Academic Departments
American Studies Program
American studies is the interdisciplinary analysis of the society and culture of the United States. WSU's American studies program is the recognized leader in the field in the Northwest, being the only program authorized to grant degrees from the B.A. to the Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of human life in all places and at all times. It is usually divided into four sub-fields: cultural anthropology, linguistics, archaeology, and physical anthropology. WSU is internationally known for its practical education in the techniques of archaeology, and several archaeological research projects have provided students with hands-on experience and employment.
Asia Program
The Asia Program is designed to provide a broad, systematic knowledge of Asia through interdisciplinary study. Students may focus their studies on Japan, China, South Asia, or the Middle East, or they may study all areas equally.
Department of Comparative Ethnic Studies
The department offers unique opportunities to study the social, economic, and political forces that have shaped the historical experience of diverse ethnic communities in the United States in the last 500 years and that continue to determine our future.
Criminal Justice
Program
Criminal justice studies the problem of crime and its control. The program offers substantive studies in criminal justice in conjunction with a liberal arts education and is the second oldest program west of the Mississippi, established in 1943.
Department of English
There are 4 options in the major: literary studies, teaching, creative writing, and professional writing and rhetoric. The department also houses the groundbreaking program in digital technology and culture.
Department of Fine Arts
The department offers emphases in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital media, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as a minor in art history. The electronic imaging program sports state-of-the-art imaging equipment and prepares students for careers using multimedia techniques and digital imaging.
Department of Fine Arts
The department offers emphases in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital media, ceramics, and sculpture, as well as a minor in art history. The electronic imaging program sports state-of-the-art imaging equipment and prepares students for careers using multimedia techniques and digital imaging.
Department of Foreign Languages & Cultures
Foreign languages and cultures entails the study of languages other than English and the cultures in which these languages are spoken. Combined with almost any discipline, the study of foreign languages is an ideal enhancement to one's marketability in a highly competitive job market.
General Studies Program
General studies is for students who have varied interests that may cut across the usual departmental boundaries and who wish to play a major role in deciding on a suitable curriculum of study. Students earn a bachelor of arts in humanities, bachelor of arts in social sciences, or bachelor of liberal arts degree.
Department of History
Offerings in the field of history may be classified as American, Asian, European, and Latin American. A major in history can be used in government service, the new specialty of public history, several areas of business and industry, and many other fields.
School of Music
Music's longtime strengths in performance, music education, and composition are enhanced by more contemporary degree options in music business and jazz studies, for which the program is nationally recognized. An option with electrical engineering and computer science is now offered. Kimbrough Hall, home to the school, was recently expanded and houses extensive recording studio, computerized music instruction, and electronic music equipment for student use.
Department of Philosophy
Philosophy addresses the "big questions." What is the nature of goodness? How much can we know, and how can we gain knowledge? What is the ultimate reality? The department hosts a regional philosophy conference every year, in conjunction with the University of Idaho, that draws national and international scholars to the Palouse.
Department of Political Science
Studies range from American politics, international politics, and political theory to public administration, constitutional law, and comparative government. The department houses the Foley Institute, which gives students the opportunity to pursue internships in Olympia and Washington, D.C.
Department of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and the behavior of other living creatures. Psychology students at WSU are involved in the research process at the undergraduate level. In addition, the graduate programs are ranked third nationally among average sized departments.
Department of Sociology
Sociology is the study of groups, organizations, and institutions in society and how these groupings shape individual behavior. The department is ranked third among our institutional peers. Members of the faculty are nationally and internationally recognized.
Department of Speech & Hearing Sciences
The program of study provides coursework and clinical practicum offerings that prepare professionals to meet the needs of individuals of all ages evidencing a wide variety of speech, language, learning, and hearing problems. WSU's program is in the top third of programs accredited nationally, and students receive hands-on experience in the campus clinic.
Department of Theatre & Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance offers the serious drama student an excellent balance between hands-on production experience and the academic study of theatre arts.
Department of Women's Studies
The department offers an interdisciplinary study of how gender affects our lives, with an emphasis on women's lives, roles, and contributions. The department emphasizes collaborative learning and critical thinking in a global and activist context.
Life is good at WSU.
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A unique richness of students, faculty, location, activities, and organizations creates a full, lively student life at the University. This section gives you the insider's view on student life and a sampling of the opportunities here.
"Glimpses." Students talk about life at WSU
These brief posts are written by WSU students to give you a personal look through their window on campus life.