Whitworth University

Accounting

Whitworth's Certificate in Accounting is designed to help you learn the accounting principles you need to take the CPA exam. You can complete the accounting certificate on its own in just 16 months if you've already taken the prerequisite courses, or earn it as part of a bachelor's degree program.

Administrative & Nonprofit Leadership

This program is for potential leaders and administrators in nonprofits and other organizations, such as nonprofit organizations, higher education settings, community agencies, educational service districts and private schools. Required coursework covers leadership theory and practice, strategic planning, public policy and advocacy, financial resource development, grant writing and a capstone internship.

American Studies

American studies is an interdisciplinary major. Students will examine American society through the study of history, politics, literature and sociology. Graduates are encouraged to pursue employment in a broad number of professions, as well as graduate studies in a wide variety of fields.

Applied Mathematics

The applied mathematics major builds on a 37-credit mathematics core and is offered in general, mathematical economics, mathematical finance and data science tracks. Faculty members help students learn to apply mathematics and computing skills in the fields of natural science, business and industry, and the social and behavioral sciences.

Applied Physics

The applied physics major combines the physics core with engineering coursework. Students gain significant experience conducting original research in basic or applied science.

Art & Design

Faculty members in the Whitworth University Department of Art & Design are committed to excellent teaching. The department's mission is to provide students who are enrolled in art and design courses with a rigorous intellectual environment in which students may gain knowledge and skills that will enable their creative progress in visual art and design.

Art History

An interdisciplinary major combining art history coursework with history courses. Students study ancient, medieval, Renaissance, modern and non-Western art alongside a research project and internship.

Athletic Training

The Master of Science in Athletic Training is an accredited professional degree leading toward eligibility to sit for the national examination to become a certified athletic trainer (ATC). The mission of the program is to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to become highly proficient and professional entry-level athletic trainers through quality instruction, clinical education, relational mentoring and diverse professional experiences.

Behavior Analysis

Students demonstrate competency-based content, knowledge and skills related to applied behavior analysis and implement evidence-based behavior analytic practices with clients in home, school or community settings. The degree is offered in two Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) tracks of 32 and 46 credits.

Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary major combining computer science, mathematics, biology and chemistry. Students complete coursework in data structures, database management, software engineering, genetics and biochemistry.

Biology (BA)

The Whitworth Biology Department desires to broadly educate students in the fundamentals of biological processes and organismal diversity, to train students in the practice of science, and to instill an ethic of scientific responsibility in a complex world. Ultimately, this experience will inform their worldviews, their understanding of God, and their roles in society.

Biology (BS)

The Whitworth Biology Department desires to broadly educate students in the fundamentals of biological processes and organismal diversity, to train students in the practice of science, and to instill an ethic of scientific responsibility in a complex world. Ultimately, this experience will inform their worldviews, their understanding of God, and their roles in society.

Biophysics

The biophysics major combines physics coursework with biology and chemistry. Students gain significant experience conducting original research in basic or applied science.

Brewing Science & Operations

The Brewing Science & Operations Certificate is designed as a 14-credit, one-year program, offered through the School of Continuing Studies, that requires four courses and internship hours (for credit). Cohorts move through the program together, beginning in August and finishing the following May.

Business Administration

The Whitworth School of Business prepares graduate students to compete successfully in today's international marketplace. Courses in finance, operations and project management, marketing, human resources and leadership are designed to give students the business skill sets to be competitive in the job market while developing their intercultural intelligence and expanding their knowledge of world markets. Evening seminar-style courses offer students the choice of full- or part-time study.

Business Administration

The undergraduate department of business & economics offers a bachelor of business administration (BBA) program with concentrations in accounting, management, economics, finance and marketing. The Whitworth School of Business provides an education of mind and heart in the liberal arts tradition based on Christian principles.

Business Leadership

The master of business leadership is one of the graduate programs of the Whitworth School of Business, combining 18 credits of business courses with 18 credits of leadership courses. Admission generally requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a minimum GMAT or GRE score.

Business Management

The Whitworth Business Management Program blends current organizational theory with practice, providing a one-of-a-kind educational experience for the adult who seeks to complete a bachelor's degree while working. This major is included in one of the three divisions of Whitworth's AACSB-accredited School of Business; it meets all requirements for a business degree granted by Whitworth University.

Chemistry (BA)

The Whitworth Chemistry Department strives to develop confident, well-prepared students who are able to contribute to the world community on issues relating to modern chemistry. Our students are expected to develop strong oral and written communication skills, to engage in critical thinking, to develop excellent laboratory skills, to work on independent research, and to prepare for vocations in industrial, academic and professional areas.

Chemistry (BS)

The B.S. in chemistry builds on the department core and offers general, biochemistry and physical chemistry tracks. B.S. students demonstrate the ability to conduct research through the development and use of experiments to test a hypothesis.

Communication

The Whitworth Communication Studies Department provides students with the theories and skills necessary for effective communication in diverse contexts. The department offers a major with four tracks: communication, journalism & media studies, speech communication, and strategic communication.

Community Health

The community health major is designed to prepare students to think critically, communicate effectively and solve complex problems related to the health of communities. Grounded in evidence-based thinking and social justice, majors will assess individual and community needs and resources; plan, implement and evaluate effective health education programs; coordinate the provision of health education services; and advocate for the health of all people.

Comprehensive Leadership

A nine-credit graduate certificate offered by the Whitworth School of Business covering the dynamics of self-analysis and actualization, human capital and group culture, and organizational effectiveness. The same coursework serves as the concentration in comprehensive leadership within the MBA, MBL and M.S. in Financial Planning degrees.

Computer Science (BA)

The computer science B.A. builds on a 28-credit computer science core and is offered in international project management, business and network systems options. Faculty members help students learn to apply mathematics and computing skills in the fields of natural science, business and industry, and the social and behavioral sciences.

Computer Science (BS)

The computer science B.S. builds on a 28-credit computer science core with additional coursework in digital logic, computer architecture, algorithms, mathematics and physics. Students develop software-engineering proficiency and an appropriate theoretical foundation for computer science.

Counseling Studies

This program focuses on counseling strategies and techniques for school-aged children, with content supporting legal and ethical issues, social and cultural issues, and action research. The M.Ed. in Counseling Studies is designed for individuals who are interested in the field of working with school-aged children, but who do not complete the requirements to become a certified school counselor.

Criminology & Criminal Justice

The criminology & criminal justice major equips students with competency in the conceptual core of criminology and criminal justice. Coursework covers deviance and crime, juvenile justice, courts and corrections, policing, and social research methods, culminating in a sociology practicum.

Educational Administration

This program is for potential principals/program directors in public or private (P-12) schools and carries with it competency-based certification with recommendations from the Administrative Professional Education Advisory Board. Candidates must hold or have held a valid teacher's certificate or a valid educational staff associate certificate and must have demonstrated successful school-based experience in an instructional role for a minimum of three years by completion of the program.

Educational Studies

The Master of Education in Educational Studies Program is designed for individuals who are interested in the field of education, but who do not complete the requirements to become a certified teacher. This program is housed within the Master in Teaching (MIT) program and does not meet the requirements for teacher licensure in Washington state.

Education Studies

The bachelor of arts degree in education studies is designed for individuals who are interested in the field of education, but who do not complete the requirements to become a certified teacher. Elementary and secondary tracks are available.

Elementary Education

The Whitworth Department of Teacher Education views the role of the teacher as a calling – a commitment to understanding and responding compassionately to the needs of children and youth. This major currently leads to K-8 certification in Washington state.

Engineering

The B.S. in engineering from Whitworth University is designed to prepare our graduates for professional practice or advanced studies by providing a broad education in engineering fundamentals in a liberal arts environment. The B.S. Engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET.

English

Students in the English major complete challenging courses in literature, writing and critical theory, so that all majors become careful and insightful readers, judicious and flexible researchers, and clear, imaginative writers. We aim to graduate students whose strong speaking, writing, analysis and problem-solving skills make them extraordinary, resourceful professionals.

English/Language Arts

This major is especially intended for undergraduate students who are simultaneously completing education certification through Whitworth's School of Education. When taken alongside a teacher certification program through the School of Education, this major addresses all required English/Language Arts endorsement competencies for the State of Washington's Residency Teacher Certificate.

Environmental Science

The environmental studies program draws on the expertise of faculty distributed throughout the academic disciplines at Whitworth to provide a robust interdisciplinary approach to the study of the natural world. The B.S. in environmental science focuses on the physical and biological dimensions, providing a thorough grounding in the sciences.

Environmental Studies

The environmental studies program draws on the expertise of faculty distributed throughout the academic disciplines at Whitworth to provide a robust interdisciplinary approach to the study of the natural world. The B.A. in environmental studies focuses in particular on the social, political, ethical and religious dimensions of environmental challenges and opportunities.

Executive Leadership

A nine-credit graduate certificate offered by the Whitworth School of Business in executive leadership, transferable team performance, design thinking and leadership in society. The same coursework serves as the concentration in executive leadership within the MBA, MBL and M.S. in Financial Planning degrees.

Financial Planning

A 21-credit graduate certificate covering financial counseling, retirement planning and employee benefits, income tax planning, wealth management, estate planning and a capstone in financial planning. The certificate program meets coursework requirements to sit for the CFP Exam.

Financial Planning

The master of science in financial planning is one of the graduate programs of the Whitworth School of Business. The degree combines 21 credits of required financial planning courses, including a capstone in financial planning, with nine credits of elective business coursework.

French and Francophone Studies

French and Francophone Studies majors complete introductory level courses in French language, then go on to complete an array of challenging classes that they choose themselves from among literature, history, political science, film, and critical theory, relating to French and Francophone culture. Students will have the experience of studying abroad in a French or Francophone country.

Front-End Design Development

An interdisciplinary major that combines art & design coursework in drawing, typography, graphic design and web design with computer science requirements. Students complete an internship and a senior capstone project.

Gifted Education & Equitable Instruction

This program provides educators with in-depth knowledge about identifying and serving students through a continuum of services to develop their gifts and talents; evaluating and utilizing appropriate current trends and research ideas in developing talent in youth; and designing differentiated instruction for the cognitive, social and emotional differences of exceptional students.

Health Science (BA)

The B.A. in health science, pre-occupational therapy is designed to prepare students for careers in health sciences, as well as provide some students direct entry into the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) graduate program at Whitworth. This major is designed to be part of a 3 + 3 program when combined with Whitworth's Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Health Science (BS)

The mission of the Whitworth Health Sciences Department is to equip its graduates to serve humanity through study of the form and function of the human body and the body's connection to health and wellness. Through a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, graduates will be able to appreciate this relationship both critically and creatively and will learn to apply it to various health-related fields.

History

The history major provides a broad foundation in American, European and non-Western history along with methods coursework and upper-division seminars. Majors complete a field experience, internship, study abroad or foreign language requirement.

History/Social Studies

The Whitworth Department of History desires to equip the next generation of public and private school teachers with a broad interdisciplinary education rooted in a solid foundation in history appropriate to the K-12 programs. We provide coursework that will give students the necessary background in history and the social sciences and thus prepare them for the Washington state competency exams in the social sciences.

Human-Computer Interaction

Human-computer interaction is an interdisciplinary major combining computer science coursework with design and human-centered study. Students complete required computer science courses along with electives and a capstone experience.

Humanities

The humanities major offered through the School of Continuing Studies draws coursework from art, communication studies, English, history, music, philosophy, theology, theatre and worldview studies, with up to 15 credits from the social sciences. Students have the opportunity to design their own academic program in consultation with an advisor.

Human Movement & Function

The M.S. in Human Movement & Function is a 36-credit interdisciplinary graduate program with course offerings in athletic training, business, education, occupational therapy and physical therapy. It focuses on knowledge, skills and abilities related to normal and abnormal function of human bodies during movement, and is designed to equip graduates to apply that knowledge within a variety of related fields.

Human Services

In collaboration with Whitworth's College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Continuing Studies offers a B.A. in human services. This interdisciplinary degree builds on the strength of a liberal arts core curriculum, providing the adult student with a balanced and coherent study of the arts, the humanities, and the natural and social sciences.

Individually Designed Major (BA)

Students who wish to integrate related courses from a variety of academic disciplines have the option of declaring an individually designed major in lieu of choosing a departmental major. The program must contain work of an interdisciplinary nature and include a minimum of 40 credits.

Individually Designed Major (BS)

Students who wish to integrate related courses from a variety of academic disciplines have the option of declaring an individually designed major in lieu of choosing a departmental major. The program must contain work of an interdisciplinary nature and include a minimum of 40 credits.

Innovation & Change Management

A 10-credit graduate certificate offered by the Whitworth School of Business covering enterprise risk management, change management, design thinking and leadership in society. The same coursework serves as the concentration in innovation and change management within the MBA and MBL degrees.

International Studies

This interdisciplinary program is designed to encourage the development of a solid foundation of history coupled with coursework in foreign languages, political science, area studies and economics that will assist students in developing skills necessary for work in the international context of non-governmental organizations, business, military, diplomacy, travel and other forms of international work. The major is offered with a history emphasis or a political science emphasis.

Kinesiology

The Whitworth Kinesiology & Athletics Department offers a major in kinesiology that provides both a theoretical and a practical educational experience for future teachers, coaches and health/wellness/fitness specialists. The kinesiology major allows students to choose from two educational tracks, teaching and non-teaching.

Marriage & Family Therapy

The Whitworth Marriage & Family Therapy Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. Coursework covers family systems theory, couple and family therapy, human sexuality, group therapy, psychopharmacology, ethics and research, and includes a practicum and two internships.

Mathematics (BA)

The Whitworth Mathematics & Computer Science Department offers a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, computer programming, data science, databases, networks and software engineering. The B.A. in mathematics is offered in general and education options.

Mathematics (BS)

The Whitworth Mathematics & Computer Science Department offers a solid foundation in mathematics, statistics, computer programming, data science, databases, networks and software engineering. Students develop problem-solving skills that will help them succeed in their professions and in life.

Montessori

In partnership with Montessori Northwest and in affiliation with the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), the Master of Education in Montessori can be earned simultaneously with an AMI diploma. The AMI diploma coursework is completed at a Montessori Northwest training site in California, Oregon or Spokane, and the remaining education courses to complete the master's degree can be taken online or on campus.

Music

The Whitworth Music Department is a community of musicians that recognizes creative expression as an essential aspect of being created in God's image and is a place where individual and community artistry blend toward a higher purpose. We prepare students for careers in music, further studies and a lifetime of musical engagement.

Music Education

The music education major prepares students to teach music in schools and is offered in choral/general and instrumental/general tracks. It must be taken in conjunction with a B.A. in secondary education.

Occupational Therapy

The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy at Whitworth University prepares compassionate health science professionals in a new, state-of-the-art building that contains simulation classrooms and labs that resemble an actual clinical environment. Admission requires a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Students must complete 24 weeks of Level II fieldwork as well as an individual 14-week capstone experience.

Operations Management

The Certificate in Operations Management is designed to develop valuable professional skills that will help students add value to any organization; across all industries, from human resources to purchasing to administration.

Peace Studies

The peace studies major examines national and global sources of conflict, war, revolution and peace, along with religious ideals and social values. Students complete an internship in peacemaking practice, and study abroad is strongly recommended.

Philosophy

The philosophy major develops analytical and argumentation skills, the ability to understand and articulate competing worldviews, and the capacity to integrate philosophy into one's personal life. It prepares some students for law school, seminary, philosophy graduate programs and other liberal arts graduate programs.

Physical Therapy

Students in the Whitworth University Doctor of Physical Therapy program integrate mind, heart and hands as movement system experts. The program prepares the student for entry-level licensure and practice in physical therapy, and admission requires successful completion of a bachelor's degree prior to admission.

Physics (BA)

The Department of Engineering & Physics prepares students with a foundation in physics and the knowledge and habits required to continue with successful advanced study in physics or related fields. Students gain significant experience conducting original research in basic or applied science.

Physics (BS)

The B.S. in physics provides a rigorous foundation in classical and modern physics, mathematics and laboratory work. Students gain significant experience conducting original research in basic or applied science.

Political Science

The political science major covers American national politics, international relations and comparative politics along with an internship and a vocations seminar. Students complete eight additional political science courses, at least four of which must be upper division.

Psychology

The Whitworth University Psychology Department is committed to academic rigor and sensitive human service through the promotion of the scientific study of mind and heart. Following a scientist-practitioner model, the curriculum is designed to develop both breadth and depth of knowledge in core areas of psychology.

Public Service Administration

In collaboration with Whitworth's College of Arts & Sciences, the School of Continuing Studies offers a B.A. in public service administration. This interdisciplinary degree builds on the strength of a liberal arts core curriculum, providing the adult student with a balanced and coherent study of the arts, humanities, and natural and social sciences.

School Counseling

This program is designed for the preparation of residency ESA certification for school counselors at both the elementary and secondary school levels. The M.Ed. in School Counseling Program is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council.

Secondary Education

To apply for a Washington State Teaching Certificate, this major must be completed in combination with a dual major in an approved content area leading to endorsement. Application for a Washington State Teaching Certificate, passing student teaching, passing a state content area exam, and passing a teacher performance assessment are required for program completion.

Social Emotional Learning

This program is designed for teachers and community members interested in enhancing children and adolescent learning and reducing behavioral concerns using social and emotional learning. Students will attain unique knowledge in the area of youth development, complex trauma, neurobiology, social and cultural considerations, the uniqueness of giftedness, and behavioral intervention.

Sociology

The Whitworth Sociology Department's mission is to prepare students with the skills to describe, explain, interpret and make a difference in social life. The major is offered in social analysis, social work & human services, and global sociology tracks.

Spanish

Students majoring in Spanish are required to study abroad for a semester in a Spanish-speaking country to gain further proficiency in the language and a keen understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture. All Spanish majors must schedule and take either the DELE exam or the ACTFL OPI during their junior or senior year.

Special Education

This program is designed to extend the skills and knowledge of teachers who wish to work with children and adults with disabilities in school and community settings. It emphasizes academic, functional and social-behavioral needs of the individual rather than disability categories, and prepares teachers to work in inclusive classroom settings, resource rooms, life-skills classrooms and community settings.

Special Education

This major meets Washington state endorsement requirements for special education (P-12). To apply for an endorsement, this major must be completed in combination with a dual major in elementary education or in an endorsable subject area major that can be taught with secondary certification.

Strategic Management

A nine-credit graduate certificate offered by the Whitworth School of Business in strategic management, enterprise risk management and change management. The same coursework serves as the concentration in strategic management within the MBA, MBL and M.S. in Financial Planning degrees.

Teaching

The Whitworth Master in Teaching (MIT) Program is a progressive, performance-based, cohort teacher certification and master's degree program extending over 13 months of full-time coursework and a yearlong school practicum. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates earn a Residency Teacher Certificate and a master in teaching degree. Elementary level requirements total 60 credits and secondary level requirements total 50-52 credits.

Teaching & Learning

The Master of Education in Teaching & Learning degree extends and deepens an educator's understanding of the key concepts and skills that are foundational to an effective instructional environment. It also allows candidates to select an area in which they'd like to specialize, often earning an add-on endorsement.

Theatre

Whitworth Theatre is a collaborative training ground for storytellers, performers and theatre-makers. Through rigorous personalized study, students learn to amplify their voices and articulate meaningful connections between the art they create and the beliefs they hold.

Theology

A Master of Arts in Theology offered through Whitworth University's graduate studies in theology; the catalog lists the degree but its program section is a divider page with no published requirements.

Theology

Whitworth's theology department is committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our courses offer students opportunities to explore the meaning and significance of the Christian message. Whitworth theology majors have assumed leadership roles in ministry, education, non-profit work, business, law, medicine, and many other fields.

Vocational Development in Nursing

Through guided reading, discussion, and reflection, a Certificate of Vocational Development in Nursing (CVD) is designed to provide nursing majors additional opportunities to explore, reflect, and personally apply the integration of values, ethics, professionalism, faith, purpose and meaning in vocation, while completing their entry level nursing degree. The certificate program is open to both Whitworth and WSU students concurrently enrolled in the BSN program through WSU.