Economics/Environmental Studies, BA

Combined major offered by the Department of Economics, College of Business and Economics and the Department of Environmental Studies, Huxley College of the Environment.

103-104 credits (including preparatory courses and major)

Introduction/What is the Study of Economics/Environmental Studies?

Economics deals with how people living in a world of scarcity make choices. These choices inevitably involve costs. Questions examined in environmental economics include efficient resource use, preservation of wilderness and biological diversity, local and regional air pollution, global climate change, and treatment of toxic substances. Students learn how to use economic principles to help understand the causes of environmental problems and to identify potential remedies.

Environmental Studies draws on basic knowledge of how natural systems work and is applied to solving problems largely created by human activities. Often these problems are represented by disturbances in the functioning of natural systems. In addition to the study of the natural environment, a study of laws and policy related to the environment provides a foundation for solving environmental problems.

Why Consider an Economics/Environmental Studies Major?

A combined major in Economics/Environmental Studies is available to students having a strong interest in the economic aspects of environmental studies and natural resources. The degree awarded is a B.A. in Economics.

Contact Information

Economics Department Chair Steve Henson Parks Hall 315A 360-650-4843 Steve.Henson@wwu.edu

Economics Major Information: Academic Department Manager Diane Brearley Parks Hall 315 360-650-3910 Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu Econ@wwu.edu

Environmental Studies Interim Department Chair Debnath Mookherjee Arntzen Hall 217 360-650-3284 Debnath.Mookherjee@wwu.edu

Environmental Studies Information: Huxley Undergraduate Advisor Kathryn Patrick Environmental Studies 539 360-650-3520 Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Environmental Consulting | Economics/Environmental Researcher | Environmental Advocacy for Non-profits | Environmental Affairs-Business | Environmental Protection-Government

Major/Career Resources

http://www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students planning to major in Economics/Environmental Studies should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western in both the College of Business and Economics (CBE), and Huxley College of the Environment.

Admission to CBE is selective and based upon prior academic performance and other evidence of high promise. For admission as a full Economics major, a student must have completed the following requirements:

• Confirmed admission to Western Washington University
• Achieved a 2.5 cumulative college GPA (including transfer work)

Students apply for admission to the Economics portion of the major by completing the online application form at: http://cbe.wwu.edu/cbe/students/application.shtml.

Those pursuing joint programs offered by Environmental Studies with other Western academic units may begin as Phase I majors. Preparatory and major requirements differ from those of the other ENVS majors as outlined in this catalog. You can declare an ENVS Phase I major at any time.

Admission to Huxley College and its majors is selective and based upon the following three criteria:

1. Completion of required preparatory course work
2. A brief essay in response to a given question, and
3. Academic performance (GPA)

Applications should be received by the Huxley College office by April 25 for summer or fall quarter admission; October 6 for winter quarter; and January 15 for spring quarter.

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.