Academics
Located in the city of Pullman and home to over 18,000 undergrads and over 2,600 graduate and professional students, Washington State University is known for its friendly, spirited environment and its motivated student body. The WSU school spirit is evident across the campus “with a wave of a flag or a loud ‘Go Cougs!’” “There is no other place that has ever made me feel so invited and generally concerned about my well-being both as a student and as a member of the Coug family,” says a student. Faculty members are constantly doing “world changing research projects” and “love getting students involved”; instructors will often bring in “great information they have found while researching something applicable to your learning.” This makes classes both “challenging and rewarding, offering many additional opportunities throughout the course.” “I’ve never [come] across a WSU professor who was not extremely knowledgeable and prepared,” says a student. Faculty members urge students to ask questions, which lead to “awesome discussions” that take classes “from a one-sided lecture to discussions that have deepened my understanding of material.” The school also offers a university-wide Freshman Focus residential learning community program that allows students to take a general education class with other students who live near them in residence halls. There is a top-notch Junior Writing Portfolio program in place to determine if students’ writing abilities are up to par, “numerous study-abroad opportunities,” and classes that provide “a chance to be innovative while still teaching you the experiences to be a good candidate in prospective fields.” This opens the door for students to receive hands-on experiences by “creating connections to job opportunities, life experiences, and internships.” Academic benefits aside, in the end, Cougar pride trumps all: “Win or lose, we’re die hard Cougs.”