Science

Western Washington University offers a Masters program in Geology that aims to prepare students for professional employment in geoscience careers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond or for continuing graduate studies at the doctoral level. We specialize in structure/tectonics, petrology, volcanology, geomorphology, geophysics, hydrogeology and environmental/engineering geology, geothermal energy, sedimentology, planetary geology, and geoscience education. This program normally leads to employment in consulting firms; in local, state, or federal government resource-based or planning agencies; and in teaching at community colleges or at a secondary level. The degree also serves as a foundation for graduate studies beyond the M.S. level, and for those interested in pursuing related careers, such as environmental law, natural resource management, or policy. The Department encourages an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach.

Do you love maps? Are you comfortable with spatial problem solving? Do you enjoy the combination of art and science that goes into cartography? Are you curious about how spatial data can be used to explain the patterns and processes behind environmental issues? If so, then a Graduate Geographic Information Science Certificate will be a valuable addition to your graduate education. Come join us as we work together to map our world! The Geographic Information Science Certificate provides students with in-depth training in Geographic Information Science theory and techniques. Through an intensive series of courses in GIS, statistics, and remote sensing and the completion of original research projects, students will gain advanced skills in the development, management, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. The certificate prepares students for careers as geospatial analysts and GIS technicians.

The Experimental Psychology program provides an excellent preparation and foundation for students wishing to enter a psychology Ph.D. program. Our graduate program is based on a mentorship model in which each incoming student is paired with a faculty member with similar scholarly interests who will advise and mentor the student on his/her academic progress and scholarly activities. Graduates will have a solid background in research design, quantitative methods, and expertise in a specific research area.

The MA degree in Environmental Studies prepares students to address complex environmental problems using a highly interdisciplinary approach and significant student-faculty design of the course of study. Students gain proficiency in critical analysis, development, conservation, and management frameworks of environmental studies for careers in business, government, planning, consulting, teaching, and research.

The purpose of the Marine and Estuarine Science program (MESP) is to provide a coherent program of study in coastal marine and estuarine sciences at the M.S. level. This program focuses resources of existing Master's programs in the College of the Environment and the Department of Biology. It is a research-oriented program in the marine and estuarine sciences. Human impact on coastal marine and estuarine systems cannot be properly evaluated without a scientific understanding of their fundamental physical, chemical, and biological processes.

The Environmental Sciences program prepares future professionals to deal with the complex array of environmental problems, by bringing together various disciplinary insights and skills. We will develop scientists who can analyze environmental changes and participate in management decisions. Our scientists will be able to respond to public demands for greater protection of environmental quality by developing and using state-of the-art tools and techniques for evaluation, management, remediation and restoration. Program specializations include: Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Energy-Environmental Systems Those interested in a Marine and Estuarine Science specialization should apply to the MESP Environmental Science program.

Demand is increasing for a trained energy workforce in Washington in an emerging clean energy economy, including growing energy efficiency, grid modernization, and energy storage industries in the state. Success in this growing field requires an understanding of the policy context of energy-related decision making.

The Data Science for Environmental Applications Certificate is a nine-month online program geared towards those pursuing a career in data analysis and modeling. Environmental professionals need to be able to make sense of large and complex data. Learning to handle, visualize, analyze, and make predictions with big data is a prerequisite for careful decision-making in agencies, non-governmental organizations, and consulting.

The faculty and staff of the Computer Science Department are dedicated to training and preparing students to become computer scientists. We believe that computer science has been and will continue to contribute greatly to all disciplines of study and world economy. Students in the Accelerated Computer Science BS/MS program begin their graduate work as undergraduate Computer Science Honors students. Core courses are taken during the senior year, and count toward both the BS and MS degrees. The MS can then be completed in one year with 36-37 additional credits. We provide a high quality education to prepare students for productive careers in industry, academia, and government in a nourishing environment for teaching, learning, and research in the theory and applications of computing. This training is offered under the direction of the Graduate School at Western Washington University. Students in the graduate program in the Computer Science take courses on computer science theory, concepts, and practice and in research projects. Students graduating from our program will have the ability to apply computing knowledge and mathematics to real world problems. They will be able to analyze problems and identify the computing requirements appropriate to its solution. Students will master the design-implementation-evaluation cycle for computer-based systems, processes, components, or programs to meet desired goals. Our program provides students with an understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security and social issues and responsibilities. Our excellent preparation for our students will have a profound impact on the future of humanity.