Environmental Science (A.S.)

Division of Biology, Chemistry & Physics — Curriculum Code 2207

Will Earn Upon Program Completion: Associate in Science (A.S.) Degree

The Environmental Science degree program provides an opportunity for students interested in the environment and related fields to complete introductory course work in this area. The major will begin to prepare students for careers in the environmental, remediation, petroleum, and civil engineering fields as laboratory technicians, field analysts, and environmental technicians. The curriculum is similar to the first two years of bachelor’s degree programs at four-year colleges and universities. Emphasis is placed on the scientific method and critical analysis that will enable the student to be a contributor to any scientific team.

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About this A.S. in Environmental Science degree

Are there any requirements I must satisfy before I start taking courses in my major?

Based on your placement test scores, you may have to take developmental courses in reading, English and/or mathematics before you begin taking the core curriculum courses in your major. In addition, if you are at the final level of remediation of English and mathematics, you may take either BIO 100 or CHM 100. While neither count toward graduation in this major, these courses will provide an introduction to basic biology and chemistry concepts that will prepare you for higher-level courses required in this program.

If I major in Environmental Science, can I transfer to an upper-division college or university?

The Environmental Science degree program prepares you for transfer to four-year institutions to pursue a bachelor’s degree. ECC’s transfer/articulation agreements with four-year institutions provide smooth transfer for our A.S. graduates.

How long will it take for me to complete this degree?

If you do not need developmental coursework and you register for an average of 16 credits each semester, you can complete the program in two years.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Describe the key chemical and physical components of air, land, and water and the natural processes and human activities that affect them;
  • Collect, manage, analyze, and interpret data from laboratory and field measurements and the literature;
  • Apply knowledge and skills from across STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines towards real-world environmental issues at the local, regional, and global levels; and
  • Demonstrate effective communication of technical information in oral, written, and electronic formats.

Where should I direct specific questions about this program?

Call the Division at (973) 877-3222.

Program Requirements

General Education Requirements (33 credits)

Written & Oral Communication (6 credits)
ENG 101 (3 credits)
ENG 102 (3 credits)

Quantitative Knowledge & Skills (4 credits)
MTH 100 (4 credits)

Scientific Knowledge & Reasoning (8 credits)
BIO 103 (4 credits)
BIO 104 (4 credits)

Society & Human Behavior (6 credits)
Choose two of the following courses: ANT 101, ANT 105, ECO 101, ECO 102, POL 101, POL 104, PSY 101, PSY 102, PSY 219, SOC 101, SOC 108, or SOC 219 (two 3-credit courses)

Note: ECO 102 is recommended.

Humanistic Perspective (6 credits)
Choose one of the following literature courses: ENG 205, ENG 208, ENG 215, ENG 221, ENG 222, ENG 232, ENG 237, ENG 238, ENG 242, ENG 250, ENG 263, or ENG 264 (one 3-credit course)
AND
Choose one of the following art or music courses: ART 100, ART 101, ART 102, MUS 100, MUS 108, MUS 109, or MUS 117 (one 3-credit course)

Historical Perspective (3 credits)
Choose one of the following history courses: HST 101, HST 102, HST 111, HST 112, HST 121, HST 122, HST 131, HST 132, HST 134, HST 135, HST 136, HST 137, HST 161, or HST 162 (one 3-credit course)

Major Course Requirements (28 credits)

CHM 103 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
CHM 104 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
GEO 101 Rocks, Minerals & Fossils (4 credits)
GEO 102 Land Processes & Natural Disasters (4 credits)
BIO 220 Introduction to Environmental Science (4 credits)
MTH 101 Statistics & Probability I (4 credits)
Choose ONE course from the following:
BIO 225 Plant Science (4 credits)
or
BIO 230 Ecology and Evolution (4 credits)

Note: The minimum passing grade for all courses designated BIO, CHM, MTH or GEO is “C.” If you earn a grade below “C,” you must repeat that course.

Recommended Sequence of Courses

Total Credits Required for Degree: 61

First Semester
BIO 103 General Biology I (4 credits)
ENG 101 College Composition I (3 credits)
GEO 101 Rocks, Minerals & Fossils (4 credits)
MTH 100 Introductory College Mathematics (4 credits)

Second Semester
BIO 104 General Biology II (4 credits)
ENG 102 College Composition II (3 credits)
GEO 102 Surface Processes & Natural Disasters (4 credits)
MTH 101 Statistics and Probability I (4 credits)
Society & Human Behavior requirement (one 3-credit course)

Third Semester
CHM 103 General Chemistry I (4 credits)
BIO 220  Introduction to Environmental Science (4 credits)
Society & Human Behavior requirement (one 3-credit course)
Humanistic Perspective literature requirement (one 3-credit course)

Fourth Semester
CHM 104 General Chemistry II (4 credits)
BIO 225 Plant Science (4 credits) or BIO 230 Ecology and Evolution (4 credits)
Humanistic Perspective art or music requirement (one 3-credit course)
Historical Perspective requirement (one 3-credit course)

NOTES:

(1) The two General Education Integrated Course Goals, Ethical Reasoning & Action and Information Literacy, are both addressed by the required curriculum described above, regardless of specific choices made by the individual student.

(2) This plan assumes the completion of all required developmental courses in Reading, English, and Mathematics as well as other pre-requisites and co-requisites for some of the courses, as listed in the Course Descriptions section.

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