Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation

Also see Environmental Conservation , Environmental Sustainable Agriculture Education , and Geographic Information Systems   

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation (BASEC) is designed to allow students with an existing Environmental Conservation AAS-T degree from Skagit Valley College OR other comparable two-year degree in natural resources to earn a bachelor of applied science degree. Students accepted into the BASEC degree are expected to begin fall quarter; exceptions will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

The BASEC degree is designed to meet the growing employment needs for graduates with a four-year degree and advanced skills in environmental science and natural resource management. Graduates with a BASEC degree will acquire the necessary skills for advanced field and laboratory work and be able to move into management and supervisory positions within natural resource management divisions in the public and private sector. 

Degree Option:

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation (BASEC) is designed to allow students with an existing Environmental Conservation AAS-T degree from Skagit Valley College OR other comparable two-year degree in natural resources to earn a bachelor of applied science degree.

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree in Environmental Conservation (BASEC), Planning Guide  

Learning Outcomes:

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the BASEC program will be able to:

• Understand and apply federal, state, and tribal policies driving natural resource policies.
• Use landscape ecology principles and technology to analyze ecological scenarios for management decisions at the watershed level.
• Apply forest ecology and silvicultural techniques to develop management scenarios for working forests.
• Use salmon biology to inform and to make management decisions regarding individual salmon stocks and outline ecological restoration measures.
• Contribute to natural resource decision-making groups utilizing effective communication techniques.
• Apply conservation biology strategies and community ecology principles in the management of biodiversity at the landscape level.
• Incorporate watershed management science in management strategies for managing watersheds sustainably for ecosystem services and natural resources.
• Develop and implement management actions for aquatic habitats.
• Develop and demonstrate leadership skills within the environmental sciences and natural resources management.

Program Admissions:

SVC has an open admissions policy. Generally, the BAS in Environmental Conservation (BASEC) is intended for students graduating from SVC’s AAS-T in Environmental Conservation or students graduating from other community colleges with a degree in natural resources or natural science.

SVC will provide support services to promote student success including general tutoring in math, information technology, English, as well as tutoring in more specialized subjects such as watershed management, and GIS. Students with disabilities have support through the SVC Disability Access Services. These services ensure that all students have the potential to be successful. 

Prerequisites (Eligibility):

1. AAS-T or AAS degree in an environmental- or ecology-related field from a community college. Degree must include 10 college-level English Composition credits, MATH& 141  or 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of communication, and 5 credits of chemistry (CHEM& 121 ); or
2. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in an environmental- or ecology-related field, including 10 college-level English Composition credits, MATH& 141  or 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of communication, and 5 credits of chemistry (CHEM& 121 ); or
3. Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in an environmental- or ecology-related field, including college-level courses: 10 credits of English composition, MATH& 141  or 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of communication, and 5 credits of chemistry (CHEM& 121 ); or
4. Associate degree with a biology emphasis including 10 college-level English Composition, MATH& 141  or 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of communication, and 5 credits of chemistry. Transcript evaluation by Dept. Chair. Remedial ecology courses may be needed; or
5. Two years of university or college courses equivalent to an AAS degree including 10 college-level English Composition credits, MATH& 141  or 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of statistics, 5 credits of communication, and 5 credits of chemistry (CHEM& 121 ).
6. Unrelated Associates degree and Environmental Studies certificate (3 quarters).
7. Minimum GPA 2.5.
8. At least one course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required - preferably using ArcView/ArcGIS/ArcInfo software and one course Is recommended in Global Positioning Systems (GPS) interfacing with GIS.

Application Process:

Students need to submit:

• Letter of intent
• Resume
• College transcripts
• Two letters of recommendation are required attesting to the student’s ability to succeed at the baccalaureate level, preferably from an instructor and an employer.

Applications will be reviewed to ensure that minimum requirements and prerequisites have been met. Students will be notified of acceptance within three weeks of submission.

1. Start dates other than fall quarter will require departmental approval and are only recommended for part-time students.
2. Sequencing and scheduling will be done in consultation with a BASEC advisor. (Dr. Claus Svendsen, Dept. Chair) or a BASEC counselor.
3. Students may apply to enroll into individual classes on a space available basis if they meet entry qualifications.