Program Overview

---

Master of Science in Environmental Science

At a Glance

Degree Type: Master of Science Location: Bellingham, face to face Total Credits: 45

Program Information

The Environmental Sciences program prepares future professionals to deal with the complex array of environmental problems, by bringing together various disciplinary insights and skills. We will develop scientists who can analyze environmental changes and participate in management decisions. Our scientists will be able to respond to public demands for greater protection of environmental quality by developing and using state-of-the-art tools and techniques for evaluation, management, remediation and restoration.

Program specializations include:

• Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology
• Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
• Energy-Environmental Systems

Those interested in a Marine and Estuarine Science specialization should apply to the MESP Environmental Science program.

Goals

The program supports graduate student learning and improvement in:

1. Foundational knowledge and skills
2. Quantitative skills
3. Critical thinking

It is our expectation that our graduates will apply these as professionals who can integrate chemical, physical, biological, and other specialized knowledge in order to understand, predict, and/or manage environmental responses brought about by natural and man-made events.

Application Requirements

• All applicants must complete the Graduate School's application and pay the $100 application fee.
• Within the application, you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
• Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
• International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency, and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

• Three (3) Letters of Reference
• Statement of Purpose: All applicants must indicate in the statement of purpose how the prerequisites have been or will be completed before starting the program. A one to two page statement of purpose indicating which specialization the applicant is most interested in, explaining why the applicant wishes to pursue graduate studies in environmental science, and what future expectations s/he has for the M.S. degree. The statement may indicate a preferred faculty adviser. Students are encouraged to review faculty research interests as described on the College of the Environment website prior to contacting potential faculty advisers. Students are admitted into the program only upon agreement of a faculty adviser.

Application Deadline

• Fall: February 1

Program Links

• Curriculum: Environmental Science, Thesis, MS
• Department Website

Assessment, Student Learning Outcomes

• Assessment - SLOs
• Faculty/Staff Resources
• Review Grad Apps- New UI Worklist

Tribal Lands Statement

Western Washington University's main campus is situated on the ancestral homelands of the Coast Salish Peoples, who have lived in the Salish Sea basin, all throughout the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades watershed from time immemorial. We express our deepest respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbors, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.