Business and Sustainability — Energy Studies Concentration, BA

• Combined major offered by the Department of Management, College of Business and Economics, and the Institute for Energy Studies, University Interdisciplinary Programs

Introduction

The State of Washington is a leader in responding to the societal imperative regarding environmental issues. This Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Sustainability is an action component of the state’s initiatives. This degree combines three areas of study that give graduates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate in a changing economic and social environment.

Graduates from this program will possess:

• A fundamental knowledge of economics, giving them the skills to apply economic analysis to problems in sustainable business faced by modern organizations.
• A fundamental knowledge of environmental science and policy, giving them the ability to understand the social and political climate as well as the scientific issues involved in sustainable business.
• An extensive knowledge of business and management in the context of business sustainability giving them the basic skills needed to succeed in organizations.

Why Consider a Business and Sustainability Major?

A Business and Sustainability Major prepares a student to analyze environmental and social issues from multiple perspectives, decide on action steps to deal with those issues, and then implement those action steps successfully. Need for these actions will only grow as environmental issues, including climate change, waste, and pollution become more central in the operations of organizations. This degree compliments the state’s initiative involving private enterprise, not-for-profit organizations, and government.

Energy Studies Concentration:

The transition to a more sustainable energy system is a key to reconciling our economic and environmental aspirations. WWU graduates are finding growing opportunities in the emerging energy economy in Washington and beyond. Today’s diverse energy business demands knowledge of core business skills, understanding of energy policy and management, and broad exposure to the science, environmental, business and policy aspects of the energy system that drive energy-related businesses and their governing policies. The energy concentration in the Business and Sustainability major gives graduates a strong blend of analytic and communication skills, along with energy-related expertise that industry and government experts have identified as essential to workforce needs in the emerging energy economy.

Student Resources

Department website: Management

Contact information: Cristina Nelson, Department Manager, Parks Hall 351, 360-650-2902, cristina.nelson@wwu.edu

Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.

Career Services Center: Connect major to a career

Sample careers: Environmental Sustainability Manager, Sustainability Design Professional, Energy Efficiency Analyst, Director of Energy Policy and Programs, Supply Chain Analyst

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students planning to major in Business and Sustainability should declare their major as early as possible, preferably their first year at Western through the College of Business and Economics.

Admission Process

Students must confirm admission to Western Washington University before applying to the College of Business and Economics (CBE). Students are encouraged to submit applications as soon as they meet the requirements to apply, which vary by major/concentration. Complete and submit the online application form. Some major/concentration applications have quarterly deadlines, while others are processed on a continual basis. Information regarding application deadline dates is listed on the CBE application webpage.

All students with a Western GPA must be in good standing with the University (cumulative Western GPA must be 2.00 or higher). Transfer students with no Western GPA at the time of CBE application must maintain good standing with the University moving forward. See information CBE major/concentration-specific regarding GPA requirements below.

Invited Distinguished Scholars may apply to all CBE programs following the requirements they receive from CBE.

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.