Transfer Students
Welcome to Western Washington University’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering!
We’re excited that you’re considering joining our community, or that you’ve already decided to continue your journey with us. Transfer students are an essential part of our program, and we know that making the move to a new university can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Our goal is to make your transition as smooth as possible so you can focus on what matters most: your education and future career.
We strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with degree requirements early, so you can make the most of the credits you’ve already earned and stay on track toward graduation. Whether you are still exploring your options or are already admitted and ready to begin, this page will give you the tools you need to get started with confidence.
For general questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at EECE@wwu.edu
How our program is different
Unlike many engineering programs in the State of Washington State where students may not begin their engineering coursework until the third year, Western’s Electrical and Computer Engineering program introduces students to engineering courses in their first and second years. This structure gives students earlier exposure to the discipline and more time to build hands-on skills in labs and projects. Because community colleges generally do not offer these specialized courses, most transfer students enter our program on a “2+3” path, spending three years at Western after completing their prerequisites. While this can pose planning challenges, it also means transfer students gain deeper engagement with faculty, more time for internships and research, and a stronger foundation for professional success.
Major-Ready Pathways for EECE
In order to complete the EECE degree in three years at WWU, transfer students should complete the following course equivalencies:
- Required for admission:
- Math 124, Math 125, Math 204, Physics 161, Physics 162, EECE 111 (is usually offered online summer quarter), and CSCI 140 or 141.
- Required for graduation (recommended to complete prior to transfer):
- Math 224, Math 331, Physics 163, and one additional math or basic science course (such as Calc III or Chem I).
Use the Transfer Equivalency Guide tool to determine whether the courses are equivalent.
Please see the WWU Office of Admissions transfer webpage.
Please see the EECE Pre-Major Declaration instructions.
Please see the instructions on the EECE undergraduate admissions webpage.
The answer to this question is very individual and dependent on so many things. It is strongly recommended to speak to the department about your particular plan. The EECE major accepts applications in early June and mid-August.
Assuming you have completed all of the pre-major classes and are accepted into the EECE major, expect to spend three years at WWU, as most of the required coursework is not offered at other institutions.
Calculus series, linear algebra, physics with calculus series, computer programming, calculus-based circuits.
An Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degree is the most efficient degree to pursue at the community college level because the plan of study most matches the foundation courses in our department. It is recommended but not necessary to complete the degree before transferring to WWU.
Transfer students should note that having a completed DTA or AS-T degree does not automatically mean they will be able to complete a program in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department in two years. What is most important for students planning to transfer to Western is to successfully complete required major prerequisite and core coursework that will transfer to Western and can be counted towards major requirements. See Advising links below.
Transfer students must first apply to the university. Our department does not directly admit students into the EECE major. If a student has completed ALL of the required foundational coursework at their transfer institution, they can apply to the major at the same time as Western students.
For students transferring from Washington community colleges and public baccalaureate institutions in Washington, Western's Transfer Course Equivalency Guide is a useful tool for assessing what coursework will transfer directly to Western.
Note: While some math and science courses may be not transfer directly, our department may still accept them for major requirements. Contact the pre-major advisor for assistance.
Out of state and private in-state institutions have not been evaluated for their courses and how they transfer to WWU. If you would like our department to take a look at an engineering course(s) you are transferring in to determine equivalency please email the department at EECE@wwu.edu. Please include the course syllabus with your request.