The thesis option of the MA degree in Environmental Studies at Western Washington University?requires satisfactory completion of a research project emphasizing original theoretical or applied research and resulting in a comprehensive written thesis, grounded in the appropriate literature. The candidate will provide a public seminar based on the thesis, after an oral defense and acceptance of the thesis by the candidate's thesis committee.

The scale and scope of work for the project option will be commensurate with the scale and scope of work for the thesis option. The project option requires satisfactory completion of an applied project emphasizing a tangible product and a comprehensive individual written report on the project from each candidate. Each candidate will also provide an individual public seminar based on the project, after an oral defense and acceptance of the project by the candidate's project committee.