The University of Washington currently offers 10 degrees, 27 certificates and more than 300 courses via distance learning, making it one of the leading public institutions in the online field. The UW online program has been rated among the top 10 distance learning education offerings available through U.S. universities. The Department of Urban Design and Planning currently offers distance learning only through a fully accredited graduate degree program, the Master in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures.

Further information about Online learning at the UW »

Note: The Master in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures (MSPCI) is currently under review and no longer accepting applications.

Alternative Ways to Study

You can still enroll in individual courses from this program. Find out how single course enrollment works and learn about earning graduate degree credits too.

Two certificates based on the MSPCI curriculum are available:

Certificate Program in Critical Infrastructures Protection (online) »

Certificate Program in Emergency Management (online) »

Two recommended preparatory courses for the MSPCI program can be taken online through UW Educational Outreach. They are:

URBDP 301 Database Management Fundamentals
URBDP 301 provides an introduction to database management concepts such as definition of data elements and basic data information structures, data modeling, and systems architectures. Participants are introduced to some of the leading database management products and design tools currently in use, and learn principles that are used in the field. Participants are introduced to organizational responsibilities in relation to database and network security and system access. Students also explore topics related to data security and privacy issues.

Register for URBDP 301

URBDP 302 Geographic Information Systems Fundamentals
URBDP 302 introduces the concepts and skills essential to using a geographic information system (GIS) for spatial analysis and problem solving. Focus is initially on the use, design and construction of maps. Building on this foundation, attention turns to the components of a GIS, spatial and tabular data, raster and vector data, types of spatial analysis, and database management within a GIS framework. Students gain experience in the planning, implementation and management of GIS projects. Students complete GIS tasks from data collection and spatial analysis through map production and report generation.

Register for URBDP 302