About Urban Studies

Founded in 2001, the Urban Studies program at the University of Washington Tacoma offers two undergraduate degrees and a certificate program.

Mission statement

Through teaching, research and community engagement the Urban Studies program seeks to increase understanding of and appreciation for the complexity and diversity of urban environments, provide students and the community with the tools to critically address urban problems, encourage the development of international perspectives, promote social justice and improve the quality of urban life.

In advancing its mission the Urban Studies program embraces the following values:

• Excellence in teaching and research
• Service to a diverse student population
• Community engagement
• Innovation
• Interdisciplinarity
• Internationalization
• Social justice