- Combined major offered by the department of Economics, College of Business and Economics and the department of Environmental Studies, College of the Environment
Introduction
Economics deals with how people living in a world of scarcity make choices. These choices inevitably involve costs. Questions examined in environmental economics include efficient resource use, preservation of wilderness and biological diversity, local and regional air pollution, global climate change, and treatment of toxic substances. Students learn how to use economic principles to help understand the causes of environmental problems and to identify potential remedies.
Environmental Studies draws on basic knowledge of how natural systems work and is applied to solving problems largely created by human activities. Often these problems are represented by disturbances in the functioning of natural systems. In addition to the study of the natural environment, a study of laws and policy related to the environment provides a foundation for solving environmental problems.
Why Consider an Economics/Environmental Studies Major?
A combined major in Economics/Environmental Studies is available to students having a strong interest in the economic aspects of environmental studies and natural resources. The degree awarded is a B.A. in Economics.
Student Resources
Department website: Economics; Environmental Studies
Contact information: Economics: Diane Brearley, Parks Hall 315, 360-650-3910, Diane.Brearley@wwu.edu, Econ@wwu.edu; Environmental Studies: College of the Environment Professional Advisors, 360-650-3520, cenv@wwu.edu, Environmental Studies Building 539.
Department advising: See the Economics/Environmental Studies section of the Economics website or contact the departments at the address/phone above.
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: Environmental Consulting, Economics/Environmental Researcher, Environmental Advocacy for Non-profits, Environmental Affairs-Business, Environmental Protection-Government
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Open majors can be declared by new and currently enrolled students in good standing without additional requirements. All students are eligible for direct admission to the major at the time of admission to the university, subject to space availability. Currently enrolled students may declare their major by completing the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form and meeting the major’s retention requirements.
Students should see the admissions advisor in CENV in Environmental Studies Building 539 or call 360-650-3520 or in ECON in Parks Hall 315 or call 360-650-4363. Students who are admitted to this major will have an advisor in CBE and another in CENV.
Retention Standards
To remain in good standing, students must meet the following academic requirements:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all WWU coursework.
- Students whose GPA falls below 2.0 will receive a CBE academic warning and have one quarter to raise their GPA to 2.0 or higher.
- Students whose cumulative WWU GPA remains below 2.00 for two or more consecutive quarters will be dropped from CBE and will not be readmitted into CBE until their cumulative WWU GPA is 2.0 or higher.
Transfer students admitted without a WWU GPA (i.e., no graded coursework at WWU at the time of admission) are admitted to both WWU and CBE. They must maintain the GPA retention standards described above to remain in good standing.
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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