Environmental Science, AS

Program Code: Environmental Science-AS

Program Description

The Associate of Science, Environmental Science program provides an opportunity to systematically study the natural world and human-environment interaction. It seeks to identify, analyze, and respond to core environmental problems of the modern world. The program is specifically designed to transfer seamlessly into the curriculum of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. It will prepare students for transfer into similar programs at other four-year institutions.

Environmental Science Career Map

Recommended Course Schedule

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
MATH 127
Pre-Calculus II
or Calculus I
3
Fine Arts 6 3
ENG 101
Composition I
or Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
3
NRES 100 Prin of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences 3
BIOL 190A
BIOL 190L
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
 Semester Total16
2nd semester
CHEM 121 General Chemistry I 4
ENG 102
Composition II
or Composition II For International and Multilingual Students
3
STAT 152 Introduction to Statistics 3
GEOL 101 Geology: Exploring Planet Earth 4
 Semester Total14
3rd semester
CHEM 122 General Chemistry II 4
NRES 210 Environmental Pollution 3
GEOG 210 Introduction to Geotechnology 3
PHIL 210 World Religions 3
Elective 7 3-4
 Semester Total16
4th semester
PSC 101 Introduction to American Politics 3
BIOL 191A
BIOL 191L
Introduction to Organismal Biology
and Intro to Organismal Biology Lab
4
NRES 217 Natural Resource Ecology 3
Elective 7 3-4
 Semester Total14
 Total Units60
6

See approved General Education list for the AA/AS Degree.

7

 See program recommendations or requirements.

 

Program Requirements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.  

To earn an AA/AS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AA/AS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
General Education Requirements
English3-6
Must include ENG 102 or ENG 114 1
Fine Arts3
Humanities3
Recommended:
World Religions 2
Mathematics 3
Required:
MATH 127Pre-Calculus II3
Science
Required:
CHEM 121General Chemistry I4
CHEM 122General Chemistry II4
Social Science3
Recommended:
Introduction to American Politics 4
Additional College Requirements
Diversity[3]
Recommended:
World Religions
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions[3]
Recommended:
Introduction to American Politics
Degree Requirements
BIOL 190A
BIOL 190L
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
BIOL 191A
BIOL 191L
Introduction to Organismal Biology
and Intro to Organismal Biology Lab
4
GEOG 210Introduction to Geotechnology3
GEOL 101Geology: Exploring Planet Earth4
NRES 100Prin of Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences3
NRES 210Environmental Pollution3
NRES 217Natural Resource Ecology3
STAT 152Introduction to Statistics3
Elective requirements
Select 7 units from the following: 57
Organic Chemistry for Scientists and Professionals I
Climate Change and its Environmental Impacts
Earth and Life Through Time 6
Pre-Calculus I
Calculus I
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
and Physics for Scientists/Engineers Lab I
General Physics I
Total Units60
1

If you place into ENG 102 or ENG 114, the additional 3 required units will become elective credit.

2

Course may also count toward Diversity requirement. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

3

MATH 181 required if transferring to UNR.

4

Course may also count toward U.S. and Nevada constitution requirement. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

5

For students transferring into a specific program at a university, choose electives appropriate for that program. See Departmental Advisor for details if needed.

6

Course may not count towards Environmental Science degree at UNR.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Identify and describe the essential components of earth's natural environment, and explain key principles of their interactions.

PSLO2: Describe and analyze core environmental problems, their causes, consequences, and practical solutions.

PSLO3: Use quantitative reasoning and critical analysis skills for interpretation of scientific data and problem-solving. 

PSLO4: Apply scientific methods to draw and communicate, in oral and written formats, reasonable conclusions about scientific inquiry.

Transfer Agreements

AA/AS degrees are designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. General information about general transfer agreements can be found on the Academic Advisement website. Students who intend to transfer to another college or university should speak with a TMCC Academic Advisor and consult with that institution. The transfer institution determines how TMCC courses will transfer. TMCC has agreements with the following institutions towards a bachelor's degree in the same or similar discipline.