Program - Environmental Science

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Environmental Science

Program Information

The Associate of Science (AS) in Environmental Science degree program prepares individuals for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree related to environmental science or environmental studies. For assistance in program planning, or to explore additional transfer options, students should schedule a time to meet with an academic advisor. This degree may transfer in part or in its entirety to baccalaureate institutions. Students should meet with a representative of the transfer institution when planning their program.

Developmental Courses

Some students may need preparatory courses in the areas of English, mathematics, reading. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward this degree.

  • By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning goals:

    1. Demonstrate comprehension of ecosystem structure and function;
    2. Explain the nature and dynamics of biological communities;
    3. Examine the importance of sustainability in the management of economically
      and ecologically important resources;
    4. Explore how sustainability can be incorporated into people’s worldviews
      and ethics;
    5. Demonstrate application of critical thinking and the process of science
      in classroom and in field studies; and
    6. Evaluate and describe significant environmental dilemmas and the
      considerations used to find solutions.
    • A minimum of 60 semester credits numbered 1000 or above.
    • A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in courses numbered 1000 or above at ARCC.
    • Satisfy residency requirements.
    • A minimum grade of C must be earned in all program requirements.
    • Completion of specific degree requirements.
    • To complete your program, please submit the appropriate application found here.
    • The requirements of this program are subject to change without notice

     

    NOTE: You are encouraged to contact an academic advisor at 763-433-1230 for course planning assistance and information about transfer credit evaluation and transfer options.

  • 20 credits

    BIOL 1106 Principles of Biology I 4
    BIOL 1107* Principles of Biology II 4
    BIOL 2206*
    OR BIOL 2207*
    Animal Biology OR Plant Biology 4
    CHEM 1061* Principles of Chemistry I 4
    CHEM 1062* Principles of Chemistry II 4
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
  • 8 credits

    Select a minimum of 8 credits from the following:  
    BIOL 2201* Microbiology 4
    BIOL 2206* Animal Biology 4
    BIOL 2207* Plant Biology 4
    BIOL 2209* General Ecology 4
    NATS 1005 Meteorology 4
    BIOL 2230^ Directed Research in Biology 2-4
    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.
    ^ Course requires Instructor permission.
  • 32 credits

    Complete at least 30 credits in courses from the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC), including all courses listed. You must complete at least one course in six of the ten goal areas. One course may satisfy more than one emphasis area, but the course credits may be counted only once.

    1. Communication
      ENGL 1120* OR ENGL 1121* 4
      CMST 1110 OR CMST 2215 OR CMST 2220 3
    2. Critical Thinking
    3. Natural Science
      NATS 1003
    4. Mathematical/Logical Reasoning
      MATH 1114* OR MATH 1200* 3-4
    5. History/Social/Behavioral Sciences 
      ANTH 1110/GEOG 1110 OR POLS 1141 3
    6. Humanities/Fine Art
    7. Human Diversity
    8. Global Perspective
    9. Ethical/Civic Responsibility
      PHIL 1120  3
    10. People and the Environment
      BIOL 1103  3
      BIOL 1133**  1

    *Course has prerequisite - see course schedule or catalog description.

    **Must be taken either concurrently or after taking BIOL 1103.

     

  • The sequence that follows is suggested for full-time students. Part-time students will need more time to complete this program; many courses are offered in the evening.

    FIRST YEAR
    Fall Semester                                    Spring Semester
     

     
    BIOL 1103    BIOL 1106 
    BIOL 1133   CHEM 1062 
    MATH 1114
    OR 1200
    3-4   General Education or Electives 6-8 
    CHEM 1061       
    ENGL 1120/1120      
    TOTAL  15 -16        TOTAL  14-16 

    SECOND YEAR
    Fall Semester                                     Spring Semester
     

    BIOL 1107    BIOL 2206 OR 2207 
    NATS 1003       
    General Education or Electives    6-8   General Education or Electives  10-12 
    TOTAL  14-16    TOTAL  14-16
  • *Some occupations may require advanced education

    • Agricultural Scientist
    • Conservation Scientist
    • Environmental Advocacy
    • Environmental Engineer
    • Fish & Game Wardens
    • Hazardous Material Workers
    • Natural Resource Scientist
    • Park Naturalist
    • Climate Change Analysts
    • Ecologist
    • Environmental Consultant
    • Environmental Technician
    • Forensic Science
    • Mining Engineer

Supplementary Information

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