Master of
Environmental Studies Prerequisite Requirements
Students are expected to have coursework in statistics, social science, and natural science. These prerequisites are covered by the completion of foundational courses in relevant subject areas, certificates, job skills, volunteer time, or other transferable skills. Please speak to us if you are unsure if you meet the prerequisites.
Statistics
An introductory statistics course or equivalent should fulfill this requirement. The course must include elementary descriptive and inferential statistics, including:
Natural Science
This pre-requisite prepares students to understand scientific processes and the study of physical or life science through observation and/or experimentation. Relevant courses include:
• basic probability
• Biology
• binomial and/or normal distributions
• Ecology
• null hypothesis testing and p-values
• Geology
• some specific tests (e.g., t-test,
• Chemistry
chi-square test, regression)
• Physics • Earth System Science
Social Science
This prerequisite prepares students to understand social systems and how societies work. Relevant courses include: • Economics • Sociology • Political Science • Anthropology • Human Geography Depending on the course's focus, courses in history, native studies, and/or ethnic studies might also satisfy this prerequisite.
• Climate Science These courses must be completed within the five years prior to starting MES. Transcripts must show a 2.0 GPA or satisfactory narrative evaluation. Four (4) quarter hour or three (3) semester hour credits are required for each discipline. Coursework may be lower or upper division.
Complete Your Prerequisites
at Evergreen
Earn Credits as a Non-Admitted Student You can take up to 8 credits at Evergreen without applying for undergraduate admission. Find out more about enrolling as a Non-admitted Student. evergreen.edu/admissions-and-aid/special-student
Get Course Approval
If you find a course that you think fulfills our prerequisite requirements, you can always email us with the link to review it before you register.
Waiving Prerequisites
You can petition to waive the prerequisites by submitting a detailed written statement outlining your experience and how it meets the requirements of the prerequisite coursework. Statements should include the type of work, duration of work, and/or the level of work (leadership or support role). The admission committee will review these with your MES application.
admissions@evergreen.edu
Financial Aid for Prerequisites
If you have been conditionally-admitted to MES and need take more than 6-credits of prerequisites, you may be eligible for financial aid. Contact Financial Aid for more information. evergreen.edu/admissions-and-aid/financial-aid
Evening classes; work while earning your degree
Team-taught classes with a 15:1 studentto-faculty ratio
Completion in two years (full-time) or three years (part-time)
Independent study, summer electives, and internship options
Affordable tuition; scholarships available
All undergraduate majors welcome
Learn more: evergreen.edu/mes
mescommunications@evergreen.edu • (360) 742-8746
The Evergreen State College has been accredited continuously by the Northwest
Commission on Colleges and Universities since receiving initial accreditation in 1974.
The Commission most recently reaffirmed Evergreen’s accreditation in 2026.