Environmental Science (A.S.)

About the Degree
Career Information
General Education Requirements 
Program Requirements  

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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. 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;
• analyze scientific evidence regarding how human activities affect ecosystems;
• address real-world environmental issues by applying methods and concepts learned in the sciences, mathematics, and humanities;
• 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.
• The required Professional Field Experience  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
• Environmental Engineering Technician
• Environmental Science & Protection Technician
• Forest & Conservation Technician
• Water and Wastewater Operator
• Water Conservation Technician

Job outlook in Environmental Science in the state of Vermont:

Title	Median Salary	Projected Growth (10 Yrs)
Environmental Engineering Technician	$36,820	11%
Environmental Science & Protection Technician	$42,370	38%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators	$42,250	10%

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

Transfer Options:

The Vermont State Colleges System’s (VSCS) Direct Admissions program gives CCV students guaranteed transfer admission to Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont Tech. Direct Admissions students follow course maps that ensure classes taken apply to both their bachelor and CCV associate degree, saving them time and money.

CCV also has transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities throughout Vermont. Visit our transfer page for additional information and to view all of our transfer maps on one Excel spreadsheet.