BA (Hons) Environmental Studies — Education & Eco-Social Justice Emphasis

This program provides a comprehensive understanding of environmental studies through the lens of education and eco-social justice. Students will learn about the intersections between environmental degradation, social inequality, and economic systems, and develop skills in critical thinking, research, and advocacy for sustainable practices. The program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences, community engagement, and interdisciplinary approaches to address complex environmental challenges.

Additional Information

Students in this program will have opportunities to participate in fieldwork, internships, and capstone projects that allow them to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. The program also offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning experiences, preparing students for careers in education, policy, and activism.

Experience the Leading Edge of Environmental Sustainability and Social Justice at Western Washington University

Western Washington University is an ideal location for this program due to its commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. The university's campus is powered by 100% renewable energy, and it has a strong track record of incorporating sustainability into its curriculum and operations. Students in this program will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, a diverse and vibrant academic community, and opportunities for networking with industry professionals.

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 an Education & Eco-Social Justice Emphasis?

Are you interested in teaching and learning in informal ways? Does working with community excite you? Do you want to help organizations and individuals engage in change work and justice-related causes? Do you love to work outdoors with children or adults? Then the Education and Eco Social Justice emphasis is for you. 

This emphasis engages you in critical, practical, experiential, action- and solutions-based education. It explores themes of environmental hope, eco- and social-justice, Indigenous and Land/Sea pedagogies, and Urban/City settings. With partnerships around the Salish Sea, students work on local projects that focus on public health, socio-environmental literacy, and climate justice.

Graduates with this emphasis have assumed positions as curriculum consultants, interpreters with resource management agencies, youth coordinators, facilitators for disability services, and a diversity of educator roles with non-profits, schools, government, and businesses.

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