The Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science provides students with a strong science background with a focus on the environmental issues of the future. Through lecture, lab and field classes, you will get hands-on experience with biology, chemistry, the geosciences, physics and math. In this program students learn how to draw connections between these disciplines needed to solve the complex environmental problems facing the local community and society at large.

As part of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, this degree allows you to combine diverse approaches to the environment which incorporate humanities and the social sciences. Through coursework and independent study, you will develop skills needed for scientific research, technical writing, and grant preparation.

A culminating capstone experience gives you the opportunity to work with a scientist on your own undergraduate research project or to intern with a community group to gain practical experience. Our program prepares you to work in government, academic, private or non-profit careers or to continue your education in a variety of scientific disciplines.

Major Coordinators are Jim Gawel and Ed Kolodziej. 

Note: Environmental Science majors may not earn the Environmental Studies minor or Restoration Ecology minor. Environmental Science majors may earn the Restoration Ecology certificate.

Environmental Science Degree Requirements

For Environmental Science, students must complete a minimum 135 credits to meet the major requirements.

NOTE: Online lab courses will not be accepted in the Environmental Science major and cannot serve as pre-requisites for subsequent SAM courses. Exceptions will be made for online lab courses that were completed between Spring 2020 and Spring 2022.

Preparatory courses must have been completed within the last 5 years. If they were completed before that time frame or for specific transfer courses that are accepted, please consult an academic advisor.

Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software.

Workshops are available for students with deficiencies in any of these areas. (Note - Course prefixes including "&" denotes new community college common course numbering. Check with your advisor for details.)

Preparatory Courses and Community College Equivalencies

CORE REQUIREMENTS (including capstone) (23+ credits)
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW/POLICY COURSE LIST (5 CREDITS)
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS COURSE LIST (5 CREDITS)
SOCIAL SCIENCE/ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS COURSE LIST (5 CREDITS)

(*denotes course restricted to Global Honors students)

HUMANITIES/ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS COURSE LIST (5 CREDITS)

(*denotes course restricted to Global Honors students)

ELECTIVE COURSES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE MAJOR (29 CREDITS)

Students are required to take five elective courses: minimum of one course from List A and minimum of one course from List B.  Remaining three courses can be any combination from list A, B, or C. Of these five courses, at least two must be laboratory (L) courses (6 credits) and one must be a field (F) course (7 credits). Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits. 100-level courses will not be accepted.

ELECTIVE COURSES FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY OPTION (29 CREDITS) BEGINNING AUTUMN 2016

In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Conservation Biology and Ecology option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.

Five courses to include at least one physical science (P) course, at least two laboratory (L) courses (TBIOL 434 and one more from List D, E, or F) and one field (F) course. Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits.

In addition, the student's capstone experience (planned with the faculty advisor) must be focused on conservation biology and/or ecology.

ELECTIVE COURSES FOR GEOSCIENCE OPTION (29 CREDITS)

In addition to the standard Environmental Science BS degree, students may complete a Geoscience option in the degree. These options allow students to obtain an interdisciplinary Environmental Science BS degree while demonstrating extra proficiency in the discipline.

Five courses to include at least one biological science (B) course, at least two laboratory (L) courses (TGEOS 337 and one more from List G or H) and one field (F) course. Some courses designated as labs on this list are not offered as labs every time; check the Registration Guide for credits.

In addition, the student's capstone experience (planned with the faculty advisor) must be focused on the geosciences.

Portfolio Requirements: Portfolios are submitted as part of course requirements for TESC 410

CHECKLIST OF PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS FOR B.S. IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE (OPTION A)

You must include all of the papers in the checklist. Papers should include instructor comments (including associated rubrics and checklists) except for the résumé and final reflection.

  • A current résumé (1 page) or expanded curriculum vitae (no more than 3 pages). For assistance with this, make an appointment at the Career Development and Education Center.
     
  • The earliest paper you wrote at UW Tacoma where you do an independent analysis of data. Examples include your final paper from TESC 140: Intro Biology III or your draft from TESC 310: Environmental Research Seminar (but only if done as an individual).
     
  • The personal reflection from TESC 310: Environmental Research Seminar.
     
  • The final paper from TESC 340: Ecology and Its Applications.
     
  • A paper that relates science to social science and/or the humanities (e.g., from your Environmental Ethics, Policy, or Law course). Include the original assignment with your paper.
     
  • The final paper/poster for your capstone project. If you have not completed your paper before the portfolio due date, submit a paper that demonstrates your ability to analyze data. If you choose the second option, include the original assignment with your paper. Posters can be submitted in either .pdf format or as a PowerPoint.
     
  • A final reflection (400-500 words), that addresses the skills you have gained as an Environmental Science major and how your education has prepared you to be a productive worker, educated citizen and lifelong learner. Give specific examples.
     
  • If none of these papers was completed in your last year of your studies, or if you have a paper you are particularly proud of, you may include an additional paper of your choice. If you submit an extra paper, you still must include the requirements listed above, and should include a copy of the original assignment.

Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software.

Workshops are available for students with deficiencies in any of these areas. (Note - Course prefixes including "&" denotes new community college common course numbering. Check with your advisor for details.)