Environmental Science
Environmental Science investigates the systems in the world around us. Your studies will meet the requirements for entry into conservation, research careers, and agricultural science, or work as a teacher, writer, scientist, or researcher.
After you finish your Associate of Science (A.S.) degree at CCD, you can then transfer to a four-year college or university and continue working toward a bachelor’s degree.
Spacious labs and modern equipment are all ready and available for students. Hands-on learning and small classroom size, as well as a strong tutoring program, make CCD the right choice.
Academic support is provided through CCD's Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
This program is eligible for federal financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!
The Associate of Science degree in Environmental Science is designed for you to complete the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSUDenver) to complete a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. This degree prepares you to transfer as a junior to MSUDenver and to work in areas such as zoology, conservation, hydrology, and teaching. It also gives you a strong foundation for seeking an advanced degree in environmental law or environmental engineering.
Please speak with your program chair regarding internship and research opportunities.
What Can I Do with My Major?
Employment of environmental science and protection technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.
An A.S. in environmental science sets the stage for a career in a number of areas, including the following:
- Ecologist
- Education
- Environmental Attorney
- Environmental Planner
- Forest Ranger
- Land Use Planning
- Landfill Operation and Monitoring
- Natural Resource Specialist
- Outdoor Adventure Educator
- State Park Resource Ecologist
- Wildlife Biologist
- Soil and Water Conservation
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The median annual wage for environmental science and protection technicians was $50,660 in May 2023.
The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The objectives of the field of environmental science are to understand how the natural world works, how humans interact with and impact the environment, and find ways to deal with environmental problems. The primary goal of the environmental science program at CCD is to prepare students to transfer into an environmental science B.S. degree pathway at a 4-year college or university. Environmental Science is interdisciplinary and requires knowledge of Biology, Chemistry, and Geology. At CCD students will acquire knowledge in these disciplines, as well as develop fundamental skills necessary to work in any scientific field; research scientific literature, collect, analyze and evaluate data and communicate scientific findings.
PSLO1: Employ Proper Use of Scientific Method and Tools
- Properly perform both laboratory and field experiments
- Make observations, test hypothesis, collect data, and conduct data analysis (graphs)
PSLO2: Be an Effective Scientific Communicator
- Perform effective oral and written communication of scientific principles and ideas
- Apply basic scientific principles to interpretations of observations and experimental results
- Demonstrate ability to understand and properly utilize scientific literature.
PSLO3: Understand Basic Principles of Environmental Science
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the functions, interactions and eco-services of the biosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere and atmosphere.
- Demonstrate ability to relate and integrate principles of biology, chemistry, and geology to the natural environment.
- Demonstrate an awareness of environmental challenges and humans’ impact on the environment.