Ba(Hons) Environmental Studies — Geography Emphasis

The Ba(Hons) Environmental Studies – Geography Emphasis program at Western Washington University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and geographical factors that shape our world. The program emphasizes the study of the physical environment, human impact on the environment, and the policies and practices that govern environmental management. Students will gain a deep understanding of the complex interplay between humans and the environment, and how to address environmental challenges through sustainable solutions. This program is ideal for students who are passionate about environmental conservation and want to make a positive impact on the world.

Additional Information

The program offers a range of courses that cover topics such as climate change, sustainability, ecology, conservation biology, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students will also have the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and research projects, gaining hands-on experience in environmental management and conservation. With a strong focus on practical application, graduates of this program will be well-equipped to pursue careers in environmental consulting, sustainability analysis, and policy development.

Discover Your Environmental Potential at Western Washington University

Western Washington University is an excellent choice for students interested in Environmental Studies – Geography Emphasis due to its strong reputation for academic excellence and commitment to sustainability. The university offers a range of programs and resources that support the development of environmentally conscious individuals, including research opportunities, internships, and community engagement initiatives. With its beautiful campus located in Bellingham, Washington, students will have access to stunning natural surroundings that provide ample opportunities for fieldwork and exploration.

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 with a Geography Emphasis?

Geography is the science of place and space. Geographers ask where things are located on the surface of the Earth, why they are located where they are, how places differ from one another, and how people interact with the natural environment. Natural and human systems vary over space and many environmental issues are therefore inherently spatial. Environmental Geography links together the social sciences and natural sciences, studying the relationships between human activity and natural systems. We draw on knowledge from many different fields of study to give us the big picture view of how and why cultural and natural landscapes vary over space. We make extensive use of maps, complex spatial datasets, and technology to aid our understanding of the world.

As an environmental geographer, you can make a difference working in the fields of geospatial analysis, teaching, planning, natural resource management, conservation and restoration, and more. Graduates with this emphasis have assumed positions in State and National Parks, the Forest Service, college and universities, non-profit organizations, and the private sector. If you are interested in teaching Geography in public schools, see the Geography/Social Studies, BA or B.A.Ed. Geography/Elementary Education information sheet.

Do you wonder about how human and natural environments vary across the world? Are you curious about how the interactions and interdependencies between human and natural systems? Do you love maps? Are you comfortable with spatial problem solving? If so, then Environmental Studies with a Geography Emphasis is the major for you! Come join us as we work together to understand our world! 

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 2.50

• Personal Statement or essay

• One letter of recommendation

• List of extracurricular activities(if any)

• Portfolio