Student - Faculty Designed Western Washington University

Overview

The Student - Faculty Designed programme at Western Washington University offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to construct a personalised academic pathway. This Bachelor of Science degree is specifically intended for those whose educational objectives cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Administered through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, this flexible framework empowers students to take ownership of their higher education. By working closely with a dedicated advisory committee, participants can ensure their custom curriculum maintains high academic standards while pursuing niche interests.

Why Student - Faculty Designed at Western Washington University?

Choosing this path at Western Washington University provides access to a collaborative environment where students partner with expert faculty members. The institution supports this interdisciplinary approach by allowing students to draw from various departments to build a robust and focused plan of study.

The programme is distinguished by its rigorous approval process, ensuring that every custom major exhibits breadth, depth, and academic integrity. Students benefit from the university's commitment to individualised mentorship, as they must form a committee of three to four faculty members to guide their curriculum development.

Facilities and resources within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences are available to support these unique research interests. This structure is ideal for self-motivated learners who wish to combine different fields of study into a cohesive professional or academic foundation.

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 for this major is individually negotiated and must include between 70 and 110 credits. At least 45 credits must be sourced from departments within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, with a strong emphasis on upper-division coursework.

Modules may include:

• Global Humanities and Religions
• Independent Study
• Writing Proficiency
• Liberal Arts

Careers with Student - Faculty Designed

Graduates of this programme possess a diverse skill set that is highly adaptable to various professional sectors. Because the curriculum is self-designed, career outcomes are varied and depend entirely on the specific focus chosen by the student during their studies.

The degree prepares individuals for roles in industries that value interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving, and self-direction. Many students use this bespoke foundation to enter specialised graduate programmes or to pursue careers in fields where a standard departmental major may not provide sufficient preparation.

Common pathways include pre-professional tracks or academic research roles tailored to the student's unique expertise. The ability to design and complete a custom degree also demonstrates a high level of initiative and organisational skill to potential employers across the public and private sectors.