Choosing a major
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.Search for a 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 dynami . . . more
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 . . . more
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 abou . . . more
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 . . . more
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 res . . . more
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 i . . . more
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 sc . . . more
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 juni . . . more
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 . . . more
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 adv . . . more
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 br . . . more
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 . . . more
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 . . . more
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 mathemati . . . more
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 . . . more
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 pro . . . more
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 . . . more
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, environme . . . more
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 emphas . . . more
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 forma . . . more
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 career . . . more
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, . . . more
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, linguisti . . . more
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 i . . . more
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, wat . . . more
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 . . . more
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 cultu . . . more
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 an . . . more
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 empo . . . more
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 t . . . more
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 value . . . more
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 prog . . . more
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 analysi . . . more
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 . . . more
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. . . . more
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, comm . . . more
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 fro . . . more
A major in Danish fosters excellent linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Danish studies can serve as a platform from which to explore art, literature and philosophy, history and politics, the environment, social democracy and women’s an . . . more
The Division of Design in the School of Art + Art History + Design educates and trains designers to create and develop concepts that optimize the function, value and appearance of communications, products and systems for the benefit of both industry . . . more
Disability Studies examines how society understands and represents disability, and investigates issues of discrimination and social justice. Disability Studies enhances the understanding of disability by incorporating social, cultural, historical, le . . . more
The BA in Drama focuses on the study of the history, methods and applications in the dramatic arts. Students who graduate from the School of Drama have evolved creative skills, are poised to become citizen leaders and possess a wide range of skills a . . . more
The Early Childhood and Family Studies (ECFS) major provides the opportunity to study early childhood development, early learning and family studies from a variety of perspectives across a range of disciplines. The degree will prepare you for careers . . . more
The Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Sciences is designed for students interested in geology and geophysics, and a career path in graduate studies or in the private sector where field and technology experiences and problem-solving skills are an . . . more
Economics studies the institutions and arrangements that are used to create, protect and allocate scarce resources, and advances our understanding of the behavior of individuals, firms, governments and other organizations. The BA is for students who . . . more
The Education Studies program is designed for students who are interested in working with children, youth, families and communities and the variety of ways that we all teach and learn, both in and beyond traditional classroom settings. . . . more
The Bachelor of Arts in Education, Communities and Organizations major provides students with a solid foundation in learning theory, human development, equity studies, organizational theory and community-based research and practice. Through elective . . . more
Electrical and Computer Engineering students design and build hardware and software for a variety of electronic devices with a wide range of applications ranging from nanoscale computer chips to multinational power grids. Academic pathways within ECE . . . more
The English Creative Writing concentration prepares students not only to be more effective communicators and artists, but also creative problem solvers and more nuanced critical thinkers. By situating small, student-oriented writing workshops alongsi . . . more
The undergraduate English major offers students a broadly based, historically grounded introduction to the literatures of Britain, the United States and, increasingly, Anglophone literature from around the world. Courses in literature emphasize techn . . . more
The Environmental Engineering curriculum, which is designed to comply with ABET accreditation criteria, emphasizes the use of core knowledge in math, physics, biology, chemistry, and its application to environmental engineering and develops student u . . . more
The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Public Health is a great fit for students who love science and who are passionate about using their scientific skills to address human health issues related to the built and natural environments. From water qu . . . more
Students in Environmental Science and Resource Management (ESRM) learn about natural and human-dominated landscapes and how to apply this knowledge to real-world problems. With a focus on sustainability, students work with professors and regional exp . . . more
The Environmental Studies (ENST) major is designed for students who want to act critically and creatively in response to the environmental challenges facing the world today. The major’s two pathways – Sustainability & Society (S&S) and Co . . . more
Ethnomusicology encompasses studies of music and culture and integrates aspects of musicology and anthropology as well as music performance, history and theory. Interdisciplinary work, field study and explorations of music and culture have been key c . . . more
The purpose of the curriculum in European Studies is to help prepare students to pursue careers requiring an understanding of all the forces, both material and cultural, contemporary and historical, that are shaping Europe today, in the transitions i . . . more
A B.A. in Finnish Studies opens doors in architecture, technology, arts and culture, linguistics, education and business by fostering strong linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Students gain advanced linguistic proficiency in Finnish and . . . more
Food Systems, Nutrition and Health provides students with a foundation of knowledge in nutritional sciences, food systems, food studies and population health. Through an examination of food and nutrition policies and practices that affect sustainable . . . more
An undergraduate major in French Studies allows students to develop advanced French language skills and cultural fluency. French is a key language of government and non-governmental organizations, business and the arts, and an official language of co . . . more
Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) examines social and political realities shaped by gender, sexuality and power. GWSS approaches topics from transnational and intersectional perspectives, enabling students to analyze and address issues of ge . . . more
Geographers research and engage the world by asserting the importance of space, environment, context, location, place and scale in relation to society’s most pressing environmental and social concerns. We draw from interdisciplinary theories across . . . more
The major in German places the artistic and intellectual traditions of German-speaking countries and their people in a revealing interdisciplinary context. Students investigate the language and cultures of these countries using approaches from lingui . . . more
A dynamic collaboration of multiple UW departments and housed in the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Global Literary Studies (GLITS) introduces students to works of literature from around the world and from all eras of human history. . . . more
Classics concerns itself with the languages and cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose civilizations had a central role in shaping the basic conceptual categories of our present cultural, intellectual, professional and civic lives. Study of . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
The Department of History cultivates in undergraduates a lasting curiosity about the world and imparts useful tools for understanding and participating in it responsibly. With an emphasis on critical reading and writing, discriminating research skill . . . more
History and Philosophy of Science (HPS) studies the theories, methods, practices and institutions of science from historical and philosophical perspectives. It strives to provide a genuinely interdisciplinary structure for critical reflection on scie . . . more
Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) undergraduate students learn design and engineering processes to solve problems through a deep understanding of people and their contexts. Students in the HCDE Bachelor of Science program graduate with an . . . more
An Individualized Studies major is a special interdisciplinary major designed by an individual student. Each Individualized Studies program is unique. . . . more
The Industrial and Systems Engineering curriculum focuses on system integration and methods to analyze, design and improve manufacturing and service systems. The first two years include pre-engineering courses, basic mathematics, natural science, eng . . . more
Informatics is the study of people, information and technology. Students are prepared to design, build, manage and secure information systems that make a difference in society, organizations and individual lives. The curriculum uses an experiential l . . . more
The Jackson School combines the social sciences, humanities, and professional fields to enhance understanding of our increasingly interconnected world. The International Studies program equips students with the skills (including writing and foreign l . . . more
An undergraduate major in Italian Studies allows students to develop advanced Italian language skills and cultural fluency. Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, remains central in the realms of art, design, food and manufacturing. In the major, . . . more
The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major and minor in Japanese, through which students develop their ability to read, write and speak Japanese and gain an understanding and appreciation of the literature, linguis . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
The Jewish Studies major offers students from varied backgrounds and disciplines a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the study of Jews and Judaism. Students learn about the geographic, historical, philosophical and cultural diversity . . . more
The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major and minor in Korean, through which students develop their ability to read, write and speak Korean and gain an understanding and appreciation of the literature, linguistics . . . more
Our Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA) is a STEM designated degree program. The program is structured through a curriculum of lecture, technical, and studio courses to provide students with the foundational education and skills necessary to pur . . . more
Classics concerns itself with the languages and cultures of the ancient Greeks and Romans, whose civilizations had a central role in shaping the basic conceptual categories of our present cultural, intellectual, professional and civic lives. Study of . . . more
The Latin American and Caribbean Studies major combines language study in Spanish and Portuguese with work in history, the humanities and the social sciences. It provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of this major world region, em . . . more
The Department of Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ) offers students opportunities to understand the complex roles of law in society. Law takes multiple forms and performs a wide array of important functions. At the same time, the work of law is shape . . . more
Linguistics is the study of language as a natural phenomenon. It focuses on grammar, the social context of language variation, the physics of speech sounds and the properties of language evolution. As language is an exclusively and intrinsically huma . . . more
Marine Biology involves the study of life processes of organisms inhabiting saltwater environments — from genetics and evolution to physiological traits and ecosystem functioning. The major examines the marine aspects of biodiversity, ecology and e . . . more
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is an interdisciplinary field where the scientific fundamentals of materials, their structure and properties and their design and processing for real-world applications are explored. Developing new equipment fo . . . more
The Department of Mathematics offers four degree programs. The BS and standard BA options provide students with the opportunity to study subjects ranging from algebra, analysis and geometry to probability, combinatorics and optimization. There are tw . . . more
Undergraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering explore fundamental principles of mechanical engineering and their application to modern technological problems. Students collaborate on interdisciplinary work where they research and design creative, . . . more
Medical Laboratory Science, offered by the Department of Laboratory Medicine, is a profession of highly knowledgeable and skilled individuals who perform clinical laboratory tests on patient samples. This is a critical part of healthcare, as the resu . . . more
Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (bacteria, algae, fungi and protozoa) and viruses. Because of their simplicity and rapid growth rates, microorganisms are readily amenable to study in the laboratory. Because their cellular p . . . more
The Department of Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures provides a liberal arts education in new global realities and their connections specifically to history of culture in the Middle East and Central Asia. A detailed and critical knowledge of ancie . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. The School’s highly selective composition program emphasizes mastery of technique and encourages students to develop their own artistic voices. . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Music education students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. The undergraduate deg . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Along with the core curriculum common to all degree programs at the School of Music, students at the undergraduate levels may investigate degree programs geared toward . . . more
Neuroscience is the interdisciplinary study of the nervous system, with the ultimate goal to understand higher brain function and neurological disease at the cellular and molecular level. Neuroscientists use molecular, physiological, computational an . . . more
A Bachelor of Arts in Norwegian Studies fosters strong linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Norwegian studies can serve as a platform from which to explore art, literature and philosophy, history and politics, the environment, social demo . . . more
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is a two-year professional program that prepares you for a career as a registered nurse. As a BSN student, you will learn from our nationally acclaimed faculty in class and using interactive scenarios . . . more
The undergraduate program in Oceanography provides students with an interdisciplinary science background that prepares them for a broad range of careers. Students can pursue a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or a Minor in Oceanography. Oceanogr . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
Philosophy is the study of fundamental issues concerning reality, knowledge, values and ethics. It is dedicated to probing the foundations of things, to asking questions and to thinking about what sorts of answers to our questions should be satisfyin . . . more
Physics is the study of the behavior of matter, space, time and fields. Using highly sophisticated experimental and mathematical techniques, physicists gather detailed measurements of phenomena from the largest scales involving the entire universe to . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
Political science is the study of power and how political institutions and individuals engage in the public realm. In the major, students explore concepts like freedom and justice; governmental structures; how law and courts function; how economics a . . . more
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind, brain and behavior, with the ultimate goal of promoting healthy minds and society. The Psychology major provides a broad curriculum coupled with opportunities to participate in undergraduate research an . . . more
Public Health is a school-wide liberal arts major, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, which uses public health questions, concepts, and tools to help students develop competencies in assessment and measurement, communication, envir . . . more
The Bachelor of Science with a Major in Real Estate is designed to provide students with a comprehensive exposure to the field of real estate. It will prepare students for careers in real estate finance, asset management, brokerage, urban and real es . . . more
A Bachelor of Arts in Scandinavian Area Studies fosters advanced knowledge of the culture, politics and history of Scandinavia. It also helps students develop strong analytical and communication skills. Scandinavian Area Studies can serve as a platfo . . . more
A B.A. in Slavic Languages and Literatures provides a well-rounded understanding of Russia, Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union through a study of their languages and an exploration of their literatures and cultures. The Department . . . more
The School of Social Work is seeking individuals who are interested in becoming social change agents to tackle complex social problems facing our society. We offer a professional degree with “hands-on” training in the field designed to fully prep . . . more
Sociology is the scientific study of people in groups — from friendship networks to communities to entire nations. Sociologists describe the characteristics of social groups and consider explanations for social stability and social change. They pro . . . more
The Department of Asian Languages and Literature offers an undergraduate major in South Asian Languages and Cultures. In this major, students develop their ability to read, write, and speak South Asian languages and combine these language skills with . . . more
Undergraduates expand and refine their language skills while engaging in the study of literature written in Spanish, as well as Hispanic cultural studies and linguistics. The BA prepares graduates for advanced degrees in education and doctoral progra . . . more
The B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences is for students interested in the scientific and theoretical frameworks for understanding human communication and its disorders, including the roles of biology, cognition, environment and culture. The major pro . . . more
Statistics is the science of learning from data. Statisticians design methods for gathering data; develop mathematical models to analyze, interpret and discover relationships in the data; and use technology for visualizing and exploring data. The BS . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more
A B.A. in Swedish fosters strong linguistic, analytical and communication skills. Swedish studies can serve as a platform from which to explore art, literature and philosophy, history and politics, the environment, social democracy, and women’s and . . . more
The School of Music offers both performance and research-oriented degree programs. Performance students at the UW enjoy in-depth musical study with world-class artist-teachers with a range of strengths and areas of interest. An audition is required f . . . more