Student Pathway 2021−2022 Environmental Science AS-T

Environmental Science Associate in Science Degree for Transfer

Students will understand essential biological and physical processes, analyze human/environment interactions, understand different cultural perspectives on the environment, build critical thinking skills as the basis for decision making and sound value judgments, gain specialized analytical skills in at least one area of environmental science, build teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution skills, and develop effective communication skills.


Program Contact: Dr. Gizelle Hurtado | Program Counselor: Tasha Hutchings

Recommended Pathway

Semester 1:

Recommended Courses:
Course Number Course Title Units Advising/Action Notes
English 1A or 1AH Reading and Composition 4 CSU GE A2 | IGETC 1A
Chemistry 1A General Chemistry 5 Major Core - CSU GE B1&B3 | IGETC 5B&5C
Math 5A Math Analysis I 5 Major Core – CSU GE B4 | IGETC 2
Semester Units: 14
  • Explore transfer institutions and meet with Counselor to develop Student Educational Plan (SEP)
  • Meet with Counselor to review AP credit, other college coursework, and high school transcript for Chemistry eligibility
  • Utilize tutorial services

Semester 2:

Recommended Courses:
Course Number Course Title Units Advising/Action Notes
Communication 1 or 1H Public Speaking 3 CSU GE A1 | IGETC 1C
Math 5B Math Analysis I 5 Major Core - CSU GE B4 | IGETC 2
Biology 11A Biology for Science Majors I 5 Major Core – CSU GE B2&B3 | IGETC 5B&5C
Semester Units: 13
  • Meet with Counselor to ensure you are on track and make any updates needed to your SEP
  • Meet with Counselor regarding eligibility for Math 5A; might need to start in a different math course
  • You can opt to complete the Chemistry series or the Biology series for the degree; refer to the Environmental Science major sheet

Semester 3:

Recommended Courses:
Course Number Course Title Units Advising/Action Notes
CSU GE A3 | IGETC 1B Critical Thinking 3 Any course
*Biology 11B Biology for Science Majors II 5 Major Core – CSU GE B2&B3 | IGETC 5B&5C
*Chemistry 1B General Chemistry, Qualitative 5 Major Core - CSU GE B1&B3 | IGETC 5B&5C
Semester Units: 13

Apply to Transfer schools
CSU: 10/1-11/30 | UC: 11/1-11/30 | Privates: Dates Vary

  • Must take summer to finish degree in two years
  • Schedule an appointment with a counselor to review plan and progress

Semester 4:

Recommended Courses:
Course Number Course Title Units Advising/Action Notes
Physics 2A or
Physics 4A
General Physics 1 or
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
4 Major Core - CSU GE B1&B3 | IGETC 5B&5C (Physics 4A will require Math 5B) Check with counselor to determine which Physics series to complete
Mathematics 11 or Statistics 7 Elementary Statistics 4 Major Core - CSU GE B4 | IGETC 2
Geology 1 Physical Geology 4 Major Core - CSU GE B1&B3 | IGETC 5B&5C
Semester Units: 12
  • Apply for degree and Certificate: January - February
  • Check student portals for transfer schools that you've applied to regularly - Don't miss any important deadlines!

Semester 5:

Recommended Courses:
Course Number Course Title Units Advising/Action Notes
Area CSU C1 | IGETC 3A Arts 3 Student choice
Political Science 2/2H American Government 3 CSU GE D | IGETC 4 – CSU graduation requirement
Economics 1B Principles of Microeconomics 3 Major Core – CSU GE D | IGETC 4
Physics 2B/4B General Physics 2 or Physics for Scientists and Engineers 4 Major Core – CSU GE B1&B3/IGETC 5B&5C (Check with counselor to determine which Physics series to complete: Physics 4B will require Math 6)
Semester Units: 13

Semester 6:

Recommended Courses:
Course Number Course Title Units Advising/Action Notes
History 11 or
History 12/12H
History of the United States to 1877 or
History of the United States Since 1865
3 CSU GE C2/IGETC 3B - CSU Graduation Requirement
Area C1 or C2 | IGETC 3A or 3B Additional Course from Arts or Humanities 3 Student choice
CSU GE Area E Lifelong Learning Self Development 3 CSU GE Area E - Student Choice
CSU GE Area F - Ethnic Studies OR IGETC 4 Ethnic Studies OR Social Science - Depends on Transfer School 3 See Counselor for Recommendations
Semester Units: 12
  • Area E not needed if following the IGETC pattern

Student must choose to complete either the Biology series (Biology 11A & 11B) or the General Chemistry series (Chemistry 1A & 1B) for the AS-T degree in Environmental Science. It is recommended to compete both the Biology and Chemistry series to be better prepared for the major.

** Bio 2 Environmental Science or Bio 13 Environmental Science Lect and Bio 13 Environmental Science lab

Courses that would be helpful for this degree:

  • Geography 10 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Techniques, with Lab
  • Geography 1, 1L- Physical Geography/Physical Geography Laboratory
  • Geography 2 - Cultural Geography
  • Geography 20 - California Geography
  • Geography 15 – Introduction to Weather and Climate
  • Geology 9 - Introduction to Earth Science
  • Anthropology 1 – Biological Anthropology
  • Biology 12 – Research in Biology

Things to Think About

  • STEM Tutorial sessions
  • Summer school can be an option to take some general education courses
  • Internship/ summer work experience in Environmental Science and related disciplines highly recommended for this field. Possible organization to apply are NEON, US Forest Service- USA Jobs, California Fish and Wildlife- Cal Careers.