Dec 09, 2024  
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog 
    
2024-25 Western Washington University Catalog

Environmental Science Minor


Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Environment

24-28 credits

Introduction

Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological and quantitative aspects of natural systems. The knowledge of how natural systems work is applied to solving problems largely created by human activities. Often these problems are represented by disturbances in the functioning of natural systems. Humans are altering their own life-support systems – the air, the water and soil. The scale of disturbance ranges from the molecular and cellular to individuals, populations, ecosystems, and regional and global levels.

Why Consider an Environmental Science Minor?

Are you excited by how natural systems work? Do you want to solve the problems of the natural environment caused by human activities? Do you love to work outdoors? Do you love the sciences and scientific inquiry? Then Environmental Science may be for you.

 Contact Information

Department Chair
Ruth Sofield
Environmental Studies 344
360-650-2181
Ruth.Sofield@wwu.edu

College of the Environment
Admissions Advisor

Kathryn Patrick
Environmental Studies 539
360-650-3520
Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu
calendly.com/patrick2-1

 Sample Careers

Wildlife Biologist | Naturalist | Endangered Species Biologist | Environmental Inspector | Environmental Scientist | Fisheries Biologist | Marine Biologist | Safety and Health Specialist | Park Ranger | Aquatic Toxicologist | Wetlands Ecologist | Biological Survey | Water Resources Specialist | Environmental Chemist | Soil Conservation

 Major/Career Resources

careercenter.wwu.edu/connectmajorcareer

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Students can declare an environmental science minor in ES 539 by completing a declaration card. 

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.

Requirements