Statement of Purpose that helps the admissions committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Note: if you are applying to an Outreach and Continuing Education supported location program you should submit materials specific to your program’s requirements in lieu of a Statement of Purpose. Contact your intended program for details.

You must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. Do not omit or exclude any institution, even if you do not expect or desire to transfer credit. Only transcripts issued within the last year will be accepted. If you earned a bachelor's degree from Western you need only send transcripts for any coursework you completed elsewhere after graduation.  

Students who have attended a Washington state community college are encouraged to have their transcripts sent electronically. Electronic transcripts enable us to process your application more efficiently and expedite awarding you transfer credit if admitted. We can serve you better – and faster – if your official transcripts arrive as soon as possible after submitting your application.

Applicants are responsible for requesting official transcripts. A transcript is considered official if it bears the official seal and authorizing signature of the issuing institution and is:

• sent directly by the school to the Office of Admissions; or

• sealed by the school and mailed or delivered to the Office of Admissions by you. If the envelope has been opened before it arrives in the Office of Admissions, the transcript is not official.

All post-baccalaureate students, except those applying for an Outreach and Continuing Education supported program, are required to submit a Statement of Purpose with their application that addresses the following items:

1. Why are you pursuing further studies? What are your long-term academic and professional goals? Describe your related experience or preparation – either academic or experiential. Be as specific as possible.

2. After reviewing the requirements for admission to your intended academic program, including course prerequisites, how prepared are you to begin your program? If you need additional prerequisite courses or otherwise do not meet admissions requirements, what specifically are you lacking? Indicate which courses you plan to take as well as how many academic quarters you plan to enroll.

3. Why is it necessary for you to enroll at Western? Do other four-year universities or community colleges offer what you need at this time? Can you meet your goals as a non-matriculated student, attending classes on a space available basis?

4. If you are seeking admission to an undergraduate program with selective admission criteria, are you assured departmental admission? Because capacity is an important consideration, please detail any information or advising you have received from the department.

MAIL ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS TO:

Western Washington University
Office of Admissions
Old Main 200, MS 9009
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-9009

What to expect after you apply

If you apply online, you can expect an email confirmation within an hour of successfully submitting the application and paying the application fee.

All applicants will receive an email within two weeks after we receive your application. This email will include your student number (Western ID) and instructions on how to check your application status online using the Application Status website. This website will list the items we've received, as well as any missing items needed to make your application complete. This website will not display your decision.

Students will be notified in writing of their admissions decision.  While some students are notified earlier, the majority of applicants are notified within six to eight weeks of the application deadline. We appreciate your patience in this process to ensure every on-time application is carefully reviewed. Students who need an earlier decision are welcome to request one in writing, though a favorable response cannot be guaranteed.