If you’re considering graduate school, choosing the right university can feel overwhelming. Two amazing options are Western Washington University (WWU) and Fielding Graduate University, each offering unique advantages depending on your goals. WWU, located in the scenic city of Bellingham, Washington, is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary learning, practical experiences, and a strong sense of community. With around 47 graduate programs across diverse fields like business, STEM, arts, and health sciences, WWU provides a range of options for students, including both full-time and part-time study formats.
Fielding Graduate University, on the other hand, is best for professionals who want to look at specialized programs in psychology, leadership, and education. Fielding’s flexible, low-residency model allows students to complete most of their coursework online, making it a perfect fit for those who need to balance school with their careers. With a focus on leadership, self-directed learning, and community-building, Fielding provides a supportive environment for adult learners seeking to make an impact in their fields. Whether you’re looking for a traditional on-campus experience or a flexible online option, both universities offer high-quality programs to help you reach your academic and career goals.
About the Colleges
Western Washington University (WWU) is a public university located in Bellingham, Washington. Known for its stunning natural surroundings, including the Salish Sea and the North Cascades, WWU is a hub for interdisciplinary learning. With a commitment to inclusivity, research, and fostering a collaborative environment over competition, WWU offers over 40 graduate programs. It is a community-oriented institution with a strong focus on practical, hands-on learning and global impact. Students can expect an enriching environment with competitive admissions process. It is a place where collaboration is encouraged among faculty, peers, and mentors.
Fielding Graduate University, on the other hand, is a private, non-profit graduate school with a more specialized focus. Fielding prides itself on providing flexible, socially responsible graduate programs primarily in psychology, education, and leadership. With a strong emphasis on distributed learning, Fielding offers programs that are often suited for working professionals, with an emphasis on online learning and low-residency options. Fielding’s programs are structured to combine academic rigor with practical experience, promoting leadership and community engagement.
Western Washington and Fielding Graduate University- Admission Requirements (GRE/GMAT)
Western Washington University – No GRE required
Western Washington Uni offers a comprehensive graduate admissions process that includes both academic achievement and professional experience as key components. Depending on the program, admission may require the following:
- Application form
- Official transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- A resume or CV (for certain programs)
Not all programs at WWU require standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. For example:
- The Master of Business Administration (MBA) requires GMAT scores, though there are options to waive the GMAT under certain conditions.
- Graduate programs in education and psychology do not typically require the GRE, though it’s always good to confirm specific program requirements.
Fielding Graduate University – No GRE required
Fielding Graduate University’s admissions process is flexible and accommodates adult learners. Many of its programs are designed with working professionals in mind, and thus, the application process includes:
- Completed application form
- Statement of purpose
- Transcripts from previous institutions
- Letters of recommendation (optional but encouraged)
- Professional resume or CV
Fielding does not require the GRE for admission to most of its programs. This can be a big draw for students who want to avoid the stress of standardized testing. The GRE is only required for some doctoral programs in psychology, but it’s generally not part of the admissions criteria for most graduate degrees.
Graduate Degrees and Programs at Western Washington vs. Fielding Graduate University
Both Western Washington University (WWU) and Fielding Graduate University offer a range of graduate degrees, though their structures and focus areas differ significantly. Here’s a breakdown of their offerings:
Graduate Programs at Western Washington University
With over 47 graduate degree programs, Western Washington University offers education in various fields like STEM, business, education, health sciences, and the arts. These programs include both master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates.
- Duration: Programs typically take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the field and whether you study full-time or part-time.
- Credit Hours: Most programs require between 30 to 60 credits to graduate.
- Part-Time Options: Certain programs, especially in business, education, and health sciences, provide part-time study options to cater to working professionals.
Notable programs at WWU include:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA): Offers full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend options.
- Master of Fine Arts (Creative Writing): A full-time, intensive program.
- Master of Science in Computer Science: Full-time with flexible scheduling.
- Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership: Designed for professionals in educational settings.
- Master of Science in Environmental Science: Focused on environmental issues and sustainability.
- Master of Arts in History: Offers both full-time and part-time options.
- Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology: Full-time clinical program.
- Clinical Doctorate in Audiology: Full-time clinical training with advanced learning in audiology.
Graduate Programs at Fielding Graduate University
Fielding focuses on graduate programs in leadership, psychology, and education, with a strong emphasis on low-residency learning. Most coursework is completed online, supplemented by brief residencies to build community and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
- Duration: Programs generally take 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on whether the student is studying full-time or part-time.
- Credit Hours: Programs typically require 36 to 80 credits to complete.
- Part-Time Options: All programs at Fielding are designed to be part-time, offering great flexibility for working professionals.
Notable programs at Fielding include:
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): A professional doctoral program in psychology, with a focus on clinical practice.
- Master of Arts in Organizational Development and Leadership: Fielding offers an MA and a PhD in Organizational Development and leadership, a program which is ideal for students interested in leadership roles within education, non-profit, or business sectors
- Master of Arts in Psychology: Offers a broad foundation in psychological theory and practice.
- Master of Arts in Infant-Family Mental Health: Specialized program focusing on early childhood mental health.
- PhD in Human Development: Fielding’s PhD in Human Development is directed towards humans interested in creating change via leadership.
- Doctor of Education in Leadership for Change: A doctoral program aimed at creating transformative leaders in education.
Fielding’s programs are specifically designed for professionals who are already established in their careers, with an emphasis on self-directed learning and community-based projects.
Fielding Graduate University’s Credit System
Fielding Graduate University follows a credit system that aligns with federal, state, and accreditation standards, as well as the Carnegie formula, which ensures that each credit hour represents approximately three hours of work per week for the average student. This time includes not only class contact time (whether synchronous or asynchronous) but also individual study time, research, faculty interaction, and homework.
Here’s a breakdown of the credit hours for various courses at Fielding:
- 7-week course:
- 1 credit = 21 hours total
- 2 credits = 42 hours total
- 3 credits = 63 hours total
- 4 credits = 84 hours total
- 6 credits = 126 hours total
- 12-week course:
- 1 credit = 36 hours total
- 2 credits = 72 hours total
- 3 credits = 108 hours total
- 4 credits = 144 hours total
- 6 credits = 216 hours total
- 15-week course:
- 1 credit = 45 hours total
- 2 credits = 90 hours total
- 3 credits = 135 hours total
- 4 credits = 180 hours total
- 6 credits = 270 hours total
A student enrolled in 16 credits (around 4 to 5 courses) should expect to spend about 48 hours per week working on coursework across assignments, reading, and faculty interaction.
Fielding’s courses are structured to give students the flexibility to complete much of the coursework online, with a portion of it delivered through brief in-person residencies or other community-building activities. This model allows students to balance their academic commitments with their professional careers, making Fielding an ideal choice for working professionals seeking flexible graduate education options.
Conclusion on Programs Overview
Both universities offer strong graduate programs, but Fielding’s emphasis on low-residency and self-directed learningmakes it especially suited for working professionals, while WWU offers a wide variety of traditional full-time and part-time graduate options. Depending on your field of interest and learning style, you can find a program that suits your academic and professional needs.
Tuition and Financial Aid at Western Washington vs. Fielding Graduate Universities
Western Washington University
Tutition at Western Washington University is generally lower for in-state students compared to out-of-state students as it is public. The 2024-2025 estimated costs for a Washington resident student are as follows:
- Tuition and Fees: $8,241
- Housing and Meals: $15,747
- Books and Supplies: $1,224
- Personal and Miscellaneous: $2,670
- Total Cost of Attendance (for residents): $31,568
For out-of-state students, tuition increases significantly to $27,366, bringing the total estimated cost of attendance to around $50,693.
WWU offers a wide range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, federal loans, and work-studyopportunities. The Net Price Calculator on the WWU website can help prospective students estimate their costs and potential aid.
Fielding Graduate University
Fielding, as a private institution, has higher tuition costs, but its flexible, online programs allow students to continue working while pursuing their degrees. While exact tuition varies by program, here is a rough breakdown for the 2024-2025 academic year:
- Tuition: Generally ranges from $1,000 to $1,300 per credit hour.
- Financial Aid: Fielding offers various scholarships for students, including need-based aid, and offers options like federal loans through the FAFSA.
Since Fielding is designed for working professionals, its tuition might be a bit higher than public institutions, but the flexibility and low-residency options help reduce other costs (like commuting and relocation).
Final Thoughts: WWU vs. Fielding Graduate University
When choosing between Western Washington University and Fielding Graduate University, your decision will largely depend on your personal and professional needs. If you are looking for a traditional graduate experience with a wide variety of programs and the possibility of in-person interaction, Western Washington University offers a more diverse array of degrees, from the sciences to the arts, with both full-time and part-time options.
If you are a working professional or prefer a more flexible, online learning environment, then Fielding Graduate University might be the better fit. Its focus on psychology, leadership, and education is perfect for those looking for a graduate program with a low-residency structure that allows you to maintain your career while furthering your education.
In the end, it’s all about what fits your lifestyle, career goals, and academic interests. Both universities offer high-quality programs, but their learning formats and focus areas make them unique. Consider your priorities—be it the program offerings, cost, flexibility, or the nature of the campus experience—before making a final decision. Happy decision-making!