Frequently Asked Questions

The study of the environment through the intersection of natural sciences, social sciences, and policy in a problem solving context.

Environmental studies students focus on application and problem solving, with a focus on humans in the environment. If you are more interested in a research oriented study of a specific aspect of the natural environment, you might want to explore UW majors in environmental science. You can find out more information about these different programs through The College of the Environment website.

Graduates from this program benefit both from skills developed through an interdisciplinary curriculum and from the experience of applying those skills in the field through a capstone project.
A few examples of careers that Environmental Studies majors have gone on to:
- Environmental Planner, Parametrix Engineering, Planning, and Environmental Consulting
- Assistant Director, Environmental Outreach and Stewardship Alliance
- Residential Conservation Program Manager, Seattle Public Utilities, Resource Conservation Group
For additional information about where PoE students are now, please check out our alumni profiles.

A few examples of graduate programs that Environmental Studies majors have gone on to:
- Master of Public Administration, UW Evans School of Public Affairs
- Master of Science in Forest Ecology, UW College of Forest Resources
- Master of Environmental Management, Duke University

Program on the Environment (PoE) is just one of several units in the UW College of the Environment. Undergraduate students are a part of the Program on the Environment as either Majors or Minors in Environmental Studies.
You can find more information through the College of the Environment web page.

Since the move into the College of the Environment in autumn 2009, the B.A. with a major in Environmental Studies has followed the general education requirements for the College of the Environment.

ENVIR 100: Environmental Studies: Interdisciplinary Foundations. This course is offered autumn, winter, and spring quarters, and also counts as either a ‘Natural World’ or an ‘Individuals & Societies’ course for your general education requirements.

Students planning to transfer are encouraged to talk to an adviser to confirm potential transfer course substitutions for core and foundation courses.

The Capstone Project is a three quarter series centered on a project based internship. All Environmental Studies majors must complete a Capstone project to graduate.

Environmental Studies is an open major. This means that:
- Any current UW student in good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher) can declare at any time through an advising appointment with PoE Undergraduate Advisers.
Incoming freshmen can find out more information about general admissions here. If you select ‘Environmental Studies’ as your intended major in the ‘Educational Objectives’ section of the freshman application, your major will be automatically declared upon admission to the UW.
Incoming Transfer students can find out more information about transfer admissions here. If you select ‘Environmental Studies’ as your intended major in the ‘Educational Objectives’ section of the transfer application, your major will be automatically declared upon admission to the UW.

While you do not have to declare a major until you have earned 105 credits, declaring earlier can provide greater access to classes, student services, and a community of learners focused on the field of environmental studies.

You must have a declared major and have earn a minimum of 45 credits before declaring a minor in Environmental Studies.

To declare the Environmental Studies major, contact one of the Undergraduate Advisers for Program on the Environment to schedule an advising appointment.
To declare the Environmental Studies minor, contact your major adviser.