环境科学利用自然系统的物理，化学，生物和定量方面的基础知识。关于自然系统如何工作的知识被用于解决人类活动在很大程度上造成的问题。这些问题通常以自然系统功能的紊乱为代表，因为人类改变了自己的生命支持系统，即空气，水和土壤。干扰的规模范围从分子和细胞到个人，种群，生态系统，以及区域和全球范围。
The marine emphasis connects knowledge about marine processes to broader systems such as climate, terrestrial and freshwater systems, and human communities and activities.Marine Science is a highly interdisciplinary field that seeks to understand the processes that shape our oceans and coasts. We incorporate the tools and insights of physical, chemical, biological, and geological sciences to better understand marine systems and how they interact with local and global processes and support communities.<br><br>Students can select courses in oceanography, environmental chemistry, ecology, and toxicology to build an understanding of the various human impacts on the ocean. The major includes a capstone course, where students integrate concepts from environmental science and ocean science to address marine environmental problems. It also includes an internship, senior thesis or project, or foreign study that enables students to gain experience in their chosen field.<br><br>The Marine Science Emphasis has the same preparatory courses, required credits and basic required course structure as the Environmental Science major. The Marine Science Emphasis includes courses specifically focused on oceanography and the marine environment, including topics such as marine ecology, marine conservation, climate change, and Salish Sea oceanography.