Bachelor of Arts: Overview

Introduction

Welcome! The Urban Studies program at the University of Washington, Tacoma offers a course of study leading to a B.A. degree in Urban Studies. This program is interdisciplinary in scope and provides for the study of cities and the urban society from a variety of perspectives: historical, physical, environmental, social, economic, and political.

The program curriculum addresses urban problems and issues by incorporating courses from many of UWT's academic areas. The curriculum is flexible enough to allow students to emphasize particular areas of interest and to permit students to obtain a minor in a related field. This approach provides graduates with the skills and expertise to pursue and enter into a variety of career paths. Employment opportunities include work as city planners, administrative positions in city government/public management, careers with community development corporations, transportation, work with not-for-profit agencies, and private-sector jobs with consulting firms. The program is also excellent preparation for those interested in graduate study in such fields as public administration, law, or urban planning/design.

The mission of UWT includes providing access to upper division education in the south Puget Sound region, a commitment to innovative approaches to teaching and learning, with an emphasis on student competencies in critical thinking, effective oral and written communication, and working with diverse populations. The Urban Studies program provides a vehicle for the achievement of this portion of UWT's mission by creating an interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum that focuses on you, the learner.

Why Urban Studies?

Urban Studies is an interdisciplinary liberal arts approach to a study of the urban social, economic, historical, environmental, and political processes/issues affecting societies. It examines both the "theoretical" nature of societies as well as the "practical" application of working to change or improve the society. A strong research component is included so the application of theory may be tested in a real world situation. This prepares strong graduates to enter the workforce or continue their education into a master's degree.

Educationally, the Urban Studies program is a truly interdisciplinary program because it is inclusive of most academic offerings on the Tacoma campus. It offers students a great deal of flexibility by tailoring the program to emphasize a particular area of interest. Course topics include society and culture, urbanization, environment, planning, race and poverty, and economic development, all of which are enhanced by field experience, internships, and research projects. Beyond the required core-courses and Urban Studies electives, the direction of study is dependent on the student. For example, if a student is interested in non-profit management, environmental studies, business, or health he/she may take a series of courses that relate to that particular subject. Alternatively, a student may take a wide variety of courses in many disciplines to broaden the scope of the degree.

Advantages of our program

• Urban setting
• Small class sizes
• Flexible class offerings
• Close interaction with faculty and staff
• Diverse and growing student body
• Interdisciplinary and innovative course of study
• Study abroad opportunities

Is this program for me?

Transfer students

Current community college students who plan to transfer to a 4-year institution. Many associate degree programs at community colleges will fulfill the admission requirements. Associate degree programs which compliment the Urban Studies curriculum are sociology, geography, geographic information systems, economics, political science, and general studies. Interests outside of those programs could be in community development/economics, education, transportation issues, analysis of city issues, environmental impacts of growth, law, health, diversity issues, non-profit organizations with respect to their place in the city.

Second bachelor's degree candidates

Candidates for a second baccalaureate degree may apply to Urban Studies. This option is excellent for those who need to obtain a baccalaureate degree in this specific discipline for career advancement.

Post-baccalaureate is a matriculated status at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Post-baccalaureate students are those who have completed one or more bachelor's degrees and are working toward another bachelor's degree. The application of their previous coursework toward graduation requirements will be determined by program faculty and advisers.

A second baccalaureate degree may be granted, but a student must earn a minimum of 55 Urban Studies credits beyond the number required for the first degree. These credits usually must be earned in residence, with the granting of exceptions to the residency rule being the responsibility of the college, school or campus awarding the degree. The student must achieve no less than a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average in the credits required for the second degree.

Students completing a second baccalaureate degree are not registered in the Graduate School, but in the academic division of the University with jurisdiction over the degree sought.

UWT students enrolled in other programs (non majors)

Current UWT students may participate in the Urban Studies program in as much as your current major will allow. Consider taking our courses to fulfill your elective requirements or pursuing the Minor in Urban Studies.

Undecided majors

Students who are undecided of their decision about a college major may benefit from this program because it is largely flexible in that it offers courses that cover a large spectrum of disciplines.

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