Environmental Science, Associate in Science for Transfer

Environmental Science integrates topics from biological sciences, physical sciences, geosciences, and public policy to understand the working of the earth’s ecosystems and the impact of humans within those systems. Environmental scientists apply scientific knowledge to understand complex environmental problems that impact the quality of life and develop solutions to protect, preserve, and sustain the natural environment.  

The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer degree (AS-T in Environmental Science) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. The degree program is designed to meet lower-division requirements, and students will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor's degree. Students should consult with a counselor for more information on specific university admission and transfer requirements. Students must complete the Associate Degree for Transfer requirements to earn the AS-T degree.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Use the Scientific Method and apply it to the development of scientific thought.
  • Critically evaluate scientific information in the media and from scientific sources to assess both its credibility and significance and impact on society and the environment.
  • Interpret the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science and the physical, biological, ecological, and social sciences required to effectively address current environmental issues.
Required Core
Select one option from the following:15
Option 1
Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Organisms
Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
General Chemistry I
Option 2
Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Organisms
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
List A: Complete all of the following:
BIOL 31Introduction to Environmental Science3
GEOL 2Physical Geology3
GEOL 2LPhysical Geology Laboratory1
MATH 16Elementary Statistics4
or SOCI 19 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
or PSYC 19 Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
MATH 18Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Social Science/Bu4
or MATH 20A Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
List B
ECON 4Principles of Economics: Micro3
Select one sequence from the following:8
General Physics I
and General Physics II
Science and Engineering Physics I
and Science and Engineering Physics II
TOTAL MAJOR UNITS41
Additional Requirements19
Complete CSU General Education, IGETC, CSU GE for STEM, or IGETC for STEM pattern and electives, if needed, for a total of 60 transferable units.
Total Units60

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.  
 

The model sequence of coursework below is one pathway for students to complete the program. The information below is not an official educational plan. An MPC Counselor can assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling and up-to-date program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallUnits
ENGL 1A
College Composition
or College Composition: Enhanced
3
MATH 18
Calculus and Analytic Geometry for Biology/Social Science/Bu
or Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
4
BIOL 31 Introduction to Environmental Science 3
ECON 4 Principles of Economics: Micro 3
IGETC Area 3B (US-1 Course Recommended) 3
 Units16
Spring
ENGL 2 Argumentative Writing and Critical Thinking 3
MATH 16
Elementary Statistics
or Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
or Introduction to Statistics for the Social Sciences
4
CHEM 1A General Chemistry I 5
IGETC Area 4 (US-2 & 3 Course Recommended) 3
 Units15
Year 2
Fall
SPCH 1
Public Speaking (CSU Requirement)
or Small Group Communication
3
BIOL 22
Concepts in Biology II: Diversity, Ecology, and Evolution
or General Chemistry II
5
PHYS 2A
General Physics I
or Science and Engineering Physics I
4
IGETC Area 3A 3
 Units15
Spring
BIOL 21 Concepts in Biology I: Cells, Genetics and Organisms 5
GEOL 2
& GEOL 2L
Physical Geology
and Physical Geology Laboratory
4
PHYS 2B
General Physics II
or Science and Engineering Physics II
4
IGETC Area 6 (UC Requirement) or Elective (CSU/UC Transferable) 1
 Units14
 Total Units60
A Degree With a Guarantee - Associate Degree for Transfer

MPC transfer programs are designed to enable students to complete lower-division requirements in preparation for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution.

The Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act (Senate Bill 1440, codified in California Education Code sections 66746-66749) guarantees admission to California State University (CSU) system for any community college student who earns an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), although not to a particular campus or major. Upon transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T), students will be required to complete no more than 60 upper-division units to earn a bachelor’s degree in a same or similar major (unless designated as a “high-unit” major).

The following Associate Degree for Transfer requirements must be completed to earn the AA-T or AS-T degree:

  1. Minimum of 60 CSU-transferable semester units;
  2. Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework (while a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA);
  3. Completion of a minimum of 18 semester units as detailed in the Major Requirements;
  4. Completion of all courses in the major with a grade of C or better (or a “P” if the course is taken on a “Pass/No Pass” basis);
  5. Certified completion of the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth) pattern; OR the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

All students should consult with a Counselor to discuss transfer pathways and specific university admission requirements. Visit MPC’s Counseling website for more information about Counseling services provided by MPC and to connect with a Counselor.