Study Programs
Seattle University offers eight study programs at the undergraduate level aimed at developing a career that advances sustainability.
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The Environmental Studies degree prepares you for a career in environmental education, urban planning, environmental journalism, natural resource management, park management, ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, corporate sustainability and environmental consulting.
You can choose a specialization in:
- Politics, Policy, and Justice
- Urban Sustainability
- Environmental Education and Communication
How can we sustainably manage and restore our marine and terrestrial ecosystems? Gain knowledge and skills in the physical, sociological and environmental sciences to understand the science and best practices needed to maintain the integrity of our ecosystems. This specialization earns you a BS degree, opening unique opportunities for your career.
Embarking on a minor in environmental studies opens a gateway to understanding the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings. As a minor, you explore critical environmental issues, from climate change to conservation, and delve into the sustainable practices shaping our world. This interdisciplinary pursuit involves insights from science, policy, and ethics, providing a holistic view of environmental challenges. You gain practical knowledge on how individuals and societies can contribute to ecological well-being. A minor in environmental studies not only enhances your awareness of pressing global concerns but also equips you with the tools to be an informed advocate for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with the planet.
The Environmental Specialization within the BS in Civil Engineering emphasizes civil engineering skills relevant to problems that relate to both the built and natural environments. The program combines our standard coursework in engineering mechanics, soils, water resources, environmental engineering and project management with specialized courses in environmental biology, water supply and hazardous waste. With this ABET-accredited civil engineering degree, you can contribute to cleaning contaminated water, managing critical water resources, addressing challenges of air pollution, reclaiming habitats for endangered species and remediating polluted sites.
Add a minor in environmental engineering and broaden your career impact. This minor is available for students not majoring in civil engineering. To earn a minor, you’ll complete at least 30 credits in this area.
Explore how to address global challenges through both technical and non-technical means by studying Humanitarian Engineering. Focus on developing sustainable solutions in areas of need like food, water, shelter, energy and healthcare, while engaging with ideas surrounding global development, ethics, community engagement and sustainability. You might even develop some foreign language skills along the way.
The bachelor of science in marine and conservation biology (MCON) helps you develop an appreciation for the marine environments, ecology, and conservation efforts. As you pursue the degree, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about biodiversity, organismal biology, physiology and ecosystems and to participate in research projects where you will get hands-on experience in the areas you’re studying. The major is designed for you to focus on exploring biodiversity, the changing dynamics of ecosystems, global environments and more.
This degree also has an education abroad component, where you will encounter different habitats, take coursework, and gain research experience at one of the many available sites across the globe. Plus, Seattle's proximity to mountain ranges, old growth forests, lakes, and rivers, as well as the marine habitats of Puget Sound and the open coast serve as living laboratories for our courses and research endeavors.
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geospatial Technology Certificate focuses on the collection, analysis, management and communication of geographic data. This undergraduate program provides Seattle University students from any discipline and wide range of backgrounds with hands-on, valuable experience and skills to:
- Develop expertise in industry-standard GIS software (such as ArcGIS online, Esri Field Maps) and data collection tools (such as GPS, aerial imagery and remote sensing)
- Formulate and appropriately characterize geographic problems
- Plan and execute ground and remote-sensing based data collection efforts
- Evaluate and apply spatial analysis methods for addressing social and environmental problems
- Develop maps and other data visualizations (such as ArcGIS StoryMaps) that professionally highlight important geographic relationships