Environmental Science (A.S.)

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements 
Program Requirements 

The Environmental Science program is designed to prepare students for employment in areas of the environment or for transfer to a four-year institution of higher learning. Students choose a focus area geared toward conservation/preservation of natural resources, energy efficiency, or environmental literacy. In this multidisciplinary program, you will learn to relate underlying scientific theory to environmental considerations affecting our everyday lives. You will gain an understanding of environmental problems and obtain the knowledge and skills to begin developing solutions.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Environmental Science program will be able to:

• examine the impact of humankind on the environment from scientific, sociological, political, and economic viewpoints both locally and globally;
• apply concepts and implement skills learned in the sciences, mathematics, and humanities to real-world environmental issues;
• demonstrate an ability to examine scientific evidence demonstrating how human activities affect many ecosystems and recommend alternatives to present practices;
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates, including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
• explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.

The Environmental Science program is great for you if:

• you are curious about natural and physical sciences;
• you have good math, science, reading, writing, and communication skills;
• you benefit from hands-on, field-based, and service learning course activities;
• you have a passion for participating in environmental inquiry and solutions; and
• you enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams.

Key information and advice for students in the Environmental Science program:

• A core curriculum helps students develop key skills for applying biological, physical, and chemical principles to the study of the environment and the developing solutions to environmental problems.
• Students choose a focus area in Natural Resources, Sustainable Building Technologies, or Environmental Literacy/Education to further deepen learning.
• The required Field Methods in the Environment course at the end of the degree program gives students an opportunity to make connections with local environmental agencies and employers.
• Required courses for the Environmental Science degree are offered at CCV Academic centers throughout the state and in online and hybrid formats. Students can choose to do a majority of their courses online.

The Environmental Science program prepares you for careers such as:

• Agriculture & Food Science Technician
• Energy Efficiency Specialist
• Environmental Education and Outreach Worker
• Environmental Engineering Technician
• Environmental Science & Protection Technician
• Forest & Conservation Technician
• Water and Waste Water Operator
• Water Conservation Technician

Job outlook in Environmental Science in the state of Vermont:

Source: Vermont Department of Labor, http://www.vtlmi.info/oic.cfm

Transfer Options:

For more information about special transfer agreements between CCV and other colleges, visit our transfer page.

Visit www.vtcolleges.org to learn about additional bachelor degree options in Vermont.