City University of Seattle (CityU) was founded in 1973 by Dr. Michael A. Pastore. Originally called City College, the university’s aim was to provide higher education to working adults. Today, it is an affiliate member of the National University System, a group of private, not-for-profit universities in the US.
Students at CityU can choose from over 60 different undergraduate, postgraduate and English language courses. Many courses can be taken online, and CityU has developed a reputation as one of the leading providers of online courses in the US.
The university enjoys high rankings for many of its online courses, and was ranked as one of the best in the country for the eighth year running (U.S. News & World Report 2022), placing in the top 50 for “Best Online Bachelor’s Programs”.
Teaching at CityU has an emphasis on practical learning to ensure that students graduate with the most in-demand skills needed in the workplace. CityU courses and degrees are kept up to date with feedback and input from some of the top employers around the world. Students learn from lecturers with professional experience and accomplishments in their fields and benefit from small classes and personalized support.
The university has a lot to offer in the way of support to make sure all students are happy during their time studying at CityU. There is a career center to help with looking for jobs, creating CVs and networking with companies.
The counseling center provides confidential guidance on any issues students may have. There is also support for finding housing and plenty of student run clubs and societies which are a great way to make friends and add to their resume.
Seattle is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the USA and was ranked in the top ten cities to live by U.S. News and World Report. Students in Seattle are in a prime location to explore the west coast of America, the mountain states and Canada which is just a four-hour train journey away.
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CityU continued its impressive performance in the annual rankings of the U.S. News & World Report for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. The university ranked in 39th place, making this the eighth consecutive year that it has been in the top 50.
Scott Carnz, provost of the university praised CityU saying that, “We are proud that this ranking recognized the flexible design of our programs and the excellence of our faculty, as these are the things that set our programs apart.”
Carnz praised the teaching staff at the university, giving them credit for the large number of students who finish their courses, saying “Students stay in and finish their programs because of our practitioner-scholar faculty who bring the experiences of their discipline into the classroom. Their emphasis is on teaching, not mentoring or coaching. They help students find practical applications of concepts and theories. What students learn in the classroom they use in their jobs.”
CityU also ranked inside the top 200 by the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online MBA Programs. The MBA program is one of the most popular courses at CityU.
US$27,240 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
US$25,485 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
US$20,064 Living costs
US$9,804 To live on campus
City University of Seattle offers several scholarships available to first time applicants. The awarding of these scholarships is based on an applicant’s academic record. Scholarships include:
This is a USD 5,000 scholarship that will be awarded evenly for the initial three quarters of the program students are enrolled in.
A scholarship worth USD 2,000 is awarded across three quarters of enrolment in the academic program. This award can be given to students only once during their duration of study at CityU. These are first-come, first-serve scholarships.
Deadlines for the scholarships include:
All courses at City University of Seattle are taught in English and as such all international students must demonstrate English language proficiency. This proficiency can be proven in one of several ways. In addition, depending on the course there may be other requirements. Students should check the website for any additional entry criteria before applying.
International students applying to study at CityU must send the following as part of their application:
CityU of Seattle has a range of courses available to study on campus or online. This gives students a high level of flexibility, meaning they can study at the pace that suits them and their other commitments.
Course curricula are created by a team of program directors, dedicated instructional designers, and lecturers, with input from a select committee of representatives from top employers in the USA, China, and Europe.
This means CityU’s courses are updated constantly to meet the changing demands of the modern workplace. The Chronicle of Higher Education found that students at CityU completed degrees at twice the national average rate.
CityU has been recognized as one of the best educators of adults in the USA (Never Too Late: The Adult Student’s Guide to College). Its academic model reflects its commitment to providing high-quality higher education to working adults. The five key components of the university’s academic model are:
This school is one of the region’s institutions for producing MBA graduates. Students studying in the School of Management will benefit from up to date, industry relevant curriculum and small class sizes allowing for a personalized learning experience.
Courses are available in subject areas including management, business administration and accounting. To follow employer demand, CityU business programs also include cutting-edge skills like data analytics, and artificial intelligence in business applications.
There are a variety of courses taught within the School of Arts & Sciences including criminal justice, psychology, human services and counseling. The school is one of the leading producers of counsellors for British Columbia, Canada and Washington State.
CityU of Seattle’s Technology Institute offers a program certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Institute has developed a strong reputation for Cyber Defense Education and graduates go on to work in a range of fields such as information technology, software development and programming. CityU’s Master of Science in Computer Science is constantly updated to meet demands from major employers in the region, such as Amazon or Microsoft.
The Washington Academy of Languages (WAL) offers an Intensive English language program, a graduate TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate and courses in ten foreign languages including Arabic, Chinese, German and Russian.
City University of Seattle’s main campus is in downtown Seattle, one of America’s fastest growing cities and an economic hub for the region. Some of the world’s biggest companies are based in the city including Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing and Expedia, providing students with good opportunities for learning off campus.
CityU residence halls are within walking distance from the Seattle campus. The halls have all the modern amenities such as laundry facilities and community spaces for an affordable price.
Alternatively, international students can choose to homestay with a family in Washington. This is an excellent opportunity to experience another side of American culture away from university life.
One advantage of studying in Seattle is being able to use one of America’s fastest improving public transport networks. The city is served by one of the best transportation systems in the United States according to recent reviews.