Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Environmental Sciences
CPTC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Sciences (BAS-ENV) degree has been designed for those pursuing employment as an environmental technician, biological technician, or natural resources technician. The program is also intended to provide advancement opportunities for those currently employed in an environmental field who lack the required credential for that advancement. Graduates with a technical associate degree wanting to advance their career options in environmental sciences are welcome to apply.
BAS-ENV provides the necessary knowledge and skills for a wide range of positions in the environmental science field. As an applied science curriculum, we approach learning environmental sciences using hands-on tools in a realistic, practical context. Students will graduate with experience using ecological and chemical principles and concepts as well as regulatory criteria in solving real-world environmental issues. Graduates will be able to apply quality management to environmental programs and have a foundation in workplace health and safety.
Program length
A full-time student would be able to complete the program in 15-18 months (6 quarters). Completion time for part-time students depends on their course load.
Admission dates
Summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters.
Program Outcomes
• Apply relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations to problems involving the environment and natural resources.
• Utilize appropriate health and safety regulations for planning, implementing, and managing projects in the workplace.
• Employ scientific methodologies, technical instruments, and environmental data to analyze, evaluate, and create management decisions.
• Collaborate with to create solutions to real world environmental problems.
• Develop leadership skills within the environmental sciences and natural resources management.
• Evaluate the ethical, cross-cultural, and historical context of environmental issues and the links between human and natural systems.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
Admission to the Program
Admission to the program may occur when the following can be documented:
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Successful completion of one of the following:
- an earned Applied Associate degree, AAS-T, Direct Transfer Associate degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution with an overall minimum 2.3 GPA OR
- an appropriate body of preparation as determined by the college, including completion of 90 college-level credits, employment, or other life experience that qualifies for credit for prior learning and meets the upper-division course prerequisites.
- 5 college-level credits in English Composition (ENGL& 101 or higher with a minimum grade of 2.0.)
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5 college-level credits of MATH& 146 Intro to Statistics, or higher level statistics course -or- MATH& 141 Precalculus I or higher level calculus course with a minimum grade of 2.0 (or equivalent)
- 5 college-level credits in a transferable social science course.
- 15 credits in a natural science with a lab component - GEOL& 110 recommended or other earth science with a lab; ENV 164 General Chemistry w/lab, or other equivalent chemistry course with a lab; ENV 165 Environmental Chemistry w/lab, or CHEM& 121 or other equivalent chemistry course with a lab.
Admission to the Senior Year
Once admitted to the program, the following must be documented before students can move on to the senior year of the program:
- 5 credits of MATH& 146 or another higher-level statistics class.
- 5 credits of soil science, ENV 260 or equivalent.
- 5 credits of urban environmental science, ENV 231 or equivalent or instructor permission.
- 8 credits of hazardous waste site operations and emergency response, ENV 135 or equivalent with instructor permission.
- 7 credits of critical areas ENV 251 or equivalent.
These requirements can be satisfied by coursework completed before admission to the BAS-ENV program, or during “bridge” courses included within the BAS-ENV program. The bridge courses may include up to 30 credits as required. Bridge courses may be taken concurrently with upper-level BAS classes.
Second Baccalaureate Degree General Education Requirements
Applicants who have already earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university may be able to substitute previous courses for our general education requirements based on the Washington State Second Baccalaureate Degree policy outlined in the Policies and Procedures.
Students must still complete program-specific general education degree requirements if not otherwise satisfied. The program-specific general education requirements in the BAS-ENV degree are listed below:
- Life Sciences (e.g., BIOL& 160 General Biology)
- BUS 310 Project Management (or equivalent)
- MAT 311 Mathematical Techniques for Operations Management (or equivalent)
- MAT 413 Measurement and Statistical Process Control (or equivalent)
Program Course List