Department of Environmental Studies, Huxley College of the Environment
51-54 credits (preparatory courses and major)
Introduction/What is the Study of Environmental Studies - Elementary Major?
This major satisfies the academic major requirement for teacher certification with an endorsement in elementary education and must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in elementary education. See the Elementary Education section of this catalog for program admission, completion, and teaching certification requirements. This program fulfills the academic major requirement for elementary education candidates who wish to have a solid background in studies related to the environment. Although environmental studies itself is not an endorsable area, some of the courses might be counted toward endorsement in other areas. Students should contact a faculty advisor for clarification of course work applications.
Students wishing to complete an Environmental Studies Elementary Education major in four years should complete all GUR requirements in their first two years. The preparatory courses may be used to fulfill both Huxley College and GUR requirements.
Why Consider an Environmental Studies - Elementary Major?
Are you excited about teaching children about the environment? Do you want to teach people to make environmental choices in their lives? Perhaps an Environmental Studies-Elementary major is for you!
How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):
You can declare yourself as an Environmental Studies (ENVS) major at any time, and there are several advantages to declaring during your freshman or sophomore year. Once you are declared as a phase I major you are assigned a Huxley faculty advisor based on your interests at the time of declaration. You can then meet with your faculty advisor to discuss which courses to take and when, how to prepare for graduate school or a future career, or simply to get assistance navigating through the Huxley curriculum. Your email is added to an email distribution list for Huxley majors so you will begin to receive notifications and general announcements, as well as information about jobs, internships, or research opportunities.
Those pursuing the Environmental Studies - Elementary BAE degree may begin as Phase I majors. Preparatory and major requirements differ from those of the other ENVS majors as outlined in this catalog. You can declare an ENVS Phase I major at any time by going to the central Huxley College office in Environmental Studies Building 539 and filling out a major declaration card. Those interested in information about elementary education programs may request an appointment through Woodring College of Education in Miller Hall 262, phone 360-650-3336, email address, Ellen.Kreider@wwu.edu
Grade Requirements
A grade of C (2.0) or better is required for courses in the elementary education professional program and all courses required for the endorsement.
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 (2.0) or better.
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