Environmental Conservation, BAS

Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation degree is designed for you to 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 working with the natural world, the environmental conservation and natural resource management areas might be for you. The program is a hybrid combination of online learning, classroom learning, as well as weekly lab and fieldtrips that deepen the learning experience for students and provide valuable ecological skills.

Degree Option

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The Bachelor in Environmental Conservation program is a two-year 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

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• Environmental Restoration Planners
• Environmental Compliance Inspectors
• Environmental Scientists & Specialists, Including Health
• Wildlife Biologist
• Fisheries Biologist

Learning Outcomes

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Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation 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

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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 which can be found at <www.skagit.edu/basec>. 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:

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1. Attended a BASEC program briefing session.  This is the only way a prospective student can receive an application. 
2. 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. 
3. ENGL 101  and ENGL 102  or 10 credits equivalent college level English with a grade of C or higher. 
4. CMST 220  or equivalent with a grade of a C or higher.  
5. CHEM 121  or other lab Chemistry with a grade of a C or higher. 
6. MATH 141  or MATH 146  or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.  
7. GIS 101  or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.
8. BASEC faculty will assist students with course verifications. 

Advisor Check-ins

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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