Earth System Science (ESS) is an interdisciplinary field of study that examines the physical and chemical nature of the environment in various media (as well as atmosphere, rivers, lakes, oceans, soils, and lithosphere), their interaction with each other and with biological systems. ESS emphasizes the examination of human impacts on these complex environmental processes and the long term sustainability of living systems.
Earth System Science Pathway Requirements
Degree Requirements
Environmental Science Core Requirements (27 Credits)
ESS Core Course Requirements (15 Credits)
ESS Distribution Requirements (25 Credits)
Capstone (13 Credits)
General Electives (10 Credits)
TOTAL = 90 Credits
*Should be taken in the first quarter of IAS enrollment.
**Students admitted to the BS in Environmental Science Spring 2010 or earlier do not need to take BIS 499. They may complete their Capstone Requirement solely through BES 462, 463, and 464 or 10 credits of approved Independent Research.
School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (IAS) Requirements & Policies
Interdisciplinary Practice & Reflection (IPR)
Within the above-listed 90 credits, students must complete the IPR requirement.
Areas of Knowledge
25 credits must be completed in each Area of Knowledge. At least 10 credits in each Area must be completed in courses offered by UW Bothell. The Areas of Knowledge are: Visual, Literary and Performing Arts (VLPA), Individuals and Societies (I&S), and Natural World (NW).
Multiply-designated courses may not be double-counted as fulfilling two Areas of Knowledge. Courses may apply to both an Area of Knowledge requirement and an ESS major requirement.
Lower Division Credit Policy
Up to 35 credits of lower division (100-200 level) coursework taken at UW Bothell may be applied toward designated requirements within the 90 program credits. Please contact an IAS adviser for details.
Matriculated status
With the exception of the General Electives, courses taken to satisfy ESS major requirements must be completed in matriculated status.
Admitted prior to Autumn Quarter, 2012?
Students admitted to the ESS major prior to Autumn 2012 may be eligible to complete an older set of major requirements. Students with questions about their major requirements should contact an IAS adviser.
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Science (ES) Core & Affiliate Faculty and Staff
Warren Gold (faculty coordinator), Christy Cherrier, Steve Collins, Rob Estes, Martha Groom, Cinnamon Hillyard, Dan Jaffe, Santiago Lopez, Becca Price, Dave Stokes, Rob Turner, and Kim Williams-Guillen.