What is Environmental Science? 

Environmental Science is one of the most relevant fields of study today in a world undergoing constant local and global environmental change. Complex, pressing environmental challenges, such as water availability, air quality, wildland fires, natural resource use and management, energy and new green technologies, biodiversity loss, and climate change all require innovative thinkers to help find solutions. Addressing these issues requires an interdisciplinary approach that bridges the fields of biology, chemistry, economics, geography, geology, sociology, political science, and others. Are you interested in critically thinking about, analyzing, measuring, and evaluating the complexity of environmental problems and using expertise, techniques, and technology to find collaborative sustainable solutions?  Environmental Science may be the discipline for you. An environmental science degree will prepare you for employment in fields such as environmental management, consulting, education, policy, politics, and leadership, or prepare you for graduate school to further your knowledge. 

Why study Environmental Science at Central Washington University? 

CWU’s Environmental Studies program has five major specializations in biology, chemistry, geography, geology, and policy, a minor, and a sustainability certificate. Our dynamic interdisciplinary team of faculty work to address environmental challenges locally, regionally, and internationally.  Guided by a commitment to engage students in real-world problem solving, faculty work collaboratively with students in the classroom, research labs, and the surrounding environment.  Through the Environmental Studies program, students will acquire the professional and technical skills for entry into successful environmental careers or for graduate studies in environmental fields. 

The location of CWU in Ellensburg, WA, built on land ceded by the Yakama people in 1855, provides students with one of the finest living environments in the Pacific Northwest.  With over 200 days of sunshine, Ellensburg offers small town living and has easy access to a wide diversity of environments spanning shrub-steppe ecosystems near the Columbia River to forest and alpine environments near the crest of the Cascades with plentiful outdoor recreational opportunities.  Central Washington is a hub for renewable energy resources, including wind, solar and hydropower.  These regional resources provide students with outstanding internship and research opportunities with local, regional, and federal land and resource managers, decision-makers, and private industry. CWU promotes and supports active engagement in social, economic, and environmental sustainability on campus and in our community. 

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