General Catalog: 2024-25
General Catalog: 2024-25 silvaaThe University of Washington Tacoma fosters a thriving and equitable society by educating diverse learners and expanding knowledge through partnership and collaboration with all our communities.
As an urban-serving university, we:
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Expand access to higher education in an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed
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Foster scholarship, research and creativity to address the challenging problems of our time and place
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Partner and collaborate for common good
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Catalyze the economic and social vitality of the region
UW Tacoma is the anchor tenant in Tacoma’s historic downtown warehouse district, across from Union Station, the Washington State History Museum, the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum. The campus is part of a vibrant neighborhood, with street-level space on Pacific Avenue reserved for retail use.
About this catalog
The material in this catalog has been compiled and organized to provide the reader with a comprehensive view of the programs and courses at the University of Washington Tacoma. It includes academic requirements and procedures necessary for admission and graduation. Because UW Tacoma’s programs and policies are rapidly evolving, changes will occur during the period this catalog is in circulation. Students should assume the responsibility to contact their advisors or program for the most current information. The registration website gives information on courses offered, class hours and classroom locations and has the latest calendar dates, fees and details on registration. The content of this catalog is subject to change without notice and does not constitute an agreement between the University of Washington Tacoma and the student.
The catalog is produced by the Office of the Registrar at the University of Washington Tacoma, Andrea Coker-Anderson, Registrar.
Disclaimer: The University and its colleges and schools reserve the right to change the fees, the rules, and the calendar regulating admission and registration; the instruction in and the graduation from the University and its various divisions; and any other regulations affecting the student. The University also reserves the right to withdraw courses and programs at any time. It is the University’s expectation that all students follow University regulations and procedures as they are stated in the General Catalog. Appeals may be filed with the student’s dean or with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in non-academic matters. Students are expected to observe the standards of conduct contained in the Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121).
About UW Tacoma
About UW Tacoma silvaaAdministration
University of Washington Tacoma Officers of Administration
- Sheila Edwards Lange, Chancellor
- Andrew Harris, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
- Mentha Hynes-Wilson, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
- Sylvia James, Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration
- Tanya Grace Velasquez, Interim Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion
- Patrick Pow, Vice Chancellor for Information Technology
- Amanda Walker, Vice Chancellor for Advancement
- Joe Lawless, Chief Strategy Officer
- Ali Modarres, Assistant Chancellor for Community Partnerships
University of Washington Officers of Administration
- Ana Mari Cauce, President
- Tricia Serio, Provost and Executive Vice President
- François Baneyx, Vice Provost of Innovation and Director of CoMotion
- Jessica Bertram, Vice President for University Business Services
- Andreas Bohman, Vice President and Chief Information Officer for Information Technology
- Rovy Branon, Vice Provost of Continuum College
- Cheryl A. Cameron, Vice Provost for Academic Personnel
- Jason Campbell, Vice President for Finance & Budget Strategy
- Lou Cariello, Vice President of Facilities
- Gayle Christensen, Interim Vice Provost of Global Affairs
- Sally Clark, Vice President of Campus Community Safety
- Mary Gresch, Senior Vice President for University Advancement and President, UW Foundation
- Sarah Norris Hall, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Finance, Planning & Budgeting
- Rickey Hall, Vice President and University Diversity Officer, Minority Affairs and Diversity
- Randy Hodgins, Vice President of External Affairs
- Tamara Josserand, Vice President for Development
- Mindy Kornberg, Vice President of Human Resources
- Jack Martin, Vice President for Marketing & Communications
- Frederick Nafukho, Vice Provost of Academic Personnel
- Simon Neame, Dean, UW Libraries
- Mari Ostendorf, Vice Provost for Research
- Philip J. Reid, Vice Provost of Academic and Student Affairs
- Paul Rucker, Vice President for Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement and Executive Director, UW Alumni Association
- Denzil Suite, Vice President for Student Life
- Ed Taylor, Vice Provost and Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs
- Joy Williamson-Lott, Dean, Graduate School
University of Washington Board of Regents
- Leonard Forsman
- Leonor R. Fuller
- Alexes Harris
- Linden Rhoads
- Constance W. Rice
- Rogelio Riojas
- Keondra Rustin, Student Regent
- David Schumacher
- Blaine Tamaki, Vice Chair
- Maggie Walker
- David Zeeck, Chair
Vision, Mission, Values
Vision
The University of Washington Tacoma fosters a thriving and equitable society by educating diverse learners and expanding knowledge through partnership and collaboration with all our communities.
Mission
As an urban-serving university, we:
- Expand access to higher education in an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed
- Foster scholarship, research and creativity to address the challenging problems of our time and place
- Partner and collaborate for common good
- Catalyze the economic and social vitality of the region
Values
The University of Washington Tacoma values:
- Excellence
- Community
- Diversity
- Innovation
- Access
Accreditation
The University of Washington Tacoma is accredited as a unit of the University of Washington by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Individual academic programs may have other accreditations as well (learn more about degree programs).
State Board of Education Certificates
The University of Washington Tacoma is authorized by the State Board of Education to offer professional certificate programs in education for administrators and teachers. UW Tacoma prepares and recommends individuals for the following state certificates:
- Initial Teaching Certificate (K-8)
- Educational Administration Certificate (for principals and program administrators)
Veterans Benefits Approval Statements
Selected programs of study at UW Tacoma are approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board's State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC.
UW Tacoma does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities in any student recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University of Washington reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran. This policy applies to all programs and facilities including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs, employment, and patient and hospital services.
Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. Discrimination is prohibited by Presidential Executive Order 11246 as amended; Washington State Gubernatorial Executive Orders 89- 01 and 93-07; Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; State of Washington Gender Equity in Higher Education Act of 1989; Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 as amended; Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Act of 1972 as amended; other federal and state statutes, regulations; and university policy. Coordination of the compliance efforts of the University of Washington with respect to all of these laws and regulations is under the direction of the Director for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action, Lorre Allen, University of Washington Equal Opportunity Office, Box 351240, 442A Gerberding Hall, Seattle, WA 98195, 206-543-1830
or eoaa@uw.edu.
Additional information concerning the equal opportunity and affirmative action policies and procedures, including complaint procedures, is in the Operations Manual, D46.1, D46.2, D46.3 and D46.4, and the UW Handbook, Vol. IV, p. 44.
For information on reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities, call Disability Resources for Students, 253-692-4522 or 253-692-4413 (TTY) or drsuwt@uw.edu.
Academic Advising
Academic Advising silvaaAll academic advisors at UW Tacoma:
- Support and guide students to succeed academically, personally and professionally
- Celebrate milestones and accomplishments
- Build campus and community connections
Academic advisors are available for all UWT students in every academic program, including pre-major students, students admitted or declared into undergraduate majors, and graduate students. Please see our Directory of Academic Advisors to find your advisor: Guide to Academic Advising
University Academic Advising
University Academic Advising (UAA) serves first year and pre-major students. UAA staff provide support to help students with:
- Choosing a major and/or minor
- Changing majors
- Registration and class schedule support
- Academic difficulty
Student Advising Mentors (SAMs) are available to help students navigate and utilize advising technologies such as degree planning tools, registration and MyUW.
UAA encourages the academic, personal and career goals of all students.
Major Academic Advising
Major advisors typically work with undergraduate students already admitted to or declared into majors. Major advisors can:
- Partner with you in clarifying and planning your academic career
- Teach you how to navigate academic planning tools
- Review both departmental and university policy in regard to major and graduation requirements
- Educate you about campus resources and deliver information to support your education
Major advisors listed by school can be found here: Guide to Academic Advising
Graduate Academic Advising
Academic advisors and recruiters are also available for graduate students and/or prospective graduate students.
Graduate students should connect with their academic advisor to create a program plan that fulfills the requirements for their certification and/or degree.
Graduate advisors and recruiters listed by program can be found here:
Admissions
Admissions silvaaUndergraduate Admissions
The University of Washington Tacoma considers each applicant as they apply based upon their own merits, course work and documents. The admission process is both competitive and holistic, giving each applicant an opportunity for a comprehensive and individual review. Applicants who apply early have the best chance for full university and program consideration.
Topics
- Freshman Admission Requirements
- Transfer Admission Requirements
- International Student Admissions
- Other Admission Types
- Dual Enrollment
- Non-Matriculated Students
- Returning UW Tacoma Students
Graduate Admissions
Graduate admission is managed by individual academic programs and processed through the UW Graduate School. Requirements vary by academic program, but all applicants must hold an undergraduate degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. or its equivalent from a foreign institution for the last 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits from a baccalaureate degree (for a Master's, doctoral, or professional degree, the total cumulative average may be used). Proficiency in English is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore event applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency Requirements. Some graduate programs may require additional admission requirements, including a higher grade-point-average. Inquire with the academic program for further information.
Applicants must simultaneously be admitted to the UW Graduate School and an academic program at UW Tacoma. For detailed graduate admissions information, see the individual graduate school sections.
Disclosure
Applicants are required to disclose their full academic history and provide the university with official transcripts and other official documents that support their application for admission. When applying to the University of Washington Tacoma, applicants acknowledge with their signature that failure to disclose and submit official transcripts from all schools, colleges, or universities attended and to disclose and submit complete and accurate information may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the University of Washington. Admission to UW Tacoma is only available for the quarter offered.
Freshman Admission Requirements
Freshman Admission Requirements silvaaCollege Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs)
Students are required to complete a minimum level of preparation in six subject areas in high school. More information about each of these requirements is available on the Office of Admissions website.
Subject | Requirement |
---|---|
English | 4 credits |
Mathematics | 3 credits* |
Social Studies | 3 credits |
World Language | 2 credits |
Lab Science | 3 credits** |
Fine, Visual, Performing Arts | 0.5 credits |
Academic electives | 0.5 credits |
*All applicants must complete either three years of high school mathematics through intermediate (second-year) algebra or complete intermediate algebra or higher in college with a 2.0 grade or better.
Note: During the senior year of high school, students must also earn a credit in a math-based quantitative course. This may be met through enrollment in one of the three required math courses listed; or by completing a math-based quantitative course like statistics, applied math or an algebra-based science course. The senior-year math requirement does not mean a fourth credit of math is required.
Exception: Completion of higher-level math prior to the senior year exempts students from the senior-year quantitative course requirement (e.g., pre-calculus, math analysis, or calculus).
**One lab science credit must be an algebraic-based science. Note: 3 credits for students entering college in autumn 2021.
Using College Course Work to Complete CADRs
Almost all applicants will have satisfied these requirements through high school course work, which is generally defined as that completed in grades 9-12. However, there are several ways to satisfy CADRs at the college level. In general, five quarter credits (or three semester credits) at the college level equals one credit of high-school study. If a portion of these requirements are completed in high school, the student can pick up in college where they left off in high school. For example, if a student completed three credits of English in high school, they can use one college English composition or literature course to bring the total to four credits. For details, please visit the Office of Admissions website.
Test Scores
Scores from the SAT or ACT Plus Writing are optional for general undergraduate admission*. Test scores are valid only if they are sent directly from the testing agency to the UW. Test scores reported on high school transcripts are not considered official.
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) — UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4445
- American College Test (ACT) — UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4493
*Official scores are still required for homeschool work and for those who are using SAT/ACT scores to meet ELP.
Grading Restrictions
To satisfy the college academic distribution requirements, a passing grade, including a D, is acceptable in either high school or college work for most courses. Intermediate algebra taken at the college level must be completed with a C (2.0) or better.
If completing CADRs through college course work, it is strongly encouraged to take courses for a letter/numerical grade, because you may later want to apply this course work towards requirements, for which grading restrictions pertain.
UW World Language/Language of Admission Credit Restrictions
High School World Language
UW students who completed two or more years of world language are not allowed to earn UW credit for the first quarter college language course. For example, a student who has earned two years of Russian in high school is not eligible to apply credit earned in RUSS 101 towards their degree.
Native Language
UW students who meet the classification for native language speaker (i.e., attends school in a non-English speaking country grades 1-7) are not eligible for college level course work through the 200 level.
Transcripts
Submitting Transcripts If Home-Schooled
An official home-school transcript is required for home-schooled coursework. For each subject, the transcript must include:
- Course title
- Duration of study
- Short description of course content
- Grade for performance (or comparable qualitative assessment)
To be considered official, the home-school transcript must be signed by the teacher of record; this may be a parent.
Official transcripts are also required for any coursework completed at other high schools or regionally accredited colleges.
Home-schooled students are required to provide official test scores for all courses met through home-school work.
Submission of Final High School Transcript
Newly admitted freshmen are required to submit their official final high school transcript as soon as their high school transcript becomes available after graduation. Failure to successfully complete course work reported in the application for admission or dramatic changes in reported GPA could cause the offer of admission to be revoked.
Transfer Admission Requirements
Transfer Admission Requirements silvaaStudents who have attended college or university after graduating from high school may be admitted to the University of Washington Tacoma as transfer students. Applicants who have completed 40 or fewer transferable academic college-level credits are required to submit their high school transcripts to meet the minimum CADR. Official test scores are required for homeschool work and for those who are using SAT/ACT scores to meet English Language Proficiency (ELP). The minimum cumulative grade point average for all college course work must be at least 2.0 for admission consideration. Additional university requirements are outlined below.
Transfer students may apply for an academic program at the same time they apply to the university or at a later quarter. Note that not all programs admit for all quarters and some are capacity constrained. Whenever students choose to apply to a school or program, they must meet the program’s application deadlines and admission requirements. Admission to some programs is selective and not all qualified students will be accepted.
General University Admission Requirements
Transfer students who hold more than 40 transferable college credits at the time of application, meeting these criteria will qualify for review:
Minimum requirements for consideration:
- Hold a minimum 2.0 transferable college GPA
- Submit all official college transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency, in some cases.
Mathematics & World Language Requirements
There are no Mathematics & World Language requirements for transfer applicants with over 40 credits. However, for transfer applicants with less than 40 credits, the following information applies.
The World Language requirement is satisfied when a student has completed two years of the same World Language through level 102 (or in high school). The study must be devoted to a single World Language and must be in sequence, with no repetition of any prior term of study. Any World Language other than English that has been formally studied may be used to satisfy this requirement, including languages no longer spoken, such as Latin and ancient Greek. American Sign Language (AMESLAN) will also meet this requirement. The World Language requirement will be considered satisfied if you had instruction outside of the United States through the seventh grade in school(s) where English was not the language of instruction or in countries other than, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K.
It is possible for transfer students with a World Language deficiency to be admitted to the University with the special permission of the University Admissions Committee. According to University policy, these "provisionally admitted" students are responsible for removing the World Language deficiency as soon as possible after enrolling. A student will not be allowed to graduate without having satisfied this requirement.
UW World Language/Language of Admission Credit Restrictions:
- High school world language
- UW students who completed two or more years of world language are not allowed to earn UW credit for the first quarter college language course. For example, a student who has earned two years of Russian in high school is not eligible to apply credit earned in RUSS 101 towards their degree.
- Native language
- UW students who meet the classification for native language speaker (i.e. attends school in non-English speaking country grades 1-7) are not eligible for college level course work through the 200 level.
All applicants must complete either three years of high school mathematics including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 through Intermediate (second-year) Algebra or complete Intermediate Algebra or higher in college with a 2.0 grade or better. Higher-level mathematics, specifically Pre-Calculus, Calculus or Business Calculus will also fulfill this requirement; courses in Philosophy, Statistics, or Computer Science do not meet this requirement. Review details on the Admissions website.
Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy
To students pursuing a first bachelor’s degree, UW Tacoma awards transfer credit two weeks after the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF) is paid and according to the guidelines listed below. It reserves the right to accept or reject credits earned at other institutions of higher education. In general, it is university policy to accept credits earned at institutions fully accredited by the regional accrediting association provided that such credits have been earned through university-level courses (see exceptions below) and are appropriate to the student’s degree program.
For courses taken at a Washington state community college, UW Tacoma follows the list of transferable courses published in the UW Equivalency Guide for Washington Community and Technical Colleges.
Notable Restrictions on Transfer Credit
Lower-division college credit
Two weeks after an admitted student has paid the New Student Enrollment and Orientation Fee (NSEOF), a maximum of 90 lower-division (100- or 200-level courses) quarter credits can be awarded toward the student’s degree. Depending on the degree program, students may be allowed to petition the academic program for additional lower-division credit. Under no circumstances will students be awarded in excess of 135 lower-division credits. Some transfer courses labeled 100 and above are not actually college-level and will not be accepted for credit (e.g. Math 100 is developmental math on many campuses).
Upper-division credits (300- or 400-level courses) from other four-year institutions may apply to some program requirements. For some programs, there is a seven-year limit on upper-division transfer credits that are applied toward required core or concentration courses. Please consult with an advisor for details.
Other Notable Restrictions Include:
If permitted by the degree program, up to 90 credits earned in correspondence courses offered by the Distance Learning division of UW Extension may be applied toward a UW degree. However, 45 of the student’s final 60 credits must be taken in residence at UW Tacoma to meet the final-year residency requirement.
No more than 45 credits earned as extension credit from other schools may be applied toward a UW degree. Military credit and CLEP, discussed below, is included in the 45-extension credit limit.
Credits earned in Armed Forces Training Schools (AFTS) and through USAFI and DANTES may not exceed 30 and are included in the 45-extension credit limit. Official transcripts or DD-214 or DD-295 forms must be submitted. Scores received in such course work are not included in the transfer GPA.
Students who have completed two or more years of high school foreign language receive no college credit for an entry-level course (e.g., French 101) in the same language when that course is completed after matriculation at the University. Transfer students who complete such a course before matriculation at UW Tacoma are eligible to receive transfer credit.
First-year (elementary) or second-year (intermediate) foreign language credit is not granted either by examination or by course completion in a student‘s native language. “Native Language” is defined as education completed through the seventh grade in school(s) where English was not the language of instruction or in countries other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S.
Credit is not awarded for prerequisite courses completed after a more advanced-level course has been completed. For example, students will not be awarded credit for Spanish 102 if it was taken after Spanish 103.
If an academic department considers two of its courses to have overlapping content, credit will be awarded for only one. Restrictions of this kind are noted in the catalog or department web pages.
No more than 3-quarter credits will be allowed for physical education activity courses.
A maximum of 15 transfer credits will be awarded for a wide range of college-level courses that are vocational-technical, rather than academic, in content (e.g., bookkeeping, electronics, physical therapy technician). These credits may apply only to the elective component of a baccalaureate degree and are not included in the transfer GPA.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a nationwide program that allows students to earn college credit by examination.
The academic programs have authorized the use of these examinations and determined the scores necessary to receive college credit. CLEP examination equivalencies are determined by UW Tacoma faculty and course credit is available in a wide range of lower-division courses.
CLEP examinations cover material taught in courses that most students take as requirements in the first two years of college. The amount of credit usually equals the amount of credit earned by someone successfully completing the course.
You can receive credit for CLEP tests after we receive your official CLEP transcript and credit is awarded based on the type of test and score earned. No more than 45 total quarter credits (including all other extension and military credits) is allowed. CLEP credits count toward graduation but do not count as finalyear residence.
NOTE: Under UW policy, no more than 45 total credits can be earned through CLEP or other extension credit. Extension credits include distance learning, Advance Placement and International Baccalaureate credit, credit by exam, College in the High School, Armed Forces Training School credit, and UW courses taken by students on drop status. The University allows a maximum of 90 credits of lower division transfer coursework to be applied toward a UW degree.
Courses receiving no transfer credit include (but are not limited to):
- Courses below college level (usually numbered below 100)
- Repeated or duplicate courses
- Course work taken at an institution that is not accredited by the regional association
- Courses that provide instruction in a particular religious doctrine
- Mathematics courses considered below college level, including basic math, business math, beginning and intermediate algebra
- Courses offered for non-credit continuing education units
- Remedial English (e.g., reading, vocabulary development, grammar, speed reading, or any courses that are preparatory to an institution’s first English composition course)
- Courses providing instruction in English as a Second Language (100-level or above)
- Remedial courses in any academic discipline
Applicability of Transfer Credit to Degree Requirements
The Office of the Registrar has the authority to make decisions approving transfer courses to fulfill university degree requirements based on the recommendations of the faculty. The individual academic program offices have the authority to determine application of transfer credits to fulfill major requirements.
By the first quarter of enrollment, a student should meet with their academic advisor for academic planning.
Quarter vs. Semester Credits
Colleges and universities that operate on a semester system award semester credit. The University of Washington Tacoma awards quarter credit.
- One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
- One three-semester-credit course is equivalent to 4.5 quarter credits.
- Sixty semester credits are equivalent to 90 quarter credits.
Transfer GPA
In calculating the transfer GPA, the following guidelines apply:
- Grades from all transferable academic courses attempted, from all accredited colleges the student has attended, in which the student has received grades between 0.0 and 4.0 on a 4.0 grading scale are included in the calculation.
- To protect the students’ investment of educational effort and the value of the degree, UW Tacoma will not award credit for courses that repeat work done elsewhere. It is the responsibility of students who have earned credit at other colleges to determine whether courses they plan to take at UW Tacoma would duplicate any previously earned credit. Duplicate credit will not be awarded for courses that are equivalent to courses previously passed. Students who are in doubt should consult an advisor before registering for a UW Tacoma course.
- All transferable academic credit from two-year and four-year colleges is included in the calculation, even if it exceeds the 90 credits awarded.
- Transfer course work completed after a student matriculates must be graded on a numerical or letter-grade basis.
The following are not included in the transfer GPA:
- Courses considered by UW Tacoma to be below college level
- Math courses equivalent to MATH 098 (formerly MATH 101 Intermediate Algebra)
- Certain religion courses that teach from a particular doctrinal perspective or that teach preparation for the ministry
- Developmental or remedial courses
- Courses in study skills
- English as a Second Language courses
- Vocational/technical courses
- Courses recorded with a grade of Incomplete
- Courses recorded with a grade of Pass or Satisfactory
- P.E. activity credits in excess of 3 quarter credits
Post-Baccalaureate Students
Post-baccalaureate students are those who have completed one or more bachelor’s degrees and are working toward another bachelor’s degree or completing prerequisite courses for a graduate program. Post-baccalaureate is a matriculated status at the University of Washington Tacoma. The Office of Admissions does not award transfer credit to post-baccalaureate students. Any application of a student’s previous course work toward graduation requirements will be determined by program faculty and academic advisors.
International Student Admissions
International Student Admissions silvaaStudents who require a student visa (F-1 or J-1) to study in the U.S. are considered international students for admission to UW Tacoma. Once admitted, students also need to provide proof of financial resources in order to qualify for the I-20 for F-1 student visa status.
- Plan to enter UW Tacoma immediately after earning a high school diploma.
- Have never attended college since leaving high school (regardless of age or whether they ever graduated).
- You have attended a college or university after high school graduation (summer excluded), but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree. (Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree should apply as a post-baccalaureate student.)
- Transfer applicants may apply directly to a major program, or may apply as undeclared or pre-major, depending on the number of credits earned at the time of application and eligibility.
Applying as a Freshman International Student
Freshmen are currently admitted for autumn and winter quarters only. To complete the international freshman student application process, the following should be submitted:
A complete University of Washington Tacoma application for international freshman admission should be submitted, along with the nonrefundable US$75 application fee. The application is online and the fee can be paid with a credit or debit card or an electronic check.
Obtain an official copy of your academic record first and then upload it with your application as instructed in the application. Transcripts must be original or copies stamped as official by the school and must include an official English translation. Official copies of the documents in a sealed envelope will be required for all admitted students. Transcripts should be submitted from all schools attended, both in the U.S. and outside the U.S. Students who are still enrolled in secondary school should submit transcripts that include grades/marks received in the 9th, 10th, and 11th years. U.S. high school transcripts with international coursework transcribed/transferred will not be accepted in lieu of international high school documents.
If you have attended a college, university or post-secondary school outside of the U.S., we will need official transcripts from that school, along with a word-for-word, literal, English translation if the transcript is not in English. If we are not able to accurately evaluate those transcripts, we reserve the right to require a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved educational credentialing service such as WES or FIS.
All International applicants for whom English is a non-native language must provide proof of English language proficiency. See the information regarding the minimum English proficiency standards for undergraduates. Test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS test results, must be sent directly from the testing agency to the university; unofficial reports or photocopies will not be accepted.
Applying as a Transfer International Student
International students can be admitted as transfer students in any quarter for which the university is accepting transfer applications. Students can apply to a major, or can apply as an undeclared pre-major student. Note that not all majors admit for all quarters. Please consult the academic school for further information. To complete the international transfer student application process, submit the following:
A complete University of Washington Tacoma application for international transfer admission should be submitted, along with the nonrefundable US$75 application fee. The application is online and the fee can be paid with a credit or debit card or an electronic check.
Official transcripts must be received from all schools attended, both in the U.S. and outside the U.S., along with an official translation if the transcript is not in English. Credentials must be official documents or photocopies stamped as certified-true copies by school officials or other educational authorities. Official documents must be in an envelope sealed by school officials or other educational authorities.
High school transcripts are not required for transfer applicants who have completed 40 transferable credits or more at the college or university level at the time of application.
If we are not able to accurately evaluate those transcripts, we reserve the right to require a course-by-course evaluation from a NACES approved educational credentialing service such as WES or FIS.
All international applicants must submit proof of meeting the English proficiency requirement a quarter prior to their intended enrollment. See the information regarding the minimum English proficiency standards for undergraduates. Test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS test results, must be sent directly from the testing agency to the university; unofficial reports or photocopies will not be accepted.
Academic departments may have supplemental materials or admissions requirements beyond those listed above for students who are applying for direct admission to a major. Students should check with the program offices for the most current information.
Applying as a Graduate International Student
Not all UW Tacoma graduate programs can accept international applicants. For more information on international graduate admissions, please contact the graduate advisor for the academic program.
After Admission for International Students
Once an international student has been admitted and provided final transcripts, the student must show proof of financial resources in order to be issued the I-20 or DS-2019 document necessary to obtain an F1 or J-1 student visa. Students should work closely with the International Student & Scholar Services Office after they have been admitted to UW Tacoma for information regarding this and other visa-related requirements.
Other Admission Types
Other Admission Types silvaaDual Enrollment
The University of Washington Tacoma has partnered with Tacoma Community College (TCC) to offer a Dual Enrollment program. Students can attend both schools at once, and it is easy to gain access to a wide variety of degree and certificate programs.
On campuses just six miles apart, students will benefit from coordinated advising to help them make the best choices to meet their educational goals. Students enjoy a seamless transition between lower- and upper-division course work on the path to earning their bachelor’s degrees.
The Dual Enrollment program allows eligible Tacoma Community College students to take up to 25 credits at the UW Tacoma before submitting a complete UW Tacoma application. To be eligible, Dual Enrollment students must meet the following requirements:
- Complete 15 transferable, college-level credits at Tacoma Community College
- Achieve 2.75 or higher cumulative GPA from all colleges attended
- Complete English composition with a 2.0 or higher
- Have less than 75 college-level credits
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges attended
Current UW Tacoma students who wish to take a course at TCC may also participate in the Dual Enrollment program.
Non-matriculated Students
A student attending UW Tacoma as a non-matriculated student is considered non-degree-seeking and cannot earn a degree. Courses taken as a non-matriculated student are graded and full credit is awarded and recorded on a UW transcript. Credits earned as a non-matriculated student usually transfer to other institutions. Students attending in a non-matriculated status may accrue no more than 45 credits in that status (some exceptions may be allowed). The number of credits allowed may vary by program.
A non-matriculated student who wishes to become a degree-seeking student must submit a regular undergraduate admission application, as well as all required transcripts and test scores. Students considering applying as a matriculated (degree-seeking) student are encouraged to do so as soon as possible, as 45 of the last 60 credits of a baccalaureate degree must be earned as a matriculated student in residence at UW Tacoma. Up to 45 credits earned as a non-matriculated student may be applied towards an undergraduate degree with some restrictions.
Non-UW Tacoma students applying to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate program should apply as non-matriculated student. Please review the program requirements for guidance in making a successful application and completing additional program application requirements.
Auditors
An individual who wishes only to audit university courses should apply as a non-matriculated student. Attendance in courses as an auditor is by consent of the instructor and only as space permits. Permission to audit is ordinarily granted for lecture classes only. An auditor may not participate in class discussion or laboratory work, and the auditor’s registration may be canceled at the discretion of the instructor. No record of audited courses is kept. Regular tuition and fees are charged. To receive credit for an audited course, the student must register for the class for credit and complete the course requirements in a subsequent quarter.
Returning UW Tacoma Students
A UW Tacoma undergraduate student who has been absent for more than one quarter (excluding summer quarter) is required to submit a Returning Student Form and pay a non-refundable enrollment confirmation fee by the deadline for the respective quarter. Returning students who left in good academic standing must return to the same academic program they were enrolled in when they left. Students who wish to apply to another major may do so by meeting with an academic advisor. Returning students in academic drop status must seek reinstatement through petition that begins by meeting with an advisor.
English Proficiency Requirements
English Proficiency Requirements silvaaInternational Undergraduate Students
International applicants for whom English is a non-native language must provide proof of English language proficiency. Applicants can fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the four ways listed below. This requirement must be met one quarter prior to matriculation. For example, if an applicant is admitted to autumn quarter, proof of English language proficiency must be received by the university by July.
Applicants can fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of four ways:
At or above the following minimum scores:
Test | Minimum Score |
---|---|
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (internet-based) | 83 |
TOEFL (paper-based) | 558 |
TOEFL (computer-based) | 220 |
International English Language Testing System (IELTS-academic only) | 6.5 |
Duolingo | 110 |
- The Undergraduate TOEFL Institution code of UW Tacoma is 9965.
- For Graduate students, the TOEFL institution code is 4854.
At or above the following minimum scores:
Test | Minimum Score |
---|---|
SAT (Old Test): Critical Reading (SAT CR) or Writing (SAT W) | 500 |
SAT (New Test): Evidence based Reading & Writing (ERW) | 560 |
ACT: English score | 22 |
- Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) - UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4445
- American College Test (ACT) - UW Tacoma Institutional Code: 4493
If all of the following apply:
- Enter as a transfer student at UW Tacoma with at least 30 transferable college-level credits from another accredited U.S. higher education institution;
- Earned a 2.75 or higher overall grade point average (GPA) in transfer coursework; and
- Completed two college-level English Composition classes with a grade of 3.0 or higher in each course.
Exceptions:
- International students whose primary and secondary education took place in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States are exempt from this requirement. Students who were born in one of these countries but were educated elsewhere are still required to satisfy the English proficiency requirement.
- The university reserves the right to request TOEFL or IELTS scores in cases where the admissions office determines that more information regarding an applicant’s English language proficiency is needed.
- These are pre-major requirements and academic departments may have additional requirements. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the admissions requirements for their chosen major.
Graduate Students
Beginning of temporary policy statement
The Graduate School is temporarily accepting official test scores the TOEFL ITP Plus For China to assist international students with remote testing options.
The following guidelines apply:
TOEFL ITP Plus for China
- Applicants must have a minimum Level 1 test score of 627 (C1) for admission.
- Programs may require a higher score, but may not petition a score below 627.
- Some programs may not accept TOEFL ITP scores. Students must confirm specific requirements with the admitting program.
- Students admitted with the TOEFL ITP Test will be required to register for English 102, 103, and 104.
Students who will receive a Teaching Assistantship will also be required to satisfy additional requirements described in Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English.
End of temporary policy statement
English language proficiency (ELP) is required for graduate study at the University of Washington. Therefore, every applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Each prospective graduate student indicates on the graduate application whether or not the student is a native speaker of English.
Students who will receive a Teaching Assistantship will also be required to satisfy additional requirements described in Policy 5.2: Conditions of Appointment for TAs who are not Native Speakers of English.
3.2.1 Demonstration of Proficiency
Proficiency can be demonstrated in one of the following ways. A graduate program may set additional standards or qualifications in any of these categories. Students must confirm specific requirements with the admitting program.
- A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution located in the United States and where English is the medium of instruction.
- A bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree from an institution in Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, or the United Kingdom and where English is the medium of instruction. While enrolled at the degree-granting school, the student must be in residence on campus.
- Official documentation from the applicant’s undergraduate degree-granting institution (if the institution is in a country other than those listed in #2 above) verifying that all instruction is in English. A minimum of three years of enrollment at the undergraduate institution is required. Documentation must be presented to the Graduate School; credential service reports are not acceptable. Acceptable documentation must be one of the following:
- Official or attested letter from the undergraduate college, university Registrar, or Controller of Examinations office.
- Official transcripts, attested mark sheets or degree statements, are also accepted if English is stated as the medium of instruction.
- Official English Language Test Score (sent electronically to the University of Washington via testing center). Note: Graduate programs may require a higher minimum scores for admission than the scores listed below.
These specific English Language Test scores are the only versions accepted for admission to the Graduate School. Other tests or versions do not qualify. | TOEFL iBT | TOEFL MyBest | Duolingo | Academic IELTS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Minimum Required Score (ELP Not Satisfied) – effective through Autumn Quarter 2024 admissions | 80 | 80 | 105 | 6.5 |
Minimum Required Score (ELP Not Satisfied) – effective starting Winter 2025 admissions | 80 | 80 | 110 | 6.5 |
Recommended Score (ELP Satisfied) – effective through Autumn Quarter 2024 admissions | 92 or higher | 92 or higher | 120 or higher | 7.0 or higher |
Recommended Score (ELP Satisfied) – effective starting Winter 2025 admissions | 92 or higher | 92 or higher | 125 or higher | 7.0 or higher |
3.2.2 Submission of Test Scores
- The Graduate School also accepts the TOEFL paper-delivered test, which is available only to students in areas without internet testing access. Contact Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) for special instructions if you have taken this test.
- Applicants using TOEFL test scores must submit official scores electronically via ETS, using the University of Washington’s institution code 4854. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
- Applicants using Academic IELTS test scores must submit official scores electronically via the IELTS system (E-TRF), using the University of Washington’s organization ID 365. An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
- Applicants using Duolingo test scores must submit official scores via Duolingo to the University of Washington Graduate Admissions (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma). An offer of admission cannot be extended prior to the receipt of official scores.
- An applicant who does not meet the minimum required score will not be considered admissible by the Graduate School. The Graduate School does not offer conditional admissions to students who have not yet met the minimum English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement.
3.2.3 Meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) Requirements
- An applicant who has attained the recommended score has satisfied the Graduate School’s ELP requirement.
- An admitted applicant below the recommended score will be required to satisfactorily complete 1 to 3 UW Academic English Program (AEP) courses to fulfill the ELP requirement. Students are expected to register for any required AEP classes beginning the student’s first quarter.
- Admitted applicants who are required to take ENGL 102 and ENGL 104 may choose to fulfill this requirement before the start of the student’s graduate program by successfully completing the Graduate Preparation Program through the International & English Language Programs. Students enrolled in the Graduate Preparation Program pay additional fees.
- Test scores are valid for two years and must be valid on the date the application is submitted or on the date the program requests a deferral petition.
- Graduate students whose native language is not English and who wish to be appointed as teaching assistants (TAs) must meet the conditions for appointment specified in Graduate School Policy 5.2.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid silvaaThere are four basic types of aid:
Grants | Federal, state, and/or institutional funds that do not require repayment. They are awarded based on financial need. Grants are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. |
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Scholarships | Awards are based on financial need and/or merit. In some cases, it is based on the quality of the personal essay submitted as part of the scholarship application process. |
Loans | Funding that must be repaid to the lender. Typically, repayment starts after graduation or if enrollment falls below half-time status. Interest rates and accrual vary per loan type. |
Work-Study | A financial aid program where students are employed by an approved on- or off-campus employer The program can be federal or state work-study. Non-work study positions are also available and do not need to be added to the financial aid offer. |
Financial Need
In general, financial need is defined as the following:
Cost of Attendance (Student's Budget)
- Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Financial Assistance (Scholarships, long-term loans, benefits)
= Financial Need
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance is the estimated amount to attend the University of Washington Tacoma for a single academic year. Tuition is based on the student’s program of study; factors such as housing and food, books, personal expenses, transportation are revised each year. Housing is based on where a student will live during the academic year: at home with family/relatives, away from home in Court 17 on the UW Tacoma Campus or off-campus in an apartment but not with family. Books are based on an average amount for each quarter. Actual personal and transportation costs may very per student. With the exception of tuition, all factors in the cost of attendance or only estimates and represent the potential expenses students will have while enrolled.
Student Aid Index
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is determined by a standard government method and is used by financial aid offices to determine eligibility for federal, state and/or institutional funding. Parent, or if married, student’s spouse information may be required on the application. Students who would like to request financial assistance through the Financial Aid Office must complete either the FAFSA or the WASFA and provide requested documentation for our office to receive the SAI and create your financial aid offer.
Financial Need
With the exception of the Federal Pell Grant, financial need is based on the difference between your cost of attendance and the Student Aid Index. Grant and loan aid will be offered to meet this amount.
Scholarships
The University of Washington Tacoma Campus offers the following scholarships:
- General Scholarship
- Merit Scholarship
- First Step Scholarship
- External lists are available through the Office of Student Financial Aid as well as department websites. For information regarding scholarship opportunities, visit our Financial Aid website
The total aid and scholarships received for one academic year cannot exceed the calculated need. When this happens, need-based loan and grant funding may be reduced.
Apply for Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the basic application for federal, state and institutional financial aid. Students and contributors must complete their respective portions of the application. It is recommended that students and families complete the application online. To do so, students and application contributors must obtain a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID by registering through fsaid.ed.gov.
To access FAFSA on the Web, go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The University of Washington FAFSA School Code for all three campuses is 003798.
Undocumented students/other select applicant students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, you may submit a WASFA instead. Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA), available at https://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa.
Eligibility
To qualify for federal financial aid, a student must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or other eligible non-citizen
- Be admitted to the university in an approved program and meet minimum enrollment requirements (most distance learning, correspondence, and non-matriculated students do not qualify for financial aid)
- Not be in default on a previous student loan or owe a repayment on a grant or loan for which the student was not eligible Maintain satisfactory academic progress based on federal, state, and institutional requirements.
- Provide financial information (including parents’ information, where required)
To qualify for Washington state aid, a student must:
- Be a Washington State resident
- Be ineligible for the FAFSA due to immigration status
- Have other select reasons for not completing the FAFSA.
Eligible students are considered for funding based financial need as determined through the FAFSA or WASFA, class level and degree program eligibility, and state residency status. Need determines priority for those programs within the class level. Students with the fewest resources are given first priority for all aid funds.
Important Dates
The University of Washington FAFSA/WASFA Priority Filing Date is January 15.
In general, students whose FAFSA or WASFA is received after January 15, will still be considered for limited forms of financial aid. Eligible students may still be eligible for the Federal Pell grants and/or Washington College Grants (for undergraduates pursuing first bachelor’s degree) and the Federal Direct Loan programs.
For students eligible to file a WASFA, the application must also be received by the processor by the university's annual priority application date.
Financial aid recipients should remember to keep copies of financial documents used in completing the FAFSA or WASFA, continuously monitor their UW email account for official correspondence from the Office of Student Financial Aid, and notify the Office of the Registrar of any change in address.
Summer Financial Aid
Summer Quarter is the start of the next academic year for financial aid purposes. Students who plan to enroll for Summer Quarter must complete the next year's FAFSA or WASFA. After receipt of the acknowledgement email from our office, students must sign-in to their Financial Aid Status page to complete the Summer Aid Application. It will be available April 1 of each year.
Short Term Loan Program
The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships has funds available for short-term loans to assist students with temporary cash flow problems. Short-term loans are available only to students who are currently attending the university (loans cannot be processed between quarters). Students who are auditing courses or those enrolled but not earning credits are not eligible for short-term loans. Funds are generally available within one to four working days depending on if the loan is paying charges on your account or you are having the funds sent to your bank via direct deposit.
More information is available at https://www.washington.edu/financialaid/types-of-aid/loans/short-term-loans/
Consortium Agreements and Dual Enrollment
UW Tacoma students will occasionally need to enroll at a community college to complete admission deficiencies for their major. The credits at the community college may be counted toward the student’s total quarter enrollment credits using a financial aid consortium request available through the Financial Aid Office. Both UW Tacoma and the community college financial aid offices must approve consortium agreements. Students cannot receive aid at the host school as well as from UW Tacoma for the same quarter. If approved, students will receive their UW Tacoma financial aid based on the combined credits of both institutions. Requests must be submitted no later than three weeks prior to the start of the quarter. Students may also qualify to receive aid if enrolled in the UWT-TCC Dual Enrollment program.
Washington State's Guaranteed Education Tuition
Washington State's Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) program is a 529 college savings program named for the section of the IRS code that defines these types of plans. This program allows individuals to prepay for students’ college educational expenses. Funds from the GET program are used to reduce qualified educational expenses. The amounts used to pay these expenses are not taxable or reported to the IRS on the 1098T forms that the UW provides students for filing their tax returns.
Additional Information
Online Resources
- UW Tacoma Office of Student Financial Aid
- University of Washington Office of Student Financial Aid
- The U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
- Short Term Loan Program
- Disbursement of Financial Aid
MyUW
Students can use MyUW to:
- Find current student account balance
- Review financial aid award
- Check status of submitted financial aid documents
- Get a summary of disbursed financial aid and aid-check availability
- Determine if outside lender loan funds are available
- Get the latest recorded student account payment
- Set up direct deposit of financial aid funds
- Pay tuition electronically
- Apply for short-term loans
Registration
Registration silvaaOn this page:
- Registration Eligibility
- Class Attendance
- Restrictions on Attending Classes
- Auditing a Course
- Full-time and Half-time Status
- Class Standing
- Important Dates
- Registration Periods
- Registration Priorities
- Late Add Period
- Current Quarter Drop
- Summer Quarter
- Quarter-Off Policy
- Cross-Campus Enrollment
- Repeating Courses
- Duplicate Courses
- Withdrawal Policies
- Withdrawal for Military Service
- Complete Withdrawal for a Registered Quarter
- Former Quarter Drop
- Tampering and Abuse
Registration Eligibility
Continuing University of Washington Tacoma students who remain in good scholastic standing are guaranteed the opportunity to register each quarter at UW Tacoma as long as they maintain continuous enrollment (excluding summer quarter) or satisfy the guidelines of the quarter-off policy. Continuation must be in the same classification (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or graduate) and at the same campus. After a student has earned a baccalaureate degree, they must apply for re-admission as a post-baccalaureate, non-matriculated or graduate student before being allowed to register.
Newly admitted students, students re-enrolled into the same or a new classification (undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or graduate) or admitted to a different university campus are eligible to register during a specified time period. Review the Academic Calendar for registration periods.
Exceptions to the guarantee of registration eligibility include:
- students under disciplinary action,
- students with a financial hold on their records, and
- students failing to meet conditions of admission or not meeting program or university satisfactory progress policies.
Additionally, continuing students who withdraw during the first week of two consecutive quarters (excluding summer quarter) will not be eligible to register as continuing students for the third quarter and must submit a request for re-enrollment as a former student returning to the university. If an undergraduate does not enroll for two or more quarters (excluding summer quarter), they must submit a request for re-enrollment through the Office of the Registrar.
Class Attendance
The University of Washington Tacoma reserves the right to drop students who have not attended class during the first week of the quarter to make space for other students waiting to enroll. However, a student should not assume that they will be automatically dropped from a course if they do not attend. It is the student's responsibility to drop the course through MyUW. Students who are registered for a course section but do not attend will be assigned a failing grade by the instructor.
Restrictions on Attending Classes
No person, other than a faculty member attending informally with the approval of the instructor, may attend a UW Tacoma course in which that person has not been registered. An instructor may allow a student to attend their class only if the student's name is on the official class list from the Office of the Registrar. An unregistered student may attend through the fourteenth calendar day of the quarter.
Auditing a Course
Attendance in courses as an auditor is by consent of the instructor and only as space permits. Permission to audit is ordinarily granted for lecture classes only. Students who intend to audit a course must first register for the class through MyUW, then seek permission from the instructor and complete a Registration Transaction Request form to elect to use the audit grade option. The form including the approval is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. The deadline to change to audit status is listed on the Academic Calendar each quarter on the registration website. A $20 fee may be imposed depending on the timing of the transaction. Standard tuition and fees apply.
Auditors may not participate in discussion or laboratory work and the auditor’s registration may be canceled at the discretion of the instructor. No record of audited courses is kept. To receive credit for an audited course, the student must register for the class for credit and complete the course requirements in a subsequent quarter.
Full-Time and Half-Time Status
Full-Time | Half-Time | Less than Half-Time | |
---|---|---|---|
Undergraduate | 12 credits | 6-11 credits | 1-5 credits |
Graduate | 10 credits | 5-9 credits | 1-4 credits |
To be classified as a full-time student by UW Tacoma, an undergraduate student must register for and complete at least 12 credits per quarter. A graduate student must register for and complete at least 10 credits per quarter.
To be classified as a half-time student by the University, an undergraduate must register for and complete at least six credits per quarter. A graduate student must register for and complete five credits per quarter.
Please note that financial aid and tuition rates do not necessarily correspond to the above credit requirements.
Class Standing
A student’s initial class standing is determined by the total number of transfer credits awarded by UW Tacoma, not by the number of years of college study or completion of an associate degree. The following table lists the required credits for each class.
First-year | Fewer than 45 credits |
---|---|
Sophomore | 45-89 credits |
Junior | 90-134 credits |
Senior | 135 credits or more |
Students should note that satisfying UW Tacoma graduation requirements depends not only on the number of credits completed (a minimum of 180) but also on completion of all program requirements.
Important Dates
Each quarter, the Office of the Registrar publishes a list of important dates for the upcoming quarter on the Registration website. This Office of the Registrar website contains links to the schedule of classes, academic calendar, final examination schedule, registration period dates, deadlines (including graduation application deadlines), information about tuition and fees, and registration and withdrawal procedures. It is the responsibility of the student to know and understand these procedures and deadlines.
Registration Periods
Registration consists of three registration periods. Visit the Registration webpage to view course offerings, find out when students are eligible to register for classes and other important details.
Registration Period 1 |
During autumn, winter and spring quarters, registration period 1 is open to currently registered, matriculated students and those eligible to register under the quarter-off policy. During summer quarters, new students, non-matriculated students and returning students may also register for classes during registration period 1. Period 1 registration occurs during the latter half of the quarter preceding the quarter for which the student is registering. For example, currently enrolled students registering for autumn quarter do so in spring quarter. Effective for Winter Quarter 2025 registration, actual registration dates are based on class standing, the student’s veteran or ROTC status, and eligibility of disability benefits. Undergraduate students cannot register for more than 19 credits prior to the first day of the quarter. |
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Registration Period 2 |
During autumn, winter and spring quarters, new undergraduate and graduate students, as well as returning students, register during Registration Period 2 and are encouraged to check in with their advisor before registering. New freshmen students must meet with an advisor prior to registration. |
Registration Period 3 |
Registration Period 3 registration is open to all students for late registration, course adds and drops. Non-matriculated students register during this period, with the exception of summer quarter. Period 3 registration begins on the first day of the quarter through the seventh calendar day of the quarter. Certain fees and tuition charges may apply. |
Registration Priorities for:
Continuing students who are eligible for disability benefits may register on the first day of Registration Period 1.
Continuing students who are eligible veterans, national guard members, active duty military members, and their spouses, domestic partners, and dependents
Effective Winter Quarter 2025, continuing students with ROTC status may register on the second day of Registration Period 1.
During autumn, winter and spring quarters, new students with veteran status may register for classes the business day before Registration Period 2 begins.
Effective Winter Quarter 2025, graduating seniors or post-baccalaureate students who have submitted a graduation application may register on the second day of Registration Period 1 for their final two quarters. Students who postpone their graduation may save their priority quarters by not registering before their regular senior or post-baccalaureate priority day. When students have used their graduating senior priority for two quarters, their registration priority reverts to the regular senior or post-baccalaureate schedule. Students may not register for classes in any quarter beyond the quarter for which they have applied to graduate (except summer quarter).
UW Tacoma allows Washington residents 60 years of age or older to audit certain courses on a space available basis. Registration for Access students begins the third day of the quarter. Students who attend the University under the Access program are limited to two courses per quarter. There is a nominal registration fee, but Access students do not pay tuition. As auditors, students do not receive credit, participate in discussions, complete laboratory work or take examinations. Courses requiring lab fees are ineligible for the Access program. For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar website.
- UW staff and faculty may register for all classes beginning the third day of the quarter.
- All other eligible Washington State employees may register for all classes on the fourth day of the quarter.
Schools or majors may have limits or exclusions to the tuition exemption program. Please contact the school or major for additional information.
Any credits in excess of the six (eligible, tuition exempt) credits are subject to the same “space available” registration dates. Visit the Office of the Registrar website for more information, including a link to the online form to request tuition exemption.
Late Add Period
The Late Add Period is open through the second week of the quarter and a student is required to submit an entry code or enrollment request through the academic department in order to add courses. A $20 fee is charged for each additional day registration transactions are processed. This fee is in addition to any tuition increase or forfeiture as a result of the change. Visit the Academic Calendar for specific dates.
Current Quarter Drop
The Current Quarter Drop process differs depending on the time of the quarter: students use their Quarterly Drop via MyUW or use the Advisor-Assisted Drop Request process. During summer quarter, the timeline for dropping a course is abbreviated due to the shortened session; please consult the Important Dates page on the Registration website for specific dates.
A student who stops attending without officially dropping their course(s) is given a grade of 0.0. Students should be aware that dropping a course might impact their student account. Please see the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog. Check in with:
- Office of Financial Aid, if student is applying or receiving financial aid funding
- Veteran and Military Resource Center, if student is receiving VA Benefits or veteran-related tuition waivers
- International Student and Scholar Services, if student is an international student
Unrestricted Drop Period
Students dropping a course through the two weeks of a quarter, also known as the Unrestricted Drop Period, shall have no entry on their permanent academic transcript unless they do a complete withdrawal from the university. A $20 fee is charged for each additional day drop transactions are processed. This fee is in addition to any tuition decrease or forfeiture as a result of the change. When a student drops all courses, a complete withdrawal date is recorded on the transcript.
Late Course Drop Period
Students may drop one or more courses each quarter from the third week through the last day of instruction, also known as the Late Course Drop Period. An “RD” will follow the course title on the academic transcript. A $20 fee is charged for the day that the drop transaction is processed. This fee is in addition to any tuition decrease or forfeiture as a result of the change.
Summer Quarter
Students should note that due to the shortened session, deadlines for fee payment and registration transactions may vary from those of the regular academic year. Review the Important Dates PDF on the Registration website for specific dates each summer.
Quarter-Off Policy
Undergraduate students who have completed a quarter at UW Tacoma, may take the following quarter off and remain eligible to register during Registration Period I for the subsequent quarter without re-enrolling as a returning student. Any quarter from which a student has completely withdrawn does not constitute a completed quarter. Summer quarter enrollment is not required to maintain continuous registration eligibility. The quarter-off policy is not available for graduate students; graduate students must apply for On-Leave Status.
Cross-Campus Enrollment
Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and post-baccalaureate students enrolled at UW Tacoma may register for courses at another UW campus (Seattle or Bothell) beginning in Period 2 registration via MyUW.
All students may cross-register during the summer quarter and they may register during Period 1 registration. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors and post-baccalaureates must complete the required number of home-campus credits first.
Visit the Office of the Registrar website for details on cross-campus registration.
Eligibility
First-year students |
Once admitted, freshmen must complete 25 credit hours at their home campus before registering in courses on other UW campuses. The credit hours minimum requirement at the home campus does not apply to first-year students in Marching Band or Air Force ROTC. |
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Sophomores, juniors, seniors and post-baccalaureates |
All students with a class standing from sophomore to post-baccalaureate must complete 15 credits at their home campus before cross-registering at another campus. Seniors who are registering across campuses should consider the Final Year Residency requirement. |
Non-matriculated students | Students may not register cross campus except for summer quarter. This includes non-matriculated students taking courses under the staff or Washington State Tuition Waiver. |
Graduate students and graduate non-matriculated students | There are no restrictions on graduate students registering in courses cross-campus. |
- A maximum of 15 credits per academic year (autumn through summer quarter) may be taken on a campus other than the home campus.
- A maximum of 45 credits taken through cross-campus registration may be counted toward the degree.
Policy reference for information in this section may be found in the UW Policy Directory in the following sections: Student Governance and Policies.
Repeating Courses
With the approval of the academic department offering the course, a student may repeat a course once with both the original grade and the second grade computed in the grade point average. However, credit will be allowed only once.
A second repeat (taking a class for a third- or greater-time) cannot be done using MyUW. Grades in the third or subsequent takings will not be included in the grade-point average (GPA).
Veterans receiving benefits must receive approval from the veteran coordinator in the Veteran and Military Resource Center before a course is repeated.
Duplicate Courses
To protect the student's investment of educational effort and the value of the degree, UW Tacoma will not award credit for classes that repeat work done elsewhere. It is the responsibility of students who have earned credit at other colleges to determine whether courses they plan to take at UW Tacoma would duplicate any previously earned credit. Duplicate credit will not be awarded for a course that is equivalent to courses previously passed. Students who are in doubt should consult with an academic advisor before registering.
Withdrawal Policies
Withdrawal for Military Service
Students who are called to active military duty may withdraw through the end of the seventh week of instruction and receive a full refund but no academic credit. A copy of the student’s military orders is required. If a student withdraws after that date, the student may receive either a full refund or academic credit and no refund. Students who withdraw for military reasons will be allowed to return to the university without having to pay another application fee. Documentation in the form of military orders will be required. Please consult with the Office of the Registrar for complete details.
Complete Withdrawal for a Registered Quarter
Dropping all courses for the quarter
It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from all courses if they are unable to attend. Students may withdraw on MyUW through the Unrestricted Drop Period. Official withdrawals must be submitted through the Advisor-Assisted Current Drop process prior to the final day of instruction.
Tuition owed will be based on the date the complete withdrawal is received. Withdrawals are not accepted after the last day of instruction for the quarter.
The tuition forfeiture schedule for complete withdrawal from the university is as follows:
- Students who withdraw on or before the seventh calendar day of the quarter do not pay tuition.
- Students who withdraw after the seventh calendar day through the 30th calendar day continue to owe one-half of their tuition.
- Students who withdraw after the 30th calendar day continue to owe full tuition.
The following principles apply to complete withdrawal from the university:
- Courses dropped as part of a complete withdrawal from the university during the first two weeks of a quarter are not recorded on the student’s UW transcript; however, the date of the complete withdrawal is recorded.
- A recipient of veteran benefits should immediately notify the Veteran and Military Services Resource Center of withdrawal.
- A student with a scholarship or loan awarded through the university should notify the Office of Student Financial Aid of withdrawal.
Former Quarter Drop
Students may petition to drop courses for a former quarter using the Former Quarter Drop process. The Registrar will grant such a petition if, in their judgement, the student was unable to complete the course in question. Approved drops will be annotated on the student’s transcript as an RD (Registrar Drop).
Tampering and Abuse
A student who tampers or attempts to tamper with the registration records of another student, including but not limited to dropping courses and adding courses, may be subject to disciplinary sanctions as defined in the Student Conduct Code (WAC 478-121).
Registration Abuse
The registration system is provided for the sole express purpose for students to register themselves into sections. Any use of the registration system other than for this purpose is considered abuse of the system. Such abuse includes, but is not limited to, buying or selling one’s seat in a class, or otherwise registering for a section that one has no intention of taking.
To help conserve University resources and ensure the registration system is available to all, students are locked out of Web Registration after a specific number of excessive submission attempts and/or transactions are made per day. This threshold is sufficient for students’ regular use and should not interfere with typical use. The use of robots and other automated tools to submit registration requests is expressly forbidden.
A student whose account is locked out for excessive use must wait until the registration system removes the lockout – within 24 hours. The Office of the Registrar is unable to override a locked account.
System Abuse
Because use of scripts, robots, or other automated queries can adversely impact University network and computing resources and interferes with equal access to registration, such automated querying of registration-related resources is expressly forbidden. Violators may have their access to University network and computing resources terminated and may be subject to action by the University under applicable law, regulation, or policy, including but not limited to, discipline under any applicable University conduct code.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees silvaaTuition charges are based on a student's classification (undergraduate or graduate) rather than on course level. Because University costs are supported by state taxes, the rates charged to students who are not residents of Washington state are higher than the rates for residents. Tuition rates are subject to change without notice.
To be classified as a full-time student by the University of Washington Tacoma, an undergraduate student must register for and complete at least 12 credits per quarter. A graduate student must register for and complete at least 10 credits per quarter. Financial aid and tuition rates do not necessarily correspond to these credit requirements.
Click here to review the current year's tuition rates. For tuition rates from previous years, use the Quarterly Tuition Search Tool.
Academic & University Policies
Academic & University Policies silvaaGeneral Education
General Education silvaaThe general education portion of the degree will be structured to a significant extent by the Areas of Inquiry (AoI), which consist of three broad areas of study:
- Arts and Humanities (A&H)
- Social Sciences (SSc)
- Natural Sciences (NSc)
In addition, students must also complete coursework in these areas:
- English Composition (C)
- Writing (W)
- Reasoning (RSN)
- Diversity (DIV)
What is General Education?
General Education requirements represent the foundation of a UW education and will support the advanced learning students will do the rest of their life. The objective is to introduce students to many new ideas, rather than training them in one specific subject, so that they are in a position to create linkages across a wide expanse of different topics and disciplines. Areas of Inquiry (AoI) are meant to allow students to embrace the exploration of new ideas and work diligently to make connections, especially where none seem to exist.
English Composition courses emphasize how to organize and express ideas effectively. In composition courses, students will refine their skills by rewriting papers after receiving feedback on them.
Basic Skills
- 5 credits English Composition (C) with a minimum 2.0 grade required.
- 10 credits in Writing (W) courses required.
This requirement is intended to ensure that you have the opportunity to practice and use writing, broadly conceived, to deepen your learning, to think critically, and to solve problems. The Writing requirement is divided into two parts: a Composition course and Additional Writing courses.
- 5 credits of Reasoning (RSN) required.
This requirement is intended to ensure that students have the opportunity to improve your capacities for and abilities to critically evaluate and effectively use information utilizing symbolic and/or numeric methods, or the theoretical study thereof.
First-year and transfer students admitted with less than 40 credits who have not completed their world language requirement at the time of admission must complete the requirement prior to graduation. The world language requirement is satisfied by completing college level study through the 102 level or by submission of the high school transcript verifying two sequential years. (If a student is a native speaker of a language other than English, they may already meet this requirement. Contact the Office of Admissions for more information.)
- A minimum of 5 credits from the approved University list; may overlap with other Areas of Inquiry requirements. For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is a minimum of 3 credits.
Courses that meet the Diversity (DIV) requirement study diversity in the United States with focus on the sociocultural, political, and/or economic diversity of the human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies.
Areas of Inquiry (AoI)
A minimum of 180 college credits must be completed (with more required in some programs) and include a total of 40 academic credits in the following areas:
- A minimum of 10 credits of Arts & Humanities (A&H) required.
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of artistic and humanistic inquiry, broadly defined.
- A minimum of 10 credits of Social Sciences (SSc) required.
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of social science inquiry, broadly defined.
- A minimum of 10 credits of Natural Sciences (NSc) required.
The intent of this requirement is for students to become familiar with the methodologies, contributions, and limitations of natural science inquiry, broadly defined.
Other Transcript Designations
The E and R designations appear on the Time Schedule and transcript. The E designation which will signal to employers and professional and graduate programs that students have chosen community engaged learning experiences in their undergraduate education, while the R designation indicates that they have chosen undergraduate research experiences in their undergraduate education.
Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) is defined as "experiential learning with community partners through the mutually beneficial exchange of creativity, knowledge and resources." CEL is considered a High Impact Educational Practice, and has been shown to improve deep learning and persistence in undergraduate students. CEL allows students to engage in educationally purposeful activities and reflection tied to experiences in community-engaged outreach, scholarship, service, teaching/learning, research, creative endeavors or other activity. Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) courses are designated by an "E" in the Time Schedule. Prior to Summer 2024, the course designation was "S" (Service).
To qualify for an R designation, significant and sustained effort in the course must be dedicated to "authentic research/scholarship." Undergraduate research is defined as an original or creative contribution to the discipline, which can include encountering/uncovering new data which is incorporated into existing frameworks, discovering new insights or new data that alter the boundaries and/or contours of the field, drawing novel comparisons or making heretofore unrecognized connections within the field, and/or making new assessments of current knowledge/interpretations what is already known or accepted. Undergraduate Research course(s) are indicated by an "R" in the course schedule.
Special Topic courses are curriculum practice courses to test interest in a course before seeking formal approval.
Majors & Minors
Majors & Minors silvaaMajors
Declaring or Changing a Major
A major is the academic discipline, such as business or environmental science, to which an undergraduate student formally commits. Successful completion of the courses prescribed in an academic major, general education requirements and elective courses for a minimum of 180 credits qualifies a student to apply for an undergraduate degree.
Admission and graduation requirements for every major offered at UW Tacoma are available in the Degree Programs section of the catalog. The process for declaring a major varies depending on the major chosen. Once the major is finalized, a change of major form or notification is submitted by the academic program to the Office of the Registrar for processing up until the second week of the current term; all others will become effective for the upcoming term.
Students are encouraged to declare or apply to a major as soon as possible. Failure to declare a major before a student has earned 105 credits will result in a hold being placed on their registration. Students who have not yet declared or been admitted to a major, and need guidance, should consult University Academic Advising for assistance.
Most majors are not printed on UW undergraduate diplomas. In most cases, it will print "Bachelor of Arts" and "Bachelor of Science" only.
Double Major or Double Degree
Students may complete the requirements of two majors as either a double major or a double degree.
Double Major |
Students will earn a double major when both majors lead to the same degree name even if the two majors are in different schools or programs. Example: if a student completes the requirements for two majors, both of which are deemed bachelor of arts, this is earning a double major. Only 180 credits are required to earn a double major. |
---|---|
Double Degree |
Students will earn a double degree when the two majors lead to differently named degrees. Example: if a student completes the requirements for the bachelor of arts and the requirements for the bachelor of science degree. The student will receive two diplomas. 225 credits are required to earn a double degree. |
Degrees with Two Majors
Students must submit separate graduation applications for each major. Requirements of both majors must be met and each major will appear on the transcript.
Second Baccalaureate Degree
A second baccalaureate degree may be granted, upon readmission, but a student must earn a minimum of 45 credits beyond the number required for the first degree, and must be earned in residence. The student must achieve no less than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average in the credits required for the second degree.
Two Baccalaureate Degrees Concurrently
Students who complete 225 credits and complete the requirements of two majors will be awarded two bachelor’s degrees only if the degree types are different. For example, a student with a major in psychology and a major in social welfare will receive one bachelor of arts degree with a double major. A student with a major in nursing and a major in finance will receive a bachelor of science in nursing and a bachelor of arts in business administration because the two degree types are different.
Declaring an Option within a Major
Some majors offer formal options within the majors that allow students to obtain a more focused degree. A formal notation of any declared option will be added to the academic record (transcript).
Minors
Declaring a Minor
A minor is an optional program of study (usually 25 to 35 credits) built around a particular subject or discipline. Minors can be helpful by allowing students to focus their degree by choosing a minor related to their major or to broaden their degree by taking an unrelated but complementary minor. The minor appears on the student’s transcript.
Students who are working on their first baccalaureate degree and are in a major with at least 45 credits can declare a minor by meeting with their academic advisor. Minors do not have prerequisites and do not require any additional application materials.
Students are eligible to complete as many as three minors while earning their first undergraduate degree. Post-baccalaureate students are not eligible to earn a minor(s).
Completion of a Minor
A student cannot major and minor in the same discipline. A minor must be awarded at the same time the student’s first bachelor’s degree is awarded. This means:
- A student who does not graduate cannot be awarded a minor.
- A student cannot earn a minor after graduation.
Honors
Honors silvaaAcademic Honors
Quarterly Dean’s List
The quarterly Dean's list includes the names of matriculated undergraduate students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree and have attained a quarterly GPA of 3.50 in the final grades for at least 12 numerically graded credits. S/NS and CR/NC courses do not count as graded credits. Students who have been approved for a Reduced Course Load through Disability Resource Services must attain a quarterly GPA of 3.50 and complete 6 numerically graded credits.
Dean's Letters
Students are notified of their quarterly Dean's List standing with a Dean's Letter, which are distributed electronically. Recipients receive notification and download instructions via their UW e-mail address. To comply with FERPA regulations, Dean's Letter notifications are not sent to non-UW e-mail addresses.
Dean's Letters are generated once per quarter, after grades are due for that quarter often at the end of the subsequent quarter. Dean's Letters are only generated for students who meet the Dean's List criteria at that time. Dean's Letters are not issued or updated based on late changes to the academic record. Students are notified via email of their academic achievement and presented with an option to access their Dean's Letter (PDF) for the most recent quarter. Students will receive this email no earlier than one quarter after they've made the Dean's List.
The official University record that a student has qualified for the Dean's List is the notation on the student's UW transcript.
The Quarterly Dean's List website is updated quarterly and lists those students included on the previous quarter's Dean's List. Only students who have authorized the release of Student Directory Information and who have received a Dean's List letter appear on the Quarterly Dean's List website.
Annual Dean’s List
The Annual Dean's List high-scholarship award is recorded on the academic transcript of matriculated undergraduate students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree and have achieved a quarterly GPA of 3.50 in 12 or more numerically graded credits each quarter for three quarters of the academic year (summer through spring).
Students enrolled for four quarters of the academic year (summer through spring) must satisfy the conditions outlined above and attain a quarterly GPA of 3.50 or better in the fourth quarter, if enrolled for 10 or more credits.
The Office of the University Registrar has discontinued the printing and mailing of the Annual Dean’s List Certificate. Students who attain the Annual Dean’s List achievement are recognized only on the UW website. Names will only appear for those students who have authorized the release of Student Directory Information.
Baccalaureate Honors
Baccalaureate honors (summa cum laude, magna cum laude, cum laude) are awarded only to recipients of a first baccalaureate degree. These honors are earned by those students who have completed no fewer than 90 residence credits at this institution. At least 60 of the 90 credits must have been acquired on a graded basis. Only students earning their first baccalaureate degree are eligible to receive honors.
The University’s Honors Committee determines annually the grade-point requirement for each baccalaureate honor. In recent years, approximately 10 percent of the students have been awarded baccalaureate honors. Online courses are included in the UW cumulative GPA and therefore count toward baccalaureate honors.
Faculty Honors
At the University of Washington Tacoma, faculty honors are awarded to those students receiving their first baccalaureate degree whose GPA is in the upper 10 percent of their program and who have earned between 43 and 89 numerically graded credits at the UW. The grade-point requirement is at the same level as baccalaureate honors. Only students earning their first baccalaureate degree are eligible to receive honors.
Departmental Honors
Global Honors Program
The Global Honors Program is the UW Tacoma's interdisciplinary campus honors program, adding distinction to the bachelor's degree. It offers curricular pathways in Global Leadership and Global Citizenship and a Minor in Global Engagement. The program oversees major-integrated honors, connecting them to high impact global learning practices through the Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement.
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences Honors
The School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences currently offers honors designations in four majors:
School of Engineering & Technology
The School of Engineering & Technology currently offers honors designation for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science and Systems.
Recognition & Awards
President's Medal
Each year the UW Tacoma President's Medalist is selected from graduating seniors with the most distinguished academic record and recognized at the commencement ceremony. Candidates must be in the top 2% of the graduating class in their academic program and have either graduated (in autumn or winter quarter) or submitted a graduation application to graduate (in spring or summer quarter) during the respective academic year.
Review the Eligibility and the Selection Process.
Chancellor’s Medal
Each year a student receiving an undergraduate degree is recognized by the chancellor at the commencement ceremony for their extraordinary achievement as a student at UW Tacoma. Nominees must have above a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or above and are earning a degree in autumn, winter, spring or summer of the respective academic year. The award recognizes an individual who has been a consistent source of inspiration for faculty and fellow students alike, and has overcome significant obstacles in order to complete a degree. The Chancellor’s Medal is conferred at Commencement.
Review the Eligibility and the Selection Process.
University Grading System
University Grading System silvaaGrading System for Undergraduate Students
UW Tacoma uses a numerical grading system. Instructors may report grades from 4.0 to 0.7 in 0.1 increments and the grade 0.0. The number 0.0 is assigned for failing work or unofficial withdrawal. Grades in the range 0.6 to 0.1 may not be assigned. Grades reported in this range are converted by the registrar to 0.0. Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as shown in the chart below. Some instructors use their own grade scale which they include in their course syllabus.
Letter Grade | Numerical Grade |
---|---|
A | 4.0 - 3.9 |
A- | 3.8 - 3.5 |
B+ | 3.4 - 3.2 |
B | 3.1 - 2.9 |
B- | 2.8 - 2.5 |
C+ | 2.4 - 2.2 |
C | 2.1 - 1.9 |
C- | 1.8-1.5 |
D+ | 1.4 - 1.2 |
D | 1.1 - 0.9 |
D- | 0.8 - 0.7 (Lowest passing grade) |
E | 0.0 (Failure or unofficial withdrawal; no credit earned) |
Grading System for Graduate Students
At the graduate level, instructors may report grades from 4.0 to 1.7 in 0.1 increments. Grades below 1.7 are recorded as 0.0 by the Registrar and do not count toward residency, total credit count, or grade and credit requirements. A minimum grade of 2.7 is required in each graded course that is counted toward a graduate degree. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for graduation. Numerical grades may be considered equivalent to letter grades as follows:
Letter Grade | Numerical Grade |
---|---|
A | 4.0 - 3.9 |
A- | 3.8 - 3.5 |
B+ | 3.4 - 3.1 |
B | 3.0 - 2.9 |
B- | 2.8 - 2.5 |
C+ | 2.4 - 2.1 |
C | 2.0 - 1.7 |
E | 1.6 - 0.0 |
Other Letter Grades
Definitions for the following letter grades that may also be used:
Letter Grade | Description |
---|---|
CR: Credit Awarded | Credit in a course offered on a credit/no-credit (C/NC) basis only or in courses numbered 600, 601, 700, 750 and 800. The minimum performance level required for a CR grade is determined, and the grade is awarded directly by the instructor. CR is not computed in GPA calculations. |
NC: Credit Not Awarded | Credit not awarded in a course offered on a credit/no-credit (C/NC) basis only or in courses numbered 600, 601, 700, 750 and 800. The grade is awarded directly by the instructor and is not included in GPA calculations. |
S: Satisfactory |
Satisfactory grade for courses taken on a satisfactory/not-satisfactory (S/NS) basis. An S grade is automatically converted from a numerical grade of 2.0 or above for undergraduate classes and 2.7 or above for graduate classes. The grade S may not be assigned directly by the instructor, but is a grade conversion by the Office of the Registrar. Typically, undergraduate students may elect this option only for free electives and cannot be used to satisfy a university, college or department course requirement unless the quarter is deemed as one of extraordinary circumstances where courses will count towards prerequisites, major and degree if the student earns an S grade. With the approval of their program advisor, graduate students may elect to be graded S/NS in any numerically graded course for which they are eligible. A maximum of 25 credits of S/NS grades may be applied to an undergraduate degree. S is not computed in GPA calculations. For graduate students, see an academic advisor. Read about late grading options during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters. |
NS: Not Satisfactory |
Not Satisfactory grade for courses taken on a satisfactory/not-satisfactory (S/NS) basis. A grade less than 2.0 for undergraduate classes and 2.7 for graduate classes is converted to NS. NS is not included in GPA calculations. No credit is awarded for courses in which an NS grade is received. Read about late grading options during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters. |
I: Incomplete |
Instructors may grant an incomplete grade if the student has done satisfactory work to within three weeks of the last day of the quarter and if circumstances prevent the student from completing the remaining work for the course by the end of the quarter. Instructors are never obligated to grant a student's request for an Incomplete. A student should make the request for an Incomplete to their instructor by submitting the Incomplete Grade Request Form by the last day of the quarter. For undergraduate students: To obtain credit for the course, a student must successfully complete the work by the last day of the next quarter. An Incomplete grade not made up by the end of the next quarter will be converted to the grade 0.0 by the Registrar unless the instructor has indicated, when assigning the Incomplete grade, that a grade other than 0.0 should be recorded if the Incomplete work is not completed. The original Incomplete ("I") designation is not removed from the permanent record for Summer 2024 and prior. However, starting Winter 2025, the submitted grade will replace the "I" on the transcript for Autumn 2024 courses; if no grade is submitted, the Incomplete with convert to a grade of 0.0 and the "I" will be removed from the official transcript; and if a default grade was submitted by the instructor this grade will replace the "I" on the transcript. An instructor may approve an extension of the Incomplete removal deadline. Such an extension must be received, in writing, at the Office of the Registrar, not later than the last day of the quarter following the quarter in which the Incomplete grade is assigned. An extension, which may be granted for one additional quarter, must be received before the Incomplete has been converted into a failing grade. Students should never re-register for the course as a means of removing the Incomplete. For graduate students: To obtain credit for the course, a student must successfully complete the work and the instructor must submit a grade. In no case may an Incomplete be converted into a passing grade after a lapse of two years. An incomplete received by the graduate student does not automatically convert to a grade of 0.0 but the "I" will remain as a permanent part of the student's record. |
W: Official Withdrawal | Official Withdrawal or drop from a course from the third through the seventh week of the quarter for undergraduates. A number designating the week of the quarter is recorded with the “W” when a course is dropped. It is not computed in GPA calculations. Effective through Summer 2020. |
HW: Hardship Withdrawal | Grade assigned when a student is allowed a hardship withdrawal from a course after the fourteenth calendar day of the quarter. HW grades are not computed in GPA calculations. Effective through Winter 2020. |
RD: Registrar Drop | "RD" is assigned when a student is allowed to withdraw from a course(s) after the 14th calendar day of the quarter (click here to learn more about Current Quarter Drop and Former Quarter Drop policies). It does not impact cumulative GPA or academic standing. Effective beginning Spring 2020. |
N: Hyphenated Course | N: Indicates that the student is making satisfactory progress and a final grade will be given at the end of the quarter the work is completed. Used only for hyphenated courses (courses not completed in one quarter) and courses numbered 600, 601, 700, 750 or 800. An N grade carries with it no credit or grade until a regular grade is assigned. |
X Missing Grade Annotation
If after the grading deadline a student has not been assigned a grade by the instructor, the system will insert an X missing grade annotation that appears on the student's record. The GPA is not affected and no credit is granted. The student does not receive credit for the course until a passing grade is submitted.
Grade point average (GPA)
The cumulative GPA includes credits granted for courses taken in residence at all campuses of the University of Washington and those with a “DL” (Distance Learning) offered when fully online. The UW transcript also reflects grades for other Continuum College courses that are not residence credit and grades for credit by examination. Credits by exam grades do not affect the student’s UW cumulative GPA.
Computation of GPA
The grade point average for graduation is computed by dividing the total cumulative grade points by the total credits attempted for courses taken in residence at the university. Grade points are calculated by multiplying the number of credits by the numeric value of the grade for each course. The sum of the grade points is then divided by the total credits attempted. Courses elected on an S/NS basis are counted as follows: Satisfactory grades are printed on the permanent record as an S and do not count in the quarterly or cumulative grade point average, but they do count as credits earned toward graduation. Not-satisfactory grades (NS) do not count in the quarterly and cumulative grade point averages and do not count as credits earned toward graduation.
Examples of How to Calculate your GPA:
COURSE | CREDITS | GRADE | GRADE POINTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TWRT 211 | 3 | X | 0.0 | = | 0.0 |
TMATH 324 | 5 | X | 2.9 | = | 14.5 |
TCSS 390 | 5 | X | 3.2 | = | 16.0 |
= 13 total credits attempted | = 30.5 total grade points |
Total credits earned toward graduation: 10
Total graded credits attempted: 13
Total grade points: 30.5
To calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA): 30.5 ÷ 13 = 2.35 GPA
The total graded credits attempted (13 credits), not the credits earned (10), are used in computing the GPA.
COURSE | CREDITS | GRADE | GRADE POINTS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBUS 300 | 5 | X | 2.3 | = |
11.5 |
TBUS 310 | 5 | X | 2.9 | = | 14.5 |
TBUS 320 | 5 | X | I | = | 0.0 |
= 10 credits completed (5 are incomplete | = 26.0 total grade points |
Total credits earned toward graduation: 10
Total graded credits attempted: 15
Total grade points: 26
Grade point average = 26.0 ÷ 10 = 2.60
The student attempted 15 credits, but has received an incomplete (I) for TBUS 320, so only 10 are graded initially; the I is not computed in the grade point average. If the work in TBUS 320 is not made up by the end of the following quarter, the I grade will convert to a numeric grade of 0.0 and the grade point average will be recomputed and the 15 total credits attempted will now used to re-calculate the grade point average. When a grade of 0.0 is received, it is computed in the grade point average, but no credit is awarded toward graduation.
Grading Procedures
Change of Grade
Except in case of error, an instructor may not change a grade that they have submitted to the Registrar. A student who finds administrative omissions or errors in a grade report must make application for review no later than the last day of the student’s next quarter in residence. Grades cannot be changed after the degree has been granted. Students are not automatically notified of grade changes posted and should review their unofficial transcript.
Changing or Appealing Final Grades
Except in case of error, no instructor may change a final grade that they have turned in to the Registrar. Grades cannot be changed after the degree has been granted.
Written Appeal of Grade Error
If a student believes that the instructor made an error in the assignment of a grade, or believe a grade recording error or omission has occurred, the following procedures are required to resolve the matter:
- The student must first discuss the matter with the instructor before the end of the following academic quarter.
- If they are not satisfied with the instructor’s response, the student may submit a written appeal that must include documentation(2) to the director or the dean of the program(3) that offered the course, with a copy of the appeal to the instructor. This must be done no later than 10 class days after your discussion with the instructor. The director or dean will consult with the instructor to ensure that the evaluation of your performance was fair and reasonable or whether the instructor's conduct in assigning the grade was arbitrary or capricious. Should the dean or director believe the instructor's conduct to be arbitrary or capricious(4) and the instructor declines to revise the grade, the director, with the approval of the voting members of his or her faculty, shall appoint an appropriate member, or members, of the faculty of that program to evaluate your performance and assign a grade. The vice chancellor for academic affairs and the provost will be informed of this action.
Once the student submits a written appeal, this appeal, any supporting documentation, and all subsequent actions on this appeal may be maintained and/or recorded in written form for deposit in a department, school or college file.
(1) Final grade means the grade received in the course and reported to the Office of the Registrar.
(2) Documentation means all materials relevant to the grade determination and to the grade appeal process. Examples include grade reports, graded work, syllabus, student/faculty correspondence, etc.
(3) Director or Dean means the administrator responsible for the respective school or program offering the course, which is under appeal.
(4) Arbitrary or Capricious means in a manner deemed to be inappropriately subjective or otherwise inconsistent.
Extraordinary Circumstances Quarter Late Grading Option
Undergraduate and graduate students may amend their original grading options for courses during Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters (ECQ). Review the Extraordinary Circumstances Quarter website for specific information about the following terms that have been deemed an Extraordinary Circumstances Quarter. Students may continue to move between numeric to S/NS grading or from S/NS to numeric for grades earned only in Extraordinary Circumstances Quarters until their degree has been posted. A change of registration fee is assessed for each change of grading option made, except for changes to Spring 2020 courses. Satisfactory (S) grades will count toward degree and graduation requirements.
Academic Standards
Academic Standards silvaaAcademic Standards
Students are expected to meet the traditional standards of honesty and truthfulness in all aspects of their academic work at UW Tacoma. In particular, all work submitted to an instructor in fulfillment of course assignments, including papers and projects, written and oral examinations, and oral presentations and reports, must be free of plagiarism. Plagiarism is using the creations, ideas or words of someone else without formally acknowledging the author or source through appropriate use of quotation marks, references and the like. Student work in which plagiarism occurs will not be accepted as satisfactory by the instructor and may lead to disciplinary action against the student submitting it. Any student who is uncertain whether their use of the work of others constitutes plagiarism should consult the course instructor for guidance before formally submitting the work involved.
Satisfactory Progress
The university requires students to declare a major by the time they have earned 105 credits. Students are urged to meet with an advisor to determine a major. A registration hold is placed on students who have reached 105 credits and not declared a major. In rare cases, a student who has met with an advisor will be granted a pre-major extension.
Students who have completed 165 or more credits, completed eleven or more academic satisfactory progress quarters and who do not have a graduation application or graduation plan on file will receive a registration hold and must meet with their advisor to start planning for graduation. In order to remove the hold, the student must submit a graduation application or a graduation plan.
The university’s satisfactory progress policy requires that students complete their undergraduate degree within 30 credits beyond the minimum required for the degree. Because most degrees require 180 total transfer and UW credits, students generally must complete their programs by the time they earn 210 credits.
Undergraduates who have completed more than 210 credits will be notified by the end of the third week of the quarter that a block is being placed on their registration due to lack of satisfactory progress. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisors to prepare a graduation plan or complete a graduation application.
Low Academic Standing
Academic Alert Status
An undergraduate student whose grade point average falls below 2.00 in their first quarter at the university receives an academic alert status. If a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00 for courses earned in residence at the university is not achieved by the end of the next quarter, they are placed on academic warning status.
Academic Warning and Dismissal
Academic warning status is essentially a warning that the student must show improvement if the student is to remain at the University. An undergraduate student is placed on academic warning if their cumulative GPA falls below 2.00, except for their first quarter when an academic alert is issued. They must achieve a 2.00 GPA for each subsequent quarter until their cumulative GPA is raised to 2.00 or they are put on academic drop status.
Senior in Final Quarter
A senior who has completed the required number of credits for graduation, but whose work in what would normally be their final quarter places them on academic warning status, does not receive a degree until removed from academic warning status. A senior who has completed the required number of credits for graduation, but whose work during the last quarter results in academic drop status, does not receive a degree until readmitted and removed from the academic warning status.
Reinstatement
An undergraduate student who is placed in academic drop status will be readmitted to the university only at the discretion of the pre-major reinstatement committee or if in a major, the student’s academic program. In most cases, a student may be required to sit out one quarter. A student readmitted after being dropped under these rules reenters the university on academic warning status. The student’s GPA is the same as when dropped from the university, and the student may not use grades from other colleges or universities to raise their UW grade point average. A readmitted student is dropped if they fail to attain either a 2.00 grade point average for the following quarter’s work or a cumulative UW grade point average of 2.00 at the end of that quarter.
Please note: The University of Washington transcript is comprised of course work and grades from all three campuses. Students who are dropped for low scholarship from one campus and reinstated at another will remain on academic warning status until their cumulative grade point average reaches 2.00.
Graduation Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree
Graduation Requirements for the Baccalaureate Degree silvaaTo graduate with a bachelor’s degree, a student must meet minimum general education and basic skills requirements in addition to the requirements of their academic program. This section outlines only the general education and basic skill requirements. Graduation requirements for each degree program are explained in this catalog.
Students must earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all work done in residence at the university. The graduation grade point average is computed when the student has completed all work for the degree and includes only credits earned while in residence at the university.
Students must complete a minimum of 180 academic credits in the following areas:
General Education | No fewer than 40 credits of general education courses, to include a minimum of 10 credits in each of three areas of study: Natural Sciences (NSc), Social Sciences (SSc), and Arts and Humanities (A&H) |
---|---|
Writing/Composition | A minimum of 15 credits of writing to include 5 credits of English Composition (with a minimum 2.0 grade) and 10 credits of designated writing-intensive courses |
Reasoning | A minimum of 5 credits of Reasoning (RSN) course work |
Diversity | A minimum of 5 credits from the approved University list; may overlap with other Areas of Inquiry requirements. For students admitted to the University prior to autumn quarter 2023, the DIV requirement is a minimum of 3 credits. |
Final-Year Residency Requirement
Students are required to complete 45 of their final 60 credits as matriculated students in residence at UW Tacoma. Some degree programs may have stricter residency requirements. Fully online degree programs are exempt from this requirement.
The following are considered non-resident credit:
- Cross-campus courses taken at UW (Seattle campus) and UW Bothell
- Credit from external sources (AP/IB credit, transfer coursework, by exam, Armed Forces Training School, etc.)
To seek an exception to the residency requirement the student needs to submit a graduation petition two quarters in advance to their academic advisor. Petitions requesting approval of 16-25 non-resident credits will be reviewed by the department awarding the degree. Petitions requesting more than 25 credits will be reviewed by the Academic Policy & Curriculum Committee. See details in the “Waiver of Graduation Requirements” section. If an exception is granted, the student still must present a minimum of 45 credits taken in residence as a matriculated student to be awarded a UW degree.
Catalog for Graduation Requirements
With advisor approval, a student may choose to graduate under the requirements of either the current catalog or the catalog in effect at the time they entered the program from which they are to graduate.
If the student graduates more than 10 years after enrolling in the program, the current catalog must be used for graduation purposes. Exceptions to this rule cannot be made without official approval by the academic program.
Waiver of University or Program Requirements for Graduation
To request a waiver of a program degree requirement a student must submit a petition to their academic program. Students should confer with their advisor before completing the petition. Review is done by the academic program faculty committee or director/dean, as procedures specific to each academic program dictate.
If the student is requesting to waive a university requirement (e.g., residency or the minimum grade for composition), the petition will be submitted to their academic advisor for review by the Faculty Assembly’s Academic Policy and Curriculum Committee (APCC). Once a determination has been made, the student is contacted. The 180-credit minimum and cumulative 2.00 GPA requirement for an undergraduate degree are university requirements that are not petitionable.
To ensure a determination is made in time for graduation, petitions must be submitted at least two quarters before the student’s graduation date to allow time for committee to review and registration.
The decision of the APCC is final. An exemption from a university graduation requirement becomes void at the end of two calendar years from the date the exemption was granted if all degree requirements have not been completed by that date.
Filing a Graduation Application
The student must make an appointment with their advisor to complete an application for graduation. The application may be filed as early as three quarters before the expected date of graduation. The absolute deadline for filing an application is the Friday of the third week of the quarter in which the student intends to graduate.
Students who will complete their degree requirements in summer quarter but wish to participate in the preceding spring commencement must adhere to the spring deadline.
It is the student’s responsibility to apply for a degree; degrees are not automatically awarded when requirements have been satisfied.
If a student declared a minor but it does not appear on the graduation application, the graduation specialist in the Office of the Registrar will remove it. On the other hand, if a student lists a minor on the degree application, the student must complete that minor or drop it officially, otherwise they will not graduate. This protects the student from being graduated when the actual intent is to continue in order to complete the minor.
Adding minors after applying to graduate
A student who wants to add a minor after the graduation application has been submitted must see their advisor, who will update the application and notify the graduation specialist in the Office of the Registrar.
Commencement
Formal Commencement exercises are conducted at the end of spring quarter. Programs also hold separate hooding ceremonies for their master’s degree graduates. Information on participating in these ceremonies is posted on the UW Tacoma commencement website.
Students who graduated during the previous autumn or winter quarters and those who anticipate graduating in spring or summer quarters of the current year are eligible to participate in an in-person event if they have filed a graduation application. It is the student’s responsibility to apply for graduation by the deadline, please see Filing a Graduation Application.
Diploma Distribution
Diplomas are mailed three to four months following graduation. The Office of the University Registrar in Seattle will send graduated students an email with a link to a form where students can indicate a desired diploma name and mailing address. The diploma name does not need to match the student record name. The form may be used to indicate a preferred name, hyphens, spaces, lower/upper case letters, accents, or other special characters. If a student does not complete the form, or misses the deadline provided in the email, the diploma will be printed using the student record name and mailed to the permanent address per UW records.
The diploma will list a student’s name, degree, and any applicable honors. Majors and minors are not listed on UW diplomas.
Students do not receive their diploma at the Commencement ceremony.
Graduate Academic & University Policies
Graduate Academic & University Policies silvaaOn this page:
- Time to Completion
- Graduate Courses
- Graduate Requirements for the Master's Degree
- Graduate Degree Application Process
- Transfer Credit
- Graduate Credits Taken as an Undergraduate
- Graduate Non-Matriculated Students
- Visiting Graduate Students
- Graduate Student On-Leave Status
- Reinstatement to Graduate School
- Doctoral Degree Policies
The following section contains detailed information concerning policies and procedures relating to graduate students and graduate studies. Students should verify all information with the program advisor of the individual academic program or appropriate staff.
For more information on the University of Washington Graduate School and graduate student policies, please visit the Graduate School website at https://grad.uw.edu/.
Time to Completion
The Graduate School normally allows six years to complete requirements for a master’s degree. Periods spent on leave or out of status are included. UW Graduate Non-matriculated credits used toward the total credits are also counted in the six years.
The Graduate School normally allows ten years to complete all work for the doctoral degree. This includes quarter spent on leave or out of status as well as applicable work from the master's degree from the UW or a master's degree from another institution, if applied toward one year of resident study.
Graduate Courses
Graduate courses numbered in the 500s through 800s are intended for and ordinarily restricted to either students enrolled in the Graduate School or graduate non-matriculated students who meet the requirements of Policy 3.3.
Graduate courses should be presented at a level that assumes enrolled students bring to the class a background at least equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the field or a related interdisciplinary field. Graduate courses must not be used to correct deficiencies in the student’s undergraduate work; courses normally expected to be part of undergraduate preparation for graduate study must be identified by undergraduate course numbers.
Some courses at the 300 and 400 levels are open to graduate students; see Policy 1.1 for using these courses for graduate degree requirements.
Graduate Requirements for the Master's Degree
In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 that apply to all graduate degree programs:
- Master’s degree requirements must include a minimum of 36 credits. A master’s program may require more than this minimum.
- A student must complete all work for the master’s degree within six years from the time of first enrollment. Periods spent on leave or out of status are included in these limits. Exceptions to time to degree will be made at the program level.
- A master’s program generally should require a final culminating or integrated experience, with the exception of applied professional programs where a coursework-only program can be thoroughly justified in the program proposal (e.g., a coursework-only program is the standard in the field).
1.1.2.1 Coursework that may be applied towards master’s degree requirements
A maximum of 6 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW master’s degree requirements, when acceptable to the graduate program and the Graduate School.
No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
1.1.2.2 Thesis Programs
The master’s thesis provides evidence of the graduate student’s ability to carry out independent investigation and to present the results in clear and systemic form.
A thesis program must include a minimum of 9 thesis credits (700).
Thesis credits (700) will not apply to requirements for a non-thesis master’s degree.
See Policy 4.2.1 for any thesis that will include human or animal subjects.
1.1.2.3 Final Examination
If a master’s program requires a final examination, it may be either oral or written. A majority of the supervisory committee must approve for satisfactory completion, and all members of the supervisory committee must certify examination results. If the examination is not satisfactory, the committee may recommend to the Dean of the Graduate School that the student be allowed to take another examination after a period of further study.
Graduate Degree Application Process
The Graduate School defines minimum degree requirements for all University of Washington graduate programs. Individual graduate programs may have degree requirements that exceed the Graduate School minimum requirements.
The Graduate Faculty with oversight of a graduate program have primary responsibility for assuring that students recommended for graduation have satisfactorily fulfilled the degree requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.
A student must satisfy the requirements for the degree that are in force at the time the degree is to be awarded. Exceptions may be made for programs that have undergone changes to degree requirements.
Learn more about the Graduate School’s Graduate Degree Requirements and Policy 1.1
Master’s Degree Request Schedule
The academic department may require an earlier request submission date; students should consult with their department.
For all quarters, the deadline to file a Master’s request is the last day of the academic quarter (the last day of finals week).
Completing the Master’s Degree Request
- When completing the master’s degree request, the program will automatically run a degree audit to inform the students of any unsatisfied Graduate School requirements.
- Students will receive an email confirming receipt of their master’s degree request and the program will be notified through the MyGrad Program that a request has been submitted.
- Authorized departmental users enter department contingencies into MyGrad Program and can elect to send an email to the students to notify them of the departmental contingencies. Authorized departmental users will print the master’s degree warrants and the warrants will be routed to the students’ master’s committees in a manner determined by the department.
- By signing the master’s degree warrants, the students’ committees certify that the students have met all departmental requirements for the degree (except the thesis if one is required) and the warrants must be placed in the students’ department file.
- Once the warrants have been signed, the authorized departmental users will recommend whether or not the students are to graduate that quarter and these recommendations are conveyed to the Graduate School through MyGrad Program following the end of the quarter. Emails are sent to the students notifying them that their departments have made a recommendation on their request.
- Once the Graduate School receives the degree request recommendation, a final transcript audit and a review to determine if all Graduate School and department contingencies are met, will be completed by Graduate School staff.
- The Graduate School enters the final graduation decision into MyGrad Program, email notifications are sent to the students informing them of their graduation status, and authorized department users can view their quarter graduation list in MyGrad Program.
Commencement
Formal commencement exercises are conducted at the close of spring quarter. Academic programs also hold separate hooding ceremonies for their master’s and doctorate degree graduates in early June. Information on participation in these ceremonies is posted on the UW Tacoma Commencement website at tacoma.uw.edu/commencement.
Diploma Distribution
Diplomas are produced approximately three to four months after the end of the quarter in which they are earned and are mailed to the student's address on file with the University.
Transfer Credit
For Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees:
- A maximum of 6 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW degree requirements, when acceptable to the graduate program and the Graduate School.
- No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
For Doctoral degree other than Practice Doctorate:
- With the approval of the graduate program and the Graduate School, a master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits. No other transfer credits are allowed for doctoral programs.
- With the approval of the graduate program, any number of credits applied to a UW master’s degree in the same program may be counted towards doctoral degree requirements.
For Practice Doctoral degrees:
- With the approval of the graduate program and the Graduate School, a Ph.D. or a master’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited institution may substitute for up to 30 of the required 90 credits.
- With the approval of the graduate program, any number of credits applied to a UW master’s degree in the same program may be counted towards doctoral degree requirements.
- A maximum of 10 quarter credits of graduate-level coursework taken at another recognized academic institution may be transferred and apply to UW practice doctorate degree requirements, when acceptable to the graduate program and the Graduate School.
- No more than 12 credits derived from any combination of GNM credits and transfer credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
- No more than 30 credits derived from any combination of GNM, transfer, and substituted credits may be applied towards the total degree requirements.
More information may be found in the Graduate School’s Policy 1.1.5.1
Graduate Credits Taken as an Undergraduate
University of Washington students who are within six credits of completing their undergraduate work and who have met the requirements for admission to the Graduate School may register the quarter immediately preceding admission to the Graduate School for up to six credits in 500-level courses in addition to the last six credits they require of undergraduate work. For example, a student admitted for autumn quarter may take graduate credits during the preceding spring quarter.
This registration and these arrangements must be approved by the graduate program that the student will enter. However, students so enrolling are not reclassified as graduate students until the baccalaureate degree has been granted and after their official admission. At that point, it is necessary to petition to permit the six credits to apply toward the master’s degree. Only under these circumstances may graduate work taken as an undergraduate be applied toward an advanced degree. Further registration for graduate work is contingent upon completion of the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Non-matriculated Students
A Graduate Non-matriculated student is a post-baccalaureate student who wishes access to a limited number of graduate courses, but who has not been admitted by the Graduate School to a degree program. These Graduate Non-matriculated students must not be enrolled in any courses where they would displace admitted degree-seeking graduate students. This status is not appropriate for international students on F-1 visas.
Applicants for GNM status must meet Graduate School minimum admission requirements and must be evaluated for acceptance by the academic unit according to the typical criteria for admitting students to the unit’s graduate programs.
Tuition and fees charged GNM students for graduate level courses cannot be less and may be more than those charged to graduate students.
Acceptance as a GNM student confers no guarantee or priority for later admission to a graduate degree program.
More information may be found in the Graduate School’s Policy 3.3
Visiting Graduate Students
Visiting Graduate Student status allows certain students to take University of Washington coursework without being admitted to a University of Washington graduate degree program.
All applications for Visiting Graduate Student status are processed by the Graduate School’s Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) office. All documentation submitted by the applicant must be in English or official translations into English accompanied by the original foreign language document.
If a student with Visiting Graduate Student status later applies for admission to the Graduate School in order to pursue a graduate degree, the student must formally apply and submit complete credentials as outlined in Policy 3.1.
Not all graduate programs accept visiting graduates, so please contact the program before you apply. You may find contact information in the graduate program listing.
More information may be found in the Graduate School’s Policy 3.4
Graduate Student On-Leave Status
Graduate students are required to maintain graduate status during their program of study. Failure to maintain this status requires reinstatement to the University of Washington. Students who desire to take a quarter or quarters off without going through the reinstatement process must apply for on-leave status for each quarter they do not register. Learn more about Policy 3.5: On-Leave Policy to Maintain Graduate Student Status.
On-leave Eligibility
- Must be a graduate student in good standing.
- Must have been registered or on-leave the previous quarter.
- Must satisfy any graduate program policies pertaining to going/remaining on-leave.
- Must have registered for at least one quarter of graduate study at UW and have approval from their graduate program.
- Must request this leave on a quarterly basis.
- Students on F-1 & J-1 visas should review International Student Services’ webpages on Time Off to ensure they understand the enrollment requirements and exceptions related to their visas.
- Pre-registered students must officially withdraw via MyUW or the Registration office prior to the first day of the quarter. Registered students are not eligible for on-leave status.
Students on-leave are entitled to:
- Return as a graduate student to the graduate program
- Use University libraries
- Maintain access to the UW email account
- Use Hall Health Primary Care Center on a pay-for-service basis
Students on-leave are not entitled to:
- Faculty and staff counsel/resources (very limited counsel/resources are permitted)
- Examinations of any type (except for language competency)
- Thesis/dissertation filing
- University housing
- Student insurance
- Financial assistance
Procedure for Requesting Leave
Students requesting on-leave status must submit an online Request for On-Leave Status via MyGrad Program. For a given quarter, students can submit the request as early as two weeks prior to the first day of instruction and must submit payment of the non-refundable fee no later than 5 p.m. on the last day of the quarter.
Leave is granted on a quarterly basis, though the following students may request up to four consecutive quarters of leave at one time: Peace Corps Master’s International (PCMI) students, military personnel with deployment orders, and some UW Fulbright grantees (with the exception of military personnel with deployment orders, these students will be required to pay the fee for each quarter of leave requested). All students pay for on-leave, with the exception of military personnel on deployment orders (deploying students must still log onto MyGrad to “Pay” after receiving the departmental approval email, but they will be exempted from payment at the last step).
- Complete and submit the online Request for On-Leave Status via MyGrad Program. Student will receive a confirmation email that the request has been submitted.
- Request will be reviewed and approved by the departmental Graduate Program Coordinator (faculty advisor). Upon approval, students will receive a confirmation email that the department has approved the request.
- Return to MyGrad Program to pay the $25.00 non-refundable On-Leave fee via credit card. Students will receive a confirmation email that their quarterly leave has been processed and their registration status for that quarter is “On-Leave.”
- Print confirmation of on-leave verification to be presented for access to the UW libraries.
- Students on F-1 & J-1 visas should review International Student Services’ webpages on Time Off to ensure they understand the enrollment requirements and exceptions related to their visas.
- Complete and submit the online Request for On-Leave Status via MyGrad Program.
- Request will be reviewed and approved by the departmental Graduate Program Coordinator (faculty advisor). Upon approval, students will receive a confirmation email that the department has approved the request.
- Request will then be reviewed and approved by the ISS office. Upon approval, students will receive a confirmation email that the ISS has approved the request.
- Return to MyGrad Program to pay the $25.00 non-refundable On-Leave fee via credit card. Students will receive a confirmation email that their quarterly leave has been processed and their registration status for that quarter is “On-Leave.”
- Print confirmation of on-leave verification to be presented for access to the UW libraries.
Reinstatement to the Graduate School
A matriculated student previously registered in the Graduate School who has failed to maintain graduate student status (on-leave status or registration) but who wishes to resume studies in their previous graduate program must submit a reinstatement request to the Graduate School. Students approved to reinstatement must pay a $250 reinstatement fee to process their reinstatement and return to active student status.
Reinstatement Eligibility
- Must be an inactive matriculated graduate student wishing to return to their previous degree program. Non-matriculated, undergraduate, or active graduate students are not eligible for reinstatement.
- Must have been registered for at least one quarter of graduate study at UW.
- Must have approval from the graduate program to reinstate.
- Must satisfy any additional graduate program policies pertaining to reinstatement.
- International students must have confirmation from the International Student Services office that an I-20 can be issued in time to meet registration deadlines.
- Original admission date was less than six years ago (for master’s students) or ten years ago (for Doctoral students). The Graduate School normally allows six years to complete requirements for a master’s degree and ten years for a doctoral degree. Periods spent on-leave or out of status are included.
Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for reinstatement without a petition from their graduate program. Ineligible students should instead submit a new application for admission after consulting with their graduate program. Please note that students who meet reinstatement requirements but instead submit a new application for admission will have their application fee refunded and be assessed the $250 Reinstatement Fee.
For questions regarding on-leave status, please contact your graduate program advisor or Graduate Enrollment Management Services at uwgrad@uw.edu or 206-685-2630
Doctoral Degree Policies
The Doctoral Degree other than Practice Doctorates
- In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 that apply to all graduate degree programs, the following requirements apply to all doctoral degrees other than practice doctorates. For the composition and responsibility of the doctoral supervisory committee, see Policy 4.2.
- Doctoral degree requirements must include a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate. A doctoral degree program may require more than this minimum.
- Doctoral programs require a culminating experience, with PhD programs requiring original research reflected in the dissertation.
- All work applied to the doctoral degree must be completed within ten years, including credits counted from a master’s degree at UW. Periods spent on leave or out of status are included in these limits. Exceptions to time to degree will be made at the program level. Additional Doctoral Degree requirements may be found in the Graduate School policy 1.1.4
The Practice Doctoral Degree:
- A practice doctorate is intended as preparation for professional practice at the frontiers of existing knowledge (see Policy 1.7.2).
- In addition to the requirements listed under Policy 1.1.1 that apply to all graduate degree programs:
-
- Practice doctoral degree requirements must include a minimum of 90 credits beyond the baccalaureate.
- The practice doctorate requires successful completion of 12 credits of dissertation, project or capstone credit (801 Practice Doctorate Dissertation/Project/Capstone).
- There is no formally recognized candidacy status for practice doctoral students. Requiring a general exam or other milestones is at the discretion of the program and is not reported to the Graduate School.
Residency
Residency silvaaResidence Classification Requirements
The Office of the Registrar has detailed information on residency classification, the residency affidavit and the residency questionnaire. Residency is determined by several factors in addition to physical residence in Washington and may be established through the submission of documentary evidence. Any student seeking clarification regarding residency classification should review the information at the Understanding Washington Residency website or contact the Office of the Registrar.
Veteran and Military Residency
Active-duty military personnel stationed in the state of Washington, their spouses and dependent children are eligible for resident (in-state) tuition. An exemption to Washington residency is allowed for many veterans and their families, based on state law, who would otherwise not qualify due to the 12-month physical presence requirement. Please review all of the options available to veterans, active military and their families. Consult the Veteran and Military Resource Center for further assistance.
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Student Rights & Responsibilities silvaaIt is the responsibility of the student to become familiar with all academic and administrative regulations and procedures relating to their course of study at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Student Conduct Code
All students who are enrolled on any of the three University of Washington campuses (Tacoma, Seattle, or Bothell) are held accountable to the Student Conduct Code. The Student Conduct Code outlines both the expectations for behavior and the procedures for handling violations of the conduct code.
Contact Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity for additional support.
Academic Misconduct
Admission to the University of Washington carries the expectation that students will conduct themselves as responsible members of the academic community. All students assume responsibility to observe standards of conduct that will contribute to the pursuit of academic goals and to the welfare of the academic community. This responsibility includes practicing high standards of academic and professional honesty and integrity, and complying with the rules, regulations, procedures, policies, standards of conduct, and orders of the university and its schools, colleges, and departments.
Behavioral Misconduct
Students must respect the rights, privileges, and property of other members of the academic community and visitors to the campus, and refrain from any conduct that would interfere with university functions or endanger the health, welfare, or safety of other persons. Students should be familiar with the Student Conduct Code.
Off-Campus Misconduct
The University shall have the authority to hold students accountable under the Student Conduct Code for certain off-campus behavior (i.e., behavior that does not occur on university premises or in the context of a university-sponsored event or activity) that directly affects an University interest, or has continuing adverse effects or may create a hostile environment on University premises or in the context of a University-sponsored program or activity.
Sexual Harassment Complaint Procedure
Title IX and other federal and state laws collectively prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, pregnant or parenting status, and LGBTQ identity. These laws impose legal requirements and protections that serve as a foundation from which UW has created policies, practices, services, and programs that work in concert to advance equity for students, staff, and faculty of all identities
Students, staff and faculty members and other users of university services who have a concern or complaint regarding sexual harassment should contact the Title IX Office. The Title IX Office provides options for reporting sexual violence and harassment, and resources and support for victims of sexual violence and harassment.
Computer Use and Software Copyright Policy
All faculty, staff and students are responsible for using university computer resources in an ethical and legal manner. For example, it is not appropriate to share computer accounts or use them for commercial purposes, to send unwanted email, or to distribute copyrighted software, music or images. Those who do not follow the rules could lose their UW computing privileges. For detailed information, see the UW Information Technology website.
Student Privacy Rights & FERPA
Release of Student Directory Information
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protects the privacy of student educational records. However, the following information is considered public or directory information and may be released to anyone unless the student requests otherwise: name, street address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, major and minor field(s) of studies, class, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and for students who are members of intercollegiate athletic teams, weight and height.
If a student chooses not to authorize release of directory information, they can restrict this information using MyUW. Except under provisions of the USA Patriot Act of 2001 or a lawfully-issued subpoena, no information will be released on students who have restricted release of directory information, including degrees awarded and dates of attendance.
Currently enrolled students may submit a one-time request for their own education records to be provisioned to themselves. The one-time records request is submitted to the Office of the Registrar.
Complete details regarding FERPA and students’ rights concerning educational records are available from the Office of the Registrar.
Student Education Records
As a general rule, the University will not release a student’s education records to a third party without the written consent of the student. This includes tuition account information. The complete university policy on student education records and the location of such records may be found in the Washington Administrative Code under WAC 478-140-024.
Transcripts
Transcripts silvaaOfficial Transcripts
A transcript is the official record of a student's academic history at the University of Washington, including declared major(s) and minor(s), courses taken, grades received, grade-point average, and degrees awarded. Official transcripts are printed on special paper, and certified and issued directly by the University through use of Parchment. Official transcripts may be needed for most scholarships, academic institution applications, and employment verification.
Ordering Official Transcripts
Contact the Office of the Registrar at UW Tacoma, or visit the Ordering Transcripts webpage for more information.
Unofficial Transcripts
Unofficial transcripts are not certified by the University. They are intended to provide a student with their academic standing for informational and planning purposes. Students can print out an unofficial University of Washington Tacoma transcript online at MyUW.
University Records Retention
University Records Retention silvaaDisposition of Records
Office of the Registrar maintains the academic records for all enrolled undergraduate students as well as registration transactions for graduate students at the University of Washington Tacoma in electronic format based on the University of Washington's Records Retention Schedule. Student records are maintained for up to 9 years after the beginning of the fall quarter of the admission year. Once the retention period has ended, the record is set for disposal.
Degree Programs
Degree Programs silvaaThe following are the official program descriptions for the University of Washington Tacoma's degree programs. Most academic departments and colleges maintain their own websites with additional information.
All announcements in the General Catalog are subject to change without notice and do not constitute an agreement between the University of Washington Tacoma and the student. Students should assume the responsibility of consulting the appropriate academic unit or advisor for more current or specific information.
For UW Tacoma course descriptions, click here.
Schools and Programs
- Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement
- Milgard School of Business
- Office of Undergraduate Education
- School of Education
- School of Engineering & Technology
- School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
- School of Social Work & Criminal Justice
- School of Urban Studies
Graduate Programs
Doctor of Education (Educational Leadership) (EdD)
Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science & Systems) (PhD)
Education Specialist (School Psychology) (EdS)
Graduate Certificate in Software Development Engineering
Master of Arts in Community Planning (MACP)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership (MCL)
- ADN/BSN/MN (admission to program suspended for 2023-24 and 2024-2025; visit SNHCL website for details)
Master of Science in Accounting (MSAcc)
Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Master of Science in Computer Science and Systems (MSCSS)
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering (MSECE)
Undergraduate Majors & Options
Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree with a major in
- Arts, Media and Culture
- Communications
- Computer Science and Systems
- Criminal Justice (on-campus or online)
- Economics and Policy Analysis
- Education
- Environmental Sustainability
- Ethnic, Gender and Labor Studies
- Healthcare Leadership
- History
- Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (Division of Social and Historical Study)
- Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (Division of Social, Behavioral and Human Sciences)
- Law and Policy
- Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Psychology
- Social Welfare
- Spanish Language and Cultures
- Sustainable Urban Development
- Urban Studies
- Writing Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BABA)
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree with a major in
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science and Systems
- Environmental Science
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
- Urban Design
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree (BSCE)
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
*A formal option is a University-approved concentration within a major that appears on a student’s transcript. Program information is populated from UW Curriculum Management system.
**Informal options, tracks, concentrations or pathways do not appear on a student transcript. Program information can be found on school's website.
Certificate Programs
Endorsements
Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement
Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement silvaaThe Institute for Innovation & Global Engagement (IIGE) promotes a globally engaged university through collaborations and partnerships that connect the classroom to the world. It advances the University of Washington's imperative to be boundless, and adds momentum to UW Tacoma's strategic goal to advance global learning. The IIGE offers three transcripted pathways for students: Global Honors, the Minor in Global Engagement and the Minor in Innovation and Design. The IIGE Signature focuses on: global framework, solutions orientation, inclusive innovation and community engagement.
Institute for Innovation & Global Engagement
Contact Information
Phone: (253) 692-4785
Email: iige@uw.edu
Undergraduate Programs
Certificate Program
Milgard School of Business
Milgard School of Business silvaaMilgard School of Business cultivates business leaders through cutting edge and personally accessible education, diverse scholarly exploration, and innovative community engagement while promoting social responsibility. We inspire students to become lifelong learners.
Undergraduate Programs
Major: Business Administration
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree: Accounting
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree: Finance
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree: Management
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree: Marketing
Minor: Business Administration
Minor: Business Data Analytics
Minor: Sports Enterprise Management
Graduate Programs
Office of Undergraduate Education
Office of Undergraduate Education silvaaThe Office of Undergraduate Education offers undergraduate students the opportunity to discover their intellectual, creative and professional passions by introducing them to many interconnected areas of knowledge. Through the services we offer and/or coordinate such as student testing services, freshmen core, spring into the sophomore year, Student Showcases, Summer Bridge, Undergraduate Majors Fair and TUNIV 250, our office strives to support all undergraduates as they participate in a comprehensive undergraduate experience.
Undergraduate Education Initiatives
Core Learning Community
The Core Learning Community introduces first-year students to the excitement and challenges of post-secondary education through a series of theme-based courses organized around the Core "Areas of Inquiry."
Throughout their Core experience, students will work collaboratively with their peers and UW Tacoma faculty while gaining familiarity with the skills required to succeed across the curriculum. In pursuit of this goal, all Core courses are designed to cultivate and refine our campus-wide learning goals, which include communication and self-expression; civic engagement; critical inquiry; global understanding; cultural competence; and problem solving.
Summer Bridge Program
Summer Bridge provides incoming freshmen with tools for success as they navigate a new academic environment and face the personal and intellectual challenges of being a first-year student.
Undergraduate Student Showcase
Each quarter, OUE sponsors a student showcases that provides undergraduate students an opportunity to present their quarterly projects to the UW Tacoma campus community. It also provides an open forum for students to discuss their work and connect with faculty and peers from across the curriculum.
Testing
The Office of Undergraduate Education provides Math placement, Spanish Proficiency testing and makeup tests for individual students upon faculty requests.
Undergraduate Education Academic Council
The Undergraduate Education Academic Council (UEAC) oversees curriculum issues pertaining to undergraduate education and plays an important role in elevating the profile and quality of the undergraduate academic experience at UW Tacoma.
Learning Community
Core courses are designed to prepare first-year students for success both in college and beyond. The challenges we face today are complex, and they require educated citizens capable of understanding issues from multiple perspectives. Consequently, many Core courses adopt an interdisciplinary approach to their particular field of study.
In their first year, Core students meet many of their general education graduation requirements in classes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 25 to 1. Discussion, lectures, reading, writing, and project assignments are designed to broaden students' perspectives--not only about what they are studying, but also about how what they are learning resonates within the world in which they live.
Having sampled the scope of UW Tacoma's curricular offerings through their Core experience, first-year students are better prepared to select courses each quarter from a range of electives that will allow them to explore and prepare for potential majors.
Learning Objectives
While the faculty that teach Core curriculum courses come from a variety of academic programs on campus, they teach to a common set of student learning objectives with a developmental approach that emphasizes the foundational skills necessary to succeed in college courses. Faculty collaborate in the Core Learning Community to design and teach classes that build on these objectives while introducing students to academic writing, the sciences, the social sciences, and the humanities.
As the foundation of a student’s academic career at UW Tacoma, Core strives to foster the following learning objectives:
- Inquiry and problem solving: collect, evaluate, and analyze information and resources to solve problems or answer questions.
- Research methods & application: approach complex issues by taking a large question and breaking it down into manageable pieces.
- Synthesis & context: make meaningful connections among assignments and readings in order to develop a sense of the ‘big picture.’
- Argumentation: formulate an original thesis-driven argument and sustain it in both written and verbal communication.
- Analysis: identify, analyze, and summarize/represent the key elements of a text.
- Disciplinary awareness: enter/place themselves into an existing dialogue (intellectual, political, etc.).
- Expression of ideas: express ideas clearly in writing and speaking in order to synthesize and evaluate information before presenting it.
- Disciplinary perspective: understand events and processes as ‘disciplinarily’ situated.
- Global perspective: interact with concepts, ideas, and processes related to the interdependences between personal, local, and global relationships.
- Diversity: think outside of cultural norms and values, including their own perspectives, to critically engage the larger world.
- Civic engagement: interact with concepts, ideas, and processes related to civic engagement.
- Use quantitative evidence (including statistics, graphs, etc.) in support of an argument.
- Analyze and evaluate a chart or graph and interpret it (through discussion, a written assignment, etc.).
- Find quantitative data to support an argument.
Sample Course Descriptions
Below are sample course descriptions. Core courses change based on the faculty teaching each quarter. For information on Core courses currently being offered, check the online Time Schedule.
T CORE 101 Introduction to Academic Writing (C)
Service Learning for Social Justice.
Students will explore the theme of social justice through service learning. Along with writing on particular topics related to this theme, they will do research about the issue of volunteerism and civic responsibility in conjunction with the particular project they pick, such as working with Habitat for Humanity. The goal of the class is to put academics into action, so that students will understand that what they learn can be applied in the real world.
T CORE 102 Introduction to Science (NW)
Where the Water Meets the Road: Examining the Environmental Impacts of Urbanization on Aquatic Ecosystems.
How do your actions impact the aquatic organisms living in Puget Sound? As the human population continues to climb, more and more people are migrating to urban areas. This in turn imposes greater stresses on adjacent water bodies and other natural resources. This class seeks to explore the growing urban centers around the world and their associated environmental impacts on neighboring aquatic ecosystems. We will also address practices that promote sustainable living in urban areas.
T CORE 103 Introduction to Social Sciences (l&S)
'I'm Batman': Intersections of Pop Culture and Identity.
As consumers of popular culture, most of us are guilty of defending our favorite TV shows long after they've been cancelled, arguing about the likability of a hero in a film, or even debating the merit of trash TV. In an era where you can take Buzzfeed quizzes to determine which superhero or cartoon character you most resemble, it is important to question why our relationship with such cultural texts matters. This course will interrogate the relationship between popular culture, representations of identity, and its consumers. We will examine texts ranging from commercials to award-winning television shows in order to question how and why these texts create meaning for viewers. By writing about texts that we may not easily consider "academic," we will practice skills of interpretation and reflection in order to ask "Why do these texts matter to us?"
T CORE 104 Introduction to Humanities (VLPA)
Listening Outside the Box: Concert Music in the 21st Century.
With only ten weeks to explore the world of "classical music", we will immerse ourselves in a multitude of listening experiences, to include live concert attendance and in-class performances by local musicians. Building on this foundation, we will explore the impact of today's global society on this musical tradition: to what extent have new technologies, increased communication and the ensuing democratization of music impacted the ways in which we relate to "concert music"? Does this music still have relevance in our lives? How have other cultures embraced this tradition, and how has the music of other cultures influenced composition and performance in this genre?
School of Education
School of Education silvaaThe mission of the University of Washington Tacoma Education Program is to prepare ethical and reflective educators who transform learning, contribute to the community, exemplify professionalism and promote diversity.
Undergraduate Programs
Endorsements
School of Engineering & Technology
School of Engineering & Technology silvaaThe School of Engineering and Technology at the University of Washington, Tacoma, provides focus for the rapid development of high-technology academic programs which serve the needs of the state of Washington. Launched in 2001, the School of Engineering and Technology has supported the community by building facilities, classrooms and labs. Through innovative partnerships with area companies, internships and funded research projects, Institute students gain real world experience to tackle the challenges of a continually evolving industry.
School of Engineering & Technology
Contact Information
Phone: (253) 692-5860
Email: setacademics@uw.edu
Undergraduate Programs
Major: Civil Engineering
Major: Computer Engineering
Major: Computer Science and Systems
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Computer Science and Systems
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Computer Science and Systems
Major: Electrical Engineering
Major: Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Information Technology
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Information Technology: Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Information Technology: Mobile Digital Forensics
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Applied Computing
Graduate Programs
Doctor of Philosophy (Computer Science and Systems)
Graduate Certificate In Software Development Engineering
Master Of Cybersecurity And Leadership
Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Bioinfomatics) (electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Bioinfomatics) (project or thesis)
- Master of Science in Computer Science and Systems (BS/MS)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Cyber-Physical Systems) (electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Cyber-Physical Systems) (project or thesis)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Cybersecurity) (electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Cybersecurity) (project or thesis)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Data Science) (electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Data Science) (project or thesis)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Distributed Systems) (Electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Distributed Systems) (Project/Thesis)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Geographical Information Systems) (electives)
- Master Of Science In Computer Science And Systems (Geographical Information Systems) (project or thesis)
Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Master of Science in Information Technology
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences silvaaThe School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences is divided into five divisions, each containing related programs and degrees.
General Education Requirements for SIAS
As part of the degree requirements, students must complete approximately 85 credits of general education course work:
English Composition (C) | 5 credits | |
---|---|---|
Writing (W) | 10 credits | One course may be part of the major requirements for students in majors such as Communication, History (all tracks), PP&E (all tracks), Law & Policy, Psychology, and Writing Studies |
Reasoning (RSN) | 5 credits | Courses such as Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, General Chemistry, Statistics, and others may fulfill this requirement |
Diversity (DIV) | 5 credits | These are courses that focus on sociocultural, political, and economic diversity of human experience |
Arts and Humanities (A&H) | 20 credits | These are courses in TARTS, TAMST, TFILM, TLIT, TWRT; select courses from other subject areas may count |
Social Sciences (SSc) | 20 credits | These are courses in TEGL, THIST, TLAWPL, TPPE, TPSYCH, TSOC; select courses from other subject areas may count |
Natural Sciences (NSc) | 20 credits | These are courses in TBIOL, TCHEM, TESC, TMATH, TPHYS, TCSS; select courses from other subject areas may count |
Most students who transfer from another college have many of these requirements completed. Any requirements that aren't complete when a transfer student is admitted to UW Tacoma become part of the student's degree program.
Some courses may fulfill more than one general education category or a major requirement. See advisor for details. For example, a course might be a Writing course and also an Arts and Humanities (A&H). Courses that are both A&H and Social Science (SSc) can only fulfill one general education area.
School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Contact Information
Phone: (253) 692-4450
Email: iashelp@uw.edu
Division of Culture, Art and Communication
Division of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs
Division of Sciences and Mathematics
The division of Sciences and Mathematics offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Environmental Studies, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science and Mathematics. Our curriculum, internship opportunities and research maintain local community ties while exploring global perspectives, leading to excellent career opportunities for graduating students.
Division of Social, Behavioral and Human Sciences
Our majors include Psychology and Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with an individually-designed option. Our curriculum in Psychology is designed to prepare students for careers in human services, community service, human resources and for graduate school for students who plan to work as professional psychologists. We value interdisciplinarity, being able to combine and use skills and knowledge across disciplines.
Undergraduate Programs
Division of Social and Historical Study
The SIAS division of Social and Historical Studies covers social science and humanities courses in the History, Ethnic, Gender and Labor Studies and IAS Global Studies concentration majors. Investigate diverse experiences and conditions over time and place to provide a common framework, paying particular attention to race, class, ethnicity and gender, and to how people shape their destinies.
Undergraduate Programs
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership silvaaThe Nursing & Healthcare Leadership Program shares the University of Washington Tacoma mission to provide undergraduate and graduate education for the diverse citizens of the South Puget Sound region. The program supports the interdisciplinary mission of the campus through teaching and scholarly inquiry. Within the overall mission of the campus, the program focuses on the discovery and dissemination of knowledge that promotes health within an ethic of social justice. The curriculum emphasizes and fosters the integration of teaching, inquiry and service through a community of learners. Partnerships with the community assist the program in providing learning environments in which learners build upon their skills and knowledge to strengthen their understanding of local, national and global health issues.
School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership
Contact Information
Phone: (253) 692-4470
Email: tnursing@uw.edu
Graduate Programs
School of Social Work & Criminal Justice
School of Social Work & Criminal Justice silvaaThe School of Social Work and Criminal Justice offers two distinct undergraduate majors, an undergraduate minor and one professional graduate degree. The degrees include a bachelor of arts in criminal justice offering both an on-campus and an online degree completion option as well as a bachelor of arts in social welfare. In addition, an undergraduate minor in criminal justice is available to all majors across campus. The Master of Social Work (MSW) degree offers professional graduate study in a specialized area. The School of Social Work and Criminal Justice has strong ties to the South Puget Sound community, our graduate and undergraduate students complete local internships and practicum placements, our faculty conduct collaborative research with partners in our community, and our alumni are actively involved in service and helping professions largely in the South Puget Sound region.
Undergraduate Programs
Certificate Program
School of Urban Studies
School of Urban Studies silvaaThe Urban Studies Program offers a bachelor of arts in urban studies with formal options in Global Urbanism and Community Development & Planning. The degree starts with an introduction into the discipline of urban studies with course topics on exploring cities, world development, and urban studies "in practice". The formal options deliver focused theory and skill-based courses that teach how to understand and impact the local and global dynamics of urban society. Graduates are prepared for public or private-sector jobs in areas such as housing and community development, planning, transportation, government agencies, and social services. The program is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate study in such fields as community development, public administration, law or urban planning/design.
Undergraduate Programs
Major: Sustainable Urban Development
Major: Urban Design
Major: Urban Studies
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Development and Planning
- Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning