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Undergraduate

Environmental Studies

Passionate about protecting Earth's natural resources and paving the way for future generations through protection, research and development? Environmental studies may be the best major for you.

Why Saint Martin's University?

The environmental studies program at Saint Martin's is a truly interdisciplinary program. Students have an opportunity to focus on a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree. In each of these pathways, students gain experience in a broad spectrum of environmental topics and service learning opportunities.

  • Students participate in research and internships as a fundamental part of the major.
  • Individualized tailoring of the student’s program of study to prepare them for graduate study, or careers in science and/or policy.
  • Strong commitment to an interdisciplinary approach with faculty from a variety of areas (Biology, English, Chemistry, Anthropology, History, Business, etc.).
  • Opportunities for collaborations with local businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and universities.
  • Proximity to natural resources and conservation sites, with opportunities to examine the interactions and collaborations between public and private organizations focused on environmental issues.

What to Expect at Saint Martin’s

The Environmental Studies program at Saint Martin's incorporates the Benedictine tradition of creating sustainable communities of peace for 1500 years, and benefits from our close proximity to the Washington State Department of Ecology and the state government in Olympia. We are also able to take advantage of the natural resources located immediately on our campus and close by in Western Washington.

The B.S. track is a degree centered in Biology and the fundamental scientific processes governing the environment. The degree is rooted by a broad selection of courses in ethics, service learning, social science, economics, policy, and mathematics. Additional tracks may be designed in both chemistry and mathematical modeling.

The B.A. track is a degree centered in policy and social justice issues surrounding the environment. Students receive a critical foundation in science concepts and an expansive selection of electives allows a student to focus on areas of ethics, service, economics, policy, or food sustainability.

Environmental Studies Requirements

Details on courses, including university core requirements, can be found in the academic catalog.  

  • University core requirements
  • 16 credit hours of lower-division courses
  • 15 credit hours of upper-division courses
  • 21 credit hours of elective courses

Details on courses, including university core requirements, can be found in the academic catalog.  

  • University core requirements
  • 34 credit hours of lower-division courses
  • 16 credit hours of upper-division courses
  • 15 credit hours of elective courses
  • 7 credit hours of lower-division courses
  • 12 credit hours of elective courses

Environmental Studies at a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Program Type
Major
Minor
Campus
Main (Lacey)
Type of Instruction
In Person
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Resources
What can I do with this major?

Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences

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Transformative outcomes

Career paths

  • Research and development
  • Biotechnology and bioinformatics
  • State and federal government
  • Botany
  • Marine biology
  • Genetics
  • Agriculture
  • Environmental protection
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Supportive community

Faculty

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College of Arts and Sciences

Spanning the arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, and characterized by an educational environment that is both rigorous and supportive, the College of Arts and Sciences offers 20 undergraduate major programs and 20 minor programs.

Next steps

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