About the Major

The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science provides students with a strong science background with a focus on the environmental issues of the future. Through lecture, lab and field classes, you will get hands-on experience with biology, chemistry, the geosciences, physics and math. In this program students learn how to draw connections between these disciplines needed to solve the complex environmental problems facing the local community and society at large.

As part of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, this degree allows you to combine diverse approaches to the environment which incorporate humanities and the social sciences. Through coursework and independent study, you will develop skills needed for scientific research, technical writing, and grant preparation.

A culminating capstone experience gives you the opportunity to work with a scientist on your own undergraduate research project or to intern with a community group to gain practical experience. Our program prepares you to work in government, academic, private or non-profit careers or to continue your education in a variety of scientific disciplines.

Our faculty are highly trained professionals in their respective fields, dedicated to providing our students with impactful learning experiences in our classrooms. Visit the faculty directory and the SAM research page to learn more! The environmental science major coordinators are Jim Gawel and Ed Kolodziej. 

Environmental Science student learning outcomes
Students who complete this degree will:

  • Connect knowledge and tools from multiple scientific disciplines to analyze environmental challenges.
  • Apply field, laboratory, and quantitative techniques to investigate current environmental issues.
  • Interpret and communicate information related to environmental issues in written and oral forms appropriate to both scientific and non-technical audiences.
  • Integrate perspectives and methodologies from the humanities and social sciences in developing solutions to environmental challenges.
  • Demonstrate leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills that support community engagement and professional collaboration.
  • Evaluate environmental problems and solutions from multiple stakeholder perspectives with an emphasis on environmental justice.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the impact of human bias on the scientific endeavor and the importance of integrity in environmental science.

Conservation Biology and Ecology option
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, you may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option as part of the degree, allowing you to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline of conservation biology and ecology. See TENSCI option degree requirements below for more information. Students who have commenced their degree prior to Autumn 2016 may opt to complete the previously available option in Biology, also shown below under degree requirements.

Geoscience option
In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, you may complete a Geoscience option as part of the degree, allowing you to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline. See TENSCI degree requirements below for more information.

Career Pathways and Resources

Career Pathways

  • Field and Technical Positions (Agencies, Consultants, Business)
    • Fisheries Technician, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
    • Restoration Specialist, Washington Conservation Corps
    • Marine Biotoxins Specialist, Washington State Department of Health
  • Environmental Education and Outreach (Agencies, Schools, Parks, Museums, Nonprofits)
    • Youth Outreach Coordinator, City and Borough of Juneau, AK
    • Environmental Education Supervisor, City of Seattle
  • Environmental Policy and Planning (Agencies, Consultants, Business, Nonprofits) 
    • Senior Water Quality Planner, Pierce County
    • Administration and Development Manager, Earth Economics
  • Environmental/Project Management (Agencies, Business) 
    • Client Relationship Manager, Catchall Environmental
    • Program Delivery Manager, WA Dept of Emergency Management

Employers

Career Resources