Western Washington University

One of the oldest and largest professional programs at the University

Western Washington University isn’t a place where you just show up for four years, learn a few things, and get a job that bores you. That’s for normal schools. We want people with an appetite for ambition—people who want to learn about the universe and then change it. Through close relationships with professors, a community atmosphere, and academic excellence, we help people find their purpose, and we inspire them to pursue that purpose with everything they’ve got. We bring together those who want to change the world with the people who are changing it. Western is where, together, we can Make Waves. 

The Department of Health and Human Development, within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences is one of the oldest and largest professional programs at Western. There are currently over 650 undergraduate and 25 graduate students enrolled in the three programs, making it large enough to provide a comprehensive curriculum, yet small enough that you won't get lost in the crowd. The department is housed in the recently renovated Carver Academic facility, along with its Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology Labs, Anatomy Lab, Lou Parberry Fitness Center, offices, classrooms, and athletic facilities. Also available for instructional and recreational use is the University's 11-acre waterfront facility, Lakewood, on Lake Whatcom, located just minutes from campus. The mission of the Department of Health and Human Development is to educate individuals to improve personal and community wellness and quality of life through human movement, health and leisure experiences.

Kinesiology and Physical Education Program
Growth of exercise and sport-related fields has led to the development of professional options that prepare Kinesiology and Physical Education majors for many kinds of employment. You can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree by combining the discipline of human performance with either a teacher education or a kinesiology concentration.
Learn more about Kinesiology and PE P-12

Public Health Education
The Public Health Education curriculum reflects the broad nature of the field, preparing students to design, implement, and evaluate health education programs in various settings. The school health option prepares you to teach in elementary or secondary schools. The Public Health option prepares you as a health educator in public and private health agencies, worksite, or medical care facilities.
Discover Public Health Education

Recreation Management and Leadership
The Recreation Management and Leadership curriculum combines a general education core with a unique sequential program which majors complete together. The curriculum prepares you for leadership and management careers in diverse recreational settings, including outdoor, community, therapeutic, and sustainable tourism.
Explore Recreation Management and Leadership

Lead your change
Our students and graduates are recognized for making change in their communities and the world. Citlaly Ramirez tells her story of going from studying English as her second language to getting an internship coding alongside other software developers. As she courageously shares her experience of navigating life as an undocumented student, she creates understanding and inspires others. 

Bring your ideas to life
You deserve an education that teaches you to innovate and think critically, preparing you for jobs of the future that don’t yet exist. Even before earning their degrees, Western students have created one of the nation’s first campus recycling programs, developed tiny homes to address affordable housing and environmental sustainability needs, developed the first completely transparent solar window, and so much more.

Belong here
From the beautiful natural environment to the welcoming community, Western is a breath of fresh air and a wonderful place to call home. Get ready to make deep connections and have the real conversations needed to create a better future. Located in northwestern Washington State between the mountains and the bay, this area offers countless ways to connect with the people and causes that are important to you.