Introduction
Graduates with an environmental policy major will have completed coursework that studies the intersection of humans and resource/environmental use. Students also learn the intricacies of policies toward environmental/resource sustainability, and how the policies impact individuals and communities.
Why Consider an Environmental Policy Major?
Do you want to make a difference in protecting the environment and the public good, as well as diversify access to resources for everyone? WWU’s College of the Environments BA degree in Environmental Policy trains students in the policies and practices that make that happen. The program focuses on resource sustainability and environmental resilience, while at the same time querying positionalities and cultural-economic lenses around resource access in diverse populations and landscapes. Over 200 students have received this BA degree, many of whom have attained professional careers in policy management, program implementation, and action planning for positive environmental change.
The program focuses on problem solving and implementing shared visions to effect laws and policies that monitor and manage critical environmental problems, such as climate change, polluted landscapes, and food insecurity. Such laws and policies protect diverse, culturally appropriate, health-driven, and economically viable landscapes - in the United States and throughout the world. We are proud to offer this degree to our students and to continue our programs strong community partnerships worldwide, in which students apply their learning to assist communities in organizing for sustainable futures.
About the Program
This major supports students in exploring how stakeholders regulate pollution and manage natural resources to counter environmental disturbances and protect natural spaces. It emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to solving urban problems that face communities.
With sustainability and climate change on the forefront of humanity’s greatest social and ethical problem, students studying environmental policy will acquire knowledge on “how” government works, and how to be most effective in addressing global issues.
The program prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed to make positive changes towards a socially and environmentally just world. Graduates are prepared for professional careers in policy agencies, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations at the local, state, and federal levels of government, as well as for advanced graduate study.
Student Resources
Department website: Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy
Contact information: College of the Environment Professional Advisors, 360-650-3520, cenv@wwu.edu, Environmental Studies Building 539.
Department advising: Visit the the CENV Undergraduate Academic Advisors webpage for more information.
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 Consultant, Natural Resources Manager, Environmental Attorney, City Administrator, Resource Manager. Many graduates go on to work in environmental agencies at the federal, tribal, state, and local levels. Graduates also work in the non-profit sector, or go on to graduate studies in public administration, law, policy, or related fields.
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
Category of Major : Open major
Open majors can be declared by new and continuing students in good standing without additional requirements. All students are eligible for Direct Admission to Major at the time of admission to the university, subject to space availability.
Students who began their studies at WWU before the 2026-2027 academic year may declare their major by completing the Student Academic Declaration & Change Form and meeting the major’s retention requirements (if applicable).
If you have any questions, please contact a professional advisor at the College of the Environment Student Support Office in Environmental Studies Building 539, or by phone 360-650-3520or email CENV@wwu.edu.
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.
