Washington State University

Carnegie Foundation Classification

Research Universities (very high research activity)

General Characteristics

Highest offering	Doctoral degree
Calendar System	Semester
Years of college work required	N/A
Variable Tuition

Special Learning Opportunities

Distance Learning
ROTC — Army / Navy / Air Force	— / /
Study Abroad
Weekend College
Teacher Certification

Washington State University History

Washington State University is located in Pullman, Washington. There are branch campuses located in Spokane, the Tri-Cities, and Vancouver. Washington State University was founded in 1890 as a land-grant institution, and received university status in 1959. The University now awards bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Washington State University defines its mission as one of “enhanc[ing] the intellectual, creative, and practical abilities of the individual, institutions and communities that we serve by fostering learning and inquiry in all their forms.”

Washington State University Academics

The University is composed of a number of different schools and colleges: the College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Engineering, the College of Engineering and Architecture, the Honors College, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Nursing, the College of Pharmacy, the College of Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. There is also a graduate school.

Bachelor’s degrees are awarded in a large number of different disciplines, including agribusiness, animal sciences, entomology, forestry, soil science, business, management information systems, education, engineering, Asian studies, criminal justice, English, humanities, philosophy, Russian areas studies, theatre arts and drama, nursing, biochemistry, environmental science, mathematics, zoology, and neuroscience. Minors or areas of concentration are available in fields such as adolescents, fruit and vegetable horticulture, pre-veterinary medicine, sustainable agriculture, aerospace studies, Chinese, jazz studies, Naval science, speech language pathology, ecology, mathematical modeling, optics electronics, pre-medicine, and statistics, among others. Students from any major may apply to be part of the Honors College.

Master’s degrees are awarded in agribusiness, architecture, biology, business administration (MBA), communication, education, engineering, human nutrition, materials science and engineering, music, natural resources, public affairs, statistics, veterinary science, and zoology, among others.

The school awards a number of doctoral degrees, in fields such as American studies, crop science, educational leadership and counseling psychology, English, horticulture, material science, mathematics, nutrition, soil science, and zoology. There are also professional degrees awarded through the College of Pharmacy (D. Pharm) and the College of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

Washington State offers 245 different academic programs. Their majors are offered through ten different colleges, including the Honors College, College of Veterinary Medicine, College of Nursing, and the College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences.

Washington State University Unique Programs

There are several concurrent or dual degree programs offered as well, including an MBA/JD program offered jointly with the University of Idaho College of Law.

Design Intelligence magazine has rated WSU’s interior design program eighth in the nation, based on industry surveys. Through two different campuses—Pullman and Spokane—students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in interior design over five years. The program is the only of its kind in the state to be accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research.

Washington State offers students of all majors a writing program that focuses and hones their abilities to communicate through the written word. This program has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the top 13 nationwide.

The Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences area offers a wide array of fascinating studies, including entomology, environmental physics, forestry, turf management, and wetland/aquatic resources.

Washington State University Financial Aid

In-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students are estimated to be $6018 in 2005-2006. Students applying from out of state and graduate students will have different costs.

Financial aid is available with a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

Washington State disperses a generous $27 million in scholarships annually. The flagship of their financial aid program, the University Achievement Award, offers $5,000 for students with a 3.6 or higher GPA, SAT score of 1200, and demonstrate other outstanding academic qualities. The Regents Scholarship is awarded to a single student each year with a 3.8 or greater GPA who demonstrates leadership and community involvement, and can range from $3,000 to $14,000 annually.

Washington State is a participant in the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL), which provides students with tuition assistance loans through the Stafford and PLUS loan programs. You must complete and submit a FAFSSA and meet other eligibility requirements. WSU also offers smaller, short-term loans.

Washington State University Students

In addition to the numerous classroom, dormitory, and administration buildings, Washington State University has an observatory, an art museum, and a concert hall.

The Washington State University Library offers electronic catalogs and on-line databases, in additional to physical volumes stored on site. There is digital access to many of the archives and special collections, and the library also has links to the catalogs of other county, university, and research libraries.

Campus residents achieve a real sense of community at WSU. Freshmen dorm mates are enrolled in the same two general courses for their first semester to encourage social interaction and academic collaboration. The University also offers a variety of living-learning communities, including communities focused on teaching, business, engineering, and architecture. The campus also includes 24 residential fraternities and 15 residential sororities.

One of the most attractive aspects of campus life at WSU is the Up All Night program. Up All Night is usually free or, at the most, very cheap entertainment during weekends. Certain nights may have a particular theme, like the “Beach Theme” in March. There are movies, music, dancing, games, even dance lessons. Up All Night also includes athletic events like Ultimate Frisbee.

Washington State University Traditions

The WSU mascot, Butch T. Cougar, dates back to 1927, when the governor presented a cougar cub to the WSU student body. The University has seen a number of real cougars—young and old—pass through their campus. But the costumed version of Butch remains an active symbol of school spirit. Tryouts to become Butch are held in April of each year. The public can also arrange a Butch appearance through coordination with the WSU Athletics Department.

A more solemn tradition is that of the “Gray W,” signifying the achievement of a varsity letter in athletics. Wearers of the Gray W are still very active in their alma mater’s activities, both on and off the athletic field.

Washington State University Local Community

The town of Pullman is a located in Eastern Washington, just eight miles from Moscow, Idaho. There are numerous outdoor recreational opportunities available, and there is a regional airport.

Pullman offers the traditional combination of small town living and metropolitan leisure that many college towns are known for. Making this community all the more intriguing is the low crime rate and the nearby “big city” of Seattle. Outdoor activities abound in Pullman, including biking, skiing, hiking, and mountain climbing. Kayaking is also a popular pastime, given Washington’s abundant waterways. One of the most talked-about aspects of Pullman is the fact that students are as well known as “old timers” in the local markets and communities.