Environmental Science Extension Major, BS

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

109-110 (preparatory courses and major)

Introduction

Students wishing to complete an Environmental Science major 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. This Environmental Science major is offered at Salish Sea Region locations listed at the top of this webpage.

WWU College of the Environment - Salish Sea Region (CENV-SSR) is a distance-based network of instructional hubs that allows students to learn alongside world-famous researchers located in Poulsbo, Port Angeles, and Everett, Washington. Freshman and sophomore students in regional community colleges can use the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) pathway to transition their associate degree into an CENV-SSR bachelor’s degree. At CENV-SSR, students take upper-level courses to complete their bachelor’s degrees. To optimize convenience for working students, SSR classes are scheduled from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Class delivery uses hybrid modality — combining in-person teaching, hands-on field labs, and interactive video conferencing.

Students wishing to be admitted to the Environmental Science Extension major should plan ahead to ensure that they have preparatory courses that provide a strong background in Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. For those entering this major with an associate degree and a DTA, the requirements include Biology course series (three quarters), Chemistry with lab course series (three quarters), Math (Calculus 1), Principles of Physics, Physical Geology or Geography, and other GURs. Equivalent coursework may also be acceptable if the student doesn’t have a Washington State associate degree with a DTA. 

Why Consider an Environmental Science Extension Major?

Are you inspired to learn about earth systems and biota? Do you want to contribute to the understanding of natural world features and the impacts on them resulting from cultural practices/economic activities? Do you enjoy the minutiae and exacting procedures of data observations and analysis? Do you love the sciences and scientific inquiry?  Do you enjoy being outdoors as a part of your job? Then the Environmental Science major is for you. 

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 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 BIOL 204, BIOL 205, BIOL 206, CHEM 121, CHEM 121, CHEM 123, MATH 124, and PHYS 114 must be completed with a C- or better for application to this major.

Questions, contact 360-394-2756 or cenvssr@wwu.edu.

A pre-advising session should be scheduled with the program manager 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 manager 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 Transfer & Post-baccalaureate for Location Program Admission application submitted by the application deadline
• Submit the $65 application fee 
• 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.