Overview

The Design programme at Western Washington University provides a comprehensive education in the visual communication of ideas through a rigorous, professional curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore the vital connections between contemporary culture and their roles as creative problem solvers in a rapidly evolving industry.

This degree is unique due to its depth and the significant opportunities for students to collaborate closely with faculty members. The teaching staff are active professionals who prioritising student development, ensuring that the curriculum remains fluid across traditional print-based graphic design and modern interaction design for web and mobile applications.

Why Design at Western Washington University?

The institution offers a highly competitive BFA track limited to 36 students per year, ensuring an intimate and focused learning environment. Facilities include a dedicated design production lab equipped with industry-standard tools such as laser cutters, hydraulic paper cutters, bindery machines, and Vandercook proofing letterpresses.

Students benefit from extensive professional networking through annual field trips to major design hubs like Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. These trips include visits to renowned firms such as Chronicle Books and Salesforce, providing direct insight into the professional landscape and helping students build essential industry connections.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 27690 per year
National fee: USD 27690 per year
Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the integration of various media to solve complex visual communication problems. Modules may include:

Graphic Design
Production Design
Digital Media Design
Interaction Design
Web Design
App Design
Illustration

Careers with Design

Graduates from this programme have a high success rate, with 93% finding field-related employment shortly after finishing their studies. Alumni are prepared for diverse roles in advertising agencies, in-house departments, and private consultancies, often working as Visual Designers, UX/UI Designers, or Production Managers.

Recent graduates have secured positions at prestigious global organisations, including Amazon, Facebook, and Starbucks Technology. Other employers include Alaska Airlines, Nordstrom, and Microsoft, where alumni apply their skills in product design, brand development, and digital image making across both the private and public sectors.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Design View

Visual Communication

Visual Culture in Western Europe in the 19th Century

Visual Culture in Western Europe and America in the 20th Century

Graphic Design in the 20th Century

Typography

Graphic Design: 2D

Graphic Design: 3D

Print and Finishing

Digital Media Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-07 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-04-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-09-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-31 00:00:00

More details

Language

English

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105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Bellingham, United States

Disciplines

Design View 846 other Bachelors in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

The International Student Application for Admission

$60 non-refundable application fee

An essay that helps the Admissions Committee understand your academic goals, related experiences and/or preparatory course work, and professional goals

Official academic credentials

Evidence of English language proficiency

Statement of Financial Responsibility

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Out-of-State

27690 USD / year

≈ 27690 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8523 USD / year

≈ 8523 USD / year

Living costs

Bellingham

United States

1109 - 1684 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Bellingham

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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