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.
Undergraduate Programs
Division of Sciences and Mathematics
424 West Coast Grocery Building
253-692-4450 ias@uw.edu
Program of Study: Major: Biomedical Sciences
Program Overview
Immerses you 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 you for admission to medical, health and other science-related graduate or professional schools.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biomedical Sciences
Admission Requirements
Students who are interested in declaring into the TBIOMD program must submit a Supplemental Application. Applications open annually online from September 1st and close March 15th to be considered for the upcoming autumn quarter. The Biomedical Sciences program only admits once per year in the autumn quarter only. You must also be admitted into the University of Washington Tacoma for consideration into the Biomedical Sciences program. Please check the Biomedical Sciences website for the most up-to-date information on the application.
Preparatory Courses
T CHEM 142 (6) minimum 1.7 grade
T CHEM 152 (6) minimum 1.7 grade
T CHEM 162 (6) minimum 1.7 grade
T BIOL 120 (6) minimum 1.5 grade (formerly TESC 120)
T BIOL 130 (6) minimum 1.5 grade (formerly TESC 130)
T BIOL 140 (6) minimum 1.5 grade (formerly TESC 140)
TMATH 124 (5) minimum 2.0 grade
TMATH 125 (5) minimum 2.0 grade
T CHEM 251 (6) minimum 1.7 grade (formerly TESC 251)
T CHEM 261 (6) minimum 1.7 grade (formerly TESC 261)
T PHYS 121 (6) minimum 2.0 grade (formerly TESC 121)
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biomedical Sciences
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of sciences degree, each student enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180) and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
Overview of Requirements
Introductory Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 64 credits
Complete a minimum of 15 credits of advanced Biomedical Sciences.
Select a minimum of two classes from List A, and up to one class from List A or List B.
See Biomedical Sciences web page for approved list of Upper-division electives.
Additional Requirements:
See Biomedical Sciences web page for additional requirements for students who wish to complete the pre-medical, -veterinary, -dental, and -pharmacy program in conjunction with the Biomedical Sciences degree
Provides a strong science background focused on the environmental issues of the future. Through lecture, lab and field classes, you get hands-on experience with biology, chemistry, the geosciences, physics and math. Three options: General Environmental Science, CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY and GEOSCIENCE.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Conservation Biology and Ecology
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Geosciences
Admission Requirements
These courses can be taken at UW Tacoma or transferred from another school. UW Tacoma courses that fulfill this preparatory course work are listed in parentheses.
15 credits of college biology (majors sequence with lab) (TBIOL 120, 130, 140) – 2.0 minimum grade in each
15 credits of college chemistry (majors sequence with lab) (TCHEM 142, 152, 162) – 2.0 minimum grade in each
5 credits of physical geology with lab (TGEOS 117) – 2.0 minimum grade
5 credits of college physics (mechanics with lab) (TPHYS 121) – 2.0 minimum grade
10 credits of calculus/advanced statistics (TMATH 124 and either TMATH 125 or TMATH 310) – 2.0 minimum grade
5 credits of statistics (TMATH 110) – 2.0 minimum grade
Preparatory courses must have been completed within the last five years. If they were completed earlier, please consult an IAS advisor.
Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software. Workshops are available for students with deficiencies in any of these areas.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science
Credential Overview
In this program students learn how to draw connections between these disciplines needed to solve the complex environmental problems facing the local community and society at large.
This degree allows you to combine diverse approaches to the environment which incorporate humanities and the social sciences. Through coursework and independent study, you will develop skills needed for scientific research, technical writing and grant preparation.
A culminating capstone experience gives you the opportunity to work with a scientist on your own undergraduate research project or to intern with a community group to gain practical experience. Our program prepares you to work in government, academic, private or non-profit careers or to continue your education in a variety of scientific disciplines.
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with a bachelor of science in environmental science, students must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180), and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work and a minimum of 45 credits in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete the B.S. degree preparatory courses and requirements. Minors and certificates are optional. No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade; see advisor for details.
Complete five credits of English composition with a minimum grade of 2.0.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an academic advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
Core Requirements:
Three required courses:
TESC 310 (3) (To be taken in the first quarter of enrollment sophomore or junior year) and TESC 200 (2) to be taken with TESC 310.
TESC 410(3) (To be taken in the last quarter of enrollment after or concurrent with capstone experience)
Capstone experience: 3-10 credits through internship, research, etc. Planned with faculty advisor; may span more than one quarter. See Environmental Science website for list of approved capstone experience options.
12 credits of Environmental science core courses:
T BIOL 340(6)
T CHEM 333(6)
Environmental Law/Policy: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Law/Policy courses.
Environmental Ethics: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Ethics courses.
Social Science/Environmental Focus: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Social Science/environmental focus courses.
Humanities/Environmental focus course: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Humanities courses.
Environmental Science Major Electives: 29 credits
29 credits minimum of Environmental Science courses.
Five additional courses to include at least one biological science (B) course and one physical science (P) course. Of these remaining five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Two of these five courses must be at the 300-level or above.
Conservation Biology and Ecology Option Electives: 29 credits
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Additional requirements specified below.
Geosciences Option Electives: 29 credits
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Conservation Biology and Ecology
Credential Overview
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, you may complete a Biology option as part of the degree, allowing you to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with a bachelor of science in environmental science, students must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180), and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work and a minimum of 45 credits in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete the B.S. degree preparatory courses and requirements. Minors and certificates are optional. No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade; see advisor for details.
Complete five credits of English composition with a minimum grade of 2.0.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an academic advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
Core Requirements:
Three required courses:
TESC 310 (3) (To be taken in the first quarter of enrollment sophomore or junior year) and TESC 200 (2) to be taken with TESC 310.
TESC 410(3) (To be taken in the last quarter of enrollment after or concurrent with capstone experience)
Capstone experience: 3-10 credits through internship, research, etc. Planned with faculty advisor; may span more than one quarter. See Environmental Science website for list of approved capstone experience options.
12 credits of Environmental science core courses:
T BIOL 340(6)
T CHEM 333(6)
Environmental Law/Policy: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Law/Policy courses.
Environmental Ethics: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Ethics courses.
Social Science/Environmental Focus: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Social Science/environmental focus courses.
Humanities/Environmental focus course: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Humanities courses.
Environmental Science Major Electives: 29 credits
29 credits minimum of Environmental Science courses.
Five additional courses to include at least one biological science (B) course and one physical science (P) course. Of these remaining five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Two of these five courses must be at the 300-level or above.
Conservation Biology and Ecology Option Electives: 29 credits
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Additional requirements specified below.
Geosciences Option Electives: 29 credits
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Additional requirements specified below.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific requirements:
Five courses to include at least one physical science (P) course, at least two laboratory (L) courses (T BIOL 434 and one more from List D, E, or F) and one field (F) course. Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits.
In addition, the student's capstone experience (planned with the faculty advisor) must be focused on conservation biology and/or ecology.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Geosciences
Credential Overview
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, you may complete a Geoscience option as part of the degree, allowing you to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with a bachelor of science in environmental science, students must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180), and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work and a minimum of 45 credits in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete the B.S. degree preparatory courses and requirements. Minors and certificates are optional. No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade; see advisor for details.
Complete five credits of English composition with a minimum grade of 2.0.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an academic advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
Core Requirements:
Three required courses:
TESC 310 (3) (To be taken in the first quarter of enrollment sophomore or junior year) and TESC 200 (2) to be taken with TESC 310.
TESC 410(3) (To be taken in the last quarter of enrollment after or concurrent with capstone experience)
Capstone experience: 3-10 credits through internship, research, etc. Planned with faculty advisor; may span more than one quarter. See Environmental Science website for list of approved capstone experience options.
12 credits of Environmental science core courses:
T BIOL 340(6)
T CHEM 333(6)
Environmental Law/Policy: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Law/Policy courses.
Environmental Ethics: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Ethics courses.
Social Science/Environmental Focus: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Social Science/environmental focus courses.
Humanities/Environmental focus course: 5 credits
Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Humanities courses.
Environmental Science Major Electives: 29 credits
29 credits minimum of Environmental Science courses.
Five additional courses to include at least one biological science (B) course and one physical science (P) course. Of these remaining five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Two of these five courses must be at the 300-level or above.
Conservation Biology and Ecology Option Electives: 29 credits
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Additional requirements specified below.
Geosciences Option Electives: 29 credits
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
Additional requirements specified below.
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific requirements:
Five courses to include at least one biological science (B) course, at least two laboratory (L) courses (T GEOS 337 and one more from List G or H) and one field (F) course. Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits.
T GEOS 337(L) (formerly TESC 337)
Three courses from Geoscience, (List G), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.
One additional course from the Geoscience, or Additional Courses for Geoscience list (List G, or List H), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.
Be conversant in theoretical concepts of the biological and physical sciences and their application to understanding and studying the environment;
Develop a basic understanding of the humanities and social sciences, and the interdisciplinary connections between these subjects and the natural sciences, in order to understand and solve environmental issues;
Develop advanced scientific skills necessary to achieve an understanding of and solutions to environmental problems including physical and biological measurement techniques, statistical data analysis, hypothesis formulation and conceptual modeling, research project design and working collaboratively;
Exhibit the ability to interpret and communicate information related to environmental issues in written and oral forms appropriate to both scientific and non-technical audiences;
Demonstrate the ability to apply interdisciplinary training to environmental problems of local, regional, national or global significance;
Understand the role of individuals and participate in the creation of solutions for environmental problems;
Participate in engaged inquiry as a means of connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental problem solving and establishing the skills needed for life-long learning.
Our student learning objectives follow the model set forth by Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP). LEAP is an initiative that champions the value of a liberal education—for individual students and for a nation dependent on economic creativity and democratic vitality. The initiative focuses campus practice on fostering essential learning outcomes for all students, whatever their chosen field of study.
Program of Study: Major: Environmental Sustainability
Program Overview
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.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Communication
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Education
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Policy and Law
Admission Requirements
Preparatory courses must have been completed within the last 5 years. If they were completed before that time frame or for specific transfer courses that are accepted, please consult an academic advisor.
Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180) and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
Degree Requirements: 40 credits
Core Courses (40 credits):
TEST 200
TESC 201
TBIOL 232
TESC 345
T LAW 438
TWRT 331
TGEOS 341
One of the following:
T EGL 304
T PHIL 456
TRELIG 350
Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
Options for in-depth Focus:
Option in either:
Environmental Policy and Law
Environmental Communication
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Education
[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific requirements:
Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Communication
Environmental Education
Environmental Policy and Law
Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Communication
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180) and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
Degree Requirements: 40 credits
Core Courses (40 credits):
TEST 200
TESC 201
TBIOL 232
TESC 345
T LAW 438
TWRT 331
TGEOS 341
One of the following:
T EGL 304
T PHIL 456
TRELIG 350
Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
Options for in-depth Focus:
Option in either:
Environmental Policy and Law
Environmental Communication
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Education
[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific requirements:
Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Communication
Environmental Education
Environmental Policy and Law
Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Education
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180) and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
Degree Requirements: 40 credits
Core Courses (40 credits):
TEST 200
TESC 201
TBIOL 232
TESC 345
T LAW 438
TWRT 331
TGEOS 341
One of the following:
T EGL 304
T PHIL 456
TRELIG 350
Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
Options for in-depth Focus:
Option in either:
Environmental Policy and Law
Environmental Communication
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Education
[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific requirements:
Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Communication
Environmental Education
Environmental Policy and Law
Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Policy and Law
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180) and the final-year residency requirement and complete the following program requirements:
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
Degree Requirements: 40 credits
Core Courses (40 credits):
TEST 200
TESC 201
TBIOL 232
TESC 345
T LAW 438
TWRT 331
TGEOS 341
One of the following:
T EGL 304
T PHIL 456
TRELIG 350
Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
Options for in-depth Focus:
Option in either:
Environmental Policy and Law
Environmental Communication
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Education
[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]
Additional Completion Requirements
Option specific requirements:
Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Communication
Environmental Education
Environmental Policy and Law
Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)
Note: Environmental Sustainability majors may not earn the Environmental Studies minor or Restoration Ecology minor. Environmental Sustainability majors may earn the Restoration Ecology certificate.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete this degree will:
Demonstrate scientific literacy tied to core content in scientific disciplines vital to understanding human-environmental interactions and sustainability.
Exhibit advanced capabilities for interpreting and communicating information related to environmental issues and sustainability, in written and oral forms, to both scientific and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrate in-depth mastery of a focal area within environmental sustainability.
Cultivate skills critical to interpreting scientific concepts for public understanding, including familiarity with the scientific method, information literacy, data analysis, conceptual modeling, and working collaboratively.
Be conversant in the theoretical and applied concepts in environmental natural sciences, social sciences, and other ways of knowing, and the interdisciplinary connections among them, relating to environmental issues.
Apply interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to environmental and sustainability challenges of local, regional, national or global significance.
Participate in engaged inquiry as a means of connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental problem solving and establishing the skills needed for life-long learning.
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.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics
Completion Requirements
To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must meet the UW Tacoma scholastic standards (2.0 UW GPA), credits required (minimum 180), the final-year residency requirement, and complete the following program requirements:
Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. (See advisor for details.)
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
To meet the degree requirements for a B.S. in Mathematics, you need to complete 79 credits, including a completed mathematics capstone experience. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, to earn a bachelor degree in your chosen major.
Mathematics Core (49 credits). A grade of at least 1.5 is required for TMATH 402 and TMATH 424. List of required courses:
TMATH 124
TMATH 125
TMATH 126
TMATH 207 (formerly TMATH 307)
TMATH 208 (formerly TMATH 308)
TMATH 300
TMATH 324
TMATH 350 (must co-enroll in TMATH 351)
TMATH 351
TMATH 402
TMATH 424
Extended Core (5 credits). At least one of the following courses is required, with a grade of at least 1.5.
TMATH 403
TMATH 425
Electives Guaranteeing Breadth of Knowledge (20 credits). A total of 20 credits must be taken; each area requires a minimum of three credits and at least one course. No more than 5 credits can be satisfied by a course numbered below 300. No more than 5 credits can be satisfied by TMATH 495, TMATH 496, TMATH 498, or TMATH 499. Note that a class may satisfy two elective areas, which will afford students the promised flexibility to tailor their studies toward their desired career goals.
Computing—
Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Computing courses.
Math in Culture—
Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Math in Culture courses.
Modeling—
Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Modeling courses.
Probability/Statistics—
Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Probability/Statistics courses.
Topology/Geometry—
Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Topology/Geometry courses.
Additional courses that count as general electives—
See Mathematics web page for approved list of additional courses that count as general electives.
Capstone Experience:
The Mathematics capstone experience typically consists of completing a project in two quarters, beginning with a directed reading course (TMATH 498), an undergraduate research experience (a Research Experience for Undergraduates or TMATH 499), an experiential learning course (such as TMATH 495), or an internship (TMATH 496). The capstone experience culminates in a paper which will be completed as part of TMATH 450, the Mathematics Capstone course required for graduation. This course is designed to provide extensive opportunities to hone technical communication skills in mathematics.
To prepare to enroll in TMATH 450, the capstone project should be started no later than the summer before 450 is to be taken. The capstone paper is used as a basis for enrollment in TMATH 450 in Winter quarter; enrollment is granted by instructor permission only, in consultation with each student's capstone faculty advisor(s). In order to be considered, the mathematics program recommends that 75% of the work be completed prior to requesting enrollment in TMATH 450. Students in TMATH 450 must earn marks at or above 1.5, and must co-enroll in TMATH 351 (Mathematics Seminar).
Students may petition for their capstone project to fulfill one elective area of knowledge in the mathematics major.
Additional Requirements:
All B.S. students must complete the following requirements prior to graduation from UW Tacoma:
10 credits of foreign language - two quarters in college or two years in high school of a single language
20 credits of A&H - Arts and Humanities (humanities)
20 credits of SSc - Social Sciences (social science courses)
It is common for transfer students to have already met some or all of these requirements. Whatever a student is missing will become part of their study plan while at UW Tacoma.
TMATH Portfolio Requirements:
Portfolios are submitted as part of course requirements for TMATH 450.
This provides training from theory to practice, giving you the skills necessary to participate as an effective team member and leader on challenging restoration projects. This minor illustrates to employers and funding agencies that you have completed fundamental training in restoration ecology, including a one-year team-based restoration project.
The modern field of ecological restoration showcases the necessity and merits of interdisciplinary approaches to real-world problems. Effective restoration of complex ecosystems and their human interplay requires a fusion of expertise from ecology, other life sciences, physical and social sciences and the humanities.
The minor seeks to prepare students to address the complex relationships of human communities and ecological sustainability. The minor is a tri-campus initiative (UW Bothell, UW Seattle and UW Tacoma). You may, but are not required to, take courses from more than one campus in order to earn the minor.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Ecological Restoration
Minor in Ecological Restoration
Completion Requirements
All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0
Introduction: 5 credits
T BIOL 362(formerly TESC 362) or ESRM 362/ENVIR 362 or BES 362
Restoration-related courses: 10 credits
T BIOL 232 (formerly TESC 232)
T CHEM 333(formerly TESC 333)
TESC 319
TESC 345
TESC 431
T GIS 311
T LAW 339 (formerly TEST 339)
Or, students may complete 10 credits of restoration-related courses from an approved list of courses that is available on the UW-REN website. Courses not on the list can be petitioned to the UW-REN director.
UW-REN Senior Restoration Capstone: 10 credits
The capstone consists of a three-quarter, 10-credit sequence of courses that take place during the fall-winter-spring quarters. In the capstone, students participate in a hands-on restoration project from design, analysis, and implementation to developing a monitoring plan, all within a multidisciplinary teamwork setting.
An option for students without the science prerequisites to do the B.S. in Environmental Science or the B.A. in Environmental Studies, this minor provides a good grounding in the principles of the field.
The Environmental Studies minor can provide a useful supplement to the coursework of SIAS students who have an interest in environmental law, as an attorney or paralegal; environmental policy, working for governmental agencies, legislative bodies or in environmental non-profits; or environmental psychology, justice or racism.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Environmental Studies
Minor in Environmental Studies
Credential Overview
An option for students without the science prerequisites to do the B.S. in Environmental Science or the B.A. in Environmental Studies, this minor provides a good grounding in the principles of the field.
The Environmental Studies minor can provide a useful supplement to the coursework of SIAS students who have an interest in environmental law, as an attorney or paralegal; environmental policy, working for governmental agencies, legislative bodies or in environmental non-profits; environmental psychology, justice or racism.
Completion Requirements
All courses in the minor must be completed with a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Please see advisor to discuss details.
The minor in Environmental Studies requires 25 credits to include:
TESC 201- 5 credits (may be met with an approved transfer course; see advisor to make the exception.)
Evening students: TESC 201 is not offered in the evening. It may be possible to complete this lab requirement in an alternative way. Contact an IAS advisor for more details.
5 credits of Biological Environmental Science (B) course; see below for list.
5 credits of Physical Environmental Science (P) course; see below for list.
5 credits of Environmental Ethics or Philosophy:
T EGL 210
T EGL 304
T PHIL 364
T PHIL 456
5 credits of Environmental Law, Policy, or Regulations:
The study of mathematics emphasizes exposure to the core foundational areas of analysis, modern algebra, and geometry. A mathematician's skill set includes the technical tools specific to each area as well as the development of critical thinking skills necessary for logical reasoning.
A student completing a minor in mathematics should be able to demonstrate mathematical skill with basic computational tools and methods; use analytical reasoning to organize and write strong arguments; demonstrate understanding of at least one foundational area of mathematics; and apply mathematical theory to another discipline.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Mathematics
Minor in Mathematics
Credential Overview
The study of mathematics emphasizes exposure to the core foundational areas of analysis, modern algebra, and geometry. A mathematician's skill set includes the technical tools specific to each area as well as the development of critical thinking skills necessary for logical reasoning.
A student completing a minor in mathematics should be able to demonstrate mathematical skill with basic computational tools and methods; use analytical reasoning to organize and write strong arguments; demonstrate understanding of at least one foundational area of mathematics and apply mathematical theory to another discipline.
Completion Requirements
Courses used as part of the minor must have a minimum grade of 2.0 for each course. At least 8 credits of the coursework applied to the minor must be outside of the student's major(s) requirements. Minimum 10 credits of TMATH courses taken in residence at UW Tacoma.
The Mathematics minor requires 32 credits, to include:
Required Courses: 15 credits
TMATH 125
TMATH 126
TMATH 300
Math Electives: 17 credits minimum
Minimum of 12 credits from at least three courses numbered at 300-level or above. (Please see website for current list of approved courses.)
Advanced Placement (AP) credit may only count for up to 11 credits of the minor.
The discipline of sustainability grows from the recognition that the current trajectory humans are on cannot be sustained. This minor gives you grounding in sustainability practice and theory, and creates a foundational understanding of local and global problems from a social, economic and environmental perspective. Solutions for many of the complex, large scale sustainability issues we currently face, such as social injustice, economic inequity, environmental destruction and climate change, require an understanding of these issues from multiple perspectives. It is within the overlap of these multiple perspectives that sustainability solutions exist. This is why this minor in sustainability is such a valuable addition to any major, including business and engineering. The minor will enhance your sustainability literacy regardless of your major.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Sustainability
Minor in Sustainability
Completion Requirements
All courses in the minor must be completed with a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Students select 15 credits from three areas; programs will advise students where to focus within the 3 areas to complement their majors.
60% of the coursework applied to the minor must be taken outside of the student's major(s) requirements.
A capstone project is required. The culminating capstone must be different from the student's major(s) capstone.
Sustainability Foundation Courses: 15 credits
TESC 201
TEST 295
T SUD 222
Additional Requirements: 15 credits
Programs will advise students where to focus within the three areas, to complement major.