School Details
As a globally-ranked public university, the University of Washington prides itself on tackling challenges, transforming lives, and preparing budding leaders for a future of limitless success. Unshakable optimism and the belief that anything is possible are core defining characteristics of UW students, faculty, and staff.
University of Washington is consistently rated among the most innovative public universities in the world. The school boasts more than 150 years of inventions and breakthrough discoveries. Since 1990, UW alumni have started more than 258 companies. The UW Innovation Imperative encourages students and researchers to learn, discover, and craft solutions to societal issues.
Learn from home with the flexibility of UW Online. Students anywhere in the world can take advantage of the respected and high-quality education from University of Washington professors. The university offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees online, as well as more than 40 certificate programs.
Online students can choose from programs in areas including:
- Biotech, Health Care, and Social Work
- Business and Leadership
- Data and Applied Math
- Education, Nonprofit, and Society
- Engineering, Construction, and Sustainability
- Marketing, Communication, and Design
- Programming and Tech
Accreditation & Licensing
University of Washington is accredited by:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
All Programs
Business
The University of Washington offers a Graduate Certificate in Computational Finance. Students learn the power of computing and statistical analysis, as well as principles of investment management. The curriculum focuses on quantitative management techniques and an introduction to models of financial investments.
The University of Washington offers a Master of Science in Computational Finance & Risk Management. Students learn about portfolio construction and financial management methods. The curriculum allows students the opportunity to deeper learn about modern methods and tools for computational management.
The University of Washington offers a Master of Science in Construction Management. The program combines technical knowledge and management techniques regarding construction and infrastructure building.
Become an in-demand information leader. Earn your UW iSchool MSIM on-campus in Seattle or online. Take cutting-edge courses in leadership, information management, IT, UX, product management and more. Online and residential students take the same curriculum, share access to the school’s network of corporate partners and earn the same MSIM degree.
The University of Washington offers a Master of Supply Chain Transportation & Logistics Degree that is well suited for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge regarding the relationship of transportation systems within the global context. Graduates of this degree will gain knowledge and skills in decision making, fundamentals of managing transportation, logistics in the supply chain, information technology, how to manage risks, and much more.
Computer Science & IT
The online MS in Computational Linguistics degree program from the University of Washington is designed to equip students for dynamic careers in the tech industry or for a PhD program in the field. The curriculum immerses students in the latest natural language processing technologies while providing essential theoretical knowledge that will be relevant for years to come. Courses cover topics such as:
- Linguistic Phonetics
- Syntax for Computational Linguistics
- Shallow Processing Techniques for Natural Language Processing
- Advanced Statistical Methods in Natural Language Processing
- Language Processing Systems & Applications
Education
Earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education online and prepare for a rewarding career working with young children. The online bachelor’s degree in early childhood education provides a comprehensive curriculum that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote children’s healthy development and learning from birth to age eight. This program offers flexibility and convenience for students pursuing their degree while maintaining personal and professional commitments.
Through this online program, students gain a deep understanding of child development, early childhood curriculum design, and effective instructional strategies. They also learn how to create inclusive and engaging learning environments that foster young children’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. By completing this bachelor’s degree, graduates are well-prepared to pursue various career paths in the field of early childhood education, including preschool teaching, early intervention services, program administration, and advocacy.
University of Washington offers an online Master of Education in Special Education degree, with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis. This program is designed for professionals who need to know about applied behavior analysis and techniques. The curriculum offers coursework to sit for the BACB exam (Behavior Analyst Certification Board), while preparing students with competency, ethics, and analysis for working with those with developmental disabilities.
The Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) provides a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving landscape of libraries and information services. As an online program, it offers flexibility and convenience for working professionals or those who prefer a remote learning environment.
The master’s in library science online equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in a wide range of information-focused roles, including librarianship, digital asset management, data curation, and more. With a focus on practical application and experiential learning, students gain hands-on experience through internships and capstone projects, ensuring they are well-prepared to address the challenges and opportunities in today’s information-rich world. By pursuing a master’s in library science online, you can advance your career and make a meaningful impact in the information profession.
Engineering
You can learn to become a team leader and guide technical projects with the Graduate Certificate in Engineering Leadership from the University of Washington. The online engineering management graduate program imparts such skills as:
- Mentoring employees
- Leading diverse teams
- Making data-driven decisions
- Guiding complex projects to completion
Through the online engineering management graduate certificate program, you learn to manage all the parts of a project to ensure successful completion. Upon completion, students step up as technical leads or program and first-level managers.
The online Graduate Certificate in Natural Language Technology program focuses on the creation of software that can analyze and understand human languages. The curriculum covers:
- The science behind predictive text messaging, speech recognition, dialogue systems, and information extraction
- Techniques and algorithms for associating surface-level structures and information with natural language corpora
- Probability and statistics as they relate to the discipline
- Applications of natural language technologies in biomedical informatics, litigation support, media and advertising, and other fields
You can take a multidisciplinary approach to your graduate degree with the Master of Aerospace Engineering from the University of Washington. The online aerospace engineering graduate program offers areas of concentration such as:
- Fluids
- Structures
- Controls
- Composites
The online aerospace engineering master’s program provides a coursework-only degree and does provide a step toward a PhD. Graduates achieve professional development for those seeking technical expertise to work in the field.
You can shape the future of facilities and systems with the Master of Infrastructure Planning & Management from the University of Washington. The online civil engineering graduate program provides expertise in such areas as:
- Food and water systems
- Transportation systems
- Applied geospatial analysis
- Climate change and infrastructure
Through the online civil engineering master’s program, you learn to develop systems that are secure, resilient, and accessible. Graduates appreciate the visionary planning approach to improve the quality of life for their communities.
You can level up your construction career with the Master of Science in Civil Engineering / Construction Engineering from the University of Washington. The online civil engineering graduate program leads to work managing major infrastructure projects after studying such subjects as:
- Utility system construction
- Heavy construction estimating
- Design and construction law
- Cost-analysis and measurement
Through the online construction engineering master’s program, you gain cutting-edge management skills and technical knowledge to excel in the heavy construction industry. Graduates appreciate learning the latest trends and research from leaders in the field.
You can become a leader in the future of energy with the Master of Science in Civil Engineering / Energy Infrastructure from the University of Washington. The online civil engineering graduate program focuses on such abilities as:
- Business knowledge
- Construction insights
- Expertise in energy infrastructure
- Broader perspective on energy and utilities
Through the online civil engineering master’s program, you prepare for growth opportunities as the industry transitions to renewable energy from fossil fuels. Graduates have the comprehensive knowledge to plan, design, construct, and manage energy infrastructure projects.
As a professional mechanical engineer, you can advance your career with the Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington. The online mechanical engineering graduate program offers such tracks as:
- Thesis option
- All coursework option
- Project-based option
Through the online mechanical engineering master’s program, you may start your studies with any quarter. Electives may be chosen from closely related departments such as the physical sciences, mathematics, or approved biological sciences.
You can help drive us toward a more sustainable world with the Master of Sustainable Transportation from the University of Washington. The online civil engineering graduate program provides a multifaceted education to accelerate your career. Your online studies cover such topics as:
- City design
- Public policy
- Urban planning
- Environmental science
Through the online civil engineering master’s program, you learn to solve transportation challenges in sustainable mode. Graduates appreciate the ability to promote responsible economic, environmental, and community-oriented resolutions to improve transportation.
Healthcare
The University of Washington offers the online Certificate in Gerontology. Students will examine the specific challenges and opportunities involved in supporting older adults in fields such as health and wellness, finance, housing, and recreation. Students will study the relevant psychological, biological, and social factors of this demographic group. The program also addresses the political issues relating to advocacy, public policy, and long-term care that can affect the lives of older adults.
The University of Washington offers an experience-rich program with its Executive Master of Health Administration. This online healthcare administration degree develops transformational leaders. Students gain the knowledge and skills to initiate, inspire, and act for positive change in the complex healthcare administration field.
Instruction occurs in a unique format. Classes meet once a month in all-day sessions from Thursday through Saturday. You can attend these synchronous classes online or in-person. Further learning occurs in Tuesday evening webinars, team projects, and online assignments.
The curriculum covers all sorts of management, from financial to human resources. Other topics include:
- Group dynamics and leadership
- Informatics
- Health law
- Population health
All students complete a capstone project at the end of their studies. In a real-world healthcare setting, students practice their leadership and management skills.
University of Washington offers the online Graduate Certificate in Basic Bioscience. This certificate is designed for professionals who work in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and related fields, along with those looking to enter the industry. Students will investigate the foundational science behind drug development, and learn about the latest development and manufacturing techniques used in the pharmaceutical industry.
The following courses make up the program:
- Molecular & Cellular Biology
- Pathophysiology
- General Pharmaceutics I
- General Pharmaceutics II
The online Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care prepares students for careers helping others to endure and have relief from symptoms of serious illnesses. With a team-based approach, this online program delivers quality instruction in the skills employers are looking for. Students will become familiar with family dynamics, grief, and different methods of communication.
Subjects include, but are not limited to:
- Program sustainability
- Interprofessional team training
- Person-centered communication
The need for experienced and qualified palliative care professionals has steadily increased in recent years. Courses are taught by faculty from the UW Cambia Palliative Care Center for Excellence. Upon completion of this online certificate, graduates will be well equipped to tackle unique challenges in the field of palliative care.
If you want to advance health IT systems, look no further than the University of Washington’s Master of Health Informatics & Health Information Management. Graduates can steer healthcare organizations into the future with the skills and knowledge gained in this online health informatics master’s degree.
The curriculum leads to deep domain expertise. Students work with current and emerging technologies. Graduates can implement enterprise data resources to help providers make informed healthcare decisions.
The leadership-focused curriculum ends with a Capstone project. Topics cover a range of technical and management topics, including:
- Strategic management of healthcare organizations
- Organizational behavior and human resource management
- Healthcare business intelligence
- Law, policy, and ethics in health information
Students find the competency-based curriculum rigorous. Structured around five key pillars, the program emphasizes health information systems, information governance, data analytics, health systems leadership, and patient and organizational information privacy and security.
The University of Washington offers the online Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering. This program is designed to enable working engineers, scientists, researchers, and professionals in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and related industries to explore advanced education in the areas of molecular and cellular biology, drug discovery and design, pharmaceutics, and translational pharmaceutics. The program provides a path to acquire new skills and experience and gain an edge in your current job, or receive training to transition to a new career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry.
University of Washington offers the online MS in Clinical Informatics & Patient-Centered Technologies. Graduates of this degree will gain knowledge and skills in health informatics, computing concepts, management of health systems, and much more. This program provides individuals with the opportunity to move beyond entry-level positions and gain job security in the healthcare field. Graduates of this program will be able to successfully use technology within the field to improve patient services.
Sample of Program Requirements:
- Clinical informatics
- Telehealth systems
- Healthcare information systems
- Patient-centered technologies
The online Professional Certificate in Health Care Analytics allows students to gain skills in data reporting and performance improvement in healthcare. Students will examine clinical, pharmaceutical, financial, and operational data and the best tools to work with this data. In this online program, students will get hands-on experience.
Courses include:
- Methods and applications of health care analytics
- Decision analysis and solution delivery in health care analytics
- Fundamentals of health care analytics
Students benefit from real-time learning online. Enrollment coaches are always ready to help prospective students who are interested in taking the first step towards a rewarding career in health care analytics. The online certificate program from the University of Washington can pave the way.
The online Professional Certificate in Health Economics and Outcomes Research prepares students with the skills and knowledge to improve decision-making in complex, busy healthcare environments. Students will study different healthcare markets, evaluating the costs of drugs and medical devices, insurance policies, and reimbursement. This online group-paced program has set due dates for assignments but no class meetings. There are still opportunities to interact with classmates and instructors along the way.
Courses include:
- The practice of health technology assessment in a global environment
- Economic evaluation in health and medicine
- Principles of health economics
Career opportunities are available in health ministries, governments, insurance companies, and other healthcare organizations. Health care systems around the world are seeking experienced, professional health economics experts. The online certificate from the University of Washington can lead graduates on a path to success in health economics and outcomes research.
Math & Science
The online Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior explores animal behavior so that graduates can enhance the care and well-being of animals. Delving into comparative animal behavior, principles of applied animal behavior, and applied animal behavior in practice, the three-course program provides insights into behavioral differences across species.
Participants will learn to apply this knowledge to human-animal interaction, gaining valuable skills in diagnosing and treating behavior issues. The curriculum covers topics such as evolutionary theory, learning theory, and biology, equipping learners with the latest scientific research on companion animal training and care. By integrating theory with real-world applications, the program prepares individuals to provide effective and compassionate care to animals in various settings.
You can work at the intersection of public health and biological and biomedical research with the Graduate Certificate in Applied Biostatistics from the University of Washington. The online mathematics graduate program has such outcomes as:
- Designing studies
- Training researchers
- Shaping government policy
- Uncovering new ways to analyze biological data
Through the online mathematics graduate certificate program, you learn to solve pressing scientific questions by employing statistical concepts. Scientists and researchers benefit from the advanced training to interpret data.
You can develop sustainable solutions for challenges in transportation with the Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Transportation / Planning & Livable Communities from the University of Washington. The online sustainability graduate program delves into such topics as:
- Legal and governmental factors
- Critical issues in transportation systems
- Environmental impacts of transportation options
- Programs and policies to minimize the use of single-occupancy vehicles
Through the online sustainability graduate certificate program, you can initially enroll in a single course for a “test drive.” You can continue with the certification program if the course meets your needs. Credits from this program can be applied to a master’s program should you choose to further your education.
You can earn a degree in one of the most dynamic fields of science with the Master of Science in Applied & Computational Mathematics from the University of Washington. The online mathematics graduate program imparts abilities applicable to many fields, including:
- Physics
- Ecology
- Neuroscience
- Evolutionary biology and more
Through the online mathematics master’s program, you receive an outstanding education. Graduates find their degree a highly marketable one, landing them leadership roles in a number of disciplines.
You can gain expertise in the structure of matter with the Master of Science in Physics from the University of Washington. The online science graduate program provides a flexible, customizable curriculum offering specialization tracks such as:
- Optics
- Acoustics
- Laser physics
- Physics instrumentation
Through the online science master’s program, all students study quantum physics and electromagnetic theory. The final capstone project pulls together your knowledge and skills in independent scholarly work.
Psychology & Human Services
Gain the broad-ranging, interdisciplinary skills that employers seek with this online BA in Integrated Social Sciences from the University of Washington. This program focuses on how societies interact, function and change — knowledge that is applicable to any professional organization. You can complete your degree on your own schedule, within your own timeframe, working on a part-time or full-time basis.