Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Environmental Studies, BA
What Is the Study of Environmental Studies?
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 Should I Consider this Major?
Do you want to use your knowledge and skills to promote positive change in the environment?
How to Declare:
Phase I: Students can declare themselves as an Environmental Studies (ENVS) major at any time. At the time of declaration a Huxley Faculty Advisor is assigned, based on the student’s interests. Students do not need to specify their specific major until their application to Phase II. In Phase I students must complete the ENVS Preparatory Courses (and optionally can enroll in ENVS Core Courses as well).
ENVS Preparatory Courses: (8 courses)
- BIOL 101 or 204
- CHEM 121
- ECON 206
- MATH 114 or 156
- PLSC 250
- ENVS 201 – Understanding Environmental Data & Information (old: ESTU 297B)
- ENVS 202 – Introduction to Environmental Studies & Sustainability (old: ESTU 202)
- ENVS 203 – Physical Geography (old: EGEO 203)
Phase II: Upon completion of the ENVS Preparatory Courses with a C- or higher, students can apply for Phase II (applications are accepted 3 times per year). The application requires a 1-2 page essay (with specific ENVS major rationale) and the submission of a Plan of Study signed by the faculty advisor(s).
Application Deadlines for Phase II: Applications should be received by the Huxley College office by April 25 for admission to summer or fall quarters; October 6 for admission winter quarter; and January 15 for admission spring quarter.
Advising Tips: Prospective environmental studies majors are encouraged to call 360-650-3520 to make an appointment with the Huxley College admissions advisor, Kathryn Patrick, in order to explore their environmental studies interest and develop a plan of study.
Coursework
PHASE I (33 credits):
- One course from:
- BIOL 101 - Introduction to Biology
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- CHEM 121 - General Chemistry I
- ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics
- ENVS 201 - Understanding Environmental Data and Information
- ENVS 202 - Introduction to Environmental Studies and Sustainability
- ENVS 203 - Physical Geography
- MATH 114 - Precalculus I or equivalent or higher
- PLSC 250 - The American Political System
PHASE II: ENVS CORE (17-20 credits):
- One course from:
- ENVS 303 - Human Ecology and Sustainability
- ENVS 304 - Environment and Resource Policy
- ENVS 305 - Environmental History and Ethics
- ENVS 343 - Urbanization: Processes and Patterns or 361 - Intro to Planning
- One course from:
- ESCI 302 - Environmental Pollution
- ESCI 310 - Environmental Systems
- ESCI 325 - Fundamentals of Ecology
- ESCI 392 - Introduction to Global Change
- One course from:
- ESCI 309 - Exploring Environmental Data
- ESCI 321 - Oceanography
- ESCI 330 - Natural History of the Pacific Northwest
- ESCI 333 - Introduction to Environmental Toxicology
- ESCI 361 - Water Quality
- ESCI 463 - Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment
Environmental Studies Major (73-82 credits):
- 1. Two advisors to sign the plan of study BEFORE the beginning of senior year.
- 2. Choose two lists from the four below (A, B, C, D); take two courses from each chosen list.
- List A - Environmental Education:
- ENVS 381 - Introduction to Education for Environment and Sustainability
- ENVS 482 - Community-Based Education for Sustainability
- ENVS 484 - The American Literature of Nature and Place
- List B - Environmental Policy:
- ENVS 450 - United States Environmental Policy
- ENVS 454 - Environmental Policy Analysis
- ENVS 456 - U.S. and Washington State Environmental Regulations
- List C - Urban Planning and Sustainable Development:
- ENVS 360 - Plan Graphics: Methods in Urban Planning Design Graphics
- ENVS 361 - Introduction to Planning
- ENVS 370 - History of Planning
- ENVS 462 - Planning Theory
- ENVS 470 - Planning Methods
- List D - Geography:
- ENVS 316 - Explorations in Environmental Studies
- ENVS 325 - Geography of Landforms
- ENVS 326 - Climatology
- ENVS 327 - The Soil Environment
- ENVS 331 - Canada: Society and Environment
- ENVS 332 - The Pacific Northwest: Society and Environment
- ENVS 334 - South Asia: Society and Environment
- ENVS 335 - The Middle East: Society and Environment
- ENVS 340 - Developing World
- ENVS 341 - Population and Resources
- ENVS 342 - Geography of the World Economy
- Please note: Prerequisites may be required for some courses.
- List A - Environmental Education:
- ENVS Capstone - One course from:
- ENVS 410 - Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture
- ENVS 430 - Borderlands
- ENVS 460 - Greening Business Policy and Practice
- ENVS 474 - Planning for Sustainable Communities
- ENVS 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment
- ENVS 496 - Environmental Stewardship
- ESCI 470 - Ecological Restoration
- ESCI 490 - Environmental Risk Assessment
- ESCI 491 - Oceanography of Puget Sound
- ESCI 493 - Environmental Impact Assessment
- Minimum 10 credits - ENVS Experiential application – One course from:
- ENVS 498A - Senior Thesis
- ENVS 498B - Internship
- ENVS 498C - Senior Project
- ENVS 498D - Foreign Study
- Minimum 30 credits - ENVS 300-400 level (minimum 15 credits 400-level) or approved substitutions, under advisement
- Minimum 18 credits - 300- or 400-level electives, under advisement
GURs:
The courses below satisfy GUR requirements and may also be used to fulfill major requirements.
- QSR: MATH 114
- SSC: ECON 206; ENVS 202, 342; PLSC 250
- ACGM: ENVS 334, 335
- LSCI: BIOL 101, 204; CHEM 121; ENVS 203
Sample Careers
- Urban Planner
- Environmental Lawyer
- County Planner
- Environmental Public Relations
- Director of Non-Profit Organizations
Department
Contact
Huxley College
Admissions Advisor:
Kathryn Patrick
ES 539, 360-650-3520
Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu
Department Chair:
Michael Medler
AH 210, 360-650-3173
Michael.Medler@wwu.edu