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. Students can also utilize Career Coach, a resource provided by OCC, to explore degree programs and corresponding careers https://ocean.emsicc.com/
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.
Program Requirements
| First Semester | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| BIOL 161 | General Biology I | 4 |
| MATH 165 or Higher 1 | 5 | |
| ENVI 152 | Environmental Sci | 4 |
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| 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 Hours | 14 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CHEM 182 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| Environmental Studies Program Elective(s) | 7 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Environmental Studies Program Elective | 4 | |
| Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Social Science Gen. Ed. Requirement | 3 | |
| Technology Gen. Ed. Requirement 2 | 3 | |
| Elective to meet 60 credits | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
- 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 165 College Algebra are recommended for transfer to programs that do not require Calculus.
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- 2
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
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 101 | The Pine Barrens | 3 |
| BIOL 261 | Ecology | 4 |
| BIOL 265 | Marine Biology | 4 |
| ENVI 232 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| ENVI 259 | Field Experience/Practicum | 3 |
| CHEM 283 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 284 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |