Environmental Studies
Connect With Us
We are here to help! The best way to contact us is by locating the most appropriate person listed below, or emailing us.
enst@cwu.eduGeneral Contact Information
Env. Studies Program Director
Dr. Clay Arango
Science Building, Room 236A
arangoc@cwu.edu
Environmental Studies Program, MS 7537
Central Washington University
400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
enst@cwu.edu
509.963.2731
Environmental Studies Program Academic Advisor
Eva Whitsett
Office: Samuelson, 202G
Eva is the general academic advisor for Environmental Studies majors. The best way to contact her for an appointment is to email Eva at Eva.Whitsett@cwu.edu
Additional Environmental Studies general advising support:
Dr. Clay Arango, Environmental Studies Program Director
Program Specializations & Associated Faculty Advisors
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Anthropology
Environmental Anthropology is the study of cultural-environmental relations. The specialization equips students to recognize, document and understand local perspectives and dynamics on nature, as a baseline to generate conservation initiatives that are socially sustainable.
Environmental Anthropology Advising Worksheet
Environmental Anthropology Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Rodrigo F. Rentería-Valencia
Office: Dean Hall, Room 353
Phone: (509) 963-3549
Rodrigo.Renteria@cwu.edu
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Biology
Environmental Biology is the study of human impacts and environmental change on organisms and ecosystems. This specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to monitor environmental conditions and assess the ecological impacts of human activities on natural systems.
Environmental Biology Advising Worksheet
Environmental Biology Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Clay Arango
Science Building, Room 236A
(509) 963-3163
arangoc@cwu.edu
Dr. Kris Ernest
Science Building, Room 236E
(509) 963-2805
ernestk@cwu.edu
NOTE: Dr. Ernest is on sabbatical during the 2023-2024 academic year. If you need assistance, please contact Dr. Arango.
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Chemistry
Environmental Chemistry focuses on the study of how chemicals affect the environment. This specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively analyze and treat chemical contaminants in the environment.
Environmental Chemistry Advising Worksheet
Environmental Chemistry Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Carey Gazis
Discovery Hall Room 332
(509) 963-2820
cgazis@geology.cwu.edu
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Geography
Environmental Geography focuses on the interactions between human societies and the natural environment. This specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in geospatial analysis, environmental planning, resource management, ecosystem protection and sustainable development.
Environmental Geography Advising Worksheet
Environmental Geography Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Jennifer Lipton
Dean Hall, Room 308
(509) 963-1164
liptonj@cwu.edu
Dr. Megan Walsh
Dean Hall, Room 308
(509) 963-3699
megan.walsh@cwu.edu
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Geology
Environmental Geology focuses on the study of the geologic environment and how it relates to human interactions. This specialization equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively protect and restore water resources and assess geologic hazards.
Environmental Geology Advising Worksheet
Environmental Geology Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Carey Gazis
Discovery Hall, Room 332
(509) 963-2820
cgazis@geology.cwu.edu
Dr. Lisa Ely
Discovery Hall, Room 335
(509) 963-2177
ely@geology.cwu.edu
B.S., Environmental Sciences, Policy
Environmental Sciences Policy is the study of economics, politics, and laws governing environmental actions and management. This specialization prepares students with the knowledge and skills to effectively pursue careers in environmental management.
Environmental Policy Advising Worksheet
Environmental Policy Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Michael Pease
Dean Hall, Room 303
(509) 963-1130
Michael.Pease@cwu.edu
Environmental Studies Minor And Sustainability Minor
The Environmental Studies Minor is designed to serve undergraduate education and environmental literacy, with an emphasis on research and community service. All required ENST courses for the minor are offered online each year.
ENST Minor Advisor:
Dr. Clay Arango
Sustainability Certificate
CWU’s Sustainability Certificate offers students from any academic path an opportunity to develop experiential, service-learning projects that focus on improving sustainability needs of the university or a community partner. You will learn fundamental concepts related to sustainability in environmental, economic, and social issues while earning practical technical skills about developing and managing a project to improve organizational effectiveness. The Sustainability Certificate prepares you for entry into public or private sector jobs related to organizational or environmental sustainability.
Sustainability Certificate Application
Please email completed applications to ENST@cwu.edu
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