Environmental Science, BS

Western Washington University - International Study Center (StudyGroup)

Environmental Science draws on basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems with a focus on how human activities impact the natural systems. It also considers how built environments, ranging from rural to urban developments, intersect with and affect humans and the natural environment. Different aspects of the environment are considered, including the air, the water, and soil. The scale of impacts ranges from the molecular and cellular to individuals, populations, ecosystems, and regional, and global levels. The Environmental Science major will acquire scientific and problem-solving skills as they relate to environmental issues. Students of Environmental Science can go directly into an environmental science career or on to graduate school to further their study. Students wishing to complete an Environmental Science major in four years should complete the general chemistry series during their freshman year and the general biology series during their sophomore year. Prospective environmental science majors are strongly advised to take additional preparatory courses that provide a strong background in chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The preparatory courses are listed with the major preparatory classes may also be used to fulfill GURs. All preparatory courses required for admission should be completed on a lettered or numeric grading scale, not P/NP, and must be completed with a grade of C- or better. Why Consider an Environmental Sciences Major? Are you excited to understand how your environment is impacted by human activities? Do you want to understand and solve the problems of the natural environment caused by human activities? Are you motivated to address the environmental issues related to urban and rural development? Do you love integrating different sciences to consider real-world problems? Do you like scientific inquiry? Do you want to participate in making the environment better for all? If so, then Environmental Science is for you.