FAQs for Environmental Studies Students

What do majors in Environmental Studies look like?

ENVS Major (82 credit minimum)

Environmental Studies Foundations (28 credits)

  • ENVS 201: Understanding Environmental Data and Information
  • ENVS 203: Physical Geography
  • ENVS 204: Human Geography
  • ESCI 225: Beginning Ecology
  • ENVS 302: Navigating Environmental Studies (1 credit, new)
  • ENVS 303: Introduction to Environmental Studies
  • ENVS 305: Introduction to Environmental Studies II
  • ENVS 499A or ENVS 499A: Environmental Speaker Series

Environmental Studies Core Knowledge Areas (26-33 credits)

Environmental Data Analysis & Communication (6-9 credits)

The Biophysical Environment (8-9 credits)

 

Socio-ecological Systems (4 credits)

 

Social Justice and the Environment (4 credits)

 

Institutions and Environmental Governance 

(4-5 credits)

Concentration (20-26 credits)

Choose one of these exciting concentrations:

  • Education & Eco-Social Justice Concentration  (26 credits)

  • Geographic Information Science Concentration (20 credits)

  • Geography Concentration (20 credits)

  • Policy, Politics, and Governance Concentration (21-24 credits)

 

Concentrations with the Environmental Studies, BA provide depth and specialization and should be chosen based upon the student’s educational and professional goals. Students may select from one of the four concentration options. Alternatively, they may develop a general environmental studies concentration of 20 additional elective credits of 300- and 400- level courses in Environmental Studies under faculty advisement; courses outside the department or college may count towards these elective credits with faculty advisor approval prior to registration.

Culminating Experiences (8 credits)

Qualifying courses may include: 

  • ENVS 437: Faculty-Led Study Abroad
  • ENVS 498A: Senior Thesis
  • ENVS 498B: Internship
  • ENVS 498C: Senior Project
  • ENVS 498D: International Study
  • Any College of the Environment course with a CPST (capstone) designation

See the University Catalog for degree-specific details.

I'm interested in environmental policy. What are my options?

Environmental policy is a fascinating field and the College of the Environment provides you with two options.

  • In the Environmental Studies department, you can major in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Policy, Politics, and Governance. Here, you'll learn about multiple approaches for bringing about societal change, including formal policy, social movements, formal and informal governance, and private sector processes.
  • The Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy Department also now offers an Environmental Policy BA. That degree is more focused on governmental policy processes and the implementation of existing legal frameworks for environmental protection.
  • If you are intrigued about environmental policy but already have a major, check out the Environmental Studies Department's Environmental Policy Minor.
  • Look forward to a new and exciting joint ENVS and UEPP Environmental Policy Minor, available Fall 2026!!

 

Additional questions?

Contact the Department Chair, Rebekah Paci-Green at Rebekah-Paci-Green@wwu.edu