Welcome to the University of Northern Washington.

The University of Northern Washington is a private, non-traditional, non-resident and off-campus University, which offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate-level degree programs in arts, science, engineering and business. The University of Northern Washington offers Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral degrees in arts, science, engineering and business. In addition, UNW specializes in designing custom degree programs for students who are interested in specialty areas for which there may not yet be a curriculum.

In keeping with our high standards and philosophy of service, UNW’s distance learning programs are structured in such a way as to provide the highest degree of flexibility for our students. This flexibility by necessity includes many important aspects, not the least of which is affordability. Please take a few minutes to read this catalog so you will understand why UNW is a good choice for your educational needs.

The University of Northern Washington works with representatives from such organizations as the American Association of Private Post-Secondary Education, the Institute of Financial Consultants and the Institute of Computer Professionals and Consultants to ensure that its students are being apprised of only the most current management principles and strategies relevant to the ever-changing local work force and global economy. Consequently, students completing UNW programs are prepared not only to understand established business practices, but also to anticipate and respond to future trends as well.

At the University of Northern Washington we understand that for most students the purpose of higher education is to prepare them for positions of higher responsibility in the workplace. Hundreds of years ago, when Universities were primarily theological seminaries, a University would provide learning that a graduate would apply in society – primarily in professions like medicine, religion, law and education. Present day Universities certify students in a far wider range of disciplines, but the underlying purpose remains that of certifying the student as capable of working at a certain level in his/her field. To that end, the University understands that real-world experience and training are of equal value and importance to classroom and book learning. The University of Northern Washington, therefore, is proud to recognize the prior accomplishments of our students in order that they benefit from their experiences and continue to contribute to their communities and to society.

The University’s admission requirements are similar to those of other traditional universities, except that prior work experience (including volunteer work) is considered on a par with formal classroom education. The University uses guidelines set up by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) in evaluating experiential learning for university credit. While the University will accept transfer credits from other institutions, UNW may also accept on-the-job experience, work-related training, seminars, and books relating to your field as valid reasons to challenge courses or to establish unique directed-study programs. In the new millennium, flexibility and relevance to the workplace are the criteria by which students are selecting their certification paths.

The University's progressive and innovative business and management programs are designed to produce men and women who can respond successfully to rapid changes in an ultra-competitive business environment. The education you receive will be demanding yet individualized to suit your own specific career goals and interests. The specialized nature of a University of Northern Washington education means that graduating students will have the necessary skills and knowledge to manage the realities of the current economical and technical global environment.

The University of Northern Washington's graduate business and public administration programs seek candidates who demonstrate managerial and leadership potential, maturity, ambition, and a clear sense of purpose. Preparing management professionals for leadership roles, the University of Northern Washington’s graduate degree programs are well suited to anyone who has reached a point in their career where tangible recognition of their achievements and expertise is due.

As President of the University of Northern Washington, I welcome all prospective students.