Environmental Science

Overview

Environmental Science is the study of the relationships between the geological, biological, chemical, and ecological systems in the Earth's natural environment. Students obtaining the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Environmental Sciences will learn the necessary concepts, problem solving skills and analytical thought processes to prepare them for transfer into a university-level major in Environmental Sciences, for entry-level positions in the discipline, or for a greater appreciation of how science is used to study the interactions between human activity and the earth's systems.

The major enhances career options in atmospheric and space science, environmental scientists and specialists including health, geographers, geoscientists, health and safety engineers, hydrologists, natural science managers, urban and regional planners and many others.

The AS-T in Environmental Science provides students with the foundational knowledge to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree in Environmental Science at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program. Visit the I Can Go to College site for more information.

Requirements

Associate Degree for Transfer Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Major Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or "P" in each course.
2. Cal-GETC pattern.
3. At least 60-66 CSU transferable semester units.
4. Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU transferable coursework.
5. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

Students are advised to consult the CSU ADT Major & Campus Search database to determine which bachelor's degree programs offered by the CSU campuses are deemed similar to the AS-T in Environmental Science. Students are also advised to consult ASSIST (www.assist.org) and to meet with an academic counselor to discuss the best combination of courses to take for their AS-T to ensure they receive the admission benefits associated with it, and to meet the requirements of the transfer institution to which they are intending to transfer.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the breadth and interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues.
2. Describe the core concepts and methods from ecological and physical sciences in their application in solving environmental problems.
3. Describe the socioeconomic and equity-based impacts of environmental problems and solutions.
4. Use the methodologies of the natural and physical sciences to formulate testable hypotheses concerning environmental problems and issues.
5. Analyze information on environmental problems and recommend appropriate solutions, with consideration for technical, political, or economic challenges.
6. Apply core concepts or methods from natural and physical sciences to environmental problem solving.

Recommended Sequence

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.