Academic Catalog

Environmental Science, Associate in Science

Program Description 

This program is designed to prepare students for careers in the dynamic field of environmental science, which is concerned with monitoring humanity’s impact on the Earth and solving environmental problems. Students graduating from this program might work in environmental education centers, public relations firms, testing labs, environmental research organizations, travel/tourism (ecotourism companies), food manufacturers, waste management companies or government agencies. The program provides students with a strong background in the natural sciences.

Transfer Information

Students pursuing the Environmental Studies degree can transfer into majors such as Environmental Studies or Environmental Science. Many colleges offer opportunities for transfer both in and out of state. Students are encouraged to work closely with OCC faculty and Advising Transfer Services. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution in NJ can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer www.njtransfer.org.

Career Information

The Associate of Arts and the Associate of Science Degrees are designed to provide students with the coursework needed to transfer to a four-year institution and pursue a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum provides students the knowledge and skills needed to pursue various career pathways, while providing a credential beyond the high school degree. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services as they begin to explore career options. OCC students can also utilize Focus2 Career, a resource provided by OCC, to explore degree programs and corresponding careersTo get started, log in through Ocean Connect.

Students are encouraged to keep track of degree requirements by using the “My Progress” screen on Student Planning. Student Planning can be accessed via logging into Ocean Connect.

Plan of Study Grid
First SemesterCredit Hours
ENGL 151 English I 3
BIOL 161 General Biology I 4
ENVI 152 Environmental Sci 4
Any STSC - Student Success Seminar course 2 2
MATH 166 Topics in Algebra ( or Higher) 1 4
 Credit Hours17
Second Semester
ENGL 152 English II 3
MATH 156 Introduction to Statistics 3
BIOL 162 General Biology II 4
CHEM 181 General Chemistry I 4
 Credit Hours14
Third Semester
CHEM 182 General Chemistry II 4
Environmental Studies Program Elective(s) 7
Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement 3
 Credit Hours14
Fourth Semester
Environmental Studies Program Elective 4
Humanities or Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 3
Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement 3
Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 3 3
Elective to meet 60 credits 2
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours60
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1. Note regarding math requirement: Some bachelor’s degree programs in science require Calculus; completion of at least MATH 191 Precalculus I & MATH 192 Precalculus II is recommended to transfer. MATH 156 Introduction to Statistics and MATH 166 Topics in Algebra are recommended for transfer to programs that do not require Calculus.

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2. A variety of STSC -Student Success Seminar courses are available. Please speak to your academic advisor for assistance when selecting.

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3. Students may attempt to “test out” of the technology requirement. If they succeed, they must take an additional course(s) in math or science from the List of Approved General Education Courses.

Environmental Studies Program Electives

BIOL 101The Pine Barrens3
BIOL 261Ecology4
BIOL 265Marine Biology4
ENVI 232Environmental Policy3
ENVI 259Field Experience/Practicum3
CHEM 283Organic Chemistry I4
CHEM 284Organic Chemistry II4
ENVI 121Renewable Energy3
ENVI 134Carbon Footprint Analysis3
ENVI 142Industrial Hygiene4
ENVI 1594
ENVI 205Hazardous Materials Management3
ENVI 210Indoor Environmental Quality3
ENVI 217Occupational Safety and Health3
ENVI 220Life Cycle Analysis3
ENVI 241Environmental Sustainability3
BIOL 163Introductory Botany4