Why Study Environmental Sciences at Central Washington University? 

• You will do something great. Our dynamic interdisciplinary team of faculty work to address environmental challenges locally, regionally, and internationally. 
• Engage in real-world problem solving. Faculty work collaboratively with you in the classroom, research labs, and in the field.
• Acquire the professional and technical skills for entry into successful environmental careers or for graduate studies in environmental fields.
• Find support in your efforts to engage in social, economic, and environmental sustainability on campus and in our community.
• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Access local shrub-steppe ecosystems near the Columbia River and forest and alpine environments near the crest of the Cascades for study and recreation.
• Participate in field research and internships with local, regional and federal land and resource managers, decision-makers and private industry. ​​​​​​​Central Washington is a hub for renewable energy resources, including wind, solar and hydropower.
• Prepare for employment in fields such as environmental management, consulting, education, policy, politics, and leadership, or for graduate school to further your knowledge.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What is Environmental Science?  

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. 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.

The CWU Environmental Studies Program

We offer six major specializations to tailor your Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences:

B.S., Environmental Sciences, Anthropology
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Biology
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Chemistry
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Geography
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Geology
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Policy

Additional Options:

Environmental Studies Minor
Sustainability Certificate
Summer Courses held online
Field Experiences
Environmental Club

Transfer Student Information

Current and Upcoming Course Schedules