Environmental Science
Environmental science uses basic knowledge of the physical, chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems. The knowledge of how these systems work is applied to solving problems largely created by human activities. Often these problems are represented by human-caused problems in the functioning of the natural systems that support society’s life-support systems, such as air, water, soil and climate. The scale of disturbance ranges between molecular and cellular to individuals, populations, ecosystems, regional and global levels.
Career
A degree in environmental science can lead to many different career opportunities, though a bachelor’s degree or higher is usually required for most careers.
Environmental science professionals often become scientists, researchers, educators, lawyers, policy analysts or government civil servants. More specific career examples:
- Agricultural Scientists/Food Scientists
- Climate Change Analysts
- Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Specialist
- Environmental/Conservation Scientists
- Natural Resource Scientist/Natural Sciences Manager
- Park Ranger/Park Naturalists/Environmental Educator
- Restoration Ecologist/Wetlands Ecologist/ Soil Conservation Specialist
- Soil and Water Toxicologist
- Sustainable Development Consultant
- University and College Teacher
- Water Resources Specialist
- Research and Development in any of these fields
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit https://www.bls.gov/oes/.
Associate Degrees
PDF Program Map
Department/Program URL:
N/A
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0
Number of Credits:
90
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
-
N/A
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington
- University of Washington Tacoma
- Western Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
Key Advisors
An Associate of Science (AS) degree in biology shows prospective employers that you have necessary science-based communication skills and laboratory techniques for a wide variety of applications. Additionally, this degree is directly transferrable to further study at the bachelor or graduate level in science or medical fields.
Department/Program URL:
N/A
GPA Requirement:
Minimum 2.0 cumulative college-level GPA
Number of Credits:
Minimum 90 college-level credits (100 level or above)
Degree or Certificate Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate competence in standard laboratory techniques and use of technology and equipment.
- Research and communicate (visually, orally and in writing) credible scientific information from a variety of sources.
- Explain (classify, correlate and predict cause and effect) the core concepts of biology and chemistry: evolution, genetics, systematics, quantum mechanics, etc.
- Collect, analyze and interpret data using the scientific method.
- Differentiate between science and pseudoscience.
- Calculate, analyze, solve, interpret and graph quantitative data.
- Relate science to personal, social and global impact and its interconnectedness.
Top Transfer-To institutions
- University of Washington – Seattle
- University of Washington – Tacoma
- Central Washington University
Important Dates or Milestones Specific to Degree/Certificate
Students must complete CHEM& 161 (General Chemistry with Lab I) before starting the majors biology BIOL& 211/212/213 series. Students are advised to start the CHEM& 161/162/163 in fall of their first year, and to complete the BIOL& 211/212/213 and CHEM& 261/262/263 (Organic Chemistry with Lab) during their second year.
Some courses are offered only in the spring and summer, such as CHEM& 163 (General Chemistry with Lab III) and BIOL& 213 (Majors Plant) – to stay on track to begin the Biology and Organic chemistry series (CHEM& 261/262/263) in the second year, students who do not start at college-level math AND/OR who do not have high school chemistry with grades of B or better will need to take summer courses or consider a three-year plan.
Key Advisors
Chris Gan
Sam Shabb
Woody Moses
Colleen Sheridan
Lydia Garas