Environmental Science, AS

Room: M-Building, M-204

Phone: (718) 482-5940

naturalsci@lagcc.cuny.edu

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 General Option is for students interested in solving environmental challenges in a changing world. In this option you will learn how ecological systems work and how they can be improved to provide solutions for environmental problems including natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. Students in this track are involved in internships and research projects focused on coastal resilience, water quality, air pollution, climate and weather, GIS, urban sustainability, and park management and restoration. This option includes courses such as geospatial information systems (GIS), ecology, and environmental science.

Related Interests

Do you love being outside and exploring the natural world?
Are you curious about the interactions between humans and the natural world?
Do you learn best when you work with your hands and conduct research, inquiry-based learning?
Do you want a degree that you can travel with anywhere in the world?
Are you interested in climate solutions and sustainable living and practices?

Skills You Will Learn

Analytical skills. You will learn to use the scientific method and data analysis in your research.
Critical-thinking skills. You will learn to draw logical conclusions from observations, laboratory experiments, and other methods of research.
Interpersonal skills. You will learn to work in a team with peers and faculty.
Problem-solving skills. You will learn to find the best possible solution to problems such as climate change that affect the environment, ecosystems, animals, and plants. You will learn how to make sustainable solutions to these problems.
Speaking skills. You will learn to explain your findings in research and theory to clients, professionals, or community members who do not have expertise in their area. You will learn how to give presentations to peers, faculty, policymakers, and the general public.
Writing skills. You will learn to write scientific technical papers, reports and articles that explain methods, findings, and recommendations for research and course topics in Environmental Science.

What makes this major unique?

The General Environmental Science option examines life at higher levels of organization, such as communities of species and ecosystems. Environmental Scientists examine how systems work and can be improved in order to provide solutions for environmental problems and study issues surrounding environmental justice, sustainability, and climate change.

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.)”

Environmental Science or Environmental Protection Technician
Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator
Environmental Remediation
Green Space Specialist
Mapping Technician
Environmental Scientist or Specialist
Hydrologist
Geoscientist or Geospatial Technician
Natural Resource Manager
Park Rangers
Environmental Health and Safety Manager
Cartographer
Conservation Scientist and Forester
Careers in Wildlife conservation with the DEC
Environmental Consultant
Renewable Energy Management
Environmental Hazard Assessment
Atmospheric or Climate Scientist
Food and Plant Scientist
Geospatial Analyst
Conservation Scientist
Urban Ecologist
College Professor
Research Scientist

Transfer Opportunities

Lehman College – Accelerated BS in Environmental Science and MS in Geographic Information Systems
Queens College – BA/BS in Environmental Sciences
Brooklyn College – BA/BS in Earth and Environmental Sciences
BA/BS in Environmental Science
BA/BS in Sustainability or Natural Resource Management
BS in Biology
SUNY – BS in Wildlife Science, Forest Resource Management, or Aquatic & Fisheries Sciences
Lehman College – BS in Biology
Queens College – BS in Biology
York College – BS in Environmental Health Science

Degree Requirements

PATHWAYS COMMON CORE: 31 CREDITS

This program has a waiver to require STEM courses in the Common Core.

A. REQUIRED CORE: 13 credits

English: 6 credits

ENG101 English Composition I – 3
(or ENA101 depending on placement scores)
ENG102 Writing through Literature – 3

Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning: 3 credits

Select one of the following courses – 3

MAT115 College Algebra and Trigonometry
(or MAT117 Algebra and Trigonometry depending on placement scores)

Life & Physical Sciences: 4 credits

SCB201 General Biology I (STEM) – 4

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:

World Cultures and Global Issues
US Experience in its Diversity
Creative Expression
Individual and Society
Scientific World – Students are advised to take SCB202 (General Biology II, 4cr.)

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.

PROGRAM CORE: 28 CREDITS

Courses	Credits
Natural Sciences: 10 Credits
NSF101 First Year Seminar for Natural Sciences	2
SCB265 Fundamentals of Ecology	4
SCG250 Environmental Science	4
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE TRACK: 18 Credits
SCB260 General Microbiology	4
SCC201 General Chemistry I	4
SCC202 General Chemistry II	4
SCG150 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	4
Unrestricted Electives	2

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