Overview
Graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation (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. If you are interested in complementing and advancing your skills in environmental conservation and natural resource management, then a bachelor qualification might be for you. Students accepted into the BASEC degree are expected to begin fall quarter.
Degree Option
The Bachelor of Applied Science Environmental Conservation program is a two-year, 90 credit degree designed for students who have completed an associate degree (AA, AAS-T, AAS, or ATA) in Environmental Conservation, Biology or another comparable degree. A degree is awarded upon completion of 90 credits of specified 300 and 400 level coursework with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Entry into a master’s program may require a higher GPA for admission. Students are responsible for checking specific major requirements of graduate institutions in the year prior to transferring.
Sample Career Options
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
Entry into the BASEC program takes place in Fall Quarter and students move through the program as a cohort. This program has its own, specific application process. To receive an application, prospective students must register for and attend a program briefing session. The BASEC briefing session schedule is available at Register for Program Briefing. Specific tuition information can be found at Tuition, Financial Aid and Funding.
Prerequisites (Eligibility). Applicants must have the following:
- Attended a BASEC program briefing session. This is the only way a prospective student can receive an application.
- An associate degree by the time of entry into the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or equivalent college-level courses.
- Applicants may apply if they anticipate receiving their associate degree before the program start. The acceptance will be conditional, and the degree must be completed before the first day of classes.
- ENGL& 101 and ENGL& 102 or 10 credits equivalent college level English with a grade of “C” or better.
- CMST& 220 or equivalent with a minimum grade of a “C.”
- CHEM& 121 or other lab Chemistry with a grade of a “C” or better.
- MATH& 141 or equivalent.
- GIS 101 or equivalent.
- BASEC faculty will assist students with course verifications.
Advisor Check-ins
These checkpoints provide the framework for Skagit Valley College Advising Policy and Procedures for BAS degrees:
- Prior to Application: The College will provide information to assist students in identifying educational options and goals and critical resources to support achievement of those goals.
- BASEC Application: Students will be asked to attend a program briefing, where they will meet program faculty and staff and learn more about the program curriculum and requirements. Students will also be provided with application materials for the BASEC program. BAS degrees at Skagit Valley College are selective admission programs, which have a unique application process.
- BASEC Enrollment: Once accepted into the program, BASEC faculty and staff will guide students with registration.
Faculty & Advisor:
Dr. Claus Svendsen
Faculty and Department Chair
Claus.svendsen@skagit.edu
