As you are exploring graduate studies, if you wish to visit, we recommend attending an information session (or visit) no earlier than within a year timeframe of applying to or starting our MMA program, as there may be slight changes to our curriculum, faculty availability, and courses offered.

We offer both virtual and an in-person opportunity; we don’t require attendance for any visit, and each type of information session will contain the same information. Participation is helpful and will answer many FAQs about the program, the admissions process, and funding opportunities.

We may be able to schedule individual visits on Mondays, Thursdays, or Fridays if you are unable to attend the in-person info session; please contact Tiffany Comtois-Dion (tlcdion@uw.edu) directly with details of that request. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate visits on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, weekends or holidays.

All Information Sessions will include introductory information with our Graduate Program Advisor followed by a panel of current students (the entire program should be no longer than 2 hours; you’re welcome to “come and go” on the Zoom call as needed). This year we will not be holding a faculty panel, but if you’d like to connect with a particular faculty member before applying please email them directly to have your questions answered or to schedule a time to meet in-person or virtually.

To attend One of our fall 2026 application Information Sessions please register by clicking here.

If you don’t receive a confirmation email at least 48 hours prior to the event, please resubmit your request or contact Tiffany Comtois-Dion (tlcdion@uw.edu) to confirm.

If you have questions that needs a response before the Information Sessions take place, please feel free to reach out to our Graduate Program Advisor, Tiffany Comtois-Dion (tlcdion@uw.edu). You can also take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions, which might be helpful in your information gathering.

General Directions to the University District and SMEA

By car:

From I-5, going north or south, take the NE 45th Street exit (#169). Head east on NE 45th Street.

To get to SMEA, turn right (south) on Brooklyn Ave NE. Go the end, we are in the last building on the right; the Marine Studies Building.

By Light rail:

Take the light rail to University of Washington Station. Head west over the pedestrian bridge from Husky Stadium continuing until you get to Brooklyn Ave. NE and make a left. SMEA will be 1 block down on the right in the Marine Studies Building.

By bus:

You can get information on the best bus route by logging on to the King County Metro Transit Trip Planner.

SMEA Main Office:

3707 Brooklyn Ave NE – on the corner of Brooklyn Ave NE and NE Boat St. (Lake Union is across the street). Look for the concrete building with a stained glass ‘seascape’ on the front. Go straight through the lobby into SMEA; Our Graduate Program Advisor is located in room 107.

Parking:

Parking can be difficult in the University District. There are meters on NE Boat St. just south of our building; parking is $3.00/hr with a 2 hour maximum – bring lots of quarters or use a debit/credit card. Two hours may not be long enough if you are planning to attend a class. The link to visitor parking at the UW is here. The spaces for visitors usually fill up early. There are a couple of private lots in the general area, the closest is about a block west of SMEA on Boat Street.

Maps:

Map of the University of Washington campus can be found here.

Map of the Marine Studies Building (code-MAR) and surrounding area can be found here.

A great tourist website for Seattle can also be found here.

Accommodations

Below are a variety of accommodations near the UW and SMEA. Please contact accommodations for their most up-to-date rates.

Easy walking distance to SMEA:

The College Inn
4000 University Way NE
(206) 633-4441

This is a historic B&B (bathrooms down the hall).

Graduate Hotel
4507 Brooklyn Ave NE
(206) 634-2000

Art Deco hotel, about a 10-15 minute walk to SMEA.

Residence Inn – Seattle University District
4501 12th Ave NE
(206) 322-8887

Marriott hotel, about a 10-15 minute walk to SMEA.

University Inn
4140 Roosevelt Way NE
(206) 632-5055
(866) 866-7977

A Staypineapple hotel, about a 10-15 minute walk to SMEA.

Watertown Hotel
4242 Roosevelt Way NE
(206) 826-4242
(866) 866-7977

A Staypineapple hotel, about a 10-15 minute walk to SMEA. Website has a great area bike map.

Close, but longer walk or take a bus:

University Silver Cloud
5036 25th Ave NE
(206) 526-5200
(800) 205-6940

Nice, and located by University Village (an outdoor mall w/ great shops and restaurants). It’s a bit far to walk, but they have a free shuttle that leaves every 30 minutes.

Local Hostels:

Green Tortoise Hostel
(206) 340-1222

Located in downtown Seattle, near the Pike Place Market. There are a number of buses that go from downtown to the University District.

Hotel Hotel Fremont
3515 Fremont Ave N
Seattle, Washington 98103
(206) 257-4543

Located in the Fremont neighborhood.