Information for Environmental Science Major Transfer Students

In the Puget Sound area, there are a number of different pathways to the study of the environment. The University of Washington has a variety of programs across several colleges within the university. There are also programs at Western Washington University, Seattle University, UW Bothell, UW Tacoma and the University of Puget Sound.

The study of the environment usually requires a strong foundation in math and science, as well as English composition. The specific required courses can vary widely among programs. It is imperative that students research options and identify the programs that match their interests. Some programs are interdisciplinary in nature, drawing from a wide range of subjects. Others focus more narrowly on a particular aspect of the environmental spectrum.

Science courses required by many environmental science programs

General chemistry with lab:	BCC CHEM& 161, 162, 163 (Prior to Su '08 CHEM 140, 150, 160)
Organic chemistry with lab:	BCC CHEM& 261, 262, & 263 (Prior to Su '08 CHEM 231, 232, 243)
Introductory biology with lab:	BCC BIOL& 211, 212, 213 (Prior to Su '08 BIOL 201, 202, 203)
General physics with lab:	BCC Physics 114, 115, 116

English/Humanities/Social Sciences:
Beyond the required science courses, English composition and some specific humanities and social science courses may be required. English assessment is required for English composition placement. Placement into a lower English level will increase the time needed to complete the prerequisites. Some programs require that students speak a second language. Students should check with the individual schools to which they plan to apply to verify which classes are required.

Math:
Most programs require at least one quarter of calculus and many require two quarters. Math assessment is required and your placement score will determine at what level you may begin math classes. Placement into lower level math will increase the time needed to complete the prerequisites. A statistics course may also be required.

Sample schedule for BCC with Associate in Science Track I

	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
Year 1	CHEM&161(6) ENGL& 101(5) MATH&151(5)	CHEM&162(6) Elective (1) MATH&152(5)	CHEM&163(6) MATH 130 (5) Humanities (5)
Year 2	BIOL&211 (6) PHYS 114 (6) Soc Sci (5)	BIOL& 212 (6) PHYS 115 (6) Hum/SocSci (5)	BIOL& 213 (6) PHYS 116 (6)

The above sample schedule provides 90 credits and does not include any lower math, English, or other classes which may be needed to bring skills up to college level. Math 120 or placement by assessment is required for Math 124. The AS degree may not be the best choice for the program to which you are planning to transfer. The Associate in Arts and Sciences might be best.

Sample schedule for BCC with Associate in Arts and Sciences

	Fall	Winter	Spring	Summer
Year 1	CHEM&161(6) ENGL&101 (5)) MATH&151(5))	CHEM&162(6)) ENGL201 (5)) MATH&152(5)	CHEM&163(6)) Soc Sci (5)) MATH 130 (5)
Year 2	BIOL& 211 (6)) Humanities (5)) Soc Sci (5)	BIOL& 212 (6)) Soc Sci (5)) Humanities (5)	BIOL& 213 (6)) Humanities (5)) Elective (5)

Advising is critically important. Students should always check with the schools to which they are planning to apply to verify prerequisites. Some schools and programs may have foreign language requirements. It is important to maintain a high GPA and to keep options open in case you do not get admitted to your first choice of schools or programs.

Job Opportunities
Environmental studies can lead to a variety of careers including research, law and policy, planning, land use management and education. If you are unsure of the job opportunities within the field of environmental science, visit the Career Center at BCC on the second floor of the Student Services Building. There is a wealth of information and services available to students who are exploring career fields.

Application
Application materials can be obtained by contacting the individual schools. Be sure to check deadlines and specific requirements of the individual schools and programs.

Websites for more information
University of Washington depts.washington.edu/enviro
Western Washington University www.ac.wwu.edu/~huxley/
Seattle University www.seattleu.edu/artsci/eco/
University of Puget Sound www.ups.edu
UW Bothell www.bothell.washington.edu
UW Tacoma www.tacoma.washington.edu/ias

For advising appointments contact the BCC Science Division office, L 200, 425-564-2321.

BCC reaffirms its policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran. Please visit http://bellevuecollege.edu/equal.asp

Bellevue Community College
Bellevue Community College Advising Center
Bellevue Community College Science Division

This page most recently modified on 4/27/08.