The College of the Environment has eight undergraduate majors and ten minors. You can learn more about these academic programs by exploring their websites and connecting with departmental academic advisers- expand the boxes below for links and contact details.
Whether you already know your path, or need the time to explore, that’s okay! Unlike other science majors at the UW, you can declare a major* in the College of the Environment at any time, starting on your first day of freshman year. If you aren’t sure where to start or would like help exploring our majors, please contact our Academic Affairs team at coenvadv@uw.edu
*BSE is a capacity constrained major and students must apply to the major.
*ATMS is a minimum requirements major and students must complete those requirements before declaring the major.
Expand the boxes below to see contact information for each department and the academic advisers.
In addition to information about the requirements for our various degrees, you can also check out the College of the Environment’s General Education requirements which give you the foundational skills for your degree.
Majors
Environmental Studies
B.A., minor
Description:
Study the environment at the intersection of natural sciences, social sciences, and policy in a problem-solving context.
Bioresource Science and Engineering
B.S.
Description:
Apply natural products chemistry, chemical processing, and material science to natural products and fiber based materials, including paper and biofuels.
Environmental Science and Terrestrial Resource Management
B.S., minor
Description:
Learn about natural and human dominated landscapes and how to apply this knowledge to real-world problems.
Earth and Space Sciences
B.A., B.S., minor
Description:
From the center of Earth to the rim of the solar system, understand Earth, the solar system, and their histories through observation and modeling.
Aquatic and Fishery Sciences
B.S., minor
Description:
Understand aquatic natural systems, foster the sustainable use of resources, and develop solutions to a broad range of environmental issues.
Atmospheric Sciences
B.S., minor
Description:
Learn about meteorology, climate change, and atmospheric chemistry with the top research faculty in the country.
Marine Biology
B.S., minor
Description:
Dive into the physical, biological and social aspects of the marine environment. Major offered starting Autumn 2018.
Oceanography
B.A., B.S., minor
Description:
Explore the ocean — near, far and in the lab — while getting a rigorous education in interdisciplinary science and critical thinking.
Minors
Description:
Gain skills relevant to addressing major science and policy issues in the Arctic.
Description:
Explore the science of climate in a multidisciplinary context.
Ecological Restoration
minor
Description:
A tri-campus initiative (UW Bothell, UW Seattle, and UW Tacoma) that addresses the complex relationships of human communities and ecological sustainability.
Freshwater Science and Management
minor
Quantitative Science
minor
Description:
Develop quantitative skills within biological and resource management contexts.