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School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences

Division of Sciences and Mathematics

424 West Coast Grocery Building
253-692-4450
Website
Faculty Website
ias@uw.edu

The division of Sciences and Mathematics offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Environmental Studies, and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biomedical Sciences, Environmental Science and Mathematics. Our curriculum, internship opportunities and research maintain local community ties while exploring global perspectives, leading to excellent career opportunities for graduating students.

 Undergraduate Programs


Division of Sciences and Mathematics

424 West Coast Grocery Building
253-692-4450
ias@uw.edu

 Program of Study: Major: Biomedical Sciences


Program Overview

Immerses you in an exploration of topics in the life sciences including cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and physiology, as they are applied to the science of human health. Prepares you for admission to medical, health and other science-related graduate or professional schools.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biomedical Sciences

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biomedical Sciences


Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of sciences degree, each student enrolled in the program must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
  • Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
  • Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
  • No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
  • Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the major.
  • Overview of Requirements
    • Introductory Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 64 credits
    • Core Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 39 credits
    • Biomedical Sciences Upper-Division Electives: 15 credits
    • Required "bookend" Courses: 8 credits
    • Capstone (research, internship, etc.): 3-10 credits planned with faculty advisor
    • Statistics Course: Select one course
    • Ethics Course: Select one course
    • Health and Society course: Select one course
  • Introductory Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 64 credits
    • T CHEM 142 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T CHEM 152 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T CHEM 162 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T BIOL 120 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T BIOL 130 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T BIOL 140 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • TMATH 124 (5) minimum 2.0 grade
    • TMATH 125 (5) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T CHEM 251 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T CHEM 261 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
    • T PHYS 121 (6) minimum 2.0 grade
  • Core Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 39 credits
    • T BIOL 301 (6)
    • T BIOL 302 (5)
    • T BIOL 303 (6)
    • T BIOL 304 (6)
    • T BIOL 305 (6)
    • T CHEM 405 (5)
    • T CHEM 406 (5)
  • Required Bookend Courses: 8 credits
    • TBIOMD 310: 5 credits, to be completed early in the third year
    • TBIOMD 410: 3 credits, to be completed in the fourth year
  • Capstone: 3-10 credits
  • Statistics:
    • TMATH 110
  • Ethics:
    • Choose one course from the Ethics list; see Biomedical Sciences web page for approved list of Ethics courses.
  • Health and Society:
    • Choose one course from the Health and Society list; see Biomedical Sciences web page for approved list of Health and Society courses.
  • Biomedical Sciences Upper-Division Electives: 15 credits
    • Complete a minimum of 15 credits of advanced Biomedical Sciences.
    • Select a minimum of two classes from List A, and up to one class from List A or List B.
    • See Biomedical Sciences web page for approved list of Upper-division electives.
  • Additional Requirements:
    • See Biomedical Sciences web page for additional requirements for students who wish to complete the pre-medical, -veterinary, -dental, and -pharmacy program in conjunction with the Biomedical Sciences degree

Additional Information

Student Learning Outcomes

  • There are five major student-learning outcomes associated with the B.S. in Biomedical Sciences:
    • Core Knowledge
      • An understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology
      • An understanding of the key principles of biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology and their application to human health
      • Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of these disciplines
      • Awareness of societal and ethical issues in the biomedical sciences
      • The ability to integrate knowledge across interdisciplinary lines
    • Applying the Process of Science
      • The ability to dissect a problem into its key features by thinking in an integrated manner and to look at problems from different perspectives
      • The ability to generate hypotheses, design experiments, observe nature and test hypotheses
      • The ability to understand the limitations of the experimental approach
    • Quantitative Reasoning
      • The ability to analyze experimental data and interpret the results
      • The ability to apply statistics and other mathematical approaches to examine biological systems
    • Laboratory Skills
      • The ability to work safely and effectively in the laboratory
      • The ability to troubleshoot and optimize methods
      • The ability to collaborate with other researchers
    • Literature and Communication Skills
      • The ability to assess primary papers critically
      • The ability to use oral, written and visual presentations to present their work to both a science literate and general audience

 Program of Study: Major: Environmental Science


Program Overview

Provides a strong science background focused on the environmental issues of the future. Through lecture, lab and field classes, you get hands-on experience with biology, chemistry, the geosciences, physics and math. Three options: General Environmental Science, CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY and GEOSCIENCE.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Conservation Biology and Ecology
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Geosciences
Admission Requirements
  • These courses can be taken at UW Tacoma or transferred from another school. UW Tacoma courses that fulfill this preparatory course work are listed in parentheses.
    • 15 credits of college biology (majors sequence with lab) (TBIOL 120, 130, 140) – 2.0 minimum grade in each
    • 15 credits of college chemistry (majors sequence with lab) (TCHEM 142, 152, 162) – 2.0 minimum grade in each
    • 5 credits of physical geology with lab (TGEOS 117) – 2.0 minimum grade
    • 5 credits of college physics (mechanics with lab) (TPHYS 121) – 2.0 minimum grade
    • 10 credits of calculus/advanced statistics (TMATH 124 and either TMATH 125 or TMATH 310) – 2.0 minimum grade
    • 5 credits of statistics (TMATH 110) – 2.0 minimum grade
  • Preparatory courses must have been completed within the last five years. If they were completed earlier, please consult an IAS advisor.
  • Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software. Workshops are available for students with deficiencies in any of these areas.

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science


Credential Overview

In this program students learn how to draw connections between these disciplines needed to solve the complex environmental problems facing the local community and society at large. This degree allows you to combine diverse approaches to the environment which incorporate humanities and the social sciences. Through coursework and independent study, you will develop skills needed for scientific research, technical writing and grant preparation. A culminating capstone experience gives you the opportunity to work with a scientist on your own undergraduate research project or to intern with a community group to gain practical experience. Our program prepares you to work in government, academic, private or non-profit careers or to continue your education in a variety of scientific disciplines.

Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with a bachelor of science in environmental science, students must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work and a minimum of 45 credits in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete the B.S. degree preparatory courses and requirements. Minors and certificates are optional. No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade; see advisor for details.
  • Complete five credits of English composition with a minimum grade of 2.0.
  • Meet with an academic advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • Core Requirements:
    • Three required courses:
      • TESC 310 (3) (To be taken in the first quarter of enrollment sophomore or junior year) and TESC 200 (2) to be taken with TESC 310.
      • TESC 410(3) (To be taken in the last quarter of enrollment after or concurrent with capstone experience)
    • Capstone experience: 3-10 credits through internship, research, etc. Planned with faculty advisor; may span more than one quarter. See Environmental Science website for list of approved capstone experience options.
    • 12 credits of Environmental science core courses:
      • T BIOL 340(6)
      • T CHEM 333(6)
  • Environmental Law/Policy: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Law/Policy courses.
  • Environmental Ethics: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Ethics courses.
  • Social Science/Environmental Focus: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Social Science/environmental focus courses.
  • Humanities/Environmental focus course: 5 credits
  • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Humanities courses.
  • Environmental Science Major Electives: 29 credits
    • 29 credits minimum of Environmental Science courses.
    • Five additional courses to include at least one biological science (B) course and one physical science (P) course. Of these remaining five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Two of these five courses must be at the 300-level or above.
    • See Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Science elective courses.
  • Conservation Biology and Ecology Option Electives: 29 credits
    • In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
    • Additional requirements specified below.
  • Geosciences Option Electives: 29 credits
    • In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
    • Additional requirements specified below.

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Conservation Biology and Ecology


Credential Overview

In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, you may complete a Biology option as part of the degree, allowing you to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.

Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with a bachelor of science in environmental science, students must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work and a minimum of 45 credits in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete the B.S. degree preparatory courses and requirements. Minors and certificates are optional. No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade; see advisor for details.
  • Complete five credits of English composition with a minimum grade of 2.0.
  • Meet with an academic advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • Core Requirements:
    • Three required courses:
      • TESC 310 (3) (To be taken in the first quarter of enrollment sophomore or junior year) and TESC 200 (2) to be taken with TESC 310.
      • TESC 410(3) (To be taken in the last quarter of enrollment after or concurrent with capstone experience)
    • Capstone experience: 3-10 credits through internship, research, etc. Planned with faculty advisor; may span more than one quarter. See Environmental Science website for list of approved capstone experience options.
    • 12 credits of Environmental science core courses:
      • T BIOL 340(6)
      • T CHEM 333(6)
  • Environmental Law/Policy: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Law/Policy courses.
  • Environmental Ethics: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Ethics courses.
  • Social Science/Environmental Focus: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Social Science/environmental focus courses.
  • Humanities/Environmental focus course: 5 credits
  • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Humanities courses.
  • Environmental Science Major Electives: 29 credits
    • 29 credits minimum of Environmental Science courses.
    • Five additional courses to include at least one biological science (B) course and one physical science (P) course. Of these remaining five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Two of these five courses must be at the 300-level or above.
    • See Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Science elective courses.
  • Conservation Biology and Ecology Option Electives: 29 credits
    • In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
    • Additional requirements specified below.
  • Geosciences Option Electives: 29 credits
    • In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
    • Additional requirements specified below.
Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific requirements:

  • Five courses to include at least one physical science (P) course, at least two laboratory (L) courses (T BIOL 434 and one more from List D, E, or F) and one field (F) course. Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits.
  • In addition, the student's capstone experience (planned with the faculty advisor) must be focused on conservation biology and/or ecology.
  • See Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Science elective courses.
    • T BIOL 434(B/L) (formerly TESC 332)
    • One course from Biodiversity (List D), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.
    • One course from Ecological Interactions (List E), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.
    • One course from Methods and Applications (List F), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.
    • One course from List D, List E or List F, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Science: Geosciences


Credential Overview

In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, you may complete a Geoscience option as part of the degree, allowing you to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.

Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with a bachelor of science in environmental science, students must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work and a minimum of 45 credits in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete the B.S. degree preparatory courses and requirements. Minors and certificates are optional. No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade; see advisor for details.
  • Complete five credits of English composition with a minimum grade of 2.0.
  • Meet with an academic advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • Core Requirements:
    • Three required courses:
      • TESC 310 (3) (To be taken in the first quarter of enrollment sophomore or junior year) and TESC 200 (2) to be taken with TESC 310.
      • TESC 410(3) (To be taken in the last quarter of enrollment after or concurrent with capstone experience)
    • Capstone experience: 3-10 credits through internship, research, etc. Planned with faculty advisor; may span more than one quarter. See Environmental Science website for list of approved capstone experience options.
    • 12 credits of Environmental science core courses:
      • T BIOL 340(6)
      • T CHEM 333(6)
  • Environmental Law/Policy: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Law/Policy courses.
  • Environmental Ethics: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Ethics courses.
  • Social Science/Environmental Focus: 5 credits
    • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Social Science/environmental focus courses.
  • Humanities/Environmental focus course: 5 credits
  • Choose one course, see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Humanities courses.
  • Environmental Science Major Electives: 29 credits
    • 29 credits minimum of Environmental Science courses.
    • Five additional courses to include at least one biological science (B) course and one physical science (P) course. Of these remaining five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Two of these five courses must be at the 300-level or above.
    • See Environmental Science web page for approved list of Environmental Science elective courses.
  • Conservation Biology and Ecology Option Electives: 29 credits
    • In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
    • Additional requirements specified below.
  • Geosciences Option Electives: 29 credits
    • In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.
    • Additional requirements specified below.
Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific requirements:

  • Five courses to include at least one biological science (B) course, at least two laboratory (L) courses (T GEOS 337 and one more from List G or H) and one field (F) course. Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits.
    • T GEOS 337(L) (formerly TESC 337)
    • Three courses from Geoscience, (List G), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.
    • One additional course from the Geoscience, or Additional Courses for Geoscience list (List G, or List H), see Environmental Science web page for approved list of Biodiversity courses.

Additional Information

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students who complete this degree will:
    • Be conversant in theoretical concepts of the biological and physical sciences and their application to understanding and studying the environment;
    • Develop a basic understanding of the humanities and social sciences, and the interdisciplinary connections between these subjects and the natural sciences, in order to understand and solve environmental issues;
    • Develop advanced scientific skills necessary to achieve an understanding of and solutions to environmental problems including physical and biological measurement techniques, statistical data analysis, hypothesis formulation and conceptual modeling, research project design and working collaboratively;
    • Exhibit the ability to interpret and communicate information related to environmental issues in written and oral forms appropriate to both scientific and non-technical audiences;
    • Demonstrate the ability to apply interdisciplinary training to environmental problems of local, regional, national or global significance;
    • Understand the role of individuals and participate in the creation of solutions for environmental problems;
    • Participate in engaged inquiry as a means of connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental problem solving and establishing the skills needed for life-long learning.
  • Our student learning objectives follow the model set forth by Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP). LEAP is an initiative that champions the value of a liberal education—for individual students and for a nation dependent on economic creativity and democratic vitality. The initiative focuses campus practice on fostering essential learning outcomes for all students, whatever their chosen field of study.

 Program of Study: Major: Environmental Sustainability


Program Overview

Offers an interdisciplinary perspective on environmental problems. A broad range of interdisciplinary coursework examines legal, economic, social, literary, historical, and philosophical perspectives on both local and global sustainability issues.

This program of study leads to the following credentials:
  • Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
  • Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Communication
  • Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Education
  • Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Policy and Law
Admission Requirements

Preparatory courses must have been completed within the last 5 years. If they were completed before that time frame or for specific transfer courses that are accepted, please consult an academic advisor.


Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software.

  • Preparatory Courses:
    • T BIOL 110 (with lab); minimum 1.5 GPA
    • T CHEM 131 (with lab); minimum 1.7 GPA
    • TECON 200; minimum 2.0 GPA
    • T GEOS 243 (with lab); minimum 2.0 GPA
    • TMATH 110; minimum 2.0 GPA
    • T PHIL 251; minimum 2.0 GPA
    • TWRT 211; minimum 2.0 GPA or TWRT 291; minimum 2.0 GPA

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability


Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
  • Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
  • Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
  • No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
  • Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
    • Degree Requirements: 40 credits
      • Core Courses (40 credits):
        • TEST 200
        • TESC 201
        • TBIOL 232
        • TESC 345
        • T LAW 438
        • TWRT 331
        • TGEOS 341
        • One of the following:
          • T EGL 304
          • T PHIL 456
          • TRELIG 350
      • Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
      • Options for in-depth Focus:
        • Option in either:
          • Environmental Policy and Law
          • Environmental Communication
          • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
          • Environmental Education

[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]

Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific requirements:

  • Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
    • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
    • Environmental Communication
    • Environmental Education
    • Environmental Policy and Law
    • Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Communication


Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
  • Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
  • Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
  • No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
  • Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
    • Degree Requirements: 40 credits
      • Core Courses (40 credits):
        • TEST 200
        • TESC 201
        • TBIOL 232
        • TESC 345
        • T LAW 438
        • TWRT 331
        • TGEOS 341
        • One of the following:
          • T EGL 304
          • T PHIL 456
          • TRELIG 350
      • Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
      • Options for in-depth Focus:
        • Option in either:
          • Environmental Policy and Law
          • Environmental Communication
          • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
          • Environmental Education

[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]

Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific requirements:

  • Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
    • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
    • Environmental Communication
    • Environmental Education
    • Environmental Policy and Law
    • Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Education


Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
  • Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
  • Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
  • No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
  • Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
    • Degree Requirements: 40 credits
      • Core Courses (40 credits):
        • TEST 200
        • TESC 201
        • TBIOL 232
        • TESC 345
        • T LAW 438
        • TWRT 331
        • TGEOS 341
        • One of the following:
          • T EGL 304
          • T PHIL 456
          • TRELIG 350
      • Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
      • Options for in-depth Focus:
        • Option in either:
          • Environmental Policy and Law
          • Environmental Communication
          • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
          • Environmental Education

[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]

Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific requirements:

  • Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
    • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
    • Environmental Communication
    • Environmental Education
    • Environmental Policy and Law
    • Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)

 Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Environmental Sustainability: Environmental Policy and Law


Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. See advisor for details.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
  • Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
  • Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
  • No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
  • Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • For Environmental Sustainability, you need to complete 40 preparatory credits and 58-60 credits to meet the degree requirements. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, in order to earn a bachelor of arts degree in your chosen major.
    • Degree Requirements: 40 credits
      • Core Courses (40 credits):
        • TEST 200
        • TESC 201
        • TBIOL 232
        • TESC 345
        • T LAW 438
        • TWRT 331
        • TGEOS 341
        • One of the following:
          • T EGL 304
          • T PHIL 456
          • TRELIG 350
      • Capstone experience (minimum 3 credits): refer to department website for list of approved courses Environmental Sustainability
      • Options for in-depth Focus:
        • Option in either:
          • Environmental Policy and Law
          • Environmental Communication
          • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
          • Environmental Education

[see Addendum A for changes to Capstone Experience and Options for in-depth Focus]

Additional Completion Requirements

Option specific requirements:

  • Take 4 or more courses in one selected option. See Environmental Sustainability web page for approved option lists.
    • Business/Nonprofit Environmental Sustainability
    • Environmental Communication
    • Environmental Education
    • Environmental Policy and Law
    • Global Honors (Proposed effective date Winter 2021)

Additional Information

Note: Environmental Sustainability majors may not earn the Environmental Studies minor or Restoration Ecology minor. Environmental Sustainability majors may earn the Restoration Ecology certificate.


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students who complete this degree will:
    • Demonstrate scientific literacy tied to core content in scientific disciplines vital to understanding human-environmental interactions and sustainability.
    • Exhibit advanced capabilities for interpreting and communicating information related to environmental issues and sustainability, in written and oral forms, to both scientific and non-technical audiences.
    • Demonstrate in-depth mastery of a focal area within environmental sustainability.
    • Cultivate skills critical to interpreting scientific concepts for public understanding, including familiarity with the scientific method, information literacy, data analysis, conceptual modeling, and working collaboratively.
    • Be conversant in the theoretical and applied concepts in environmental natural sciences, social sciences, and other ways of knowing, and the interdisciplinary connections among them, relating to environmental issues.
    • Apply interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to environmental and sustainability challenges of local, regional, national or global significance.
    • Participate in engaged inquiry as a means of connecting classroom learning to real-world environmental problem solving and establishing the skills needed for life-long learning.

 Program of Study: Major: Mathematics


Program Overview

Explores three branches of mathematics—algebra, analysis, and geometry—with deeper study of one to foster a maturity of mathematical thought in a modern context. Provides a strong theoretical and practical basis for STEM-related jobs.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics

 Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics


Completion Requirements

To be eligible for graduation with the bachelor of arts degree, each student enrolled in the program must complete the following program requirements:

  • Complete all general education requirements not met with transfer courses. (See advisor for details.)
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences course work. Some majors or concentrations may require more.
  • Complete a minimum of 45 credits of upper-division course work, including transfer courses and UW Tacoma courses.
  • Complete 5 credits of English composition with a minimum 2.0 grade. This must be completed in a student’s first two quarters at UW Tacoma.
  • Complete the requirements for a major or concentration (minors are optional).
  • No more than 15 elective credits can be taken for a Satisfactory/Not Satisfactory grade. See advisor for details.
  • Meet with an advisor to complete a graduation application no later than the second week of the quarter in which the student plans to graduate.
  • To meet the degree requirements for a B.S. in Mathematics, you need to complete 79 credits, including a completed mathematics capstone experience. You must earn a total of 180 quarter credits, or 225 quarter credits for a double degree, to earn a bachelor degree in your chosen major.
    • Mathematics Core (49 credits). A grade of at least 1.5 is required for TMATH 402 and TMATH 424. List of required courses:
      • TMATH 124
      • TMATH 125
      • TMATH 126
      • TMATH 207 (formerly TMATH 307)
      • TMATH 208 (formerly TMATH 308)
      • TMATH 300
      • TMATH 324
      • TMATH 350 (must co-enroll in TMATH 351)
      • TMATH 351
      • TMATH 402
      • TMATH 424
    • Extended Core (5 credits). At least one of the following courses is required, with a grade of at least 1.5.
      • TMATH 403
      • TMATH 425
    • Electives Guaranteeing Breadth of Knowledge (20 credits). A total of 20 credits must be taken; each area requires a minimum of three credits and at least one course. No more than 5 credits can be satisfied by a course numbered below 300. No more than 5 credits can be satisfied by TMATH 495, TMATH 496, TMATH 498, or TMATH 499. Note that a class may satisfy two elective areas, which will afford students the promised flexibility to tailor their studies toward their desired career goals.
    • Computing—
      • Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Computing courses.​
    • Math in Culture—
      • Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Math in Culture courses.
    • Modeling—
      • Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Modeling courses.
    • Probability/Statistics—
      • Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Probability/Statistics courses.
    • Topology/Geometry—
      • Required: a minimum of three credits and at least one course. See Mathematics web page for approved list of Topology/Geometry courses.
    • Additional courses that count as general electives—
      • See Mathematics web page for approved list of additional courses that count as general electives.
    • Capstone Experience:
      • The Mathematics capstone experience typically consists of completing a project in two quarters, beginning with a directed reading course (TMATH 498), an undergraduate research experience (a Research Experience for Undergraduates or TMATH 499), an experiential learning course (such as TMATH 495), or an internship (TMATH 496). The capstone experience culminates in a paper which will be completed as part of TMATH 450, the Mathematics Capstone course required for graduation. This course is designed to provide extensive opportunities to hone technical communication skills in mathematics.

      • To prepare to enroll in TMATH 450, the capstone project should be started no later than the summer before 450 is to be taken. The capstone paper is used as a basis for enrollment in TMATH 450 in Winter quarter; enrollment is granted by instructor permission only, in consultation with each student's capstone faculty advisor(s). In order to be considered, the mathematics program recommends that 75% of the work be completed prior to requesting enrollment in TMATH 450. Students in TMATH 450 must earn marks at or above 1.5, and must co-enroll in TMATH 351 (Mathematics Seminar).

      • Students may petition for their capstone project to fulfill one elective area of knowledge in the mathematics major.

    • Additional Requirements:
      • All B.S. students must complete the following requirements prior to graduation from UW Tacoma:
        • 10 credits of foreign language - two quarters in college or two years in high school of a single language
        • 20 credits of A&H - Arts and Humanities (humanities)
        • 20 credits of SSc - Social Sciences (social science courses)
        • It is common for transfer students to have already met some or all of these requirements. Whatever a student is missing will become part of their study plan while at UW Tacoma.
    • TMATH Portfolio Requirements:
      • Portfolios are submitted as part of course requirements for TMATH 450.

Additional Information

Note: Mathematics major students cannot minor in Mathematics.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • By graduating with a B.S. in Mathematics, you will be able to understand, communicate, and apply mathematics. In particular, you will be able to:
    • Comprehend, discover, and communicate common principles from algebra, geometry, and analysis,
    • Use probability or statistics correctly and effectively,
    • Recognize, understand and also make your own mathematically rigorous arguments,
    • Interpret and present results to a technical audience, both in writing and verbally,
    • Describe how mathematical or quantitatively-based arguments affect society,
    • Modify problems to make them tractable,
    • Use technology to aid in solving problems,
    • Apply quantitative theory, modeling, or mathematical principles to other disciplines to solve problems.

 Program of Study: Minor: Ecological Restoration


Program Overview

This provides training from theory to practice, giving you the skills necessary to participate as an effective team member and leader on challenging restoration projects. This minor illustrates to employers and funding agencies that you have completed fundamental training in restoration ecology, including a one-year team-based restoration project. The modern field of ecological restoration showcases the necessity and merits of interdisciplinary approaches to real-world problems. Effective restoration of complex ecosystems and their human interplay requires a fusion of expertise from ecology, other life sciences, physical and social sciences and the humanities. The minor seeks to prepare students to address the complex relationships of human communities and ecological sustainability. The minor is a tri-campus initiative (UW Bothell, UW Seattle and UW Tacoma). You may, but are not required to, take courses from more than one campus in order to earn the minor.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Minor in Ecological Restoration

 Minor in Ecological Restoration


Completion Requirements

All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of 2.0 

  • Introduction: 5 credits
    • T BIOL 362(formerly TESC 362) or ESRM 362/ENVIR 362 or BES 362
  • Restoration-related courses: 10 credits
    • T BIOL 232 (formerly TESC 232)
    • T CHEM 333(formerly TESC 333)
    • TESC 319
    • TESC 345
    • TESC 431
    • T GIS 311
    • T LAW 339 (formerly TEST 339)
    • Or, students may complete 10 credits of restoration-related courses from an approved list of courses that is available on the UW-REN website. Courses not on the list can be petitioned to the UW-REN director.
  • UW-REN Senior Restoration Capstone: 10 credits
    • The capstone consists of a three-quarter, 10-credit sequence of courses that take place during the fall-winter-spring quarters. In the capstone, students participate in a hands-on restoration project from design, analysis, and implementation to developing a monitoring plan, all within a multidisciplinary teamwork setting.
    • TBIOL 462/463/464 (3 course series; formerly TESC 462/463/464)

 Program of Study: Minor: Environmental Studies


Program Overview

An option for students without the science prerequisites to do the B.S. in Environmental Science or the B.A. in Environmental Studies, this minor provides a good grounding in the principles of the field. The Environmental Studies minor can provide a useful supplement to the coursework of SIAS students who have an interest in environmental law, as an attorney or paralegal; environmental policy, working for governmental agencies, legislative bodies or in environmental non-profits; or environmental psychology, justice or racism.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Minor in Environmental Studies

 Minor in Environmental Studies


Credential Overview

An option for students without the science prerequisites to do the B.S. in Environmental Science or the B.A. in Environmental Studies, this minor provides a good grounding in the principles of the field. The Environmental Studies minor can provide a useful supplement to the coursework of SIAS students who have an interest in environmental law, as an attorney or paralegal; environmental policy, working for governmental agencies, legislative bodies or in environmental non-profits; environmental psychology, justice or racism.

Completion Requirements

All courses in the minor must be completed with a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Please see advisor to discuss details.

  • The minor in Environmental Studies requires 25 credits to include:
    • TESC 201- 5 credits (may be met with an approved transfer course; see advisor to make the exception.)
      • Evening students: TESC 201 is not offered in the evening. It may be possible to complete this lab requirement in an alternative way. Contact an IAS advisor for more details.
    • 5 credits of Biological Environmental Science (B) course; see below for list.
    • 5 credits of Physical Environmental Science (P) course; see below for list.
    • 5 credits of Environmental Ethics or Philosophy:
      • T EGL 210
      • T EGL 304
      • T PHIL 364
      • T PHIL 456
    • 5 credits of Environmental Law, Policy, or Regulations:
      • TECON 421
      • TEST 333
      • TEST 335
      • TEST 337
      • TEST 343
      • TEST 345
      • T LAW 339 (formerly TEST 339)
      • T LAW 438(formerly TPOL S 438)
  • Biology (B) & Physical Science (P) Course List
    • T BIOL 110 (B) (formerly TESC 110)
    • T BIOL 120 (B) (formerly TESC 120)
    • T BIOL 202 (B) (formerly TESC 202)
    • T BIOL 203 (B) (formerly TESC 402)
    • T BIOL 204 (B) (formerly TESC 304)
    • T BIOL 222 (B)
    • T BIOL 232 (B) (formerly TESC 232)
    • T BIOL 234 (B) (formerly TESC 234)
    • T BIOL 236 (B) (formerly TESC 236)
    • T BIOL 238 (B) (formerly TESC 238)
    • T BIOL 240 (B) (formerly TESC 240)
    • T BIOL 270 (B) (formerly TESC 370)
    • T BIOL 307 (B) (formerly TESC 440)
    • T BIOL 318 (P or B) (formerly TESC 318)
    • T BIOL 324 (B) (formerly TESC 302)
    • T BIOL 362 (B) (formerly TESC 362)
    • T BIOL 404 (B) (formerly TESC 404)
    • T BIOL 408 (B) (formerly TESC 408)
    • T BIOL 422 (B) (formerly TESC 422)
    • T BIOL 432 (B) (formerly TESC 432)
    • T BIOL 434 (B) (formerly TESC 332)
    • T BIOL 438 (B) (formerly TESC 438)
    • T BIOL 442 (B) (formerly TESC 442)
    • T BIOL 452 (B) (formerly TESC 452)
    • T BIOL 478 (B) (formerly TESC 378)
    • T CHEM 142 (P)
    • T CHEM 245 (P) (formerly TESC 245)
    • TESC 102 (B)
    • TESC 237 (P)
    • TESC 239 (P)
    • TESC 303 (B,P)
    • TESC 319 (P)
    • TESC 345 (P)
    • TESC 430 (P)
    • TESC 431 (P)
    • TESC 433 (P)
    • TESC 435 (P)
    • TESC 490 (B)
    • TEST 426 (B) (formerly TESC 426)
    • T GEOS 107 (P) (formerly TESC 107)
    • T GEOS 117 (P) (formerly TESC 117)
    • T GEOS 215 (P) (formerly TESC 215)
    • T GEOS 227 (P) (formerly TESC 227)
    • T GEOS 241 (P) (formerly TGEOS 241)
    • T GEOS 243 (B) (formerly TESC 243)
    • T GEOS 247 (P) (formerly TESC 247)
    • T GEOS 317 (P) (formerly TESC 317)
    • T GEOS 321 (P) (formerly TESC 321)
    • T GEOS 337 (formerly TESC 337 )(P)
    • T GEOS 341 (P) (formerly TESC 341)
    • T GEOS 343 (P) (formerly TESC 343)
    • T GEOS 349 (P or B) (formerly TESC 349)
    • T GEOS 415 (P) (formerly TESC 415)
    • T GEOS 417 (P) (formerly TESC 417)
    • T GEOS 445 (B/P) (formerly TESC 445)
    • T GIS 311 (P)
    • T PHYS 111 (P) (formerly TESC 111)
    • T PHYS 213 (P) (formerly TESC 213)
    • T PHYS 315 (P) (formerly TESC 315)

Additional Information

Note: Environmental Studies or Environmental Science major students cannot minor in Environmental Studies.

 Program of Study: Minor: Mathematics


Program Overview

The study of mathematics emphasizes exposure to the core foundational areas of analysis, modern algebra, and geometry. A mathematician's skill set includes the technical tools specific to each area as well as the development of critical thinking skills necessary for logical reasoning. A student completing a minor in mathematics should be able to demonstrate mathematical skill with basic computational tools and methods; use analytical reasoning to organize and write strong arguments; demonstrate understanding of at least one foundational area of mathematics; and apply mathematical theory to another discipline.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Minor in Mathematics

 Minor in Mathematics


Credential Overview

The study of mathematics emphasizes exposure to the core foundational areas of analysis, modern algebra, and geometry. A mathematician's skill set includes the technical tools specific to each area as well as the development of critical thinking skills necessary for logical reasoning. A student completing a minor in mathematics should be able to demonstrate mathematical skill with basic computational tools and methods; use analytical reasoning to organize and write strong arguments; demonstrate understanding of at least one foundational area of mathematics and apply mathematical theory to another discipline.

Completion Requirements

Courses used as part of the minor must have a minimum grade of 2.0 for each course. At least 8 credits of the coursework applied to the minor must be outside of the student's major(s) requirements. Minimum 10 credits of TMATH courses taken in residence at UW Tacoma.

  • The Mathematics minor requires 32 credits, to include:
    • Required Courses: 15 credits
      • TMATH 125
      • TMATH 126
      • TMATH 300
    • Math Electives: 17 credits minimum
      • Minimum of 12 credits from at least three courses numbered at 300-level or above. (Please see website for current list of approved courses.)
      • Advanced Placement (AP) credit may only count for up to 11 credits of the minor.

Additional Information

Note: Mathematics major students cannot minor in Mathematics.

 Program of Study: Minor: Sustainability


Program Overview

The discipline of sustainability grows from the recognition that the current trajectory humans are on cannot be sustained. This minor gives you grounding in sustainability practice and theory, and creates a foundational understanding of local and global problems from a social, economic and environmental perspective. Solutions for many of the complex, large scale sustainability issues we currently face, such as social injustice, economic inequity, environmental destruction and climate change, require an understanding of these issues from multiple perspectives. It is within the overlap of these multiple perspectives that sustainability solutions exist. This is why this minor in sustainability is such a valuable addition to any major, including business and engineering. The minor will enhance your sustainability literacy regardless of your major.

This program of study leads to the following credential:
  • Minor in Sustainability

 Minor in Sustainability


Completion Requirements

All courses in the minor must be completed with a cumulative 2.0 GPA. Students select 15 credits from three areas; programs will advise students where to focus within the 3 areas to complement their majors.

  • 60% of the coursework applied to the minor must be taken outside of the student's major(s) requirements.
  • A capstone project is required. The culminating capstone must be different from the student's major(s) capstone.
  • Sustainability Foundation Courses: 15 credits
    • TESC 201
    • TEST 295
    • T SUD 222
  • Additional Requirements: 15 credits
    • Programs will advise students where to focus within the three areas, to complement major.
    • See Sustainability minor web page for approved list.
    • Select 15 credits from the following areas:
      • Policy, Society, and Economics
      • Science, Environmental Issues, and Environmental Thought
      • Social Justice and Global Perspectives in Sustainability
  • Capstone:
    • Select one of the capstone course options (cannot use the same capstone for major and minor).
    • See Sustainability minor web page for approved list.

Additional Information

Student Learning Outcomes

  • At the end of this minor, students should be able to:
    • Demonstrate a deep understanding of the local and global challenges to sustainability from
      economic, environmental and social perspectives.
    • Apply the skills and knowledge to communicate and critically evaluate sustainability issues across disciplines.
    • Link knowledge with action in order to promote sustainability and serve as leaders in their
      communities.
    • Recognize how social, economic, and environmental equity issues are embedded within
      sustainability.