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Environmental Science - AS

A.S. Degree Major Degrees and Certificates A-Z · College of the Siskiyous · 2026-2027 Catalog

Credits: 19.0 - 23.0 credits

Environmental science is a multidisciplinary branch of science that focuses on understanding environmental systems, identifying and addressing human impacts on the environment, and connecting sound science to policy decisions. The Environmental Science major at COS will challenge students to strengthen their understanding of the life and physical sciences, and takes advantage of the rich environmental science laboratory we live in by engaging students in local environmental study and issues. This program will provide a foundation in the field and/or preparation for students who intend to transfer to a four year institution, but note that transfer programs in environmental science are very diverse and students should work closely with a counselor to ensure they are on track. There are many exciting careers available to people with an environmental science background including the following: environmental scientist, geoscientists, hydrologist, environmental consultant, energy consultant, conservation scientists, environmental education, environmental technician, forester, teacher, and energy technician. Many of these careers require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Program Requirements

CourseTitleUnits
Environmental Science -- AS: Complete all of the following19-23
Important: To obtain the Associate in Science Degree in Environmental Science, students must complete the following requirements with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0:
The College of the Siskiyous General Education pattern (COSGE) requirements.
As part of the GE classes required for completion of the degree, students should plan to take English C1000 and complete the Math competency requirement their first year.
Any needed electives to reach a total of 60 COS degree applicable units.
Complete3-4
BIO 1400Environmental Principles3
ENVS 1002Environmental Science4
Biology & Chemistry: Students may take a combination of either BIO2100 and BIO2200 OR CHEM2000 and CHEM2100.10
BIO 2100General Biology I: The Unity of Life5
BIO 2200General Biology II: The Diversity of Life & Ecology5
CHEM 2000General Chemistry I5
CHEM 2100General Chemistry II5
Other Major Requirements - Complete at least 2 classes from the following.6-9
Students should work with a counselor to choose courses that are aligned with their transfer goals and or interests.
CHEM 1000Introduction to Chemistry5
ECON C2001Principles of Microeconomics3
ESCI 1140Oceanography3
ESCI 1210Physical Geology/Lab4
GEOG 1110Physical Geography3
MATH 1100College Algebra4
MATH 1200Pre-Calculus4
MATH 1400Calculus and Analytic Geometry I4
MATH 1500Calculus and Analytic Geometry II4
PHYS 1105General Physics I4
PHYS 1110General Physics II4
PHYS 2105Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A4
PHYS 2110Calculus-Based Physics for Scientists and Engineers: B4
STAT C1000Introduction to Statistics4

Recommended Sequence

Option 1: Biology

Term 1 (Fall) (5 units)

Term 2 (Spring) (5 units)

Term 3 (Fall) (6-9 units)

Term 4 (Spring) (3-5 units)

Option 2: Introduction to Chemistry

Term 1 (Fall) (5 units)

Term 2 (Spring) (6-9 units)

Term 3 (Fall) (5 units)

Term 4 (Spring) (5 units)

Option 3: General Chemistry

Term 1 (Fall) (5 units)

Term 2 (Spring) (5 units)

Term 3 (Fall) (6-9 units)

Term 4 (Spring) (3-5 units)

Program Outcomes

Environmental Science -- AS

View in the original catalog

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