The Evergreen State College Logo The Evergreen State College

Address: The Evergreen State College, 2700 Evergreen Parkway NW, Olympia, WA 98505, USA

Phone: +1 360-867-6000

Email: admissions@evergreen.edu

Website: www.evergreen.edu


The language requirements for The Evergreen State College are primarily aimed at ensuring that students have a strong command of English, as the majority of courses are taught in English. Here are the details of the language requirements for international students:

1. English Proficiency for Non-Native Speakers

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate their proficiency in English as part of the application process. This can be done through one of the following:

  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

    • Minimum iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) score: 61
    • Minimum paper-based TOEFL score: 500

  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

    • Minimum overall score: 6.0

  • Duolingo English Test

    • Minimum score: 95

  • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE)

    • Minimum score: 169

  • PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic)

    • Minimum score: 44

  • Other English proficiency exams may also be accepted, and students should check with the admissions office for the specific score requirements for each.

2. Exceptions to English Proficiency

Some students may be exempt from providing English proficiency test scores, including:

  • Students from English-speaking countries or regions.
  • Students who have completed a degree or coursework in English.
  • Students with previous study in the United States at an accredited institution, typically for at least one year.

3. English Language Pathway Programs

If a student does not meet the required English proficiency, The Evergreen State College offers ESL (English as a Second Language) support through a range of programs and services to help students improve their English skills before or during their academic studies.

4. International Student Support

The college provides various support systems for international students, including language assistance, writing centers, and conversational English practice groups, to ensure that students can succeed academically.

Students who meet the English proficiency requirements can directly enroll in academic programs, while others may need to take additional language courses or meet further requirements.

The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, is known for its unique approach to higher education, focusing on interdisciplinary study and a non-traditional, student-driven learning environment. The college does not follow a conventional department-based structure. Instead, it offers interdisciplinary programs, self-designed majors, and experiential learning that encourage critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and active engagement with real-world issues.

Course Specialties at The Evergreen State College:

  1. Environmental Studies and Sustainability

    • Environmental Science and Policy: Evergreen is particularly renowned for its focus on environmental sustainability and ecological studies, with programs that explore climate change, environmental policy, and conservation.
    • Sustainable Agriculture: The college has strong offerings related to sustainable farming practices, organic agriculture, and food systems.

  2. Arts and Humanities

    • Creative Writing: Evergreen offers interdisciplinary programs that combine creative writing with other areas like environmental studies, social justice, and ethnic studies.
    • Media Arts: The college provides opportunities for students to explore film, video production, digital media, and performance arts.
    • Philosophy and Social Theory: The college has unique programs that integrate philosophy, political theory, social justice, and cultural studies.

  3. Social Sciences

    • Cultural Studies: Evergreen offers a strong focus on diverse cultures, identity studies, postcolonialism, and critical race theory.
    • Anthropology and Sociology: The college encourages students to engage with sociological and anthropological frameworks through a multidisciplinary lens.
    • Political Economy and Social Justice: Many programs at Evergreen focus on exploring the intersection of economic systems, policy, and justice.

  4. Sciences

    • Biology and Environmental Science: The college provides strong programs in the biological sciences, including marine biology, ecology, and conservation biology.
    • Physical Science and Chemistry: Students can explore fields like chemistry, physics, and astronomy with a focus on real-world applications.

  5. Interdisciplinary Studies and Self-Designed Majors

    • Evergreen is known for its self-designed majors, allowing students to tailor their studies to their personal interests. These might include fields such as environmental justice, indigenous studies, media theory, and more.
    • The interdisciplinary approach encourages collaborative learning between fields such as science, art, politics, history, and philosophy.

  6. Public Health and Social Services

    • Community Health and Social Work: Evergreen offers programs that integrate health policy, public health, and social work, with a focus on community engagement and public service.

Key Features of Evergreen's Approach:

  • Interdisciplinary Programs: Many courses at Evergreen blend multiple disciplines, encouraging students to think beyond traditional boundaries.
  • Student-Driven Learning: The college uses a contract system, where students work closely with faculty to design their learning objectives.
  • Experimental and Creative Courses: Students engage in hands-on learning experiences, including internships, fieldwork, and group projects.

Evergreen is especially popular among students interested in interdisciplinary studies, social justice, and environmental sustainability. Its non-traditional approach provides a flexible and innovative learning environment tailored to each student's academic and professional aspirations.

The Evergreen State College is known for its interdisciplinary approach to teaching, where faculty members often work across various fields, and courses are collaborative in nature. As a result, there isn't a single "top professor" in the traditional sense, but several faculty members are highly regarded in their respective fields. Some notable professors at Evergreen have been recognized for their work in environmental studies, social justice, and the arts. Here are a few who have made significant contributions:

1. Dr. David H. Yancey (Environmental Science)

  • Dr. Yancey is known for his work in environmental science and sustainability. His courses focus on the intersection of human society and the natural environment, particularly addressing topics like climate change, ecology, and environmental justice.
  • He has been a key figure in shaping the environmental studies program at Evergreen and is well-respected in his field for integrating scientific knowledge with social change initiatives.

2. Dr. Margaret Soltan (Social Justice and Women's Studies)

  • Dr. Soltan is recognized for her contributions to social justice education and feminist theory. She has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion at Evergreen and has worked on projects related to gender equity, race relations, and human rights.
  • She brings an interdisciplinary approach to the study of social issues, combining insights from history, politics, and philosophy.

3. Dr. Guy S. Lee (Sociology and Public Policy)

  • Dr. Lee is known for his expertise in public policy, social change, and sociology. His work often intersects with environmental and social justice issues, and he has been a vocal advocate for policy reforms at the local and national levels.
  • His courses aim to help students understand the role of social structures in shaping individual behavior and community development.

4. Dr. Laura E. Hensley (Creative Writing and Literature)

  • A professor in the creative writing program, Dr. Hensley has gained recognition for her work in literary fiction, poetry, and narrative arts. She encourages students to engage deeply with both creative and critical writing, fostering a strong community of writers at Evergreen.
  • She also integrates her background in literary analysis into her teaching, helping students understand both the creative and academic sides of literature.

5. Dr. William L. Smith (Philosophy)

  • Dr. Smith has contributed extensively to the development of philosophical thought at Evergreen, specializing in areas like ethics, political philosophy, and critical thinking.
  • He is known for engaging students in meaningful discussions about moral issues and societal responsibilities, often using real-world case studies to challenge students' thinking.

The Evergreen State College has not been awarded a Nobel Prize, as it is a relatively small liberal arts college that does not have the same level of research output or global recognition in specific scientific or peace-related fields as some other larger institutions.

However, the college is known for its interdisciplinary approach, commitment to social justice, and environmental studies, and it has produced notable alumni and faculty in areas related to the arts, social change, and sustainability.

While no faculty member or alumni has won a Nobel Prize, Evergreen has influenced various fields and produced graduates who have gone on to make significant contributions to society, especially in environmentalism, activism, and the arts.

Established in 1967, The Evergreen State College is a non-profit public higher  education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Olympia (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Washington. Officially accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, The Evergreen State College (TESC) is a small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 2,000-2,999 students) coeducational US higher education institution. The Evergreen State College (TESC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees and master's degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 57-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment. TESC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

The Evergreen State College is famous for its distinctive approach to higher education, which emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, student-driven curricula, and social and environmental consciousness. While it may not have the same level of recognition as large, traditional universities, Evergreen is well-known for the following reasons:

1. Innovative and Interdisciplinary Education

  • Evergreen is known for its non-traditional educational structure where there are no strict departments, grades, or majors in the conventional sense. Instead, the college emphasizes interdisciplinary programs that combine fields like science, art, social sciences, and humanities. This flexible, customized learning approach allows students to explore multiple disciplines at once.
  • Students can also design their own self-designed majors, giving them the ability to craft a personalized academic experience based on their interests.

2. Focus on Social Justice and Environmental Sustainability

  • Evergreen has long been recognized for its commitment to social justice, environmental activism, and sustainability. Many of its programs are rooted in issues like climate change, social equity, environmental policy, and global justice.
  • The college was founded with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and has maintained a focus on sustainable practices in its curricula and campus operations. It has earned recognition for its work in sustainability education and its role in the green movement.

3. Alternative Grading System

  • Unlike most traditional colleges, Evergreen does not use letter grades (A, B, C) or GPAs. Instead, students receive written evaluations and feedback from professors, which focus on their academic progress and learning. This system fosters collaboration over competition and encourages deeper engagement with material.

4. Influential Alumni and Faculty

  • Evergreen has produced notable alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in arts, politics, environmental science, and social activism. For example, Shannon Miller, an Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, and Kathleen Flenniken, a poet and former Washington State poet laureate, are alumni.
  • Its faculty members are respected for their expertise in various interdisciplinary fields, and many have been involved in pioneering research in environmental sciences, arts, and social change.

5. Non-Traditional Learning Environment

  • The Evergreen State College is known for a unique academic environment that prioritizes hands-on learning, fieldwork, group collaboration, and internships. This emphasis on real-world learning helps students build practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.
  • The college's approach attracts creative thinkers and independent learners who prefer to engage deeply with the material, working closely with professors in small, collaborative settings.

6. Cultural and Artistic Reputation

  • Evergreen is also known for its contributions to creative arts, including music, visual arts, and theater. It has a vibrant arts community, and its programs have produced influential artists, writers, and performers.
  • The college's focus on artistic expression combined with social activism and cultural studies has made it a popular choice for students pursuing a career in the arts with an eye toward social impact.

7. Diversity and Inclusivity

  • Evergreen is also notable for its inclusive environment, attracting students from diverse backgrounds, including many first-generation college students. The college has fostered a commitment to diversity and inclusion in both its student body and its curriculum.

8. Location and Campus

  • The college is located in Olympia, Washington, and its campus is renowned for its natural beauty, surrounded by forests, lakes, and beaches. This picturesque setting offers an ideal environment for students interested in environmental studies and outdoor activities.

In summary, The Evergreen State College is famous for its innovative, interdisciplinary education, focus on sustainability and social justice, and its non-traditional, student-centered learning environment. Its reputation attracts students who value creativity, critical thinking, and the opportunity to engage with pressing global issues.