Environmental Science A.S.

School: Mathematics, Science and Engineering
Academic Dept: Biology
HEGIS: 5604

Program Description

The Environmental Science A.S. program at SUNY Westchester Community College offers a comprehensive scientific foundation to understand and address critical environmental issues such as the biodiversity crisis, habitat loss, and climate change. With a curriculum grounded in biology, chemistry, and earth science, students develop the knowledge base and scientific skills to analyze human impacts on the environment and propose solutions. Graduates are prepared to transfer into bachelor’s programs in Environmental Science, paving the way for a wide range of environmental careers such as wildlife conservation, water and air quality protection, and ecosystem management and restoration.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate the ability to evaluate environmental problems with a scientific perspective.
Demonstrate the ability to use the scientific method of inquiry and analysis to better understand nature, our impact on it and how applied science, technology and public policies may foster sustainable global development.
Demonstrate the ability to use science to explain the human impact on the biosphere.

Accreditation

SUNY WCC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. https://www.sunywcc.edu/about/accreditation/

Program Notes

No additional notes for this program.

Program Requirements

64 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 30 credits
Required Degree Courses - 34 credits

General Education Requirements - 30 Credits

Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits):
Humanities (3 credits):
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (8 credits): or higher-level math course; and or
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (4 credits):
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice; and US History and Civic Engagement (3 credits):
Social Sciences (3 credits): OR OR OR
Social Sciences (3 credits): OR OR
The Arts OR World Languages (3 credits): choose from either category, or

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of .

Required Degree Courses - 34 credits

Environmental Science Elective (12 credits): select FOUR courses of the following

Program Map

Semester 1

Course	Credits
	4
OR OR	3
	3
	4
OR	3
Semester Total Credits	17

Semester 2

Course	Credits
	4
	4
	3
	4
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 3

Course	Credits
	5
	3
	1
Environmental Science Electives	6
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 4

Course	Credits
OR OR OR	3
	5
	3
Environmental Science Electives	6
Semester Total Credits	14

Minimum Total Credits: 64

Transfer Opportunities

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.