University of Washington-Tacoma Campus

Accounting

The Milgard School of Business Master of Science in Accounting (STEM) program offers both a 9-month, 45-quarter credit full-time professional program for those with an accounting undergraduate degree and an 18-month, 80-quarter credit option for those new to accounting. The curriculum incorporates analytics, audit, forensic and tax software and includes an internship, and it provides the fifth year of higher education required for the State of Washington CPA exam.

Arts, Media and Culture

Focuses on how broadly-defined fields of art and media operate within and transform culture, studying formal, aesthetic and sociocultural ways of understanding literature, visual art, film, music or other media. The major offers tracks in Comparative Arts, Literature, Film & Media, Visual & Performing Arts, and American Cultures.

Biomedical Sciences

Immerses students in an exploration of topics in the life sciences including cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and physiology, as they are applied to the science of human health. Prepares students for admission to medical, health and other science-related graduate or professional schools.

Business Administration

The master of business administration (MBA) degree at the Milgard School of Business is a 64-credit graduate degree designed to provide experienced professionals and managers with new tools for responding to the challenges of change. It is a comprehensive degree that builds capabilities across the full range of business disciplines, developing a strong mix of leadership, financial, analytical, operational, relational, and communication skills.

Business Administration

The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration program is designed to prepare students for entry into professional positions in business and government. The curriculum emphasizes critical learning outcomes needed by students to succeed in the business environment of the 21st century, with study options in Accounting, Finance, General Business, Management, and Marketing.

Business Analytics

The STEM-designated MSBA program is an accelerated 12-month, full-time, 40-credit professional program consisting of eight four-credit courses and four two-credit applied project courses. Students tackle a real-world business analytics project, applying business intelligence and analytics concepts to complex business problems. The program is delivered in a hybrid format, 60% online and 40% in person on Saturdays, so professionals can earn the degree while working.

Civil Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering is designed to meet ABET accreditation criteria and emphasizes the conception, development, design, construction, maintenance, and renewal of systems in a complex urban environment. Coursework spans transportation, water resources, the environment, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, construction engineering, and land development.

Communications

Develops theoretical knowledge and practical skill in mass media through an interdisciplinary, multicultural curriculum. Students learn about the social, cultural, economic, political and historical contexts within which media operate, choosing between professional and research tracks.

Community Planning

The Master of Arts in Community Planning degree program builds on an undergraduate education in urban studies or a related field and prepares graduates to be collaborative professionals who work with and empower community constituents, influencing policy formation, resource generation, community change, and urban development. The program emphasizes urban social studies, community development, and urban problem solving.

Computer Engineering

The Computer Engineering program combines elements of both electrical engineering and computer science, providing students a thorough education in both the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to solve computing problems. Graduates are prepared to work on circuit design, microprocessor design, software engineering, and embedded systems. The degree is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Computer Science and Systems

The master's degree in Computer Science and Systems is designed for advanced careers in the technology industry and to prepare students to enter a PhD program in computer science. The degree requires 40-45 credits depending on the degree option, combining a 15-credit core with option-specific coursework and either an electives-only or a project/thesis completion path.

Computer Science and Systems

The PhD in Computer Science and Systems is designed to develop scholars, educators, and interdisciplinary researchers who focus on computing principles for breadth and become experts in interdisciplinary areas characterized by substantial engineering and technology challenges.

Computer Science and Systems (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science and Systems provides students with a strong foundation in computing technology with an opportunity to apply the fundamental concepts and technologies of computer science to another academic discipline. Students graduate with a rigorous grounding in the principles of the software design process, and are highly informed users rather than primary builders of software. Students are required to complete a minor or approved focus area.

Computer Science and Systems (BS)

The Computer Science and Systems program provides a broad approach to computer science and software design, focusing on computer science theory with an equal emphasis on software application design methods relevant to the needs of local and regional industry.

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice degree offers a multidisciplinary understanding of crime and justice within the framework of broader social processes within our society. This approach emphasizes social justice, diversity, community partnerships, systems thinking and skill development, adopting a social justice lens with a focus on harm reduction and rehabilitative and restorative approaches. The major is available on campus and as an online degree-completion cohort with the same major requirements.

Cybersecurity and Leadership

The MCL is designed for mid-career professionals and military personnel with a technical background, work experience, and a regionally accredited bachelor's degree who seek leadership positions in cybersecurity operations. The program provides the technical competencies and managerial skills needed for the design, development, implementation, operation, and management of cybersecurity systems and the protection of an organization's information assets.

Economics and Policy Analysis

The Economics and Policy Analysis major develops students' advanced economic reasoning and applies this to policy-related issues. Students learn to think critically about the nexus between markets and the government, and engage in critical inquiry over policies undertaken by their community governments. Graduates are prepared for graduate study in public policy or law and for mid-level careers in government, policy-related enterprises, and business.

Education

The master of education (M.Ed.) degree is organized under the umbrella of the School of Education at UW Tacoma and is offered with several credential focuses: Educational Administration (61 credits, leading also to a Residency Administrator's Certificate), Elementary Education (77 credits, K-8 teacher certification with a Special Education or English Language Learners track), Secondary Education (57 credits, secondary certification in the sciences or mathematics).

Education

The Bachelor of Arts in Education focuses on preparing ethical and reflective educators who transform learning, engage families and communities, exemplify professionalism, and promote justice in K-12 education. The program of study includes coursework and fieldwork in partner K-12 districts and prepares students to be recommended for Washington State Residency Teacher Certification in Elementary Education.

Educational Leadership

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is a practice doctorate that prepares educators for positions requiring leadership skills, policy knowledge, and the ability to affect positive organizational change.

Electrical and Computer Engineering

MSECE students investigate topics in advanced computer architecture, digital and embedded control systems, and signal processing for careers in processor design, wireless communication, power systems, and security. The curriculum includes advanced computer architecture, advanced digital systems, advanced embedded control systems and signal processing, RF microelectronics, wireless communication, power systems, and cryptography.

Electrical Engineering

The BS in Electrical Engineering emphasizes circuit design for applications such as communication, signal processing, electromagnetics, controls, and embedded systems. The curriculum provides students with a rigorous grounding in the theoretical principles of electrical engineering as well as practical skills taught in a collaborative learning environment.

Environmental Science

Provides a strong science background focused on the environmental issues of the future. Through lecture, lab and field classes, students get hands-on experience with biology, chemistry, the geosciences, physics and math. Three options are offered: General Environmental Science, Conservation Biology and Ecology, and Geosciences.

Environmental Sustainability

Offers an interdisciplinary perspective on environmental problems. A broad range of interdisciplinary coursework examines legal, economic, social, literary, historical, and philosophical perspectives on both local and global sustainability issues.

Ethnic, Gender and Labor Studies

Explores how communities form and are transformed by class, ethnicity, gender, nationality, religion, and citizenship. The major analyzes the historical roots of various communities and movements for social change, with formal options in Ethnic, Gender, and Labor Studies.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

An undergraduate certificate program at UW Tacoma providing focused training in geographic information systems and spatial analysis.

Global Honors Certificate Pathways

A transcripted certificate pathway offered through the Institute for Innovation & Global Engagement, which promotes a globally engaged university through collaborations and partnerships that connect the classroom to the world. The Global Honors signature focuses on global framework, solutions orientation, inclusive innovation and community engagement.

Healthcare Leadership

The bachelor of arts degree with a major in Healthcare Leadership provides opportunities for students interested in leadership positions across a spectrum of healthcare settings. The program uses an interdisciplinary approach that prepares students for careers in healthcare, developing the critical thinking processes and experiential learning necessary to become leaders in organizations ranging from healthcare systems to government agencies.

History

Explores history by analyzing primary and secondary sources to identify significant aspects, reach conclusions, and produce written and oral materials related to a particular subject. Options include General History, Arts, Culture and Society; Global History; Labor and Social Movements; and Power, Gender and Identity.

Information Technology

The MS in Information Technology program prepares students for professional careers that advance the information technology industries and communities locally and globally. Through a combination of specialized knowledge, hands-on practical experience, and theoretical applications, graduates are qualified to serve as advanced IT experts and leaders in business, manufacturing, operations, healthcare, government agencies, and other organizations.

Information Technology

The Information Technology degree covers a variety of IT topics, emphasizing IT application, deployment, configuration, and development and focusing more on the technical and less on the business aspects of IT. Students gain hands-on experience by working in industry as part of their program, and graduates are equipped to design, manage, and support highly technical and complex information systems.

Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

Provides broad exposure to key areas of knowledge within the arts and sciences, while stressing their interconnectedness. The major emphasizes the interdisciplinary skills and thinking needed to function successfully in a rapidly changing society and world, and is offered with individually designed and Global Studies concentrations.

Law and Policy

The Law and Policy program provides students with a strong liberal arts foundation for the study of law and policy. The interdisciplinary nature of the program invites students to engage with a variety of different perspectives on the social and legal problems facing societies on local, state, national, and global levels. Students develop a deep appreciation for the complex relationships between law, society, culture, and politics.

Mathematics

Explores three branches of mathematics -- algebra, analysis, and geometry -- with deeper study of one to foster a maturity of mathematical thought in a modern context. Provides a strong theoretical and practical basis for STEM-related jobs.

Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering program equips students with the skills and experience to apply principles of engineering, basic science and math to model, analyze, design and realize physical systems. Courses include thermal systems, mechatronics and machine design, preparing students for careers in biomechanics, energy systems, manufacturing, aerospace, robotics or graduate study.

Nursing

The Master of Nursing program prepares registered nurses for practice in a wide variety of settings including acute, long-term care, ambulatory, community, and education settings. The core coursework includes research, health systems, health policy, leadership, and social issues related to health, and students take eight core courses plus two quarters of fieldwork; the curriculum has a strong emphasis on mentoring.

Nursing

The BSN curriculum focuses on critical thinking, responses to health and human functioning, nursing intervention and person-environment interaction within a context of cultural diversity. The curriculum includes all the essential elements of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice as defined by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Courses are scheduled to enable working students to continue employment while enrolled.

Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Provides an in-depth analytical foundation for politics, philosophy and economics, with a special emphasis on critical thinking and writing skills. Three formal options are available: Economics, International Studies, and Politics & Philosophy.

Psychology

Explores the psychological, biological, and contextual determinants of human behavior. Examines philosophical, historical and cultural traditions, including feminism, existentialism, hermeneutics, psychoanalysis and critical theory.

Restoration Ecology

An undergraduate certificate in restoration ecology offered through the Division of Sciences and Mathematics; Environmental Sustainability majors are eligible to earn this certificate.

School Psychology

The Educational Specialist (School Psychology) program is a School of Education graduate program leading to the Educational Specialist credential in school psychology. The catalog lists the program of study but directs prospective students to contact the department for admission and completion requirements.

Social Welfare

The Social Welfare program is dedicated to preparing competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive social workers with specialized knowledge and skills who are committed to evidence-based practice and to planned social change. A deep commitment to equity and cultural diversity is brought to the development of the program, which gives special attention to the poor and oppressed.

Social Work

The Master of Social Work is considered the terminal degree in the social work profession and prepares graduates for professional social work positions in health care agencies, child and family services, public social service organizations, the criminal justice system, and public schools.

Software Development Engineering

In this six-course graduate certificate program, students build on basic computer programming knowledge to learn the best practices of software development and design while learning to implement these practices as software engineers. Over the course of a year students cover data structures and algorithms, software engineering, and object-oriented and systems programming through lectures and hands-on labs, concluding with a project-based capstone emphasizing team-oriented full stack development.

Spanish Language and Cultures

Develops the intercultural competence necessary to participate in a diverse and increasingly complex world. Hispanic Studies is interdisciplinary in focus with a strong emphasis on the contemporary culture of Latin America.

Sustainable Urban Development

As one of the first such degrees in the nation, the BA in Sustainable Urban Development prepares students to address recent initiatives calling for a significant greening of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates are prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental and resource-related agencies at all levels of government.

Urban Design

Urban design prepares students to become design professionals who understand the challenges of working in and with changing cities. Students gain skills in inclusive urban design and incorporate a passion for social change, equality, and justice into meaningful urban design solutions, acquiring skills in visual communication, design thinking, community-engaged design processes, and computer graphics.

Urban Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies begins with an introduction to the discipline through course topics on exploring cities, world development, and urban studies in practice, and offers formal options in Community Development & Planning and in Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning. Graduates are prepared for public or private-sector jobs in housing and community development, planning, transportation, government agencies, and social services.

Writing Studies

The major in Writing Studies enables students to learn to write effectively in a range of genres, and to think critically and creatively, with a well-rounded liberal arts education in the sciences and the humanities. Three tracks are offered: Creative Writing, Technical Communication, and Rhetoric, Writing, and Social Change.