Graduate Programs Information Page

CENV Graduate Programs

The College of the Environment at Western Washington University offers graduate degrees that prepare students to address today's environmental challenges through interdisciplinary study and research. Students can choose from:

After selecting a degree program, students work closely with a faculty advisor to develop an individualized Plan of Study that reflects their academic interests and career goals. Plans of Study are built around graduate courses offered by the College of the Environment (ESCI, ENVS, and UEPP) and may also include courses from other departments to support each student's area of focus.  

We encourage prospective students to connect with faculty whose research aligns with their interests. Reaching out before applying is a great opportunity to discuss your research goals, learn more about current projects, and explore potential opportunities for mentorship.

The M.S. programs culminate in a research thesis, while M.A. students may choose to complete either a thesis or a professionally focused project.

Expand your graduate experience with one of our specialized master's certificates, designed to build in-demand technical skills and complement your degree.

All Master's Certificates can be added to existing Graduate Programs by submitting the Graduate Certificate Declaration Form to the CENV Graduate Program Advisor.  

Master's Certificate in Data Science for the Environment

Develop the data science skills needed to tackle today's most complex environmental challenges. This 18-credit certificate provides hands-on training in the tools, techniques, and analytical methods used to collect, manage, analyze, and communicate environmental data.

Prerequisites:   

Before applying, students should have:  

  • Bachelor's Degree 
  • A 300-level course in Statistics

Please note: Beginning Fall 2024, this certificate is available only to campus-based WWU graduate students as an addition to their current master's program.

Master's Certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS)

Gain advanced expertise in Geographic Information Science (GIS) through this 18-credit certificate. Students learn GIS theory and practical techniques for creating, managing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data, while applying these skills to real-world environmental questions.

Graduate students complete original research projects that integrate GIS with their thesis or area of study. Our students use GIS to address a wide range of environmental issues, including climate change modeling, environmental justice, renewable energy planning, conservation, and natural resource management.

Prerequisites

Before applying, students should have:

  • A bachelor's degree in any field
  • Introductory statistics knowledge (equivalent to an undergraduate statistics course)
  • Completed, or be currently enrolled in, ENVS 517: GIS I – Introduction to Geographic Information Science (or an equivalent introductory GIS course)

Master's Certificate in Energy Policy

Demand is increasing for a trained energy workforce in Washington in an emerging clean energy economy, including growing energy efficiency, grid modernization and energy storage industries in the state, and success in this growing field requires an understanding of the policy context of energy-related decision making.

  • Admission to the certificate is based on available space with first preference given to students in pursuing graduate studies or careers in energy policy, analysis and planning.

Master's Certificate in Northwest Electric Energy Systems

The goal is to give students knowledge and analytic skills in the science, technology, economics and public policy and planning issues associated with the development of electric energy systems at the graduate level, with an emphasis on the specific technology and policy context of the Pacific Northwest.

If you have any questions regarding Master's Degree Programs or Master's Certificates and would like to chat, please schedule a meeting with Ed Weber.

General Information

view of the Environmental Studies Center from beneath the boughs of the cherry trees alongside the South Lawn of the WWU campus

Financial Assistance

The College of the Environment offers a variety of funding opportunities to help support graduate students throughout their studies.

Teaching Assistantships (TAs) are awarded on a competitive basis and provide valuable teaching experience while helping offset the cost of graduate school. Assistantships include stipends of up to $6,204 per quarter (effective Fall 2026), along with full or partial tuition waivers and health insurance coverage.

Research Assistantships (RAs) are available through individual faculty research grants. Stipends are comparable to those offered through Teaching Assistantships. Students interested in Research Assistantships should contact prospective faculty advisors directly to discuss available opportunities.

Graduate Work-Study and other forms of financial aid are available through Western's Financial Aid Services Center. Students may apply by submitting the appropriate financial aid application.

Additional funding may be available to support graduate research projects and travel to present research at professional conferences, helping students share their work with the broader scientific and professional community.

Diversity at Western

At Western Washington University, we believe that a diverse community enriches learning, research, and the graduate student experience. Students bring a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and lived experiences that strengthen classroom discussions, foster innovation, and prepare graduates to address complex environmental challenges.

The College of the Environment and Western are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive. We strive to cultivate a community built on respect, collaboration, and equity, and to provide educational experiences that reflect and respond to the needs of an increasingly diverse society.