2025-2026 Catalog SVC
Environmental Conservation
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Overview
The Environmental Conservation (ENVC) program at Skagit Valley College (SVC) offers a two-year curriculum for students dedicated to protecting natural resources and solving environmental problems. Through rigorous coursework and extensive fieldwork, students gain a strong foundation in ecological principles, sustainable resource management, and field technician skills.
Courses cover topics like plant and animal biology, species identification, and ecosystem dynamics, using a watershed-based approach to natural resource conservation.
This hands-on, place-based program prepares students for entry-level roles in federal, state, local, tribal, and private organizations, or for seamless transfer into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation program.
Learning Outcomes
General Education Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Environmental Conservation AAS-T degree will be able to:
- Apply scientific processes and thinking to answer environmental and natural resource questions.
- Examine and discuss environmental issues through both ecological and social lenses.
- Identify a variety of organisms and their ecological roles, with an emphasis on regional species and taxonomic groups.
- Apply fundamental concepts of biology, ecology, and conservation to natural resources management and environmental problem-solving.
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, Madeleine Dupuy, or Enrollment Services.
Specialized Program Information
Work-Based Learning
SVC 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 five 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 the 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
SVC’s Associate in Applied Science, Transfer Degree, AAS-T degree is awarded upon completion of the Environmental Conservation AAS-T degree program, 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 other comparable AAS-T degrees in natural resources.
ProgramsBachelor’s Degrees
Intended for students who want to build on their Associate degree by earning a baccalaureate-level degree.
Associate Degrees: Transfer
Intended for students who are interested in transferring to a four-year college or university.
Certificates
Certificates are intended to provide students with specialized training and skills.
Micro-Certificates
Typically two quarters or less, micro-certificates are focused on providing training in a specific skill.
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