Environmental Science, BS

Department of Environmental Sciences, Huxley College of the Environment

132-137 credits

Introduction/What is the Study of Environmental Science?

Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological and quantitative aspects of natural systems. The knowledge of how natural systems work is applied to solving problems largely created by human activities. Often these problems are represented by disturbances in the functioning of natural systems. Humans are altering their own life-support systems – the air, the water and soil. The scale of disturbance ranges from the molecular and cellular to individuals, populations, ecosystems, and regional and global levels.

The Environmental Science major will acquire the scientific and problem solving skills needed to conserve and restore the natural environment. Students of Environmental Science will go directly into an environmental science career or on to graduate school to further their study.

Students wishing to complete an Environmental Science major in four years should complete the general chemistry series during their freshman year and the general biology series during their sophomore year. Prospective environmental science majors are strongly advised to take additional preparatory courses that provide a strong background in chemistry, biology and mathematics. The preparatory courses are listed with the major, where approved as GUR courses in the catalog, may be used to fulfill both Huxley College and GUR requirements. All preparatory courses required for admission should be completed on a lettered or numeric grading scale, not P/NP, and must be completed with a grade of C- or better.

Why Consider an Environmental Science Major? 

Are you excited by how natural systems work? Do you want to solve the problems of the natural environment caused by human activities? Do you love to work outdoors? Do you love the sciences and scientific inquiry? Then Environmental Science is for you.

Contact Information

Department Chair John Rybczyk Environmental Studies 336 360-650-2081 John.Rybczyk@wwu.edu

Huxley College Admissions Advisor Kathryn Patrick Environmental Studies 539 360-650-3520 Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Wildlife Biologist | Naturalist | Endangered Species Biologist | Environmental Inspector | Environmental Scientist | Fisheries Biologist | Marine Biologist | Safety and Health Specialist | Park Ranger | Aquatic Toxicologist | Wetlands Ecologist | Biological Survey | Water Resources Specialist | Environmental Chemist | Soil Conservation Specialist

Major/Career Resources

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

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Admission and Declaration of Major 

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.