University of Puget Sound
Tacoma, United States • Founded 1888
Overview
Established in 1888, the University of Puget Sound is a non-profit private liberal arts higher education institution located in the urban setting of the small city of Tacoma (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), Washington.
Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, University of Puget Sound (UPS) is a small-sized coeducational US higher education institution. University of Puget Sound (UPS) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 135-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 80-89% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
UPS also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Looking to reach University of Puget Sound? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for University of Puget Sound are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
University of Puget Sound's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
Unit 3 items
- School of Education
- School of Occupational Therapy
- School of Physical Therapy
Programs Offered
University of Puget Sound's programme list, with search and degree-level grouping. Search matches programme names; if you don't see your subject, check the divisions section to locate the relevant faculty.
Bachelor's Degree
44 programmes
University of Puget Sound's 44 programmes at this tier lead to a bachelor's qualification, the first full degree most students pursue and the usual prerequisite for master's-level entry.
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Physics Physics & Astronomy
Psychology, General Psychology
Economics Economics
International Relations and National Security Studies Politics & International Relations
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Sociology and Anthropology Social & Cultural Studies
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other Liberal Arts
Music Music
Health Professions Education, Ethics, and Humanities Health Sciences
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
International Business International Business
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
History History
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Area Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Computer Science Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Engineering, General General Engineering
East Asian Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Classics and Classical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology Biochemistry
Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences Molecular Biology
Neurobiology and Neurosciences Neuroscience
Mathematics Mathematics
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Science, Technology and Society Liberal Arts
International/Globalization Studies Liberal Arts
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
6 programmes
These 6 programmes form University of Puget Sound's master's offering, combining advanced coursework with independent work that signals readiness for leadership or research.
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions Counselling & Psychotherapy
Public Health Public Health
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
There are 1 programme to choose from at University of Puget Sound for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
There are 1 programme to choose from at University of Puget Sound for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
1 programme
University of Puget Sound lists 1 programme outside the standard bachelor-to-doctorate ladder — vocational and pathway awards that often carry credit toward a later full degree.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Puget Sound
A practical five-step guide to applying to University of Puget Sound, from programme research through submission and follow-up.
- 1 Research programmes at University of Puget Sound
University of Puget Sound's catalogue includes 53 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.
- 2 Review admissions criteria
Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for University of Puget Sound's admissions process.
- 3 Gather supporting documents
Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.
- 4 Lodge your application
Submit your completed application through University of Puget Sound's official website at www.pugetsound.edu. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.
- 5 Confirm receipt and track progress
Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (253) 879 3100. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Puget Sound
The questions below summarise University of Puget Sound's vital institutional details — useful as a quick reference before drilling into specific sections.
In what year was University of Puget Sound established?
University of Puget Sound was founded in 1888 (approximately 138 years ago).
In which city is University of Puget Sound?
University of Puget Sound is based in Tacoma, United States.
Is University of Puget Sound public or private?
It is a private higher-education institution.
How many students study at University of Puget Sound?
University of Puget Sound has approximately 2,000-2,999 students.
What is University of Puget Sound's academic structure?
University of Puget Sound is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Is University of Puget Sound officially recognised?
University of Puget Sound is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Where can I learn more about University of Puget Sound?
The institution's website is www.pugetsound.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Looking for the strongest names in the United States? These are the highest-ranked institutions nationally — useful context for benchmarking University of Puget Sound against the country's most established universities. National benchmarks also signal the upper bound of academic prestige in the United States.
Members of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
Tuition reciprocity exists in some National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) networks, where members charge in-network rates for student exchanges. Worth checking specific bilateral terms within the broader membership.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around University of Puget Sound draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Where Else to Study Liberal Arts
Below: institutions across the United States that offer Liberal Arts, providing comparison points for University of Puget Sound's programme. Variations in elective range, placement support, and credential portability are worth examining carefully.
Universities Often Compared with University of Puget Sound
Endowment and financial peer comparison signals institutional resources and scholarship depth. Universities comparable to University of Puget Sound in this dimension often offer similar aid packages.
