2020-2021 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Studies Associate of Arts


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Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with an integrated and critical knowledge of the natural environment and the relationships and interactions humans have with it. The program provides students with the understanding that environmental challenges face every aspect of society, and it provides them with the skills needed to help solve these complex problems through cooperation and negotiation with the different and often competing stakeholders. The program combines classroom, laboratory, and field study instruction giving students a well-rounded preparation in the field of environmental studies.

The curriculum in the Environmental Studies Associate Degree program is designed to prepare students to transfer to a baccalaureate institution and complete a four year degree in an environmental related field of study, including, but not limited to, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science and Management, Environmental Policy, Energy Studies, Sustainability Studies, Conservation Biology, Ecology, and Wildlife Management. While a baccalaureate or higher degree is recommended for those considering professional careers related to this field, earning the Associate degree would demonstrate achievement and may support attempts to gain entry-level employment and promotion.

Program Student Learning Outcomes


Students who complete this program will be able to:

  • Demonstrate social responsibility by using critical thinking skills.
  • Demonstrate scientific literacy and ability to engage in scientific inquiry concerning environmental issues through the evaluation and analysis of scientific literature, and presentation of results in written and oral form.
  • Evaluate environmental impact of personal decisions on the local, regional, national, and global environment.

REQUIRED CORE:

Course ID Title Units
ENV 1   Introduction to Environmental Studies 3
ENV 18   Introduction to Ecology 4
CHEM 3  * Fundamental Chemistry 4
ENG 1A  * or Principles of Composition I 4
ENG 1AH  * Honors Principles of Composition I 4
ENG 1B  * or Principles of Composition II 3
ENG 1BH  * or Honors Principles of Composition II 3
ENG 70  * Critical Thinking, Reading, and Writing 3
MATH 10  * Introduction to Statistics 3
  Select from Restricted Electives 9-12

TOTAL UNITS FOR THE MAJOR:


30-33

Restricted Electives  
ENV 5   Biodiversity Conservation 3
ENV 6  * Scarcity and Environment 3
ENV 16   Environmental Disasters 3
ENV 23  or Environmental Geology 4
GEOL 23   Environmental Geology 4
ENV 24   Natural History of California 4
ENV 25   Environmental Hazards to Health 3
ENV 30   Alternative Energy Technologies 3
ENV 37   Environmental Ethics 3
ENV 40   Environmental Law and Policy 3
ENV 105  * Environmental Studies Internship 2
ENV 106   Natural Resource Conservation 3
ENV 123   Water and Soil Conservation 3
ENV 38   Water Quality and Monitoring 3
ENV 141   Water Resources and Management 4
CWE 180   or Co-Op-Ed Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 1
CWE 180   Co-Op-Ed Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 2
GEOG 110   or Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 2
GIS 110   Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 2

*Course has a prerequisite, corequisite, limitation, or recommended preparation; see course description.
 

Associate of Arts Degree


Complete a minimum of 60 units including the total number of units described above and the General Education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 to qualify for the Associate of Arts degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed at Saddleback College.

General Education Requirements for Associate Degrees


Refer to the Graduation Requirements  or to the CSU-GE and IGETC patterns in this catalog for specific courses which meet general education requirements. Refer to ASSIST.org and to the transfer institution’s catalog for transfer requirements.

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