Main Content
Major Highlights
Three Major Options
Students choose between three major options:
Engaging Courses
Students take part in a variety of hands on and experiential coursework that includes three seminars, eleven laboratory based courses, and at least one field based course.
Research and Internship Opportunities
Students complete capstones which include research and internship opportunities.
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.
Academic Planning and Support
All environmental science students are assigned both a faculty advisor and academic advisor to support their progress through the major and beyond. Advisors assist students with academic planning, navigating university systems, and exploring and preparing for post-graduation pathways. Additionally, students have access to several campus resources designed to enhance their educational experience.
Careers and Graduate Studies
Environmental Science Careers
- 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
Career Resources and Employers
Career Resources
Employers
- Americorps
- Boeing
- Citizens for a Healthy Bay
- City Governments
- County Conservation Districts
- County Health Departments
- GeoEngineers Green Earthworks Construction, Inc.
- National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
- Parametrix, Tacoma ACTS, US Department of Agriculture
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- US Geological Survey
- UW Dept of Civil and Environmental Engineering (MS degrees)
- UW Friday Harbor Labs
- UW School of Law
- WA Conservation Corps
- WA Department of Ecology
- WA Department of Natural Resources
- WA Department of Transportation
- WSU Puyallup Research and Extension Center Areas
Graduate Studies
Students may choose to continue their studies by pursuing graduate degrees. Recent alumni from the UWT Environmental Science major have been admitted to programs at University of Washington, Western Washington University, Central Washington University, and University of California Los Angeles.
Graduate programs may have admission requirements beyond what is required in the environmental science major. Please refer to the specific program requirements for more information.
