Welcome to Central Washington University, home of the Wildcats.A public, four-year university located in historic Ellensburg, Wash.
Central's commitment to hands-on learning and discovery and individual attention takes students beyond the classroom and books' limits. Students get to do what they are studying in real-world, professional settings, making learning exciting and relevant.
Each year CWU graduates thousands of well-educated citizens. They are ready for high-demand careers in the workforce: construction management, accounting, engineering technology, teacher education, wine business, paramedicine, aviation, etc.
CWU prepares students to succeed in a global economy through strong partnerships with 30 colleges and universities worldwide. Last year we welcomed more than 400 students from 36 countries to our campus. Central Washington University's Ellensburg residential campus encompasses 380 acres. There are six university centers (Des Moines, Lynnwood, Pierce County, Moses Lake, Wenatchee, and Yakima) and two instructional sites (Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Sammamish).
The mission of Central Washington University is to prepare students for enlightened, responsible, and productive lives to produce research, scholarship, and creative expression in the public interest and to serve as a resource to the region and the state through effective stewardship of university resources.
Central Washington University (CWU) is a dynamic, creative, and inclusive environment that promotes engaged learning and scholarship. It is distinguished regionally for its curriculum and scholarship rigor, for the excellence of its pedagogy, for the vibrancy of its co-curricular and residential experiences, for its commitment to providing access to higher education, and for its efforts to advance the social and economic health of the region.
It is typified by an entrepreneurial spirit that establishes it as a national leader in higher education. It has a strong commitment to engaged learning and scholarship, internationalism, sustainability, inclusiveness, and life-long learning.
With more than 135 accredited college majors and 32 accredited master's degree programs, there are many ways for you to take your education in an exciting direction.
CWU offers many exciting degree programs. Central is a place where students get to do what they are learning. Biology students and professors tag bull trout at Snoqualmie Pass. Music students perform at the Monterey Jazz Festival. Faculty and students in geology site earthquake detection systems on dams, mountaintops, and coastlines. Central is committed to hands-on learning, discovery, and individual attention. Learning is exciting and relevant when it takes place beyond the limits of the classroom and books. The benefit to students is an educational experience made it more prosperous and more stimulating. The benefit to employers is experienced graduates who are prepared for work on day one.
Your CWU undergraduate or graduate-level education begins with a search of our many programs to see which one is the best fit for you. Small classes taught by professors allow undergraduates to work closely with faculty, ask questions, and engage in research. At CWU, your education is personal. Here, your professor knows your name, and that means something. Central programs are recognized for academic quality and for the graduates we produce. In addition to the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, CWU also offers various certifications and other extended learning opportunities.
Once you decide which quarter you want to start college at CWU, make sure you submit all required transcripts, applications, and other documentation by the Priority Application Deadline.CWU is a teaching university. That means a student's academic experience comes first. Small classes and faculty passionate about teaching are a formula for success.
From the moment you arrive on the CWU campus, you'll feel right at home. Our friendly, welcoming students and professors immediately let you know that this is the place you belong to, a dynamic public university that perfectly fits your wants and needs. Considering all this and our affordable tuition, it is easy to understand why The Economist magazine recently named CWU as Washington's best educational value.
With more than 135 accredited majors, including many taught by award-winning national professors, you are bound to find the bachelor's degree program that's right for you.
The Office of the Dean of Student Success provides students educationally-purposeful programs, events, services, and activities that promote academic, personal, and professional growth within and beyond the classroom. There is never a dull moment on the Central Washington University campus. Here you will find college life the way you knew it could be. Whatever your interest, you will find a way to pursue it on our beautiful college campus in Ellensburg. Even the weekends are filled with fun, including visiting comedians, 5K runs, karaoke, community clean-ups, etc. One reason 80 percent of CWU students remain on campus in Ellensburg three or four weekends a month.
Weekdays offer their out-of-classroom college fun. Every Monday evening is movie night, with a free feature for students. Plus, with our 22 sports clubs, varsity sports, campus organization projects, and music groups, there is never a shortage of things.
From the moment you arrive on the CWU campus for Wildcat Day, Wildcat Discover, Wildcat Welcome Weekend, or the First-Year Experience Transition Series, you will be met with a fun, welcoming university community that will make you feel right at home. Life at college is going to be useful when you attend at CWU.
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