Environmental Studies, B.A./Environmental Science, B.S.

The Whitworth environmental studies program allows you to investigate environmental issues from a multitude of perspectives and in a variety of ways – from the classroom and the lab to the field. The curriculum takes a rich interdisciplinary approach and goes beyond biology and policy to incorporate sociology and theology. In particular, the environmental studies program places a robust emphasis on the theological foundation for caring for God's creation. This program will help you think critically about some of the most pressing questions of our day, while enhancing your marketability across a variety of careers.

Why major in environmental studies at Whitworth?

Learn from passionate professors who come from a variety of disciplines and care deeply for the environment. Their varied backgrounds provide you with a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted nature of environmental stewardship.
Gain hands-on experience in an array of courses by measuring ecosystems in the field, engaging with the community about environmental issues, and working in the lab to make safer and more sustainable products.
Go off campus and explore the world from an environmental perspective – you'll have several Jan Term programs to choose from. In addition, many semester courses have field experiences including community gardening, forest ecology and work with local elementary schools.
Connect your faith or worldview to your learning. This program takes seriously the mandate to serve and protect God's good earth. Our Redemption of Creation and Theology & Ecology courses emphasize the connections between our relationship with God and our responsibility to care for the things God cares about.
Apply what you're learning to your life by considering the environmental impact of your personal and professional decisions.
Develop community with other students who care about environmental issues. The environmental studies program is closely engaged with Kipos, the university's environmental justice club.
Become who you're meant to be.

Our environmental studies grads make a difference (and get jobs)

This program provides students with a broad perspective that makes them more competitive in their pursuit of careers. Employers are increasingly concerned with the environmental impacts of their endeavors, and they hire accordingly. Many career options exist within government agencies, manufacturing and land-development companies, environmental consulting companies, and conservation organizations. Our graduates are also well prepared for graduate education is such subjects as wildlife science, marine biology, forestry, environmental chemistry and environmental law.

Recent job placements include:

Justyce Brant, tree steward, Lands Council, Spokane
Lauren Christensen, environmental specialist, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Eastpoint, Fla.
Jane Holmes, large carnivore handler, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Camp Verde, Ariz.
Linnea Howard, wildlife biologist, Torrey Pines Environmental, San Diego, Calif.
Adrianna Horsey, community environmental educator, Lutheran Volunteer Corps
Whit Jester, outreach facilitator, environmental justice and equity workgroup, Spokane City Council, Spokane
Brock Peterson, stream technician, U.S. Forrest Service, John Day, Ore.

Our recent environmental studies grads further their studies in top graduate programs at institutions including:

University of Washington, School of Environmental & Forest Sciences
Oklahoma State University, Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management
Washington State University, School of the Environment
Princeton Theological Seminary
Whitworth University, Masters in Teaching

Pack your bags!

Our Jan Term programs travel locally as well as into the high Cascades and to the Costa Rican rainforest. The Costa Rica Field Ecology course emphasizes the interface between societies and the environment. Students live with residents of a small fishing village and learn from them about their livelihood and how to better care for ocean resources, all while practicing field research techniques in rainforest and intertidal environments.

Ask our faculty

Ask Grant

Associate Professor Grant Casady specializes in ecology and environmental science.

Ask Jonathan

Professor of Theology Jonathan Moo's areas of expertise include environmental studies.

Ask Vange

Associate Professor Vange Ocasio specializes in international economics and development.

Ask Bi

Assistant Professor of Political Science Bi Zhao specializes in international cooperation, global environmental governance and non-state actors in international politics.