Mission

The School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington Tacoma prepares diverse students to contribute to a complex multicultural society and encourages sustainable citizenship at the local, national, and global levels. Using an interdisciplinary approach to knowledge, inquiry, and problem-solving, students learn to create, analyze, and express themselves in ways that enhance their own development, their sense of community within human and natural environments, their ability to deal with problems of injustice and inequality, and their dedication to positive change. We prepare students to be adaptable outstanding leaders, professionals, and citizens.

Values and guiding principles

  • Academic Distinction and Student Success
  • Interdisciplinary Teaching and Scholarship
  • Engaged Inquiry
  • Diversity and Inclusiveness
  • Community and Social Responsibility

Vision

SIAS brings innovative approaches and a progressive spirit to building a dynamic learning community as we respond to the needs of our students and serve as the liberal arts and sciences cornerstone of the University of Washington Tacoma.  We promote academic excellence by encouraging students to understand the interconnectedness of world problems and to become responsible local and global citizens.  We engage in inquiry and research that is both socially and culturally relevant and promotes a scientific understanding of the natural world and environmental issues.

School of IAS Student Learning Objectives

As a graduate of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, students will:

  • Develop proficiency in skills such as writing and critical thinking that are needed for productive careers, and gain mastery of a broad curriculum in the humanities, social sciences and environmental science;
  • Achieve knowledge of the theories, concepts and methods of cross-cultural analysis;
  • Understand the complexity of relations between groups, societies, cultures and natural environments; the history of these relations and the forces of social change;
  • Gain a knowledge and appreciation of cultures other than their own while exploring the expression of cultural identity, thought and beliefs through literature and the other arts; and
  • Build experience in the analysis of environmental issues and their scientific basis