Environmental Sciences

Overview

The degree of Associate in Science with a major in Environmental Sciences is awarded upon successful completion of the program.

This program provides an interdisciplinary approach to studying social, ethical and ecological interactions between the natural world and society. All students begin with introductory classes in biology, math, English, chemistry, economics and philosophy (ethics), which provide the basic skills and knowledge required to address environmental problems.

The program also provides the first two years of courses necessary for a four-year baccalaureate degree in environmental science for students interested in transferring. According to the Economic and Labor Market Information Bureau’s Job Outlook Reports, graduates of both associate’s degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs will have increasing employment opportunities. Students might find employment as City Planning Aides, Economic Research Assistants, Grazing Examiners, Soil Testers, Meteorological Aids, or Tree Wardens. With a bachelor’s degree, students might find employment as Biotechnologists, Wildlife Technicians or Specimen Technicians.

Internship Considerations

NHTI has developed excellent practicum opportunities for our students to foster hands-on learning while simultaneously receiving credit. Nonetheless, the college’s first priority must be to ensure that patients/clients/children/families are not placed in jeopardy by students during learning experiences. Therefore, students in internship, externship, practicum, service learning, and clinical experiences must demonstrate sufficient emotional stability to withstand the stresses, uncertainties and changing circumstances that characterize patient/client/child/family responsibilities. Furthermore, the student is expected to have the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment, accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member, and establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships and confidentiality with employees, customers, and/or patients/clients/children and their families.

Environmental Sciences Degree with Transfer Option

Environmental Sciences Degree with Career Option

Specific Admission Requirements

1. High school biology with a lab with a grade of “C” or better;
2. High school chemistry with a lab with a grade of “C” or better;
3. Algebra I or higher with a grade of “C” or better.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science degree with a major in Environmental
Sciences, students will:

• Use current technology to collect, analyze and present data;
• Be able to locate and use peer‐reviewed scientific sources of literature;
• Write and speak clearly and persuasively;
• Demonstrate competence in chemistry, biology and other foundational courses that
  support scientific understanding;
• Describe connections between the environment and human societies and how each
  affects the other;
• Identify and discuss current, major environmental problems facing society;
• Apply principles of ecology and other natural sciences to environmental issues;
• Complete adequate course work to transfer to a four‐year university with a major in
  environmental studies at or close to the junior‐year level