Applying to Graduate Programs

We're excited that you're considering graduate study in Western Washington University's College of the Environment. Before you apply, we encourage you to connect with our Graduate Program Advisor, who can answer questions about our programs, application requirements, and the admissions process.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Graduate School using the online application system.

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the program-specific requirements below, applicants must satisfy the Graduate School's admission requirements, including:

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution (or an equivalent international degree) appropriate for graduate study.
  • A minimum 3.0 GPA (4.0 scale) in the last 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) of undergraduate coursework.
  • Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or professionals who can evaluate your academic or professional potential.
  • Demonstrated English language proficiency, if required by the Graduate School.

GRE

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required for admission to College of the Environment graduate programs. Applicants who choose to submit GRE scores may have them considered as part of a holistic review, but there is no penalty for not submitting scores.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants should have a bachelor's degree and one of the following academic backgrounds:

  • One year of general chemistry, one year of general biology, and one course in statistics or data analysis; or
  • One year of general chemistry, one year of physics, two courses in calculus, one course in statistics, and one additional physical science or engineering course (recommended for students pursuing an energy-focused program); or
  • Equivalent preparation approved by the prospective faculty advisor.
  • A bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies or a closely related field.
  • A bachelor's degree in Urban Planning, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Architecture, Natural Resource Management, or another closely related field.

Application Deadlines

Graduate students are admitted once each year for Fall Quarter.

Because enrollment is limited, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all application materials by February 1. Application review begins after February 1 and continues until available spaces are filled or June 1, whichever comes first.

To receive full consideration for Teaching Assistantships, submit your complete application by February 1.

Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose helps the admissions committee learn about your academic interests, research goals, and reasons for pursuing graduate study.

Please include:

  • Your academic and professional goals.
  • The graduate program or specialization that interests you most.
  • How you have completed—or plan to complete—the program prerequisites before enrollment.
  • Your research interests and how they align with the College of the Environment.
  • The name(s) of faculty member(s) whose research interests best match your own, if applicable.

We encourage applicants to review faculty research interests before contacting potential advisors.

Questions?

We're here to help throughout the application process. If you have questions about our graduate programs, prerequisites, or faculty research areas, please contact:

Ed Weber
Graduate Program Advisor
Phone: (360) 650-3646
Email: ed.weber@wwu.edu

Connect with a Faculty Advisor

One of the most important steps in the application process is identifying a faculty mentor whose research interests align with your own. We strongly encourage prospective students to contact potential faculty advisors before applying to discuss research interests, learn about current projects, and determine whether there is a good fit. Admission to the College of the Environment's graduate programs requires the support of a faculty advisor.