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The Department of Environmental Sciences

Program Goals

A student wearing a large, rectangular contraption on her back containing pumps holds a yellow pole to a stream while professor observes.At the Huxley College Department of Environmental Sciences, our mission is to be a regional partner and national leader in environmental science through education and research related to environmental evaluation, management, remediation and restoration.

  • To train students through academic and practical experiences to address environmental challenges. 

  • To advance the state of knowledge in the environmental sciences. 

  • To engage locally, regionally and globally to enhance scientific awareness and support for science-based policy

We address these Program Goals with scholarship that can:

  • Assess impacts of natural and anthropogenic events, including fire, chemical production and use, and industrial activities.

  • Assess the causes and impacts of global change, including climate change.

  • Improve environmental conditions through remediation and restoration.

  • Inform managers, policy makers and other stakeholders with work in risk assessment, sustainable energy, environmental monitoring, and global change mitigation or adaptation.

  • Investigate and describe physical and ecological processes in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems.

  • Provide knowledge and services to underserved communities.

We prepare undergraduate students to: 

  • Apply quantitative skills to environmental issues;

  • Apply critical thinking (analytical) skills to environmental issues;

  • Write and speak effectively to professional and lay audiences about issues in the field;

  • Use theoretical knowledge of environmental sciences in real world applications;

  • Incorporate multiple disciplines into environmental sciences.

We prepare graduate students to:

  • Explain and evaluate the theories and concepts of environmental science.

  • Design and conduct scientifically rigorous and relevant research.

  • Analyze and interpret scientific data

  • Communicate scientific concepts and results effectively to a range of audiences.

For more information on our bachelor and graduate degree options, please see ESCI Majors, Minors & Degrees.

General Contact Information

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Department of Environmental Sciences
Main Office - ES 522
Huxley College of the Environment
Western Washington University
516 High Street - MS 9181 | Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-2844 (Office)
(360) 650-7284 (Fax)

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