Environmental Conservation

Overview

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 effects from landscape uses such as forestry, agriculture, and urban development are the focus of the degree. Graduates 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.

Learning Outcomes:

General Education Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Environmental Conservation AAS-T degree will be able to:

Conduct water quality (WQ) analyses and reporting according to accreditation standards by Washington Department of Ecology.
Outline an ecological sampling design.
Use ecological processes in an ecosystem context; flow diagrams.
Correctly perform a wetland delineation procedure using correct soil, plant, and hydrology ID.
Construct a realistic ecological restoration project; correct spatial and temporal scales; costs, ecological elements and processes restored.

Program Admissions:

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, Claus Svendsen, or Enrollment Services.

Specialized Program Information:

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 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 is required. ENVC 199 may substitute for up to five credits of technical coursework with the permission of the Department Chair.

Degree and Certificate Options:

Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) Degree

An Associate in Applied Science, Transfer Degree, AAS-T degree is awarded upon completion of the Aquatic-Terrestrial Emphasis, or UW/UI-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 degree courses. Entry into a baccalaureate program at a four-year school will generally require a higher GPA for admission.

Graduates may use their AAS-T degrees as a transfer degree to the Skagit Valley College Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Environmental Conservation (BASEC) which builds on the existing AAS-T degrees in Environmental Conservation at Skagit Valley College or other comparable AAS-T degrees in natural resources.

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

Bachelor’s Degrees

Intended for students who want to build on their associate degrees by earning a baccalaureate level degree.

Environmental Conservation, BAS

Associate Degrees: Transfer

Intended for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year university.

Environmental Conservation, AAS-T

Certificates

Certificates are intended to provide students with specialized training and skills.

Environmental Conservation Studies Certificate

Micro-Certificates

Typically two quarters or less, micro-certificates are focused on providing training in a specific skill.