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Welcome to Outreach and Continuing Education (OCE)
OCE connects diverse learners to the Western Experience by collaborating with colleges, departments and the community, linking university resources with educational needs and opportunities both on and off campus—including international education opportunities—in support of the State’s education attainment goals and Western’s strategic goals.
Contact Us
College Hall
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3308
Email OCE
Programs
Academy for Lifelong Learning
Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) offers a diverse spectrum of academic and cultural courses and excursions to adults, regardless of age or educational background. Offerings are noncredit and are taught by Western faculty, faculty emeritus, and experts in various fields and professions.
Visit Academy of Lifelong Learning
AcadLL@wwu.edu
360-650-4970
Community Relations
Community Relations serves as the liaison between the community and the university by fostering positive relationships with local governments, surrounding neighborhoods, civic and community-based organizations, and the local business community.
Visit Community Relations
Chris.Roselli@wwu.edu
360-650-2153
Compass 2 Campus
Compass 2 Campus (C2C) increases access to higher education for students in Whatcom and Skagit counties who have been historically excluded from higher education by providing low- income and Black, Indigenous, and students of color with trained college student mentors.
Visit Compass2Campus
Compass2Campus@wwu.edu
360-650-4481
Degree and Certificate Programs
Academic programs are offered at locations around the Salish Sea Region through the College of Business and Economics, College of Fine and Performing Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, College of the Environment, Woodring College of Education, University Interdisciplinary Programs, and the Graduate School.
Visit Western Locations Degree Programs
Visit Online Degree and Certificate Programs
Visit Credit Certificate Programs
Employee Language Program
Language workshops for WWU faculty and staff to support professional development and encourage multicultural outreach and awareness.
Visit Employee Language Program
EmployeeLanguage@wwu.edu
360-650-3308
Professional & Continuing Education
Professional and personal enrichment opportunities are available for individuals interested in broadening their skills, exploring new careers, or seeking personal enrichment. Offerings include:
- Certificate Programs offer in-depth study in professional and specialized areas resulting in a certificate of completion when the program is successfully completed.
- Credit Option/Clock Hour partnerships with professional organizations provide Western credit or clock hours to partnership offerings. Course work must meet University academic standards.
Visit Professional & Continuing Education
PCE@wwu.edu
360-650-3308
Special Courses
Western offers special courses for students that are looking for additional options during the academic year. Academic Year Self-Sustaining courses and programs are offered for credit in a variety of topics ranging from one-credit PE activity offerings (Yoga, Self-Defense, Sailing, etc.), ART courses for non-majors and more… Courses are available in the classroom and online.
Visit Special Courses
pce@wwu.edu
360-650-3308
Study USA
Faculty-Led Study USA programs provide an opportunity to have hands-on study and service learning experiences throughout the United States. Led by experienced faculty, these courses are designed to immerse you in environments that foster personal and academic growth, providing experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. Explore the diverse landscapes of America while gaining insights and skills that you won't find anywhere else. Join us in discovering the transformative power of learning through experience!
Visit Faculty-Led Study USA
study.usa.wwu@wwu.edu
360-650-3308
Summer Session
Summer Session is a self-support quarter that offers over 500 academic credit and professional development courses. In addition to the traditional 6- and 9-week courses, offerings include short term, online, field courses, and faculty-led global learning programs.
Visit Summer Session
Summer.Session@wwu.edu
360-650-3308
Testing Center
Western’s Testing Center is a National College Testing Association (NCTA) Certified Test Center and adheres to the standards and guidelines of NCTA and the Consortium of College Testing Centers (CCTC). The mission of the Testing Center is to provide high quality and secure testing services for students, graduates, professionals and those from the local and regional community. Other functions of the testing center include:
- Administers and proctors make-up exams and exams for independent study courses.
- Provides distance learning exams for both Western students and students attending other universities.
- Provides information on national testing programs.
- Maintains records of entrance test scores.
Visit Testing Center
TestingCenter@wwu.edu
360-650-3080
Western Online
Departments across campus, in conjunction with OCE, offer alternatives for completing university course work, including General University Requirements (GURs), upper-division writing proficiency requirements, electives, and courses required for Western majors and minors. Many of the courses offered through WesternOnline are open to anyone - both Western students and the public may enroll. Degree seeking students should verify requirements for degree/major with the academic department.
Term-Based courses begin and end with Western’s quarterly schedule. Students may access the course 24 hours, seven days a week and work at the pace designated by the instructor.
Self-Paced courses enable students to start anytime while following a course guide developed for the Self-Paced student. Students will have six months from the month of registration to complete their course.
Visit Western Online
WesternOnline@wwu.edu
360-650-3308
Western in the High School
Western Washington University in the High School (WWUHS) programs provide college-level academic courses to academically prepared students in Washington State high schools. The WWUHS courses are taught at the high school by high school instructors with oversight by Western’s faculty and staff.
Visit Western in the High School
HighSchool@wwu.edu
360-650-3308