Introduction
For students not based in Bellingham, we have an Extension program in Everett and the Peninsulas. This program is a network of instructional hubs located in regional community colleges in Everett, Poulsbo, Port Angeles, Washington. First and second year students in regional community colleges enter the College of the Environment with junior class status upon completion of an Associate’s in Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) or equivalent degree. Additional preparation may be required to fulfill pre-requisites of the selected degree. Once admitted to College of the Environment – Everett and the Peninsulas, students take upper-level courses to complete their bachelor’s degree. To optimize convenience for working students, classes are held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weeknights. Class delivery typically uses a hybrid modality - combining in-person classroom teaching, interactive video conferencing, and weekend field labs.
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. The pre-requirements for those entering this major include Biology course series (three quarters), Chemistry with lab course series (three quarters), Math (Calculus 1), Principles of Physics, Physical Geology or Geography. In addition, sufficient coursework must be taken to demonstrate completion of all WWU GURs. 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. Transferring in an Associate’s in Arts-Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) is considered as equivalent to completing all WWU GURs. Equivalent coursework may also be acceptable if the student doesn’t have a Washington State associate’s degree with a DTA.
Why Consider an Environmental Sciences 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.
Student Resources
Department website: Environmental Sciences
Contact information: Ansu John, Academic Program Manager for College of the Environment - Everett and the Peninsulas, 360-650-4784, Ansu.John@wwu.edu
Department advising: See the College of the Environment website for information about programs in Everett and on the Peninsulas.
Degree Works: Current students should also log on to Degree Works to check student-specific program progress.
Career Services Center: Connect major to a career
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 Specialist, Environmental Restoration Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Environmental Regulator, Field Technician
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 – Everett and the Peninsulas advisors work with advisors and faculty at regional community colleges to advise students to take preparatory classes during their freshman and sophomore year. Once students have completed, or are completing, the Associate’s in Arts with Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) and pre-required courses specific to this major, students may apply to the College of the Environment – Everett and the Peninsulas through the Admissions Office of 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 360-394-2734 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 - Everett and the Peninsulas 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.
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