Environmental Conservation

Also see Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation (BASEC) , Environmental Sustainable Agriculture , Geographic Information Systems , and Science

Program Description

The Environmental Conservation (ENVC) program is designed to meet the growing need for environmental and natural resource technicians within the natural resources and parkland areas. The program offers four areas of emphasis.

Career Opportunities

The effects from landscape uses such as forestry, agriculture, and urban development are the main focus of the Aquatic/Terrestrial emphasis. Students choosing the Marine emphasis will focus on jobs in the marine environment. Graduates in both areas may be employed by federal, state, county, and city governments, tribal nations or private businesses managing natural resources. Employment by non-governmental organizations is also on the rise.

The Parks Resources Management emphasis is designed to meet the needs of students seeking employment with federal, state, county, city, or private recreational agencies. The Water/Wastewater Treatment Technology emphasis is intended to meet the growing employment needs within water technology fields. Students may need to conduct a job search beyond the local community in order to find the positions they desire in these two areas.

In addition, graduates may use their AAS-T degrees as a transfer degree to the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment, University of Washington and the College of Natural Resources at the University of Idaho. The AAS-T and ATA degrees may also be used to transfer to The Evergreen State College, Western Washington University-Fairhaven College, or Central Washington University-Information Technology and Administrative Management. Students who plan to transfer should first work with the Department Chair to develop a two-year schedule of appropriate classes.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Environmental Conservation AAS-T and ATA degrees will be able to:

Demonstrate proficiency in general laboratory and field skills expected of entry-level workers in the environmental and natural resource fields.
Apply basic ecological principles and concepts when developing an ecological project.
Demonstrate the interrelationship of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Interpret and report field and laboratory data in a scientific manner.
Demonstrate professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive behaviors expected of entry-level workers in the environmental and natural resource fields.

Entry into the Program

Please apply at Enrollment Services. Students are generally admitted Fall or Winter quarters. It is highly recommended that students have completed their pre-college coursework before entry. However, students with relevant work experience or equivalent coursework may be admitted at other times with the Department Chair’s permission. Advanced standing may be requested. For further information, contact the Department Chair or Enrollment Services.

Work-Based Learning

Students will integrate their classroom learning with work-based learning experience by participating in Cooperative Education (ENVC 199 ) at a supervised work site in an approved paid or volunteer position in an environmental business, state, federal or county administration or non-governmental organization working with environmental issues. Students who desire a degree and are already employed in the field may develop cooperative work positions with their current employer. A total of six credits within the six quarters are required. Department Chair approval is required. Credits and grades are based on job hours worked, work performance and completion of learning objectives. Concurrent enrollment in Cooperative Education Seminar required. ENVC 199 may substitute for up to five credits of technical coursework with the permission of the Department Chair.

Associate in Technical Arts Degree

An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) is awarded upon completion of the Parks Resource Management emphasis and the Water/Wastewater Treatment Technology emphasis with a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100-level with both an overall 2.0 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in the technical major.

Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) Degree

An Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) degree is awarded upon completion of the Aquatic-Terrestrial Emphasis, Marine Emphasis, or UW-Transfer degrees with a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100-level with both an overall 2.0 grade point average and a 2.0 grade point average in the technical major. Entry into a baccalaureate program at a four-year school will generally require a higher GPA for admission.

Individual Technical Certificate

An Individual Technical Certificate may be developed in conjunction with other programs to meet marketable objectives and goals with Department Chair approval. Professional upgrade certification available in Wildlife, Restoration, Water Quality and Fisheries. Clusters of 3-6 courses are the basis for an upgrade certificate.

Micro-Certificates

These certificates focus on a specific skill within this program. A certificate is awarded to students who complete requirements with a 2.0 grade point average or above.

Programs

Courses

Environmental Conservation