Degrees Available at Washington State University
Washington State University appears in our ranking of the Top ten Online Colleges for Psychology.
Washington State University offers 12 different colleges, a graduate school, and an online school. Sciences and liberal arts are highly regarded at WSU, though other popular paths of study include education, communication, business, pharmacy, nursing, and agriculture. There are more than 200 different fields of study offered at WSU, which includes 95 major and more than 140 professional and graduate degrees. The school offers bachelor’s degrees in most of the major academic areas, and both master’s and doctoral degrees in many. In addition, the school’s core curriculum for undergraduates is nationally recognized.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the school is ranked #140 out of all schools in the country. It is also ranked 83rd on the list of “Best Value Schools.” In regards to the online school, which is becoming very well known, the school ranks at 13th for Best Online MBA Programs and number 8 in the nation for Best Online MBA Programs for veterans. It is also tied for 20th place on the list for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and 30 for Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs.
The agricultural program at Washington State University is ranked at 37th in the nation, and the plant and animal science program is currently ranked #52. Both programs are competitive globally, too.
About Washington State University
On March 28th, 1890, Washington State College was created by the Washington Legislature only five months after statehood was established. At the time, the school taught “mechanic arts” and agriculture, but soon added science and other classes, all of which were designed to make people better farmers. By 1892, the new campus opened in Pullman, which offered courses in domestic science, agriculture, and engineering.
The school began to struggle at this point, and Enoch Albert Bryan was appointed as the college’s president. He added a liberal arts component to the curriculum, and also added courses in history, chemistry, mathematics, literature, and foreign languages. As a lover of art, he also required students to take art and music courses. Under President Bryan, the school grew, and by 1905, it changed its name to the State College of Washington.
President Bryan remained in charge for more than 20 years and was succeeded by Ernest O. Holland in 1915. The next several years were filled with strife, however, as there was a constant rivalry between the State College of Washington and the University of Washington. Eventually, the state government had to step in, and Holland was relieved of his duties.
Through the Great Depression, enrollment fell dramatically and didn’t pick up by the time World War II hit. So, the War Department contracted with the college, and it began to train military personnel. It wasn’t until after the war, and thanks to the G.I. Bill, that enrollment improved.
In 1959, the name of the school was officially changed to Washington State University, and it joined the Athletic Association of Western Universities in 1962. By the 1970s, enrollment quadrupled from numbers in the 1940s, and both undergraduate and graduate degrees were offered. In the 1980s, the university opened three new branch campuses and then added two more. Today, there are six campuses, as well as an online school, which have a total enrollment of more than 31,000 students.
Washington State University Accreditation Details
Washington State University holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. In addition to this accreditation, specific programs are also accredited. These include:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry – American Chemical Society
- BS, MBA, and PhD in Business Administration – Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
- MA and PhD in Counseling Psychology – American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation (APA)
- RN, BSN, MN, DPN in Nursing – American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN)
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering – Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET
Washington State University Application Requirements
Those applying to Washington State University as a first-year student must fill out a standard application, which is found on the school’s website. Applicants who are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class or those who have a GPA of a minimum of a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale may qualify for assured admission, which means they are guaranteed a spot at Washington State University.
In addition to the application, first-year applicants to WSU must also submit transcripts from an accredited high school and SAT or ACT scores.
Those applying to Washington State University as a graduate student must also fill out an application for admission. It is available on the school’s website. In addition, applicants must submit a transcript from any college or university they have attended and GRE scores. Letters of recommendation are also required for admission.
People who are applying for the Global Campus, which is the online school at Washington State University, will fill out the same applications that first-year and graduate students use. The requirements are also the same.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Washington State University for undergraduates varies based on residency. Washington State residents who are undergraduates will pay approximately $27,990 per year in the 2019-2020 school year. This is made up of $5,255 for tuition each semester, plus room and board and other various fees. Those who attend Washington State University as an undergraduate, but do not have Washington State residency, will pay $42,568 per year.
Graduate students in the 2019-2020 school year will pay approximately $29,418 per year as a resident and $43,174 as a non-resident.
These are estimates and can change based on several factors.
Online students at Washington State University pay $5,184 – $5,775 for undergraduate courses each semester and graduates pay $5,954.
Financial aid is available for those who fill out the FAFSA forms and qualify. There are a number of financial aid options for all students including loans, grants, scholarships, on-campus jobs, and Federal work-study programs. Approximately 60% of students attending Washington State University receive some type of financial aid.
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