Department of Environmental Sciences, Huxley College of the Environment
132-137 credits (preparatory courses and major)
Introduction/What is the Study of Environmental Science?
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, where approved as GUR courses in the catalog, may be used to fulfill both Huxley College and GUR requirements. 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. This Environmental Science major is offered at off-site locations. Exact locations are listed in the Extended Education section of this catalog.
Why Consider an Environmental Science Extension Major?
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
If you are interested in the Environmental Science (Extension), BS major, you must first complete either: a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Associate Degree or the equivalent to Western Washington University’s General University Requirements. You can decide to become an Environmental Science major at any time. It is advantageous to plan for your major during your freshman or sophomore year, as prerequisite classes can be a part of earning your DTA. Contact the program manager (see below) to develop a plan for completing the prerequisite courses while earning your DTA. Your email can be added to the ‘interested students’ distribution list for Huxley College on the Peninsulas and you will begin to receive notifications, general announcements, and information about jobs, internships, or research opportunities.
Important information about admission to the ESCI major:
Admission is a competitive process and requires the coursework above and a satisfactory GPA in all coursework. You must then submit two applications: the Extension Undergraduate Program at http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/EESPExtensionUGApp.pdf and a Huxley on the Peninsulas application that lists relevant experience and includes a 1-2 page essay describing your reasons for wanting to enter into the Environmental Science Extension major. Applications are obtained from the program manager and accepted in the spring for fall admittance.
If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Bluestein-Johnson, program manager, by phone (360-417-6521) or Nancy.Bluestein-Johnson@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.
