The Urban Studies Program offers a bachelor of arts in urban studies with formal options in Community Development & Planning and GIS & Spatial 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 School of Urban Studies at UW Tacoma offers a BA in Sustainable Urban Development (SUD) with formal options in (1) Community Engagement (2) Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The degree prepares students to address emerging climate change challenges and initiatives that call for the 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 credentials:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sustainable Urban Development: Community Engagement
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sustainable Urban Development: Geographic Information Systems
Admission Requirements
Students need a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and at least 40 college-level credits for admission.
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 in all college course work.
Completion of a minimum of 40 transferable college-level credits.
How to Declare:
Meet with the School of Urban Studies Academic Advisor to discuss degree requirements and submit a declaration of major form.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sustainable Urban Development: Community Engagement
Credential Overview
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 and builds new skills in community engagement for producing better cities and improving urban conditions.
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.
Transfer students can bring up to 105 lower-division credits into the program.
Be a matriculated Sustainable Urban Development major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each of the shared curriculum and foundation courses.
Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
The curriculum consists of 70 credits of required course work:
Shared Curriculum Courses (20 credits)
T URB 101 (5 credits)
T URB 103 (3 credits)
T URB 110 (5 credits)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
Foundation Courses (25 Credits) - choose 5 of the below courses
T URB 220 (5)
T SUD 222 (5)
T SUD 240 (5)
T GIS 311* (6)
T URB 314 (5)
T URB 322 (5)
T HLTH 410/T URB 410 (5)
T SUD 444 (5)
T SUD 445 (5)
Students must choose between two formal options (1) Community Engagement (25 credits), or (2) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (25 credits)
*Students choosing the GIS formal option cannot apply T GIS 311 to their foundation course credits.
Additional Completion Requirements
The formal option in Community Engagement includes the following:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Sustainable Urban Development: Geographic Information Systems
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 Studies.
Additional Admission Requirements
Admission to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) option does not require any prior experience in GIS. Coursework in the program assumes a working knowledge and confidence with computers, office software (such as Microsoft Word and Excel) and internet browsers (such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer).
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.
Transfer students can bring up to 105 lower-division credits into the program.
Be a matriculated Sustainable Urban Development major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each of the shared curriculum and foundation courses.
Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
The curriculum consists of 70 credits of required course work:
Shared Curriculum Courses (20 credits)
T URB 101 (5 credits)
T URB 103 (3 credits)
T URB 110 (5 credits)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
Foundation Courses (25 Credits) - choose 5 of the below courses
T URB 220 (5)
T SUD 222 (5)
T SUD 240 (5)
T GIS 311* (6)
T URB 314 (5)
T URB 322 (5)
T HLTH 410/T URB 410 (5)
T SUD 444 (5)
T SUD 445 (5)
Students must choose between two formal options (1) Community Engagement (25 credits), or (2) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (25 credits)
*Students choosing the GIS formal option cannot apply T GIS 311 to their foundation course credits.
Additional Completion Requirements
The formal option in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) includes the following:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (25 credits)
T GIS 311 (6)
T GIS 312 (6)
T GIS 313 (3)
T GIS 414 (5)
T GIS 415 (5)
Each course in the GIS formal option requires a minimum grade of 2.5
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 in each course with exception of GIS courses; students must earn a minimum grade of 2.5 in all GIS formal option courses. If a grade below these standards 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.
The School of Urban Studies offers a Bachelor of Science in Urban Design. This degree prepares 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 power, 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
If you have completed the prerequisites listed below with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 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 2.00 in all college course work. Applicants with a completed application and a minimum GPA of 2.70 will be given priority consideration for admission.
5 credits of English composition.
How to Apply
If you are a current UW Tacoma student:
Step 1: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion.
Step 2: Submit an admission request to the Online Urban Design Application form. 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: Students 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 are not a current UW Tacoma student:
Step 1: Meet with the Urban Studies advisor to discuss degree requirements and time to completion.
Step 2: 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 when prompted.
If you are a student or Running Start student, complete the Freshman Application.
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.
If you are an international student, complete the Application for International Transfer Admission. Review the additional requirements for international students.
Step 3: Submit the Urban Design Online 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?
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Urban Design
Credential Overview
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.
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:
Be a matriculated Urban Design major in good academic standing with the University of Washington Tacoma.
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 with the exception of T GIS 311. The minimum grade requirement for T GIS 311 is 2.7.
Earn a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.00.
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
The curriculum consists of 81 credits of required course work:
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 grade of 2.7 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 grade of 2.0 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.
The School of Urban Studies offers a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies with formal options in (1) Community Engagement (2) Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The degree starts with an introduction to the discipline of urban studies with course topics on the history and evolution of cities, urban research, 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 Engagement
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems
Admission Requirements
The School of Urban Studies admits students every quarter except summer.
Students need a cumulative GPA of 2.00 and at least 40 college-level credits for admission.
A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 in all college course work.
Completion of a minimum of 40 transferable college-level credits.
How to Declare:
Meet with the School of Urban Studies Academic Advisor to discuss degree requirements and submit a declaration of major form.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Community Engagement
Credential Overview
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 and builds new skills in community engagement 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.
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.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each of the shared curriculum and foundation courses.
Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
The curriculum consists of 70 credits of required course work:
Shared Curriculum Courses (20 credits)
T URB 101 (5 credits)
T URB 103 (3 credits)
T URB 110 (5 credits)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
Foundation Courses (25 credits) - choose 5 of the below courses
T URB 210 (5 credits)
T URB 225 (5 credits)
T URB 250 (5 credits)
T GIS 311* (6 credits)
T URB 312 (5 credits)
T URB 316 (5 credits)
T URB 345 (5 credits)
T URB 432 (5 credits)
T URB 480 (5 credits)
Students must choose between two formal options (1) Community Engagement (25 credits), or (2) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (25 credits)
*Students choosing the GIS formal option cannot apply T GIS 311 to their foundation course credits.
Additional Completion Requirements
The formal option in Community Engagement includes the following:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Urban Studies: Geographic Information Systems
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 studies.
Additional Admission Requirements
Admission to the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) option does not require any prior experience in GIS. Coursework in the program assumes a working knowledge and confidence with computers, office software (such as Microsoft Word and Excel) and internet browsers (such as Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Internet Explorer).
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.
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.
Earn a minimum grade of 2.0 in each of the shared curriculum and foundation courses.
Earn a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the major
Apply for graduation with a program advisor by the deadline posted by the University for the expected quarter of graduation.
The curriculum consists of 70 credits of required course work:
Shared Curriculum Courses (20 credits)
T URB 101 (5 credits)
T URB 103 (3 credits)
T URB 110 (5 credits)
T URB 200 (5 credits)
T URB 403 (2 credits)
Foundation Courses (25 credits) - choose 5 of the below courses
T URB 210 (5 credits)
T URB 225 (5 credits)
T URB 250 (5 credits)
T GIS 311* (6 credits)
T URB 312 (5 credits)
T URB 316 (5 credits)
T URB 345 (5 credits)
T URB 432 (5 credits)
T URB 480 (5 credits)
Students must choose between two formal options (1) Community Engagement (25 credits), or (2) Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (25 credits)
*Students choosing the GIS formal option cannot apply T GIS 311 to their foundation course credits.
Additional Completion Requirements
The formal option in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) includes the following:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (25 credits)
T GIS 311 (6)
T GIS 312 (6)
T GIS 313 (3)
T GIS 414 (5)
T GIS 415 (5)
Each course in the GIS formal option requires a minimum grade of 2.5
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 in each course with exception of GIS courses; students must earn a minimum grade of 2.5 in all GIS courses. If a grade below these standards 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