Room: M-Building, M-204
Phone: (718) 482-5940
About
The A.S. degree in Environmental Science at LaGuardia Community College provides students with a broad, interdisciplinary, hands-on curriculum through which to study environmental topics. Grounded in the sciences, students develop a deep understanding of the complexity of current environmental challenges through the integration of coursework and research with real-world experiences including internships and volunteer events.
This major has three tracks or options: (1) General Environmental Science, (2) Sustainable Urban Agriculture and (3) Animal Science
The Sustainable Urban Agriculture Option aims to cultivate leaders in urban agriculture. The SUA track provides students and community members with knowledge and skills in agroecological sciences and food solutions, with an emphasis on organic agriculture and farming in urban landscapes including both soil based and controlled environmental systems/hydroponics. Students will learn horticultural skills while performing tasks at the LAGCC Urban Farm and Hydroponics Research Center. This option includes courses such as plant science, soil science, sustainable vegetable production, sustainable urban agriculture, food and culture, and ecology. Students will work collaboratively and network with community gardens and kitchens across NYC. Students will be eligible to participate in the USDA funded 3-week summer, paid, internship program “Project SEMBRAR”.
This program has a waiver to require STEM courses in the Common Core.
A. REQUIRED CORE: 13 credits
English: 6 credits
Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credits
Select one of the following courses – 3
Life & Physical Sciences: 4 credits
B. FLEXIBLE CORE: 18 Credits
Select one course from each of the five flexible core categories AND one additional course from any flexible core category:
Students are required to select one Urban Study course to complete college requirement. To complete the degree requirements from the Flexible Core, students are advised to select courses from the recommended course selections listed on the program website. Note: Students can select only two courses from any one discipline.
| Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Natural Sciences: 10 Credits | |
| NSF101 First Year Seminar for Natural Sciences | 2 |
| SCB265 Fundamentals of Ecology | 4 |
| SCG250 Environmental Science | 4 |
| SUSTAINABLE URBAN AGRICULTURE TRACK: 18 Credits | |
| SCB200 Principles of Botany | 4 |
| SCG220 Soil Science | 3 |
| SCG225 Sustainable Urban Agriculture | 3 |
| SCG230 Sustainable Vegetable Production | 3 |
| Unrestricted Elective | 1 |
| Select one of the following: | |
| SCC110 Foundations of Chemistry | 4 |
| SCC201 General Chemistry 1 | 4 |
Career Possibilities
Due to the effects of climate change, air, water, and soil pollution, the need for sustainable energy and restoration solutions jobs in the green sector are expected to grow, and expertise in understanding sustainable systems are expected to remain in high demand. The Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states, “Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 9,400 openings for environmental scientists and specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.” In addition, a Purdue university report states, “In the United States between 2020 and 2025 we expect employment opportunities to remain strong for new college graduates with interest and expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and the environment (FARNRE). Approximately 59,400 openings annually reflect a 2.6% growth in employment opportunities from the previous five years. Approximately 61% of the positions will be filled by new college graduates with FARNRE degrees, and the other 39% by new graduates with degrees from allied fields (biology, mechanical engineering, accounting, journalism, etc.)”
Transfer Possibilities
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Skills You Will Learn
What makes this major unique?
Urban agriculture includes the cultivation, processing, and distribution of agricultural products in urban and suburban areas. Community gardens, rooftop farms, hydroponic, aeroponic and aquaponic facilities, and vertical production, are all examples of urban agriculture. LAGCC offers the only A.S. degree in Sustainable Urban Agriculture in the NYC area. Our program teaches urban farmers climate resilience and the importance of green infrastructure in reducing the urban heat island effect. We offer in-depth training in the various types of composting, USDA certified soil testing methods, plant science, integrated pest management techniques, soil and soil-less farming techniques. Most of the labs are outdoors and conducted on the farm or research lab premises. Lecture classes may be offered in hybrid modalities to accommodate working students.
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