Environmental Education, BA

Department of Environmental Studies, Huxley College of the Environment

104-108 credits

Introduction

The major consists of four distinct parts. First, students acquire an understanding of the content of environmental studies. Second, students examine the process of education for an environmental perspective. Third, students investigate ways of applying environmental education content and techniques in the professional roles they may pursue. Fourth, students participate in internships, a field practicum, or research.

Why Consider an Environmental Education Major?

Are you excited about teaching people about the environment? Do you want to help people learn to make environmental choices in their lives? Do you love to work outdoors with children or adults? Then Environmental Education is for you.

Graduates of this major have assumed positions as teachers in private schools, as interpreters with resource management agencies, as staff in programs for special populations such as at-risk youth and persons with disabilities, among others, and with wilderness education non-profits.

Contact Information

Department Chair Gigi Berardi Arntzen Hall 204 360-650-2106 Gigi.Berardi@wwu.edu

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

Faculty Advisor Gene Myers Arntzen Hall 224 Gene.Myers@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Private School Teacher | Outdoor Leadership Director | Environmental Interpreter | Adventure Educator | Camp Director | Nature Writer | Naturalist | Communications work in Sustainability Non-profits and Government Agencies

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

How to Apply as a Pre-Major:

At any time, you can declare yourself as a pre-major with interest in environmental education or any other major in the Department of Environmental Studies. There are several advantages to declaring an Environmental Studies department pre-major during your freshman or sophomore year. Once you are declared as a pre-major you are assigned a Huxley professional advisor and a faculty advisor based on your academic interests. Your professional advisor can help you understand graduation requirements and how to navigate through the Huxley curriculum. Your faculty advisor can discuss with you which courses to take, and when, and give you advice about how to prepare for graduate school or a future career. As a pre-major, your email is added to an email distribution list for Huxley majors so you will begin to receive notifications and general announcements. Pre-major status will also give you access to priority registration for some classes.

How to Apply to the Major:

Admission to the environmental education major is a competitive process. To apply, students should submit an application that includes a 1-2 page essay describing your reasons for wanting to enter into the major, as well as a plan of study created with the Huxley professional advisor and signed by a faculty advisor. Environmental education major applications are accepted at central Huxley College office in ES 539 during fall, winter, and spring quarters.

If you have any questions, please contact a professional advisor at the central Huxley College Student Support office in Environmental Studies Building 539, or by phone 360-650-2817, or 360-650- 3748.

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.