Program Overview

Environmental Studies, Associate of Arts (AA)

Overview

The Environmental Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program designed to develop an understanding of living and non-living earth processes and how they affect and are affected by the human population. Courses in biology, earth sciences, and history provide a foundation in the functioning of living systems, including population growth, ecology, and toxicology; geologic processes, including energy resources, geologic hazards, and pollution; and human attitudes towards nature, including historical perspective and context for our current situation.

Requirements

• Complete all of the following:
  • All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
  • One of the following three General Education options:
    • OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
    • OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
    • OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
  • A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
  • A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

Course List

Learning Outcomes

• Explain how human activities impact the environment and how the environment impacts human society over time.
• Explain the interconnections among the lithosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
• Apply critical thinking to establish connections and evaluate the extent to which human activities degrade, protect, or rehabilitate environmental health.