Environmental Studies (Extension) — Geographic Information Science Emphasis, BA

Department of Environmental Studies, Huxley College of the Environment

79-80 credits

Introduction

WWU Huxley College on the Peninsulas (HOP) is a distance based, interactive network that allows curriculum designed by faculty in Bellingham’s residential campus to be delivered to students located in Poulsbo, Port Angeles, and Everett, Washington. As a direct transfer pathway program, freshman and sophomore students in regional community colleges have guidance into four-year, direct transfer degree programs into HOP. Designed for working students, classes are scheduled from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and are initiated by in-person faculty with the use of interactive conferencing.

Academic programming is designed to prepare tomorrow’s interdisciplinary problem solvers by integrating educational course work, faculty-student collaboration, applied research, and professional and community service. Based on Huxley College’s Bellingham campus interdisciplinary curricula, HOP takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to understanding human-environment systems and environmental challenges. The HOP Environmental Studies major includes core classes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to prepare our students to integrate knowledge from multiple fields of study. The Environmental Studies major equips students to succeed as environmental professionals through experiential learning and advanced coursework in each student’s choice of an emphasis among Policy, GIS, and an Environmental Science minor.

Why Consider an Environmental Studies (Extension) Major with a Geographic Information Science Emphasis?

Many environmental systems and issues involve spatial patterns that can be analyzed, visualized, and communicated through Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques. The GIS emphasis provides students with in-depth training in GIS theory and techniques. Our students gain advanced skills in the creation, development, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. We teach our students how to use GIS for a wide range of environmental applications, from modeling climate change impacts to identifying inequitable patterns of exposure to pollutants to prioritizing land for renewable energy installations or conservation easements.

Do you love maps? Are you comfortable with spatial problem solving? Do you enjoy the combination of art and science that goes into cartography? Are you curious about how spatial data can be used to explain the patterns and processes behind environmental issues? If so, then Environmental Studies (Extension) with a Geographic Information Science Emphasis is the major for you! Come join us as we work together to map our world!  

Contact Information

Department Chair Rebekah Paci-Green Western Washington University 516 High Street Bellingham, WA 98225 Arntzen Hall 206 360-650-2707 Rebekah.Paci-Green@wwu.edu

Academic Program Director for Huxley College on the Peninsulas Jenise M. Bauman Western Washington University 1000 Olympic College Way Poulsbo, WA 98370 360-394-2756 Jenise.Bauman@wwu.edu

Program Coordinator & Advisor: Huxley College on the Peninsulas Alex Tadio Western Washington University 915 N. Broadway Ave. Everett, WA 98201 360-650-4485 tadioa@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Environmental Communications | Environmental Analyst | Environmental Advocate | Government Agency Employee | Sustainability Officer | Water Resource Manager | Park Ranger | Forest Service Employee | Educator

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Applicants are instructed to complete a Direct Transfer Associates (DTA) Degree from the community college that the student is currently attending. HOP 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, students may apply to Huxley College on the Peninsulas and Western Washington University. Community College equivalent courses of ENVS 201, ENVS 203, ECON 206, MATH 114, BIOL 101, and CHEM 161 must be completed with a C- or better for application to this major. ENVS 204 will be offered within the program.

Questions, contact:

Alex Tadio | he/him/his
Program Coordinator
Huxley College on the Peninsulas
Western Washington University
915 N Broadway Ave, Everett, WA 98201
tadioa@wwu.edu | 360-650-4485 | https://calendly.com/tadio

A pre-advising session should be scheduled with the program coordinator, Alex Tadio to determine readiness for application. Complete and submit the Huxley College application for the campus you want to attend. There is no processing fee associated with the above program application.

Formal application is made to Western Washington University through the Admissions Office online application process. Once admitted, students will work with a HCOP program advisor to select a depth and specialization area by the end of the first fall quarter. 

Outline for 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
• Schedule a pre-advising appointment with Alex Tadio to determine readiness for the application (emails provided above).
• Complete the Transfer & Post-baccalaureate Application for Location Program Admission application and submit the $60 application fee by visiting admissions.wwu.edu/apply/location-programs.
• Request an official transcript from institutions where you have earned prior college credit. If you previously attended WWU, it is not necessary to provide WWU transcripts or other transcripts previously submitted to WWU. Have the official transcript sent electronically or in a sealed envelope to:
  
  Western Washington University Office of Admissions
  Old Main 200, MS 9009 516 High Street
  Bellingham, WA 98225
   
• Complete the Huxley College on the Peninsulas application with two short essays (details provided in the application) by printing the PDF document found at huxley.wwu.edu/hcop/applying-huxley-college-peninsulas. Submit by email, or mail to the program coordinator, Alex Tadio (details provided in application).
• Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov; WWU School Code 003802

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.