Environmental Conservation, BAS

Overview

If you are interested in working with the natural world, environmental conservation or natural resource management, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation degree might be for you.

The Environmental Conservation, BAS program takes advantage of the exceptional learning opportunities in Skagit Valley’s unique ecology of temperate forests, shorelines, and mixed-use wilderness areas and a fully accredited water lab to provide students with a unique way to develop key natural resource management skills.  Learning in the program takes place through a blend of online and classroom engagement, lab work and fieldtrips. The course of study prepares students with the  skills necessary for advanced field and laboratory work and leadership positions within public and private sector in the natural resource management field.

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 who have earned 90 credits of equivalent college level course work.  Refer to Program Admissions for more information on the equivalent course work.

The Bachelor in Environmental program has a selective admissions process and students may only begin the program fall quarter. Prospective students must attend a program briefing to receive application materials. The choice of degree is selected at the time of application and students must attend a program briefing to receive application materials. The application and admission process information can be found at https://www.skagit.edu/academics/areas-of-study/science-technology-engineering-math-stem/environmental-conservation-2/bas-environmental-conservation/.

A Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Conservation 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 requirements of graduate institutions prior to application.  

Cost of Program

Specific tuition information can be found at: www.skagit.edu/admissions/tuition-fees.  Upper division courses carry a higher tuition rate than lower division courses.

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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Applied Bachelor degrees at Skagit Valley College are selective admission programs with a separate admissions process for these degrees. Prospective students must register for and attend a program information session to receive application materials. Information on the application and admissions process is available at https://www.skagit.edu/academics/areas-of-study/science-technology-engineering-math-stem/environmental-conservation-2/bas-environmental-conservation/applying-to-the-program/.

Specialized Program Information

Skagit Valley College bachelor degrees follow a cohort model and students may only begin the program fall quarter.  

Prerequisites: Entry requirements reflect the preparation needed for upper division courses in the Environmental Conservation field.

For the Bachelor in Environmental Conservation program, 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 (AA, AAS-T, AAS, or ATA) in Environmental Conservation or Biology by the time of entry into the program with a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or 90 credits of equivalent college-level courses. The equivalent courses must include at least 15 credits spread among at least two  of the following areas Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Fisheries, Environmental Science, Forestry Rangeland Management, Entomology, Watershed Requirements.

• Applicants may apply if they anticipate receiving their associate degree or completing equivalent courses before the program start.  The acceptance will be conditional, and the degree or relevant courses must be completed before the first day of classes. 

   3. Met the entry requirements for ENVC 304  (first quarter course)

• ENGL 101  and ENGL 102  or 10 credits equivalent college level English with a grade of C or higher. 
• CMST 220  or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.  
• CHEM 121  or other lab Chemistry with a grade of C or higher. 
• MATH 141  or MATH 146  or equivalent with a grade of C or higher.  
• GIS 101  or equivalent with a grade of C or higher. 

   4. 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 designed to assist students in identifying educational goals and options, as well as critical resources for supporting students in achieving their goals.
• BAS Application: Students will be asked to attend a program briefing session and to apply for admission to the program.
• BAS Enrollment: Once accepted into the program, BAS faculty and staff will guide students with registration. The application process is available at https://www.skagit.edu/academics/areas-of-study/science-technology-engineering-math-stem/environmental-conservation-2/bas-environmental-conservation/applying-to-the-program/.

Articulation with Bellingham Technical College

The Skagit Valley College (SVC) BAS-ENVC degree program will accept any student, from any program, who meets SVC’s enrollment requirements. SVC also has a specific articulation agreement with Bellingham Technical College’s (BTC) AAS-T (Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences) program. This agreement is to give priority admission consideration to BTC students who have completed the AAS-T degree in Fisheries & Aquaculture Sciences at BTC if they apply by the published deadline for BAS-ENVC applications. Additional program entrance minimums may be required.

Faculty & Advisor:

Dr. Claus Svendsen

Faculty and Department Chair 

Claus.Svendsen@skagit.edu