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Environmental Science, Minor

The minor in environmental science gives you the opportunity to learn about the biological, physical and chemical components of the environment and then relate them to both human and ecological health.

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About this Program

Environmental Science for a More Sustainable Future

Seattle University’s Environmental Science minor gives you the opportunity to learn about the biological, physical and chemical components of the environment and then relate them to both human and ecological health. Subjects such as marine, forest or aquatic ecology can all be explored after foundational courses in biology and chemistry are completed. To earn a minor, you’ll complete at least 30 credits in this area.

The urban region of Seattle is a great place to study environmental science. It’s one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States and is built on the shoreline of one of the world’s great estuaries, Puget Sound.

Unfortunately, urban growth and other environmental stressors have had significant environmental impacts. Managing our unique natural heritage is one of the greatest challenges faced by the region. Thankfully, the fragility of the natural systems is being addressed by federal, state and local research agencies as well as by a range of consulting companies and foundations.

In this minor you'll learn about conservation and ecological restoration, and build skills to help make an immediate impact on one of the most important—and complex—problems of our time.

What You'll Learn

  • Science Fundamentals:  Apply principles from biology, ecology, chemistry, physics, geology, mathematics, and engineering to examine the natural history, ecosystems, and environmental problems of the Pacific Northwest and to place them in a global context.
  • Experimentation: Plan, safely conduct, and document fieldwork and lab experiments that account for the spatial and temporal complexity inherent within natural systems.
  • Critical Thinking: Develop and test scientific hypotheses using critical thinking skills and contemporary tools.
  • Communication: Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences in written and oral forms using reasoning that draws from the scientific literature and is supported by data presented as figures, tables, maps, photographs, and in other graphical forms.
  • Policy: Evaluate how science can inform the development of policy to address environmental problems such as biodiversity loss, pollution, resource depletion, and climate change.
  • Teamwork: Collaborate on multidisciplinary teams that apply scientific expertise and input from diverse stakeholders to characterize and address environmental problems.
Student doing research in the forest

Research Projects with Faculty

At Seattle University, research isn’t just for graduate students. You’ll be able to collaborate with faculty researchers on projects that address contemporary problems. This real-world research prepares you for the best jobs, top graduate programs and postdoctoral training at internationally recognized institutions.

Undergraduate Research

Hear From Our Student

Roan Weinkauf

Roan Weinkauf

“Whether you want to understand the atmospheric chemistry of climate change or how fish populations are impacted by remediation, SU environmental science courses will expose you to all environmental questions. Environmental science faculty have been my primary academic support during my time at SU. Due to small class sizes, each professor not only knows who you are but actively cares about you and your future career. These professors are here for the students first and that is very clear.”

Environmental Science student

Featured Faculty

All Faculty & Staff

Discover more programs to explore

Program Directory

  • Biology, BS

    Major, Minor

    As a biology major, you’ll develop skills in critical thinking, quantitative problem-solving and scientific research to explore the wide diversity of life.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Civil Engineering, BS

    Major, Minor

    As a civil engineering major, you'll gain a foundation in math, science and humanities, developing skills to design roads and bridges. Expand your impact with an environmental specialization or minor.

    • Bachelor of Science

  • Environmental Studies, BA & BS

    Major, Minor

    As an environmental studies major, you’ll learn data analysis tools, critical thinking and communication skills to move our communities toward a more sustainable future.

    • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

  • Marine & Conservation Biology, BS

    Major

    With a major in marine and conservation biology, you’ll explore biodiversity, changing ecosystems and relevant local and global environmental issues.

    • Bachelor of Science

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about Environmental Science at Seattle University, contact:

Lyn Gualtieri, PhD

Teaching Professor Director of Environmental Science