Environmental Studies
Program Information
The MA degree in Environmental Studies prepares students to address complex environmental problems using a highly interdisciplinary approach and significant student-faculty design of the course of study. Students gain proficiency in critical analysis, development, conservation, and management frameworks of environmental studies for careers in business, government, planning, consulting, teaching, and research.
Specializations
Environmental Policy
Emphasizes environmental policy and especially the ecological, economic, political, and social factors that affect environmental governance processes.
Geography/GIS
Focuses on the science of place and space and links the social and natural sciences together, studying the relationships between human activity and natural systems.
Energy Policy
Emphasizes coursework in energy system transitions, stakeholder engagement, advanced energy policy, and environmental politics/policy.
General Environmental Studies
Coursework will be developed in conjunction with your specific faculty advisor.
Goals
Students who graduate from the Environmental Studies Graduate Program will be able to:
- Critically understand an environmental issue using appropriate knowledge
- Investigate that environmental issue using an interdisciplinary framework
- Effectively communicate through written, visual, and oral means
- Independently design, implement, and complete a research project
Application Requirements
- All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
- Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
- Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
- International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.
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Additional Application Requirements
- Three (3) Letters of Reference
- Statement of Purpose: 1‐2 pages addressing the following:
- Which specialization (Environmental Policy, Geography/GIS, Energy Policy, or General Environmental Studies) are you interested in pursuing and why?
- How has your prior experience prepared you to work in that area?
- Why do you wish to pursue graduate studies in Environmental Studies at College of the Environment?
- A plan for coursework you are interested in taking at WWU (see university catalog) for your specialization and a tentative proposed research topic.