Program Overview

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Introduction to Environmental Studies (Extension) Major

The Environmental Studies (Extension) major at Western Washington University is designed for students who want to understand human-environment systems and environmental challenges. This major uses a holistic, interdisciplinary approach, modeled on the College of the Environment's curricula. Academic programming includes courses in the natural sciences and social sciences, integrating faculty-student collaboration, applied research, experiential learning through internships, and community service.

Why Consider an Environmental Studies (Extension) Major?

This major is ideal for students who want to promote positive change in the environment, understand the interactions and interdependencies between human and natural systems, and gain an interdisciplinary education that reflects the complexity of society's environmental challenges. Students will learn to communicate and integrate knowledge across areas of environmental expertise.

Student Resources

• Department website: Environmental Studies
• Department advising: See the College of the Environment website for information about programs in Everett and on the Peninsulas.
• Degree Works: Current students should log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
• Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
• Sample Careers: Environmental Communications, Environmental Analyst, Environmental Advocate, Government Agency Employee, Sustainability Officer, Water Resource Manager, Park Ranger, Forest Service Employee, Educator

Admission and Declaration Process

Applicants must complete a Direct Transfer Associates (DTA) Degree from the community college they are attending. College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region advisors and program coordinators work with advisors and faculty at partnered community colleges to advise students to take preparatory classes during their freshman and sophomore year. Once students have completed, or are completing, the Associate Transfer Degree and required courses, they may apply to the College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region and Western Washington University.

Application Process

• Make a note of the application deadline(s) for Fall Quarter admission.
  • Financial Aid Priority Deadline: January 31
  • Priority Application Deadline: March 1
  • Final Application Deadline: June 1
• Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov; WWU School Code
• Schedule a pre-advising appointment to determine readiness for the application
• Complete both the Transfer & Post-baccalaureate for Location Program Admission application and the College of the Environment – Salish Sea Region application and submit the $60 application fee.
• Request an official transcript from institutions where you have earned prior college credit.

Grade Requirements

A grade of C- or better is required for a student’s major or minor courses, and supporting courses for majors and minors.

Requirements (84 credits minimum)

Foundations Core (26 credits)

• MATH 112 or suitable math placement score is necessary for some foundations courses, but higher-level math courses are recommended.
• Students are strongly encouraged to take chemistry, biology, and MATH 114 as part of their GUR courses to access upper division Environmental Science courses.
  • ENVS 201 - Understanding Environmental Information (4 credits)
  • ENVS 203 - Physical Geography (4 credits)
  • ENVS 204 - Human Geography (4 credits)
  • ENVS 302 - Navigating Environmental Studies (1 credit)
  • ENVS 303 - Introduction to Environmental Studies I: Human Ecology and Ethics (5 credits)
  • ENVS 305 - Introduction to Environmental Studies II: History and Policy (5 credits)
  • ESCI 325 - Fundamentals of Ecology (3 credits)

Environmental Studies Core Knowledge Areas (28 credits)

Environmental Data Analysis and Communication (8 credits)

• ENVS 319 - Research and Writing in Environmental Studies (4 credits)
• ENVS 320 - GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science (4 credits)

The Biophysical Environment (8 credits)

• Complete two of the following:
  • ENVS 326 - Climatology (4 credits)
  • ESCI 330 - Natural History of the Pacific Northwest (4 credits)
  • ENVS 392 - Introduction to Climate Change (4 credits)
  • ESCI 392 - Introduction to Climate Change (4 credits)

Socio-ecological Systems (4 credits)

• ENVS 426 - Water Resources (4 credits)

Social Justice and the Environment (4 credits)

• ENVS 467 - Power, (in)Justice and the Environment (4 credits)

Institutions and Environmental Governance (4 credits)

• Complete one course from:
  • UEPP 355 - Environmental Law and Policy (4 credits)
  • UEPP 457 - Environmental Dispute Resolution (4 credits)

Culminating Experience (9 credits)

If students take courses in this Culminating Courses category, the same courses may not be counted in other categories in this major.

• ENVS 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment (5 credits)
• Take at least 4 credits from these courses (in any combination):
  • ENVS 498A - Senior Thesis (1-15 credits)
  • ENVS 498B - Internship (1-15 credits)
  • ENVS 498C - Senior Project (1-15 credits)
  • ENVS 498D - International Study (1-15 credits)

Depth and Specialization

Students completing Environmental Studies degrees must choose a pre-defined emphasis, a pre-approved minor, or collaborate with a faculty adviser to develop a student-faculty designed plan of study. All depth and specialization pathways must include at least 20 credits of additional coursework beyond the courses used to fulfill requirements in other areas of the Environmental Studies major.

Environmental Science Minor (21 credits)

Environmental Science Minor (main campus requirements) The following courses are offered through the extension program and will fulfill the Environmental Science Minor requirements.

• ESCI 101 - Environmental Studies: A Scientific Approach (3 credits)
• ESCI 302 - Environmental Disturbances (4 credits)
• ESCI 321 - Oceanography (4 credits)
• ESCI 325 - Fundamentals of Ecology (3 credits)
• ESCI 361 - Water Quality (5 credits)
• ESCI 407 - Forest Ecology (5 credits)
• ESCI 499N - Seminar (1 credit)
• Note: Completion of ESCI 325 may apply toward the major requirements and the Environmental Science Minor requirements but will count only once toward the total credits.

University Graduation Requirements

• General University Requirements
• Writing Proficiency Requirement (WP)
• 180 Minimum Total Credits
• 60 Minimum Upper Division Credits
• Residency Requirement
• Minimum Grade Requirements
• Final Quarter Requirement

Conclusion

The Environmental Studies (Extension) major at Western Washington University offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in environmental studies, preparing them for careers in environmental communications, analysis, advocacy, and more. With a focus on human-environment systems and environmental challenges, this major is ideal for students who want to make a positive impact on the environment.