Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Environment
109-110 credits
Introduction
Marine Science is a field that seeks to understand the processes that shape our oceans and coasts, and ultimately our world. Faculty and students work to understand interactions and changes in these systems from the waves and currents to the algae and animals. Marine science is highly interdisciplinary and incorporates the tools and insights of physical, chemical, biological, and geological sciences to better understand marine systems and how they interact with and support communities.
How is this emphasis different from the Environmental Science, BS major?
Marine Science Emphasis students have the same preparatory courses, required credits and basic required course structure as all Environmental Science students. The Marine Science Emphasis provides some additional structure that guides students towards courses that will allow them to acquire the same scientific and problem-solving skills as all Environmental Science graduates, though their studies will be more focused in marine systems. Graduates often go directly into a marine environmental science career such as working for a natural resources department or a non-profit, or on to graduate school to further their study.
As with the general Environmental Science, BS degree, students wishing to complete an Environmental Science - Marine Science degree 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; preparatory classes may also be used to fulfill GURs. 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 with Marine Emphasis?
Western is located in the heart of the Salish Sea region, giving students unparalleled opportunities to be involved in hands on learning in a variety of marine environments. Most of the world’s population lives within a few miles of the ocean. The coasts and oceans have huge impacts on human societies and human impacts on the oceans are growing every day. As land animals, we didn’t fully appreciate how important the oceans are for a long time, and that means there is still much to discover in the field of marine science. If you like the idea of using more than one scientific approach to a question, are interested in knowing more about the oceans and coasts, and want to help understand and mitigate human caused problems, the marine science emphasis might be right for you.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Admission to the Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Science is selective, based upon prior academic performance and a written application that addresses an applicant’s experience, motivation, and goals.
Students may apply for pre-major status at any time if they are in good academic standing (cumulative GPA ≥ 2.0). It is strongly advised that pre-majors meet with a College of the Environment Admissions Advisor as they begin their preparatory classes. Students can also declare as an Environmental Science pre-major during their first advising meeting to receive access to some 300-level courses, be assigned a faculty advisor and join the College of the Environment student listserv. Students will remain at pre-major status until all the preparatory classes have been completed. Students may then apply to be considered for full-major status by completing the major application.
The admission application can be found on the CENV Undergraduate Application webpage. Priority for admission will be given to students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the preparatory courses (averaged across the preparatory classes). Students with a GPA below 3.0 in the preparatory courses will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis to the extent that space is available.
Applications are accepted by April 18 for fall, October 6 for winter and January 15 for spring.
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.
