Environmental Studies

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies at Western Washington University offers you a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex interactions between human societies and the natural world. This undergraduate degree is designed for students passionate about addressing critical environmental challenges, from climate change and resource management to social justice and ecological ethics. You will develop a robust foundation by integrating knowledge from the natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities, preparing you to analyze environmental data and communicate effectively across diverse fields.

This full-time, on-campus program, studied over four years, immerses you in core knowledge areas including environmental data analysis, biophysical systems, socio-ecological systems, social justice, and governance. You will engage with subjects like GIS, ecology, and environmental policy, with opportunities for hands-on learning through projects, internships, or a senior thesis. You will graduate from Western Washington University equipped with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills necessary for a wide range of careers in environmental advocacy, policy, research, education, and sustainable development.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Environmental Studies program provides a comprehensive foundation in ecological and human systems, exploring the complex interactions between society and the environment. Students will delve into core knowledge areas including biophysical environments, socio-ecological systems, social justice, and environmental governance. The curriculum culminates in practical experiences such as internships, senior theses, or projects, preparing students for diverse careers in environmental fields.

1 Environmental Studies Foundations (28 credits)

Understanding Environmental Information
Physical Geography
Human Geography
Navigating Environmental Studies
Introduction to Environmental Studies I: Human Ecology and Ethics
Introduction to Environmental Studies II: History and Policy
Beginning Ecology
College of the Environment Speaker Series
College of the Environment Speaker Series

2 Environmental Studies Core Knowledge Areas (25-32 credits)

Intro to Environmental Journalism
Intro to Environmental Journalism
Research and Writing in Environmental Studies
The Planet Staff for Writers
The Planet Staff for Photographers
GIS II: Cartography and Geovisualization
Environmental Interpretation
The Literature of Nature and Place
Curriculum for Environment and Sustainability
GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Science
Introduction to Methods in Environmental Studies
Regional Environmental and Economic Resource Modeling
Regional Environmental and Economic Resource Modeling
Introduction to R

3 Core Knowledge Area 2: The Biophysical Environment (8-10 credits)

Mountain Geography
Climatology
The Soil Environment
Introduction to Climate Change
Introduction to Climate Change
Soil Landscapes
Biogeography
The Oceans: Topics in Marine Science
Natural History of the Pacific Northwest
Our Coastal Seas and Climate Change
Indigenous Resource Management in the Salish Sea
The State of the Salish Sea Ecosystem

4 Core Knowledge Area 3: Socio-ecological Systems (3-4 credits)

Geographies of Canada
The Pacific Northwest: Society and Environment
East Asia: Society and Environment
East Asia: Society and Environment
Geography of the World Economy
Urbanization: Processes and Patterns
Water Resources
Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy and Sustainability
Pacific Rim: Environment, Economy and Sustainability
Society, Space, and Natural Resources
Society, Space, and Natural Resources
Conservation Psychology

5 Core Knowledge Area 4: Social Justice and the Environment (4 credits)

Introduction to Education for Eco-Social Justice and Sustainability
Society, Space, and Natural Resources
Society, Space, and Natural Resources
Social Justice and the City
Geography, Colonialism, and the Pacific Northwest
Geography, Colonialism, and the Pacific Northwest
Disaster Risk Reduction
Power, Privilege, and the Environment

6 Core Knowledge Area 5: Institutions and Environmental Governance (4-5 credits)

Energy Policy and Politics
Energy Policy and Politics
Environmental Law and Policy
Climate Governance and Political Economy
Climate Governance and Political Economy
U.S. Disaster Policy
Natural Hazards Planning
Science in the Policy Process
Public Land Conflict & Collaboration
Climate Politics and Governance
Environmental Policy Analysis
Governing Innovation, Technology, and the Future
Environmental Politics
Land Use Law

7 Culminating Experiences (8 credits)

Editing the Planet
Faculty-Led Study Abroad
Teaching Practicum
Senior Thesis
Internship
Senior Project
International Study

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 27,690.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 110,760.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,450.00 - USD 1,750.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Bellingham Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

90%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agribusiness Inputs (Seeds, Fertilizers & Machinery)Agricultural Marketing & SalesAgricultural Research & DevelopmentAgricultural Technology & Precision FarmingAgrochemical & Seed IndustryEnvironmental & Sustainability ConsultingFood Processing & ManufacturingGovernment & Regulatory AgenciesLivestock & Animal HusbandrySupply Chain & Commodity Trading

Top Employers Hiring for this course

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Why Study Environmental Studies at Western Washington University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Life at Western Washington University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Environmental Studies at Western Washington University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. On-campus work does not require a separate permit, while off-campus work may need university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, minimum English test scores are required: Duolingo overall score 105, TOEFL overall score 79, IELTS overall score 6.5, and PTE overall score 62. Each test has specific sub-score requirements as well.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as environmental analysts, sustainability coordinators, conservation officers, policy advisors, and research scientists.

What will I actually study in this course?

Environmental Studies offers a comprehensive look at human-environment systems and environmental challenges. The curriculum includes core classes in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities to prepare students for diverse roles.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Environmental Studies program has intake months in January, April, and September. You can apply for admission during any of these periods.
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