Consider your interests: Which classes do you enjoy most? Assess your abilities: What are your strengths and challenges? Explore your options: Explore UW majors by areas of interest, or search by keyword for what interests you.
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This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Aeronautics and Astronautics deals with the design, analysis and performance of air and space vehicles and a broad spectrum of related engineering science, such as aerodynamics, structural mechanics, automatic controls, flight mechanics, space dynamics, propulsion, plasma dynamics and related topics.
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
American Ethnic Studies is the interdisciplinary and comparative exploration of historical and contemporary relations of power and issues of social justice in American societies. Our main fields of research and pedagogy focus on the United States but also extend into questions about global and transnational dimensions, concepts and histories concerning race and ethnicity in America. Students earn a BA degree in American Ethnic Studies by taking core courses on ethnic-specific and comparative, multi-ethnic subjects. At the same time, they develop…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
American Indian Studies approaches its teaching and research from a decolonized, community-based and global perspective. American Indian Studies faculty and students strive to develop innovative theories and methodologies that increase knowledge about Indigenous Peoples and support the needs of Indigenous communities. The department promotes faculty and student exchange programs with institutions that are committed to a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities and Peoples throughout the world. Graduates of this degree pursue a variety of careers such as cultural resource management,…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
The anthropology major includes the study of human evolution, the archaeological record, language and culture, the relationship between humans and their environment, and cultural modes of being as these differ in time and space. While pursuing a wide range of theoretical and methodological approaches, anthropologists work toward a common goal: to document and understand our many interconnected ways of being human in a world now inhabited by six billion people speaking five thousand languages. Graduates of this degree pursue careers…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Applied and Computational Mathematical Sciences (ACMS) is a multidisciplinary BS degree program designed for students interested in the application of mathematical and computational concepts and tools to solve problems in government, industry and research. Depending on the curricular option, students can specialize in applications in biology, computer science, data science, economics, engineering, physical science and social science. The program is offered jointly by the Departments of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering, Mathematics, and Statistics.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Applied Mathematics incorporates interdisciplinary study in the physical, engineering and biological sciences. We provide dynamic and engaging training that is especially strong in mathematical methods (scientific computing, data science, etc.) and in application areas (mathematical biology, health sciences, nonlinear waves and coherent structures, mathematical finance, data analysis and climate modeling).
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences studies aquatic organisms, the rivers, lakes and oceans in which they live and how we conserve them. The degree draws on the disciplines of natural history, physiology, ecology, evolution and quantitative sciences and applies these principles to conservation and management of natural resources. Graduates of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences are uniquely qualified for careers in universities and other educational settings, management agencies at the local to international levels, environmental consulting,…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design is a pre-professional degree that prepares students for graduate study in a Master of Architecture professional program, a requirement for a career as a licensed architect. Admission is offered at the junior level through a competitive application process, based on completing two years of general university requirements and program prerequisites. The program features six quarters of design studios as well as coursework in building technologies and architectural theory. Students gain design skills that…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Architectural Studies is a four-year, undergraduate degree program in which students explore the many factors that shape our built environment. The program provides a liberal studies approach to the study of architecture that explores socio-cultural influences, urbanism, spatial reasoning, aesthetics, political and economic structures, landscape, construction, building technologies, and ecology. The program engages students in the experience of architecture as a complex, multi-faceted discipline. It also offers the opportunity to focus their studies through…
You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
Students within the Division of Art in the School of Art + Art History + Design develop technical proficiencies, engage in creative collaboration and advance their knowledge of visual literacy. Students are encouraged to work with faculty and art advisers to develop individual educational and career goals that take full advantage of options and opportunities afforded by this degree.
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
Art History is the study of art and visual culture as instruments of knowledge and methods of human expression that operate in many arenas of history, tradition and the contemporary environment. Art history students have the opportunity to study a broad geographical, temporal and ethnic range of cultures to explore the variety of ways in which visual artifacts are used to express and convey the diverse values of society. Graduates with this degree pursue careers in fields such as business,…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
Students will develop their ability to read, write and speak one or more Asian languages and will combine those language skills with Asia-related studies in various humanities disciplines. Students are encouraged to explore wider interests by taking courses in other units and to take advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities. A popular option for many is to combine a minor in Asian Languages and Cultures with a major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration, or Global and…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
Students will develop their ability to read, write and speak one or more Asian languages and will combine those language skills with Asia-related studies in various humanities disciplines. Students are encouraged to explore wider interests by taking courses in other units and to take advantage of numerous study abroad opportunities. A popular option for many is to combine a minor in Asian Languages and Cultures with a major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration, or Global and…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Astronomy Department offers a full curriculum that covers planetary astronomy, stellar structure and evolution, interstellar matter, Milky Way structure, galaxies and cosmology, all of which build on associated coursework in physics and mathematics. The BS in Astronomy also emphasizes skill building in computational techniques (including data science), writing, public speaking for both science and public outreach and astronomical observations with our 30-inch telescope in central Washington. The department encourages close working relationships between faculty and students and fosters undergraduate…
You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
Atmospheric sciences is a wide-ranging discipline that includes topics as diverse as weather forecasting, global warming, air quality, Pacific Northwest weather and climate, mountain weather, marine weather, El Nino, the ozone hole, ice ages, and the weather of Mars. It considers problems that are both scientifically challenging and critical for the welfare of modern society. These problems are addressed with theory, measurements and computer simulations. Minor available.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Biochemistry is the study of living organisms at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. The department offers BA and BS degree programs. Graduates pursue careers in biomedical research, the health care professions or biotechnology. The degree is also good preparation for graduate school in any aspect of biochemical or biomedical research.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Bioengineering is the application of engineering principles to the fields of biology, medicine and health care. Students will utilize knowledge from the biological sciences as well as mechanical, chemical, electrical and computer engineering in order to invent the future of medicine through novel, innovative and cost-effective solutions.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Through coursework in the classroom, lab and field, as well as research opportunities, internships and study abroad, Biology undergraduates gain the knowledge and skills for careers in basic and applied research, education, health sciences, environmental sciences, science policy, government, business and the nonprofit sector. Biology offers one BA and five BS degree options. The General Biology option, offered as both BA and BS degrees, is the most flexible option, enabling students choose from a wide range of electives through several…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Bioresource Science and Engineering (BSE) major is designed for students seeking training in chemical and physical sciences and chemical engineering as applied to manufacturing fiber products, fuels and chemicals from biomass resources. It emphasizes the application of mathematics, chemistry and engineering to paper and related bioresources-based industries. BSE is an engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. BSE provides extensive faculty contact, active student groups and research opportunities.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
A Business Administration degree provides a liberal arts curriculum along with a full spectrum of the many areas of business. Students can take a variety of upper-division electives or choose to specialize in one area of business by declaring a formal option.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Chemical engineering is the study of transforming matter under constraint. Chemical engineers find industrial employment in areas of energy, the environment, biomedicine, electronics, food production and materials. Chemical engineers also find careers in academia and government and military service. Students study chemical processes at the molecular level and the chemical plant level and gain an engineering education deeply grounded in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and materials science.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Chemistry deals principally with the properties of molecules, the chemical reactions that occur between them and the natural laws that describe molecular interactions. Chemistry is a central science, having strong interactions with biology, medicine, earth and environmental sciences, physics and mathematics. B.A. and B.S. decree programs in chemistry prepare students for graduate school, health professions, careers in the chemical industry, teaching at a high school level and a host of other career options.
You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major and minor in Chinese, through which students develop their ability to read, write and speak Chinese and gain an understanding and appreciation of the literature, linguistics and culture associated with the language. A popular option is to combine a major in Chinese with a second major from another department, such as Computer Science, Business Administration or Global and Regional Studies. Graduates of this degree program go on to a…
You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
An undergraduate major in Cinema and Media Studies allows students to develop their understanding of how films function as a distinctive mode of transmitting and critiquing cultural values and practices. International in scope and interdisciplinary in orientation, it emphasizes intellectual breadth and maximizes students’ opportunities to design their own courses of study. This degree program is in the Department of Comparative Literature, Cinema and Media. Graduates of this degree pursue careers in a variety of fields such as film, marketing,…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree provides students a broad-based educational experience, enabling them to address complex and multi-faceted civil engineering problems in construction, transportation, structural, transportation, water and environmental engineering. After completing the required 300-level core curriculum, students may explore the areas of their interest with greater focus in their senior year or explore a variety of topics at the 400-level.
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
Classical Studies opens the door to exploring the literature, history, art, archaeology and philosophy of the ancient Greeks and Romans, primarily through English translations. Students see the lasting influence of these complex civilizations in our civic, professional, intellectual and cultural lives through a variety of learning opportunities: interactive language classes, specialized courses on topics ranging from gender and sexuality to STEM in the ancient world, and affordable study abroad opportunities. From this work, they develop intermediate skills in ancient Greek…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
Classics is the study of the languages and cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose civilizations shape our present cultural, intellectual, professional and civic lives. Our students develop proficiency in the languages, literatures and cultures of ancient Greece and Rome. Through their studies, they uncover connections to their own experiences of the world, helping them build a deep, informed perspective on current affairs. In addition, they master skills including innovative analysis, creative and collaborative problem solving, and outstanding, persuasive…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Undergraduate study in communication at the UW has four foundations: communication literacy, communication inquiry, theory and concepts and community engagement. We teach our students to think critically, respect diversity, communicate effectively and develop the skills needed for the lifelong learning that is central to successful careers and rewarding lives. We nurture socially responsible, literate citizens who can interpret and evaluate the images and messages they create and receive. Graduates of the department pursue careers in a variety of fields such…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Community, Environment and Planning (CEP) is an award-winning, interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree housed in the Department of Urban Design and Planning. Unlike most majors, CEP does not provide a pre-defined educational path. Instead, CEP empowers students to draw on the tools of planning — collaboration, leadership, intentionality, stewardship and vision — to pursue their own educational goals in the company of other self-directed students in cohorts limited to 38 students. The CEP core curriculum focuses on theory and practice…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) is a unique interdisciplinary undergraduate major emphasizing the examination of ideas and their cultural, historical and political contexts through experiential learning and self-reflection. CHID offers students the creative freedom to follow their curiosity by tailoring their education to their own interests and professional goals. The program provides extensive opportunities to study abroad and to interact with local and international organizations. CHID majors engage thoughtfully in intellectual inquiry and reflection, developing critical thinking skills and competencies…
You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
An undergraduate major in Comparative Literature trains students in the critical analysis of texts. It explores how the rhetorical and aesthetic features of those texts — whether literary, visual or theoretical — respond to and shape social values, attitudes and beliefs. International in scope and interdisciplinary in orientation, the major emphasizes intellectual breadth and maximizes students’ opportunities to design their own courses of study. It explores the relationships among different cultures and between literature and other fields of knowledge, both…
You may declare an open major at any time after enrolling at the UW, as long as you are in good academic standing.
The program in Comparative Religion is known for its unusually large range of course offerings in the religious traditions of both the East and West. The faculty has particular strength in history, anthropology and sociology. Participants in the program have an opportunity to enroll in small classes and interact with a faculty that emphasizes maintaining close contact with students. Comparative Religion has four tracks: History of Religions—Western Emphasis; History of Religions—Eastern Emphasis; Religion and Society; and Religion and Symbolic Expression….
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
In the finance industry, there is a great demand for advanced quantitative computational finance competencies. Mathematical models, statistical methods and computational techniques are becoming increasingly important as tools for quantitative analysis, risk management, as well as models and strategies implementation. The Computational Finance major is designed to provide UW undergraduate students with a rigorous applied mathematical foundation and a solid understanding of how mathematical models, as well as statistical and computational methods, are used in financial applications, such as portfolio…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering combines education in hardware and software development, with students gaining the background necessary to become broadly educated professionals who are knowledgeable in both domains, understanding how the domains interact, restrict or enable interdependent capabilities. Core coursework encompasses the physical and mathematical sciences, object-oriented programming, algorithms, data structures, software engineering, technical communications, circuits and systems, microprocessors, embedded systems and operating systems. The major also offers the opportunity to build a strong foundation in network…
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
The Computer Science major is appropriate for students who are primarily interested in the design of software systems and applications, or who want to earn a double major with another College of Arts and Sciences program.
This major has additional requirements and selective screening. Completing the minimum UW admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this major.
Construction management is a diverse discipline focused on the coordination, planning and delivery of projects that compose the world’s built environment. The major classifications of construction differ markedly from one another: residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure, as well as specialties such as electrical, mechanical, framing, excavation and roofing. Construction management’s technical and business aspects make it an interesting and gratifying field of study.
You may declare a minimum requirements major after enrolling at the UW and completing the minimum requirements/prerequisites with a minimum GPA.
The Department of Dance is a learning community that promotes access, inclusion and excellence. We offer a diverse and stimulating educational experience dedicated to connecting theoretical inquiry to experiential learning. Students explore dance from several analytical and methodological frameworks: technical, creative, historical, cultural, aesthetic, pedagogical and scientific, resulting in a rigorous balance between creative work and academic study. Undergraduates considering careers in performance and choreography, dance education, dance-related fields such as arts administration and physical therapy, or those interested in…