Academics
Explore a World of Possibilities
For more than 130 years, Central Washington University (CWU) has remained committed to promoting academic excellence, public service, and our students’ success. We proudly offer 135 majors, 32 master’s degree programs, and a range of minors and certificates to boost your skill acquisition and career preparedness.
Find Your ProgramExplore our Academic departments
Whether you’re just beginning your educational journey as a first-year student or pursuing advanced graduate studies, CWU’s programs create immersive, hands-on learning opportunities that challenge you and support you in building a better future.
Academic Resources
Find the support you need at CWU. From learning accommodations to peer mentoring, our resources support you.
ADCO Committee
Explore the different programs and resources of the ADCO Committee.
Africana and Black Studies
In the Africana and Black Studies Department, you will engage with the history of the African diaspora.
Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising
The Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
American Indian Studies
In the American Indian Studies Program at CWU, learn about Indigenous peoples, cultures, and histories.
Anthropology and Museum Studies
This department is committed to the comprehensive study of human and nonhuman societies, cultures, and biological diversity.
Art and Design
At the heart of the Art and Design Department is a community that values meaningful connections and creativity.
Asian Studies
Explore the different programs and resources of the Asian Studies department.
Aviation
The CWU Aviation degree program will prepare you for a rewarding career in the aviation field.
Biology
In the Department of Biological Sciences, you will cultivate your understanding of biological concepts.
Career and Technical Education
Explore the different programs and resources of the Career & Technical Education (CTE) Certification department.
Chemistry
The CWU Chemistry Department is dedicated to shaping future scientists in the ever-evolving field of Chemistry.
Child Development and Family Science
Child Development and Family Science is the interdisciplinary study of children and families.
Academic Colleges
Explore the Academic Colleges of CWU!
Communication
Do you have a passion for journalism, media, strategic communication, PR, or marketing? Join the Comm Department.
Computer Science
At CWU, we prepare you to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology with a focus on its ethical and social impacts.
Conference Services
Your one stop shop for all of your conference needs.
Craft Brewing
Located in the heart of the nation’s hop country, CWU’s Craft Brewing program provides you with hands-on brewing experience.
Dance
The Dance Program at CWU combines the artistic, academic, and athletic attributes of dance.
School of Education
If you want to be a teacher, CWU can prepare you for a bright future in the classroom.
Curriculum, Supervision, and Educational Leadership
We provide the essential courses you'll need to successfully complete the Secondary Education major.
Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction
The study of Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction (ETSC) is all about building connections.
English
The English Department at CWU is a vibrant hub for scholars, educators, and learners.
Environmental Studies
The Environmental Studies Program prepares you to become a leader, researcher, and steward of the environment.
Ethics Lab
Learn about the EthicsLab at CWU.
Family Consumer Sciences
The Family Consumer Sciences department encompasses a wide variety of disciplines that fall into five main areas.
Field Experiences
Explore the different programs and resources of the Office of Field Experience department.
Film
In the CWU Film Program, you will explore film genres and techniques, empowering you to find your unique voice.
General Education
Explore the different programs and resources about General Education
Geography
The Department of Geography at CWU offers degrees and certificates designed to prepare you to understand our planet.
Geological Sciences
The Geological Sciences Department offers programs to support your exploration of Earth and our interactions with it.
Health Careers
Explore the different programs and resources of the Health Careers department.
Health Sciences
Health Sciences at CWU equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in your community.
History
In the Department of History, we believe that studying history teaches you about the human experience and its impact.
Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management
In the Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management program at CWU, we'll cover the details of managing events, and more!
Interdisciplinary Studies—Social Sciences
Are you interested in designing your own Bachelor of Science degree?
Office of International Studies
Explore the different programs and resources of the Office of International Studies department.
Information Technology Management
Our department combines the technical facets of information technology with the strategic elements of management.
Latino and Latin American Studies
Apply the disciplinary studies of the arts, humanities, social sciences, and professional studies to issues facing Latinos.
Law and Justice
With a degree in Law and Justice you can pursue a career in social work, homeland security, law enforcement, and more.
Mathematics
Model real-world phenomena. Analyze big data. Predict risk. Inspire the next generation.
Museum of Culture and Environment
Home page for the Museum of Culture and Environment.
Music
Our department is dedicated to learning, creating, and experiencing music together.
Philosophy and Comparative Religion
In this department, we deal with “big questions,” the issues that are foundational to just about any other discipline.
Physics
Join an intellectually stimulating physics department that merges modern lab facilities with small class sizes.
Political Science
In CWU's Political Science Department, you will be offered an intellectual space where ideas lead to action.
Primate Behavior
Primatology is the study of the behavior, biology, evolution, and taxonomy of primates.
Psychology
Learn more about undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the Department of Psychology at CWU.
Public Policy
The Bachelor of Science in Public Policy is aimed at exploration and analysis of the historical legacies.
Research
Research at Central Washington University.
Cultural and Environmental Resource Management
Cultural and Environmental Resource Management Program empowers you to make an impact on culture and economical issues.
Science and Mathematics Education
Our program prepares undergraduates through a rigorous interdisciplinary study of science, mathematics, and education.
Sociology
In the Sociology Department, you will gain an understanding of issues many communities face and challenge social constructs.
Spatial Information and Research
Explore the different programs and resources of the Spatial Information & Research department.
Special Education and Technology Center
Explore the different programs and resources of the Special Education & Technology Center.
Specialized Programs
Every student has a place at CWU. Discover how our student support programs offer personalized guidance.
Sport and Movement Studies
The Sport and Movement Studies Department emphasizes lifelong fitness, wellness, and leadership.
Teach STEM
At the intersection of science, mathematics, and education, CWU’s Teach STEM program prepares students for teaching careers.
CWU Teacher Academies
CWU Teacher Academies is supporting districts in creating pathways into teaching for WA teachers.
Teacher Certification
The Teaching Certification Program is here to help keep track of various teaching programs offered at CWU!
Education, Development, Teaching and Learning
Earn your teaching degree in WA state and discover comprehensive programs, hands-on experiences, and expert faculty at CWU!
Theatre Arts
The Theatre Arts Department offers majors, minors, certificates, and graduate degrees in almost all aspects of the theatre.
Wine Studies
Wine Studies at CWU elevates your understanding of wine, marketing, and business practices. Launch your career at CWU.
Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Learn how gender and sexuality shape society.
World Languages and Cultures
The Department of World Languages and Cultures offers degrees in ASL, Russian, French, German, Japanese, and more.
Explore Your Next Steps
Discover the Value of a CWU Degree
On-Campus and Online Programs
We recognize that Central students come from all walks of life and have a diverse range of needs. That’s why we offer our degree programs in traditional on-campus, hybrid, and 100% online formats to provide flexibility for working professionals, parents, and students unable to attend in-person classes. Whatever the circumstances, our learning formats help students achieve their goals without sacrificing their schedules. Learn more about CWU's online learning formats.
Engage in Groundbreaking Research
CWU thrives on innovation, curiosity, and discovery. Both undergraduate and graduate students can collaborate with our world-class faculty to embark on their research projects. Our scholars work hard to solve present-day challenges and positively impact local and global communities through their pursuits. Find out more about CWU's commitment to research.
Customize Your Student Experience with a Specialized Program
At CWU, we celebrate our students’ diverse backgrounds by offering various specialized programs designed to accommodate their unique needs. These programs empower ambitious high schoolers, international students, adult learners, and many others with tailored academic pathways, essential tools, and resources to help them achieve their goals and unleash their potential. Explore our specialized program offerings.
Receive the Personalized Support You Need
As a Central student, you don’t have to plan your academic journey alone. Our dedicated team of advisors offers their support and guidance so you can make informed decisions for your education. From registering for courses to helping you choose a major that suits your career goals, our advisors invest in your long-term success.
Academic Colleges
Central Washington University proudly hosts six distinct academic colleges, each fostering supportive learning environments and a culture of excellence for students and faculty. CWU’s colleges include:
CWU News
CWU celebrates Women’s History Month with events, exhibits
March 4, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
CWU primatology faculty prominent in the news
March 4, 2026 by Rune Torgersen
Senior standout leads Wildcats into postseason
March 4, 2026 by David Leder