Program Overview

College of the Environment

The College of the Environment at Western Washington University offers a range of programs and degrees in the fields of environmental studies, environmental sciences, and urban and environmental planning and policy.

Environmental Studies

• Overview: The Environmental Studies program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the natural world and the impact of human activity on the environment.
• Degrees and Certificates: The program offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees, as well as certificates in environmental studies.
• Faculty and Staff: The program is supported by a team of experienced faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
• Student Learning Outcomes: The program is designed to help students develop a range of skills and knowledge, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Environmental Sciences

• Overview: The Environmental Sciences program provides students with a strong foundation in the natural sciences and the ability to apply scientific principles to environmental problems.
• Degrees and Certificates: The program offers Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, as well as certificates in environmental sciences.
• Faculty and Staff: The program is supported by a team of experienced faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
• Field Camp: The program offers a field camp experience that provides students with hands-on training in environmental science techniques.

Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy

• Overview: The Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of urban and environmental planning.
• Degrees and Certificates: The program offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in urban and environmental planning and policy, as well as certificates in related fields.
• Faculty and Staff: The program is supported by a team of experienced faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
• Student Learning Outcomes: The program is designed to help students develop a range of skills and knowledge, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

Western on the Peninsulas

• Overview: The Western on the Peninsulas program provides students with a range of academic programs and services at the university's Peninsulas campus.
• Faculty and Staff: The program is supported by a team of experienced faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education.
• Departmental Awards: The program offers a range of awards and scholarships to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to environmental studies.

Institutes and Facilities

• Overview: The College of the Environment is home to a range of institutes and facilities that provide students with hands-on training and research opportunities.
• Institute for Watershed Studies: The institute provides students with opportunities to conduct research and engage in hands-on learning experiences related to watershed studies.
• Institute of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: The institute provides students with opportunities to conduct research and engage in hands-on learning experiences related to environmental toxicology and chemistry.
• Spatial Institute: The institute provides students with opportunities to conduct research and engage in hands-on learning experiences related to spatial analysis and mapping.

Degrees and Programs

• Overview: The College of the Environment offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in environmental studies, environmental sciences, and urban and environmental planning and policy.
• Environmental Science Degrees: The college offers Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in environmental sciences.
• Environmental Studies Degrees: The college offers Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in environmental studies.
• Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy Degrees: The college offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in urban and environmental planning and policy.

Undergraduate Advising

• Overview: The college provides undergraduate students with academic advising and support services to help them succeed in their programs.
• Academic Advisors: The college has a team of experienced academic advisors who are dedicated to providing students with personalized advising and support.
• Undergraduate Student Forms: The college provides students with a range of forms and resources to help them navigate their programs and academic requirements.

Graduate Student Resources

• Overview: The college provides graduate students with a range of resources and support services to help them succeed in their programs.
• Prospective Graduate Student Info: The college provides prospective graduate students with information and resources to help them navigate the application and admission process.
• Academic Advisors: The college has a team of experienced academic advisors who are dedicated to providing graduate students with personalized advising and support.
• Graduate Student Forms and Handbooks: The college provides graduate students with a range of forms and resources to help them navigate their programs and academic requirements.

Internships, Thesis, and Projects

• Overview: The college provides students with opportunities to engage in internships, thesis research, and projects that provide hands-on learning experiences and professional development.
• Internship Report Instructions: The college provides students with instructions and guidelines for completing internship reports and evaluations.
• Senior Project Report Instructions: The college provides students with instructions and guidelines for completing senior project reports and evaluations.

Marine and Coastal Science Program

• Overview: The Marine and Coastal Science program is a cohort-based, interdisciplinary program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of marine and coastal systems.
• Director: Brian Bingham is the director of the Marine and Coastal Science program and a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Sciences.
• Program Goals: The program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed in the field and contribute to our understanding and stewardship of marine systems.
• Approach: The program takes a place-based approach, working to understand the whole context of an issue, including the lands, waters, ecosystems, and human interactions with those systems.