B.A. in Environmental Studies

You can also download a Requirements Worksheet.

In addition to the College of Arts & Sciences General Education Requirements, Environmental Studies majors complete the following:

Foundation Courses
Core Courses
Perspectives and Experiences Courses
Capstone Experience
Departmental Honors (Optional)

Foundation Courses

Total of 33-35 credits of preparatory coursework to provide a solid foundation in earth systems, chemistry, statistics, values and cultures, and biology.

Biology (10 credits): BIOL 161 and BIOL 162 General Biology (autumn and winter)
Chemistry (5 credits): CHEM 120 Principles of Chemistry I (autumn and summer)
Earth Systems Literacy (3 - 5 credits): One course from among
Statistics (5 credits): One course from among:
Q SCI 381 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
STAT 220 Basic Statistics
STAT 311 Elements of Statistical Methods
Values and Cultures (10 credits): Two courses from List A or one course from List A and one course from List B:

LIST A

LIST B

Transfer students are strongly encouraged to complete as many of the Foundation Courses as possible prior to enrolling in UW. The Undergraduate Admissions office maintains a Transfer Equivalency Guide which lists UW course equivalencies for all Washington State Community Colleges.

Core Courses

Total of 15 credits from:

Environmental Perspectives and Experiences

Consult the list of approved courses. Total of 30 credits completed with a 2.0 or better from:

Perspectives: A minimum of three credits must be completed in each of the following Environmental Perspectives areas:
Experiences: A minimum of three credits must be completed of each of the following Environmental Experiences:
- Bioregional Studies and Experiences (3 credits): Designated with a *B* on course lists *
- Global Studies and Experiences (3 credits): Designated with an *G* on course lists *
- Fieldwork (3 credits): Designated with an *F* on course lists *

A course may count as both a Perspective and an Experience. However, a single course cannot count as two types of Environmental Experience, nor can it fulfill more than one Environmental Perspectives requirement. Environmentally related independent-study courses, study-abroad programs, as well as other courses not on the approved list may be used to fulfill Environmental Perspectives and Experiences requirements, but the PoE advising office must pre-approve such courses and programs.

Students who are pursuing a double major / degree may apply no more than 15 credits of coursework presented for their second major / degree toward the Environmental Perspectives and Experiences requirement.

At least 20 of these credits must come from 300- and 400-level classes.

Capstone Experience

Total of 10 credits including Environmental Studies 490, 491, and 492. Environmental Studies majors are required to register for a 2-credit Capstone Seminar (ENVIR 490) prior to beginning their Capstone Experience. The Capstone itself (ENVIR 491) consists of at least 5 credits (150 hours) of internship, undergraduate research, or service-learning experiences. The Capstone is followed by a 3-credit seminar (ENVIR 492) in which students present what they have learned in the context of their Capstone Experience, and how they plan to apply such knowledge in their future lives and careers. See the Capstone Page for more information.

Departmental Honors

See an Environmental Studies advisor to complete the Honors Departmental Invitation Form.

Students who complete Departmental Honors will receive a degree "with Distinction."

The requirements for earning departmental honors are listed below; click on each for more detail.

A cumulative 3.4 GPA in all UW courses
A cumulative 3.6 GPA in all courses counting toward the major
Completion of 4 credits of ENVIR 497, 498,499, at least one of which must be 497
Completion of 8 credits of ENVIR 491
Presentation of Capstone Project at a research symposium or conference

To be eligible for departmental honors, students must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 in all courses taken at UW, and a minimum of 3.6 in all courses taken at UW which count toward the major. Students can check these two GPAs by logging into www.myuw.washington.edu, and clicking on the "Degree Progress" under "Student Personal Services."

Complete at least 4 credits of the following (must include at least 1 credit of ENVIR 497):

ENVIR 497 Readings in Environmental Studies (1-3, max. 6)
Intensive and advanced reading and discussion of selected works in interdisciplinary Environmental Studies. CR/NC
ENVIR 498 Independent Study (1-5, max. 5)
Independent reading and/or research. Limited to majors and minors in Environmental Studies.

Capstone Requirements for Departmental Honors

Answering a researchable question is a fundamental part of all PoE Capstones. Students develop a Capstone Experience in close coordination with the Capstone Instructor, their Site Supervisor, and their Faculty Advisor, to make it as rich and rewarding as possible. In addition, Honors students will be expected to complete the following requirements during their Capstone Experience:

ENVIR 491
Completion of 8 credits of ENVIR 491 (rather than the 5 required for all Environmental Studies majors).
ENVIR 492
1. An expanded Analysis Paper (15-20 pages)—the additional writing should discuss the environmental issues raised by the Capstone in greater depth, including references to the relevant scholarly literature.
2. In addition to the Capstone Conference, presenting your work at a research symposium or conference (e.g., the Annual UW Undergraduate Research Symposium in May, or a regional or national conference in the field of your Capstone) approved by the Capstone Instructor. Poster submissions are acceptable, and travel awards to conferences outside of the Seattle area are available through Program on the Environment.

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