Western Washington University · Bellingham, Washington
Environmental Studies—Elementary Education, BAEd
What Is the Environmental Studies-Elementary Major?
This program fulfills the academic major requirements 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. This major must be accompanied by the professional preparation program in Elementary Education offered through Woodring College of Education.
Why Should I Consider this 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:
Pre-Major: Any student may declare as an Environmental Studies pre-major. The forms are available at the Huxley College Office in ES 539.
Admissions: to Huxley College and its majors is selective and based upon the following four criteria:
- Completion of required preparatory course work
- A brief essay in response to a given question
- Relevant experience
- Academic performance (GPA)
Application deadlines: 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 meet with departmental advisor, Kathryn Patrick, to explore their environmental studies interest and develop a plan of study.
Applying to the Elementary Education Professional Program:
Admission to the Elementary Education Professional Program is required before a student may begin taking courses in the Professional Sequence. Requirements for consideration of an application include:
- Completion of a minimum of 45 credits (most or all GURs complete)
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher overall or for the last 45 credits
- Acceptable WEST-B scores. This test is offered 6 times a year at various sites in the state. Visit the WEST-B website at www.west.nesinc.com for more information.
- Completion of an English composition course with grade of B- or higher
- Completed application
Meeting the above criteria makes the applicant eligible for admission, but does not guarantee admission. For further information, visit Teacher Education Admissions, Miller Hall 214, 360-650-3313 or visit the web site at www.wce.wwu.edu/admiss. See also: Elementary Education Professional Program Guide
Coursework
Preparatory courses (16-19 credits)
- One course from:
- BIOL 101 - Introduction to Biology
- BIOL 204 - Introduction to Evolution, Ecology and Biodiversity
- One course from:
- ECON 206 - Introduction to Microeconomics
- PLSC 250 - The American Political System
Major (45-49 credits)
- ENVS 381 - Introduction to Education for Environment and Sustainability
- ENVS 382 - Curriculum for Environment and Sustainability
- ESCI 330 - Natural History of the Pacific Northwest
- Two courses from:
- ENVS 303 - Human Ecology and Sustainability
- ENVS 304 - Environment and Resource Policy
- ENVS 305 - Environmental History and Ethics
- Electives under advisement (23-25 credits)
- ENVS 300- and 400-level
- ESCI 300- and 400-level
GURs:
These courses are offered within this major and may be used to satisfy GUR or Writing Proficiency Requirements.
- QSR: MATH 114, 381, 382
- SSC: ECON 206, PLSC 250
- LSCI: BIOL 101, 204; CHEM 121
Sample Careers
- Elementary School Teacher
Department
Contact
Environmental Studies Department Chair:
Michael Medler
AH 210, 360-650-3173
Michael.Medler@wwu.edu
Undergraduate Advisor:
Kathryn Patrick
ES 539, 360-650-3520
Kathryn.Patrick@wwu.edu