Western will soon offer two new degree programs, in marine sciences and in early childhood education, thanks to funding from the State Legislature.
The early childhood education program, a collaboration with Olympic College, will graduate up to 25 people each year. It will be the 12th WWU bachelor’s degree available through Western on the Peninsulas in Poulsbo, Bremerton and Port Angeles.
The marine, coastal and watershed sciences bachelor’s degree responds to students’ growing interest in marine sciences—and the state’s need for more people trained in the field. While many classes will be offered in Bellingham, students will also work at Western’s Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes beginning in 2019.
The 2018 Supplemental Budget also provided funds to study the feasibility of expanding the Western on the Peninsulas Program for more four-year degree offerings.