Environmental Studies (Extension) — Environmental Policy Emphasis, BA

Department of Environmental Studies, College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region

87 credits

Introduction

WWU College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region (SSR) is a distance based, hybrid interactive network that allows students to actively work alongside world-famous researchers 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 SSR. Designed for working students, classes are scheduled from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. and are initiated utilizing hybrid modality that combines in-person teaching, hands on field labs, and interactive video 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 College of the Environment’s Bellingham campus interdisciplinary curricula, SSR takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to understanding human-environment systems and environmental challenges. The SSR 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 in GIS or Policy, or an Environmental Science minor.

Why Consider an Environmental Studies (Extension) Major with a Policy Emphasis?

Do you want to use your knowledge and skills to promote positive change in the environment? Do you love solving problems and implementing shared visions in both natural settings and the policy arena? Are you interested in the laws and policies that govern environmental change? Then the Environmental Studies – Environmental Policy emphasis is for you.

An Environmental Studies – Environmental Policy Emphasis supports students in exploring how science and policy interact as stakeholders attempt to regulate pollution, manage natural resources, protect natural spaces, and live with environmental disturbances. Students will become familiar with regulatory processes and the challenges of engaging in social change through the development and implementation of environmental policy. The emphasis trains students to analyze policy for differential outcomes across social groups, impacts to ecological systems, and as tools for achieving social goals. With an Environmental Policy Emphasis, you can make a difference working at non-profits, as a consultant, or in the government. Graduates with this emphasis often go on to work in environmental agencies at the federal, tribal, state, and local levels, working in consulting and non-profit sectors, or go on to graduate studies in public administration, law, or related fields.

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. College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region 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 the College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region and Western Washington University. Community College equivalent courses of ENVS 201, ENVS 203, 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 360-394-2756 or cenvssr@wwu.edu.

A pre-advising session should be scheduled to determine readiness for application.

Formal application is made to Western Washington University through the Admissions Office online application process. Once admitted, students will work with a College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region 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
• Apply for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov; WWU School Code 003802
• Schedule a pre-advising appointment with cenvssr@wwu.edu to determine readiness for the application
• Complete both the Transfer & Post-baccalaureate for Location Program Admission application and the College of the Environment – Salish Sea Region 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

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.