Application Process

*A complete application includes all supplemental materials, essays and transcripts.

Important Dates

Application deadlines for transfer admission vary by degree program. You are encouraged to turn in your application as early as possible to ensure that you receive priority consideration. Applications received after the application deadline will be considered on a space-available basis. Review important dates for transfer students.

  • Winter Quarter: Priority Date: October 15| General Admissions Deadline: November 15
  • Spring Quarter: Priority Date: January 15 | General Admissions Deadline: February 15
  • Autumn Quarter: Priority Date: March 15 | General Admissions Deadline: July 31
    • March 15: Priority scholarship deadline

MAJOR, PRE-MAJOR OR UNDECLARED? 

Transfer applicants can apply to be directly admitted to a major, or can apply as a pre-major or an undeclared student.

Direct admission to a major

Often students who transfer in junior standing will want to be directly admitted to their major. Some majors are capacity-constrained and have a separate application process. Each program has different prerequisites; you should check the program website to see if you qualify to be admitted to your major. For other majors, you will simply indicate your interest on the general application to be considered for direct entry to the major.

Admission as a pre-major/undeclared student

If you know what you want to study, but are not yet ready for admission to your major, you can select a pre-major. Pre-major status helps you connect with program advisors and faculty in order to plan your studies for admission to your chosen major. You can become a pre-major student in one of three ways:

  1. If you apply for but are not admitted to your major, then you may still be admitted to UW Tacoma as a pre-major in your chosen field. You can begin attending and work with your advisors to plan your studies to re-apply for admission to your major.
  2. If you know your major but are not ready to apply for direct admission, then you can submit an application as an undeclared student and indicate in your admissions personal statement which major you are interested in. When you are admitted to the school, the admissions staff will note in your record that you are a pre-major in your chosen field.
  3. Apply as an undeclared student and after you come to UW Tacoma tell your academic advisor which major you are planning to enter. Your advisor will then update your student record to note that you are a pre-major in your chosen field.