College of Business and Economics

Western Washington University, College of Business and Economics History

Western Washington University, founded in 1893, is a public, coeducational institution. The 190-acre campus is located in a small town 90 miles north of Seattle. Total undergraduate and graduate enrollment is approximately 12,500. Enrollment figures in the above capsule are approximate.

The College of Business and Economics was founded in 1976 and is located on the main campus, in its own building, Parks Hall. The basic educational approach is to provide broad training in the quantitative, theoretical, and analytical skills.

Western Washington University, College of Business and Economics Academics

The College of Business and Economics offers the Master of Business Administration (MBA). Other programs include internships. Regular programs bring distinguished speakers and visiting professors to campus.

Sixty total credits are required to complete the program, including 28 elective credits.

Business students may take relevant nonbusiness courses in other departments. The minimum time permitted to complete the master’s degree program attending full time is 4 quarters; maximum, 5 years. For students attending part time, the minimum is 9 quarters; maximum, 5 years.

In a recent year, there were 82 total full-time graduate business faculty, of whom 98% held a doctorate; there were 2 part-time faculty, all of whom held a doctorate. Faculty salaries are rated average for Category IIA institutions, based on the AAUP rating system. Average number of courses faculty teach is 6; average business class size is 15.

Western Washington University, College of Business and Economics Unique Programs

Library

The university’s main library houses a collection of more than 650,000 volumes and 2 million microform items, and subscribes to 5500 periodicals.

International Students

International students must take the TOEFL. They also must submit a translation of their transcripts, proof of health consisting of measles immunization and a TB test, and proof of adequate funds to cover the entire program of study. Check with the school for current application deadlines.

Calendar

The school operates on a quarter basis. Quarters are 10 weeks long; summer sessions, 9 weeks. Graduate programs are offered during the day and evening.

Western Washington University, College of Business and Economics Admissions

A bachelor’s degree is required, along with a GPA of 3.0. Most important admissions factors are academic accomplishments and ability, GMAT results, and grades in upper-level courses. A strong mathematics background is not required.

53 students enrolled in a recent class. The average GMAT score was 550. Transfers are not accepted. Minority students are actively recruited by making every attempt to accommodate the needs of minority students in the admissions process.

Students may begin the MBA program in the fall and summer. To apply, students must submit an application form, 2 transcripts, GMAT scores, a resume, and a statement of purpose. Check with the school for the current application fee and deadlines. Students are notified of the admissions decision as soon as the application is processed.

Western Washington University, College of Business and Economics Financial Aid

Stipends and programs available for minority students include periodic allocations by the Graduate School. The FAFSA, the school’s own financial statement, and the Pell Grant Student Aid Report (SAR) are required. The application deadline is February 15 for fall entry.

Tuition for in-state residents is $199 per credit. Nonresidents pay $540 per credit. Graduate student housing is available in reasonable accommodations in the local community. There is a referral service to help procure off-campus housing.

Western Washington University, College of Business and Economics Students

Sixty-four percent of a recent graduate business school class were enrolled full time. The greatest percentage of students are from Washington (81%). Forty percent are women, 8% are minorities, and 19% are foreign nationals. The average age at entrance is 29; ages range from 22 to 51. Sixteen percent enter directly from undergraduate school; 2% already have a graduate degree. Students’ undergraduate majors were as follows: 32%, business; 21%, social sciences; 15%, liberal arts; 13%, math and science; 9%, engineering; and 4%, economics.