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BA (Hons) Environmental Studies

Western Washington University, United States
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Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Environmental Studies program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of environmental science, policy, and management. The program covers topics such as ecology, conservation biology, environmental politics, and sustainability, preparing students for careers in fields such as wildlife management, environmental consulting, and conservation organizations. The program also offers opportunities for hands-on learning through field work and internships, providing students with practical experience in the application of environmental science. With a strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the BA (Hons) Environmental Studies program at Western Washington University is well-suited for students interested in making a positive impact on the environment.

Additional Information

The program is designed to be flexible, allowing students to choose from a range of elective courses that align with their interests and career goals. The program also has a strong research focus, with opportunities for students to work alongside faculty members on cutting-edge environmental science projects. Western Washington University is located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, providing students with access to a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats for hands-on learning and fieldwork.

Experience the Power of Hands-On Learning at Western Washington University

Western Washington University offers a unique combination of academic rigor and practical, hands-on learning experiences. The university's location in the Pacific Northwest provides students with unparalleled access to diverse ecosystems and habitats for fieldwork and research. With a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, Western Washington University is an ideal choice for students interested in making a positive impact on the environment.

Why You Should Study This Course

Environmental Studies takes an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to understanding human-environment systems and environmental challenges. The Environmental Studies major includes core classes in the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to prepare our students to integrate knowledge from multiple fields of study. Our students learn to analyze and interpret complex environmental data and communicate environmental information for diverse stakeholders. The Environmental Studies major equips students to succeed as environmental professionals through experiential learning and advanced coursework in each student’s choice of an emphasis.

Why Consider an Environmental Studies Major?

Do you want to use your knowledge and skills to promote positive change in the environment? Do you want to understand the interactions and interdependencies between human and natural systems? Do you want an interdisciplinary education that reflects the complexity of society’s environmental challenges? Do you want to learn to communicate and integrate knowledge across areas of environmental expertise? Then Environmental Studies is the major for you.

General Eligibility

Academic Requirements for freshman students:

The admission requirements for undergraduate courses are given as follows:

  • Completed application form

  • Academic Transcripts(certified english translations if necessary)

  • Relevant High school degree/Grade Report/Certificates

  • SAT or ACT Scores (Optional)

  • A cumulative GPA of 2.0

  • Personal Statement or essay

  • One letter of recommendation

  • List of extracurricular activities(if any)

  • Portfolio

What You'll Study

1 Culminating Experiences

ENVS 437 - Faculty-Led Study Abroad Credits: 1-15

ENVS 498A - Senior Thesis Credits: 1-15

ENVS 498B - Internship Credits: 1-15

ENVS 498C - Senior Project Credits: 1-15

ENVS 498D - International Study Credits: 1-15

2 Depth and Specialization

Students completing Environmental Studies degrees must choose a pre-defined emphasis, a pre-approved minor, or collaborate with a faculty adviser to develop a student-faculty designed plan of study. All depth and specialization pathways must include at least 22 credits of additional coursework beyond the courses used to fulfill requirements in other areas of the Environmental Studies major. See Environmental Studies programs of study for more emphasis options.

Minor or Self-Designed Emphasis (22 credits)

Option 1

Complete the courses required for one of the following minors. When a minor can be completed with less than 22 credits, students may need to take additional related courses to reach 22 credits.

Canadian-American Studies Minor 

Energy Policy Minor 

Energy Science Minor 

Environmental Science Minor 

Salish Sea Studies Minor 

Sustainability Studies Minor 

Sustainable Design Minor 

Option 2

Collaborate with a faculty adviser to develop a student-faculty designed plan of study including at least 22 credits of coursework focused on a specific topic. Students should meet with a faculty adviser and formalize this plan before applying to the major. No more than two courses in a student-faculty designed plan can have been already completed at the time student finalizes their plan.

Students are encouraged to complete a second minor to increase the interdisciplinary nature of their degree.

3 Environmental Studies Core Knowledge Areas

Environmental Data Analysis and Communication

The Biophysical Environment

Socio-ecological Systems

Social Justice and the Environment

Institutions and Environmental Governance

4 Environmental Studies Foundations

❑ ENVS 201 - Understanding Environmental Data and Information Credits: 3

❑ ENVS 203 - Physical Geography Credits: 4

❑ ENVS 204 - Human Geography Credits: 4

❑ ENVS 302 - Navigating Environmental Studies Credits: 1

❑ ENVS 303 - Introduction to Environmental Studies I: Human Ecology and Ethics Credits: 5

❑ ENVS 305 - Introduction to Environmental Studies II: History and Policy Credits: 5

❑ ENVS 499A - Seminar Credits: 1

❑ ESCI 225 - Beginning Ecology Credits: 4

Language Requirement

  • IELTS6.5
  • TOEFL93
  • PTE65
  • Duolingo89

Minimun IELTS Score 6.5 overall.

Ready to get started?

For any enquiries or further details, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's take the next step in your academic journey together.

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