Environmental Studies, Associate of Arts (AA)
Program Overview
The Environmental Studies Program at Santa Barbara City College provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the connections between humans and the environment. Through coursework in biology, earth sciences, and history, students gain insights into environmental issues, their impact on society, and the importance of sustainability. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical field experiences, preparing students for careers in environmental protection, sustainability, and natural resource management.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Environmental Studies Program at Santa Barbara City College is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the interconnections between humans and the environment. The program emphasizes the significance of environmental issues and their impact on human societies, both historically and in contemporary times. Through coursework in biology, earth sciences, and history, students gain insights into the functioning of living systems, geologic processes, and human attitudes towards nature.
Objectives:
The Environmental Studies Program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to:
- Comprehend the intricate connections between human activities and environmental impacts
- Recognize the critical importance of environmental preservation and sustainability
- Cultivate critical thinking abilities to evaluate the consequences of human actions on environmental health
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues, including their scientific, social, and political dimensions
- Foster an appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world
- Prepare students for careers in various fields related to environmental protection, sustainability, and natural resource management
Program Description:
The Environmental Studies Program combines theoretical knowledge with practical field experiences, enabling students to develop a well-rounded understanding of environmental systems. The program's curriculum includes coursework in environmental biology, geology, history, economics, ethics, and statistics. Students also engage in hands-on field studies and research projects, which provide opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Outline:
Course List:
Department Requirements:
- ENVS 110: Humans and the Biological Environment (3 units)
- ENVS 111: Environmental Field Studies (1 unit)
- ENVS/ERTH 115: Environmental Geology (3 units)
- ENVS/ERTH 115L: Environmental Geology Laboratory (1 unit)
- ENVS/ERTH 116: Energy and Natural Resources (3 units)
- HIST/ENVS 112: American Environmental History (3 units)
- ENVS 200: Projects in Sustainability (2 units)
Natural Science Requirement:
Students must complete one of the following courses:
- BIOL 100: Concepts of Biology (4-5 units)
- BIOL 101: Plant Biology (4-5 units)
- BIOL 102: Animal Biology (4-5 units)
- BIOL 103: Cell and Molecular Biology (4-5 units)
Chemistry Requirement:
- CHEM 155: General Chemistry I (5 units)
Social Science Requirement:
Students must complete one of the following courses:
- ECON 101: Microeconomics (3-4 units)
- ECON 101H: Microeconomics, Honors (3-4 units)
- ECON 102: Macroeconomics (3-4 units)
- ECON 102H: Macroeconomics, Honors (3-4 units)
English Composition Requirement:
Students must complete one of the following courses:
- ENG 110: Composition and Reading (4 units)
- ENG 110H: Composition and Reading, Honors (4 units)
Critical Thinking and Composition Requirement:
Students must complete one of the following courses:
- ENG 111: Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature (3 units)
- ENG 111H: Critical Thinking and Composition Through Literature, Honors (3 units)
Mathematics Requirement:
- MATH 117: Elementary Statistics (4 units)
Ethics Requirement:
Students must complete one of the following courses:
- PHIL 101: Introduction to Ethics (3-4 units)
- PHIL 101H: Introduction to Ethics, Honors (3-4 units)
- PHIL 205: Introduction to Logic (3-4 units)
- POLS 132: Political Thinking (3-4 units)
Geology/Geography Requirement:
Students must complete one combination from the following:
- ERTH 111 & ERTH 111L: Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology and Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory (4 units)
- ERTH 111H & ERTH 111L: Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology, Honors and Dynamic Earth - Physical Geology Laboratory (4 units)
- ERTH 151 & ERTH 151L: Introductory Physical Oceanography and Introductory Physical Oceanography Laboratory (4 units)
- OR
- ERTH/GEOG 152: Weather and Climate (3 units)
Social Science Electives:
Students must complete two courses from the following:
- ANTH 103: Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 units)
- ANTH 109: Comparative World Cultures (3 units)
- ERTH 142/GEOG 105: Economic Geography (3 units)
- GEOG 102: Human Geography (3 units)
- GLST 101: Introduction to Global Studies (3 units)
- GLST 102: Global Problems (3 units)
- POLS 101: American Government and Politics (3 units)
- POLS 121: International Politics (3 units)
- POLS 121H: International Politics, Honors (3 units)
- POLS 131: Comparative Politics (3 units)
- PSY 100: General Psychology (3 units)
- PSY 100H: General Psychology, Honors (3 units)
- SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
- SOC 101H: Introduction to Sociology, Honors (3 units)
IGETC Area 3A Requirement:
Careers:
Completion of the Environmental Studies Program prepares students for careers in various fields related to environmental protection, sustainability, and natural resource management. Potential career paths include:
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Educator
- Sustainability Manager
- Natural Resource Manager
- Land Use Planner
- Environmental Policy Analyst
- Climate Change Specialist
- Environmental Engineer
- Conservation Officer