Environmental Science and Policy Area of Concentration Degree
It is more important than ever to develop policy that protects the environment and the human societies who depend on healthy ecosystems. Climate change, water pollution, waste disposal, habitat loss, and many other problems harm the environment - talented people can help society make choices that protect environmental resources. The Environmental Science and Policy major prepares students to use scientific principles to create societal change that improves environmental function.
This major has flexibility for students to purse different avenues of this field, such as biology, chemistry, politics, economics, and geospatial science. An advisor can direct students to electives that best match the specific fields and four-year programs that interest each student.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:
- Make observations, collect data, and analyze data.
- Apply basic biological and chemical principles to explain experimental results.
- Describe connections between the environment and human societies, including how humans affect the environment and how the environment in turn affects human welfare.
Program Advising Guide
Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.
Transfer Opportunities
MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. Students planning to transfer in this major should follow either this degree or the
We have transfer agreements in environmental science with Georgetown University and Shepherd University. You can also see all transfer agreements. Another option may be to complete the STEM core in the general studies degree. The choice depends on which degree most closely aligns with a transfer school’s lower level requirements.
Visit transfer schools' websites to see the recommended freshman and sophomore course sequence for this major. Check requirements at each school carefully to avoid duplication. For example, at some schools, some MC courses are considered “upper-level” and the MC course may not fulfill an upper-level requirement. If undecided, choose common courses from several schools.
Careers
For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.
Career fields for environmental science and policy majors include occupations like soil and water conservationist, compliance manager, environmental science teacher, forestry and conservation science teacher, forester, water resource specialist, environmental economist, forest and conservation technician, forest fire inspector and prevention specialist, fish and game warden, range manager, regulatory affairs specialist, park naturalist, environmental compliance inspector, sustainability specialist, and industrial ecologist.
- MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN)new window account and other job search topics.
- Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.
Curriculum
A suggested course sequence for Environmental Science and Policy majors follows.
- All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
- Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
- Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
- All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.
Suggested Course Sequence
Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows. All students should review the Program Advising Guide and consult an advisor.
First Semester
- ENGL 101 - Introduction to College Writing 3 semester hours
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OR
- Program Elective or Elective 3 semester hours
- MATH 150 - Elementary Applied Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
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OR
- MATH 165 - Precalculus 4 semester hours (MATF)
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OR
- MATH 181 - Calculus I 4 semester hours (MATF)
- Arts Distribution 3 semester hours (ARTD)
- CHEM 131 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
Second Semester
- English Foundation 3 semester hours (ENGF)
- BIOL 150 - Principles of Biology I 4 semester hours (NSLD)
- Program Elective 3 semester hours † †
- Behavioral and Social Sciences 3 semester (BSSD) **
- Humanitites Distribution 3 semester hours (HUMD)
Third Semester
- BIOL 151 - Principles of Biology II 4 semester hours
- Program Elective 4 semester hours † †
- Program Elective 4 semester hours † †
- Behavioral and Social Sciences Distribution 3 semester hours (BSSD) **
Fourth Semester
- COMM 108 - Foundations of Human Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
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OR
- COMM 112 - Business and Professional Speech Communication 3 semester hours (GEEL)
- Program Elective 3 semester hours † †
- Program Elective 3 semester hours † †
- Program Elective 3 semester hours † †
- Program Elective 3 semester hours † †
* ENGL 101/ENGL 101A, if needed for ENGL 102/ENGL 103, or a program elective or elective.
** The two BSSD courses must come from two different disciplines. Select from any BSSD on the College's general education list and/or BSSD courses noted in the following program electives: ECON, GEOG and POLI, depending on transfer institution.
† Choose a MATH course based on requirement of transfer institution(s).
† † Program Elective courses include: BSAD 210 or MATH 117, BIOL 105, BIOL 106, BIOL 210, BIOL 217, BIOL 222, BIOL 230, CHEM 132, CHEM 150, CHEM 203, CHEM 204, ECON 201, ECON 202, GEOG 101, GEOG 105, GEOG 124, GEOG 235, GEOG 240, GEOG 250, GEOG 260, GEOG 270, GEOL 101, MATH 181, MATH 182, PHYS 161, PHYS 262 or PHYS 203, PHYS 204, POLI 101, POLI 203, POLI 211, POLI 242, POLI 270.
Please note: A minimum of 12 course credits numbered at the 200-level must be completed to receive a degree.
AA and AS programs require one global and cultural perspectives (GCP) General Education course.
Find out more about the General Studies AA: Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Area of Concentration (STEM Core) or General Studies AA: Integrated Studies Area of Concentration (INTG Core). General Studies allow for an interdisciplinary exploration of related disciplines. Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
You might also be interested in the following related degrees:
MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.