Environmental Science
AS-T Sciences · College of the Desert · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Environmental Science Associate in Science for Transfer Degree, also called Environmental AS-T Degree, is designed to prepare students for a seamless transfer with junior status to a California State University (CSU) campus in a program or major in Environmental Science for completion of a baccalaureate degree. The program focuses on science methodology and applied analysis to study natural and human environments from an interdisciplinary perspective. The curriculum builds on natural sciences (biology, chemistry, geology, and physics), integrated social and applied science (economics, geography, and bioregional studies), and mathematics (including calculus and statistics).
This Environmental Science AS-T degree requires students to meet both of the following requirements:
- Completion of 62 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
• Cal-GETC
• A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis. All courses in the major or area of emphasis must be completed with a grade of "C" (or "P") or better.
- Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. There are no additional graduation requirements. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.
The Environmental Science AS-T Degree requires students to complete 60 CSU transferable units including completion of Cal-GETC and 41 units in the major with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better. There are no additional graduation requirements. Students are advised to consult with a counselor to verify transfer requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:
- Evaluate and analyze concepts and methods from physical and applied sciences and their application in environmental problem solving.
- Examine the relationship between ethical, cross-cultural, and historical environmental issues with anthropogenic and natural systems.
- Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative methods, qualitative analysis, critical thinking, and written and oral communication of environmental processes.
- Ability to transfer to a four-year university environmental science program.
Program Requirements
Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core | Units | |
| BI 005 | Molecular and Cell Biology | 5 |
| CH 001A | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| CH 001B | General Chemistry II | 5 |
| ECON C2001 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| G 001 | Physical Geology | 4 |
| orGEOG 001 & GEOG 001L | Physical Geographyand Physical Geography Lab | |
| G 022 | Introduction to Environmental Sciences | 3 |
| orNR 001 | Conservation of Natural Resources | |
| MATH C2210 | Calculus I: Early Transcendentals | 4 |
| PH 002A & PH 002B | College Physics Iand College Physics II | 8 |
| orPH 003A & PH 003B | Engineering Physicsand Engineering Physics | |
| STAT C1000 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 |
| Required Subtotal | 41 | |
| Cal-GETC | 34 | |
| DEGREE TOTAL | 62 | |
- Units for the major may be double counted for Cal-GETC, confer with Counselor.
Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (SB 1440).