The 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.
Program of Study: Major: Sustainable Urban Development
Program Overview
The Urban Studies Program at UW Tacoma offers a BA in Sustainable Urban Development (SUD). As one of the first such degrees in the nation, students will be prepared to address recent initiatives that have called for a significant “greening” of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates will be prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental/resource related agencies at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The degree is also excellent training for further graduate study in fields such as urban planning, public administration and law.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Urban Development
Admission Requirements
Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and at least 40 college-level credits will be considered for admission.
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be given priority consideration for admission.
Fulfillment of General University Requirements.
Completion of a minimum of 40 transferable college-level credits.
How to Apply
A completed application consists of the following materials:
Application
Transfer students must submit a UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and application fee. Current UW Tacoma students must complete the “Declare/Change Major” form.
Transcripts
An official transcript must be submitted from each college and university attended, even if no credit was earned. Failure to submit a complete set of transcripts may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the university. If you took a world language or intermediate algebra in high school and are using that to fulfill the world language or mathematics requirement, you must submit an official high school transcript as well.
Personal Goal Statement
Submit a personal statement to describe how your personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BA in Sustainable Urban Development from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals? This is also where the student should address any weaknesses in their transcripts or explain adversity experienced that affected previous academic performance.
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sustainable Urban Development
Credential Overview
UW Tacoma Urban Studies Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development. As one of the first such degrees in the nation, students will be prepared to address recent initiatives that have called for a significant “greening” of urban development, both locally and internationally. Graduates will be prepared for careers in planning agencies, corporations adhering to sustainability practices, consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and environmental/resource related agencies at the local, state, and federal levels of government. The degree is also excellent training for further graduate study in fields such as urban planning, public administration and law.
Completion Requirements
To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements:
Satisfy all University and general education requirements to include the following:
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, Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities.
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 writing-intensive courses.
Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Reasoning course work.
World Languages: College-level study in a single world language either through two sequential years in high school or through the second-quarter level (102) of college coursework prior to applying for graduation.
Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies. (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
Be a matriculated Sustainable Urban Development major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete a minimum of 180 credits.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Sustainable Urban Development course
Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all coursework.
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation
The curriculum consists of 74 credits of required course work:
Introductory Courses (11 credits)
T URB 101 (5 credits)
T URB 102 (5 credits)
T URB 103 (1 credit)
Core Courses (43 credits)
Foundation courses (27 credits, all required)
T SUD 222 (5 credits)
T SUD 240 (5 credits)
T SUD 444 (5 credits)
T SUD 445 (5 credits)
T SUD 475 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
Methods courses (16 credits, all required)
T GIS 311(6 credits)
T URB 225 or TMATH 110 (or equivalent)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
Major Electives (20 credits)
Any T SUD or T URB course that is not among the required Introductory or Core Courses may be counted as an elective course toward the SUD major, except that a maximum of 10 credits total of T SUD 494, T SUD 498, T URB 496 and T URB 498 may be counted toward these 20 credits of Major Electives.
In addition, any of the following courses may be counted as Major Elective course toward the SUD major:
T UDE 210
T UDE 260
TESC 201
TEST 332
T GEOG 101
General Electives
The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further TSUD or TURB courses. Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details.
Urban design will prepare students to become design professionals who understand challenges of working in and with changing cities. In order to produce livable cities and neighborhoods, learning to design must be an inclusive and pragmatic process. Students will gain skills in inclusive urban design and incorporate a passion for social change, equality, and justice into meaningful urban design solutions. It will train students to be socially conscious designers who understand the importance of community voices, the dynamics of poser, and the challenges of creating a resilient urban environment with a focus on spatial equality. Students will acquire skills in visual communication, design thinking, and community engaged design processes, computer graphics and the use of digital technologies for visualization, analysis, and methods of data gathering and dissemination.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design
Admission Requirements
The School of Urban Studies admits students into the Urban Design major for autumn quarter only, due to the highly sequenced nature of the courses. However, in special circumstances there is an option to be admitted during winter or spring quarter. Contact the Urban Studies advisor for more information. Complete applications received by the priority application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the priority application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
If you have completed the prerequisites listed below with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and have earned at least 40 credits, you can be considered for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Urban Design.
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.7 will be given priority consideration for admission.
Three years of high school math through intermediate (second year) algebra or a course in intermediate algebra at the college level
5 credits of English composition
How to Apply
If you are a current UW Tacoma student:
Step 1: Declare Urban Design as your major by submitting the Online Urban Design Application. Include a personal statement addressing the following topic:
Describe how personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals?
Note: Freshman must have at least 40 college-level credits to declare Urban Design as a major. Students interested in this major are encouraged meet with an Urban Design advisor anytime.
Step 2: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion. (Optional, highly recommended)
If you are not a current UW Tacoma student:
Step 1: Submit an application for admission to UW Tacoma. In your application to UW Tacoma, you will be asked to submit a personal goal statement. Follow the essay prompt in the application, being sure to address how a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma will help you attain your goals.
If you are transferring from a community college or another university, complete the Application for Transfer Admission and select Urban Studies in section 2 under "Program Selector".
Note: Freshman must have at least 40 college-level credits to declare Urban Design as a major. Students interested in this major are encouraged meet with an Urban Design advisor anytime.
If you were previously enrolled at UW Tacoma, complete the Returning Student Application in lieu of the Application for Transfer Admission.
Describe how personal, professional or educational experiences have shaped your academic, career and/or personal goals. How will a BS in Urban Design from UW Tacoma help you attain these goals?
Step 3: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion. (Optional, highly recommended)
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design
Completion Requirements
To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Urban Design from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements:
Satisfy all University and general education requirements to include the following:
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 World, Individuals and Society and Visual, Literary and Performing Arts.
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 writing-intensive courses.
Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning course work.
World Languages: College-level study in a single world language either through two sequential years in high school or through the second-quarter level (102) of college coursework prior to applying for graduation.
Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies. (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
Be a matriculated Urban Studies major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete a minimum of 180 credits.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.7 in each required Urban Design (T UDE) studio course (T UDE 260, 340, 350, 360, 440, 450, 460) and a 2.0 or higher in all other required major courses.
Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all major coursework.
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
Major Requirements:
Introductory courses (16 credits)
T UDE 101* (5)
T URB 101 (5)
T URB 102 (5)
T URB 103 (1)
Urban Design core courses (62 credits)
T UDE 210* (5)
T UDE 260* (5)
T URB 220 (5)
T UDE 340 (5)
T UDE 350 (5)
T UDE 360 (5)
T UDE 310 (5)
T URB 403 (2)
T UDE 440 (5)
T UDE 450 (5)
T UDE 460 (5)
T URB 480 (5)
One of the following two classes (5)
T URB 250
T URB 312
*Students transferring to UW Tacoma from other colleges or universities can satisfy course requirements (listed above and marked with an asterisk) by taking an equivalent course in any of the following areas. 300-400 level studio courses cannot be transferred in.
One Urban Design, Planning, or Architectural History Course,
One Introduction to Computer Graphics or Computer-Aided Design (knowledge of SketchUp(TM) is required), and
One introductory course in design, using computer graphics
The additional credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (e.g., a minor or a certificate) or explore the liberal arts, social sciences, business, social work or health-related fields.
The following standards apply to all admitted students in the Urban Design major. These standards may be in addition to other academic standards at UW Tacoma.
Students must satisfactorily complete all required Urban Design (T UDE) studio course work by achieving a minimum 2.7 grade point average in each course. If a grade below 2.7 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
Students must satisfactorily complete all other required major course work by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
Upper-division courses completed at other accredited four-year institutions may be applied toward the general elective requirement. Academic advisor can request a transcript evaluation for you.
The 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.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
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
Admission Requirements
The School of Urban Studies admits students every quarter except summer.
Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and at least 40 college-level credits will be considered for admission.
Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.50 will be given priority consideration for admission.
Fulfillment of General University Requirements.
Completion of a minimum of 40 transferable college-level credits.
How to Apply
A completed application consists of the following materials:
Application
Transfer students must submit a UW Tacoma application for transfer admission and application fee. Current UW Tacoma students should meet with the School of Urban Studies Advisor to declare/update their major.
Transcripts
An official transcript must be submitted from each college and university attended, even if no credit was earned. Failure to submit a complete set of transcripts may result in denial of admission or dismissal from the university. If you took a world language or intermediate algebra in high school and are using that to fulfill the world language or mathematics requirement, you must submit an official high school transcript as well.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Development and Planning
Credential Overview
BA Urban Studies – Community Development and Planning. Examines the production and development of cities from different community perspectives and teaches how cities are planned and built, and the power dynamics that influence inclusion and exclusion from urban spaces and political processes. Explores new strategies for producing better cities and improving urban conditions.
Completion Requirements
To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements
Satisfy all University and general education requirements to include the following:
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 World, Individuals and Society and Visual, Literary and Performing Arts.
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 writing-intensive courses.
Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning course work.
World Languages: College-level study in a single world language either through two sequential years in high school or through the second-quarter level (102) of college coursework prior to applying for graduation.
Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies. (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
Transfer students can bring up to 105 lower-division credits into the program.
Be a matriculated Urban Studies major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete a minimum of 180 credits.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Urban Studies course.
Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all coursework.
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
Introductory Courses (11 credits)
T URB 101
T URB 102
T URB 103 (1 credit)
Core Courses (32-33 credits)
Foundational Courses (22 credits, all required)
T URB 220 (5 credits)
T URB 316 (5 credits)
T URB 345 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
T URB 432 (5 credits)
Methods Requirement (10-11 credits)
T URB 225 (5 credits) or T GIS 311 (6 credits)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
Formal Options
Students need to declare one of the following three formal options and complete four courses within chosen option.
Additional requirements specified below.
General Electives
The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further T URB or T SUD courses. Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Planning
Credential Overview
Prepares students to solve complex social, economic, and environmental problems by combining GIS (geographic information systems) based approaches to mapping and spatial analysis with a classical and theoretically critical foundation in urban planning.
Completion Requirements
To qualify for graduation with a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from the University of Washington Tacoma, each student must complete the following requirements
Satisfy all University and general education requirements to include the following:
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 World, Individuals and Society and Visual, Literary and Performing Arts.
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 writing-intensive courses.
Quantitative/Symbolic: A minimum of 5 credits of Quantitative/Symbolic Reasoning course work.
World Languages: College-level study in a single world language either through two sequential years in high school or through the second-quarter level (102) of college coursework prior to applying for graduation.
Diversity: A minimum of 3 credits in Diversity coursework; designated courses study diversity in the United States with a focus on the sociocultural, political and economic diversity of human experience and help students develop an understanding of the complexities of living in increasingly diverse and interconnected societies. (For students admitted as of autumn 2014.)
Transfer students can bring up to 105 lower-division credits into the program.
Be a matriculated Urban Studies major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete at least 45 of last 60 credits in residence at the University of Washington Tacoma.
Complete a minimum of 180 credits.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each required Urban Studies course.
Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 for all coursework.
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
Introductory Courses (11 credits)
T URB 101
T URB 102
T URB 103 (1 credit)
Core Courses (32-33 credits)
Foundational Courses (22 credits, all required)
T URB 220 (5 credits)
T URB 316 (5 credits)
T URB 345 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
T URB 432 (5 credits)
Methods Requirement (10-11 credits)
T URB 225 (5 credits) or T GIS 311 (6 credits)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
Formal Options
Students need to declare one of the following three formal options and complete four courses within chosen option.
Additional requirements specified below.
General Electives
The balance of credits needed to meet University credit requirements are general electives. Students may focus on an in-depth area of study (i.e., a minor or certificate) or explore the liberal arts, business, social work or health-related fields, or may take further T URB or T SUD courses. Transfer credits from other institutions may apply toward general electives. Contact academic advisor for details
The following standards apply to all admitted students in the Urban Studies major. These standards may be in addition to other academic standards at UW Tacoma.
Students must satisfactorily complete all Urban Studies required course work by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student must repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
Upper-division courses completed at other accredited four-year institutions may be applied toward the general elective requirement. Academic advisor can conduct a transcript evaluation upon request.
Program of Study: Minor: Sustainable Urban Development
Program Overview
The Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) minor provides an opportunity for students pursuing other majors to complement their learning with concepts and principles valuable in the largely urban world in which they live and vote. These principles include the necessity to consider social justice, environmental, and end economic outcomes as part of the sustainability matrix; the tensions, complementarities, and tradeoffs among these dimensions; and the role that urban/suburban growth and form play in furthering this multi-dimensional concept of sustainability. This background should be attractive and useful for students from many majors, including social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and the professional fields.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Sustainable Urban Development
Minor in Sustainable Urban Development
Credential Overview
The Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) minor provides an opportunity for students pursuing other majors to complement their learning with concepts and principles valuable in the largely urban world in which they live and vote. These principles include the necessity to consider social justice, environmental, and end economic outcomes as part of the sustainability matrix; the tensions, complementarities, and tradeoffs among these dimensions; and the role that urban/suburban growth and form play in furthering this multi-dimensional concept of sustainability. This background should be attractive and useful for students from many majors, including social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and the professional fields.
Completion Requirements
Requirements
The Sustainable Urban Development minor requires the completion of 31 credits (listed below).
All of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at UW Tacoma.
No more than 50% (15 credits) can overlap with another major.
Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) majors cannot earn this minor.
Courses in the minor may also count, as appropriate, toward foreign language, RSN, writing, and Areas of Inquiry requirements, without restriction.
Students must satisfactorily complete all coursework in the SUD minor by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student may repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once, and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
Courses
T URB 103 (1-2, max. 3); 1 credit required for the minor.
Urban Studies is multi-disciplinary by nature and can serve to complement a variety of degree programs in the social science, business, healthcare, and social work. The Urban Studies minor offers courses on contemporary urban issues with a global and community perspective. Courses include Exploring Cities, City in World Development, and Urban Studies in Practice - a course that exposes students to the field of urban studies through a variety of faculty research presentations, guest lectures, public forums, debates, workshops, and other events. The Urban Studies minor will be noted on the official UW transcript.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Urban Studies
Minor in Urban Studies
Credential Overview
Urban Studies is multi-disciplinary by nature and can serve to complement a variety of degree programs at the UW. This minor is intended to provide students from other programs (across all UW campuses) with an understanding of and appreciation for urban issues and problems.
Completion Requirements
Requirements
All of the courses in the minor must be completed in residence at UW Tacoma.
No more than 50% (15 credits) can overlap with another major.
Urban Studies majors cannot earn this minor.
Courses in the minor may also count, as appropriate, toward foreign language, RSN, writing, and Areas of Inquiry requirements, without restriction.
Students must satisfactorily complete all core & core elective coursework in the Urban Studies minor by achieving a minimum 2.0 grade point average in each required course. If a grade below 2.0 is received, the student may repeat the course. Course credit will only be awarded once, and both grades will be computed into the grade point average.
The minor in Urban Studies requires 29-31 credits, with at least 10 credits required to be upper division.
T URB 101 (5)
T URB 102 (5)
T URB 103 (1-2, max. 3); 1 credit required for the minor.
One upper division course (300 or higher level course) from each of the two tracks
Global Urbanism (select one course from this list):
T URB 305 (3)
T URB 430 (5)
T SUD 444 (5)
Community Development and Planning (select one course from this list)
Program of Study: Master Of Arts In Community Planning
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Community Planning (MACP) degree program builds on an undergraduate education in urban studies or a related field. MACP graduates will build a portfolio of skills that prepare them to be competent collaborative professionals who work with and empower community constituents, influencing processes of policy formation, resource generation, community change and urban development. Graduates will gain theoretical and hands-on skills to transform passions for social change, equity and justice into professionally- driven actions that build community and create long-term positive change. The program’s emphasis on urban social studies, community development, and urban problem solving is a direct expression of the UW Tacoma’s mission as a higher education institution to build and enhance authentic connections with its communities. The MACP is a two-year, 60 credit program designed to support a cohort of up to 20 students per year. Admission is for autumn quarter only. Courses can be taken on a full-time basis (10 credits/quarter) and a part-time option is available.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Each student is required to maintain satisfactory progress meeting the Graduate School and School of Urban Studies standards relative to scholarship and performance in pursuit of the master’s degree, including each of the following:
Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
Earn a quarterly GPA of 3.00 or higher
Earn a grade of 2.7 or higher in each required course
Make adequate progress with practicum project as determined by the faculty advisor or committee chair.
Understand the structural forms of socio-spatial power that produce inequitable patterns in metropolitan development; understand the history of social movements (including current community organizing models) that challenge the status quo
Be capable of interpreting and organizing a theoretically informed policy position, including efficient and accurate practices of reading, summarizing, sourcing and citing examples from other locations including, failed solutions and/or peer-reviewed research
Develop and experience practices of policy analysis, project management and community engagement, using interpretive, relational and positivist methods
Be comfortable accessing, collecting, organizing, and analyzing primary and secondary data sources to create findings relevant for quantitative and qualitative evaluation, narrative development, and the creation of "findings" and contextual landscape analyses
Become proficient at succinct, research-based, effective, professional forms of planning communication in a variety of genres appropriate for broad audiences and targeted communities
Be able to carry out stages of analysis and action in a community-based process of policy advocacy, inclusive planning and/or institutional change through a variety of methods and tool development including advocacy documentation and community organizing
Program of Study: Master Of Science (Geospatial Technologies)
Program Overview
The School of Urban Studies offers a Master of Science (MS) in Geospatial Technologies. Admission to this program is for autumn quarter only. The degree will provide advanced training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including mobile and web-based GIS. Students will be trained in the use and application of geospatial hardware, software, and data in urban and environmental planning scenarios. It will also prepare students to become leaders in the management and utilization of geospatial technologies within the job market — public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
Graduates of this program will be able to engage in the development and deployment of location-based mobile applications and management of web-based geospatial data. While technical in design, this program will maintain a theoretical/critical focus on the application of these technologies to urban and environmental issues.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Each student is required to maintain satisfactory progress meeting the Graduate School and the School of Urban Studies standards relative to scholarship and performance in pursuit of the master’s degree, including each of the following:
Maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA
Earn a quarterly GPA of 3.00 or higher
Earn a grade of 2.7 or higher in each required course
Make adequate progress with practicum project as determined by the faculty advisor or committee chair.
Master Of Science (Geospatial Technologies)
Completion Requirements
40 credits
Required courses (40 credits): T GIS 501, T GIS 502, T GIS 503, T GIS 504, T GIS 505, T GIS 506, T GIS 507, T GIS 508
Along with UW Graduate School requirements, all courses taken to complete the 40 credits must receive a passing grade (2.7 or higher).
A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required.
All courses are graded on a 4.0 scale. No courses can be graded on an S/NS or C/NC basis.
Understand the increasingly central role that geospatial technologies play in the governance of contemporary lived and environmental spaces.
Be proficient in the automation and customization of geospatial technologies such as GIS, web-based data services, locative mobile devices, and mobile and handheld geospatial sensors.
Recognize appropriate uses and limitation of geospatial technologies in urban and environmental planning scenarios.
Be equipped to carry out an independent geospatial project through all stages of conceptualization, planning, design, and implementation.
Be familiar with geo-visualization and representation of modeling results