Introduction
Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems with a focus on how human activities impact the natural systems. It also considers how built environments, ranging from rural to urban developments, intersect with and affect humans and the natural environment. Different aspects of the environment are considered, including the air, the water, and soil. The scale of impacts ranges from the molecular and cellular to individuals, populations, ecosystems, and regional, and global levels.
The Environmental Science major will acquire scientific and problem-solving skills as they relate to environmental issues. Students of Environmental Science will go directly into an environmental science career or on to graduate school to further their study.
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.
Student Resources
Department website: Environmental Sciences
Contact information: Kathryn Patrick, College of the Environment Professional Advisor, Environmental Studies 539, 360-650-3520, Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu
Department advising: See the Advising section of the College of the Environment website.
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
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Admission to the Bachelor of Science program in Environmental Science is based upon prior academic performance and a written application that addresses an applicant’s experience, motivation, and goals. Once you are an Environmental Science major, you can choose the Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology emphasis.
Students may apply for pre-major status at any time if they are in good academic standing (cumulative GPA ≥ 2.0). It is strongly advised that pre-majors meet with a College of the Environment Admissions Advisor as they begin their preparatory classes. Students can also declare as an Environmental Science pre-major during their first advising meeting to receive access to some 300-level courses, be assigned a faculty advisor and join the College of the Environment student listserv.
Students will remain at pre-major status until all the preparatory classes have been completed. Students may then apply to be considered for full-major status by completing the major application.
The admission application can be found on the CENV Application webpage. Priority for admission will be given to students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the preparatory courses (averaged across the preparatory classes). Students with a GPA below 3.0 in the preparatory courses will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Applications are accepted by April 18 for fall, October 6 for winter and January 15 for spring.
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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