Become a Student at WAU
Three schools, one mission: Student Success. Delve into the world of WAU with our schools of Arts & Social Sciences, Graduate and Professional Studies, and Health Professions, Science & Wellness.
School of Arts & Social Sciences
DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE TODAY through undergraduate degrees which will equip you with credentials for your career in business, computer science, english, education, history, information technology, music, political science, psychology, counseling, religion/theology or general studies. Discover advanced ways to apply these skills in our Honors College where – through expanded nation’s capital learning and accelerated pre-law pathways from any discipline – you will be uniquely prepared to enrich our world.
School of Graduate & Professional Studies
DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE TODAY through graduate degrees in administration/management, psychology and counseling which prepare you to advance your career or begin a new career. Expand your DISCOVERY through undergraduate degrees which prepare for careers in administration/management, nursing, counseling psychology, early childhood care, general studies, and the music therapy equivalency program. Finally, DISCOVER that All of our degrees and programs are accelerated, accredited, affordable, flexible and especially designed for you as an adult learner.
School of Health Professions, Science & Wellness
DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE TODAY as you prepare for demand careers in fields such as biology, biochemistry, health science, fitness & sport science, nursing, medical imaging. Experience distinctive clinical learning at Adventist Health Care, – after which, you emerge equipped to fulfill your niche as a practitioner of healing & healthy living.
Student Experience
“At this university, I am not just earning a degree, but I am able to grow spiritually and in other aspects”
Nicola Isembert/ WAU Psychology Major with a minor in Forensic Psychology
Take the WAU Virtual Tour
WAU By the Numbers
WAU is proud of our unique and extraordinary programs, people and accomplishments! We are constantly raising the bar for higher education, making sure everyone has a chance to learn and experience excellence.
1st
WAU has the one and only Honors College in the Adventist Higher Education System.
1st
Our religion department is the only urban evangelism-focused program in the Adventist Higher Education System.
1st
WAU boasts the ONLY Music Therapy Program in Maryland & the entire Adventist Tertiary System in North America!
7th
Counseling Degree ranking based on price, accreditation, reputation, and salary potential.
100%
First Time Board Passage Licensing Rate for May 2024 & May 2025 Nursing Graduates.
2%
Top 2% in addressing the graduation rate gap between wealthy students and those in poverty.
WAU Upcoming Events
2025 Commencement Weekend Essentials!
Consecration – May 2 at 7:30 PM
Baccalaureate – May 3 at 11:00 AM
Commencement – May 4 at 10:00 AM
Need Financial Aid?
We Got You Covered!
We understand that the cost of education may be hindering efforts to attain the future you deserve. Complete your 2025-2026 FAFSA today and use WAU’s school code #002067 and let us help you achieve your goals.
Benefit from WAU scholarships available for Adventist Graduate Hispanic Students.
Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of our faith, therefore we have developed a financial aid program to help our underserved Hispanic community have full access to a WAU education.
Latest News
All the latest news brought right to your screen. Find out what’s new with Washington Adventist University and stay on top of our latest announcements here.
September 30, 2026
Steve Francis Comes Home to Launch Scholarship Fund at WAU
The three-time NBA All-Star and Takoma Park native unveiled the Steven Francis Scholarship Fund at the 13th Annual Visionaries Gala, honoring his late mother and opening doors for students across the DMV. Steve Francis has played in arenas around the world. But the court that shaped him sits a few
September 30, 2026
Washington Adventist University Earns Strong Rankings in 2027 U.S. News Best Colleges Report
TAKOMA PARK, MD. — Washington Adventist University (WAU) has earned significant recognition in the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings, including a No. 4 ranking among Top Performers on Social Mobility, further affirming the university’s commitment to expanding access to higher education and preparing students for meaningful
September 30, 2026
Hangers of Hope Brings Generosity, Community and Support to WAU Students
TAKOMA PARK, MD. — A new initiative at Washington Adventist University is turning clothing donations into something much larger: an opportunity to strengthen community, support students and demonstrate the University’s commitment to service. Hangers of Hope, created in Halcyon Hall, provides students with convenient access to clothing, professional attire, personal
If You Have Questions, Our Advisors Have the Answers.
Fill out this quick form and let one of our knowledgeable advisors help you apply to one of our rewarding programs. Your bright future awaits and WAU is poised to help you get there faster.