The Department of Environmental Sciences

Program Goals

At the Department of Environmental Sciences, our mission is to be a regional partner and national leader in environmental science through education and research related to environmental evaluation, management, remediation and restoration.

  • To train students through academic and practical experiences to address environmental challenges. 
  • To advance the state of knowledge in the environmental sciences. 
  • To engage locally, regionally and globally to enhance scientific awareness and support for science-based policy

We address these Program Goals with scholarship that can:

  • Assess impacts of natural and anthropogenic events, including fire, chemical production and use, and industrial activities.
  • Assess the causes and impacts of global change, including climate change.
  • Improve environmental conditions through remediation and restoration.
  • Inform managers, policy makers and other stakeholders with work in risk assessment, sustainable energy, environmental monitoring, and global change mitigation or adaptation.
  • Investigate and describe physical and ecological processes in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.
  • Provide knowledge and services to underserved communities.

We prepare undergraduate students to: 

  • Apply quantitative skills to environmental issues;
  • Apply critical thinking (analytical) skills to environmental issues;
  • Write and speak effectively to professional and lay audiences about issues in the field;
  • Use theoretical knowledge of environmental sciences in real world applications;
  • Incorporate multiple disciplines into environmental sciences.

We prepare graduate students to:

  • Explain and evaluate the theories and concepts of environmental science.
  • Design and conduct scientifically rigorous and relevant research.
  • Analyze and interpret scientific data
  • Communicate scientific concepts and results effectively to a range of audiences.

For more information on our bachelor and graduate degree options, please see ESCI Majors, Minors & Degrees.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Read the Environmental Science Department's Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

See ESCI Faculty & Staff.

Student doing field work in a river.
Two people standing next to a small motor boat.

General Contact Information

Department of Environmental Sciences
Main Office - ES 522
College of the Environment
Western Washington University
516 High Street - MS 9181 | Bellingham, WA 98225