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

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

85 credits

Introduction

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. First and second year students in regional community colleges can use the “Direct Transfer Agreement” pathway to transition their associate degree into a CENV-SSR bachelor’s degree. At CENV-SSR, they take upper-level courses to complete their bachelor’s degree. To optimize convenience for working students, CENV-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.

This major uses a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding human-environment systems and environmental challenges, modeled on the College of the Environment’s curricula. Academic programming includes classes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities. It also integrates educational coursework, faculty-student collaboration, applied research, professional internships, and community service. This is designed to prepare tomorrow’s interdisciplinary problem solvers.

Within the major students elect either an Emphasis in Geographic Information Science (GIS), or a Minor in Environmental Science. The Policy Emphasis is the process of being discontinued, and courses necessary to fulfil its requirements are not currently being taught through SSR.

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! This major can be completed in two years.

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 with cenvssr@wwu.edu 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.