This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Science Track 1 degree requirements with a concentration in Environmental Science.
This pre-major pathway prepares you to transfer at the 3rd year level to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field. Environmental Science scholars ask questions such as:
How can colony collapse disorder be prevented?
Should genetically modified food be labeled as such?
How does intensive farming impact plant biodiversity?
Environmental Science uses a multidisciplinary approach to understand the changes in our natural and human environment. During your studies, you’ll draw on fundamental scientific knowledge in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology coupled with specialization in a particular area of science to provide advanced scientific and quantitative understanding of contemporary environmental challenges. Much of your learning will occur while actively working on problems in the field, with supplementary learning in laboratories and classrooms.
This pathway will provide you with key skills that include data collection and analysis, written and oral communication skills, and experience collaborating within teams. Environmental Scientists have global opportunities to work in areas such as environmental assessments, industry consulting, the public sector, and more. A degree in Environmental Science can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or a professional degree such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, or architecture.
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing either the FAFSA or the WASFA.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit our Paying for College page for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:
A bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field at a four-year college or university.
A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.
South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.
Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.
South Seattle College offers several associate degrees designed for transfer students. Please review our transfer degrees page to find the degree requirements for your chosen pathway.
The sample schedule and quarterly to-do list below will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The sample schedule assumes a fall quarter start and is constrained by 6 quarters, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level. Some classes listed may require a pre-requisite class. Some courses are offered in a variety of formats including online (e-learning), in-person, and hybrid. Available formats vary by quarter. Please work with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your goals.
Before you begin:
Please visit the Steps to Enroll page for everything you need to do.
Visit the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
Visit the Tutoring Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
Get involved on campus. Check out some of the resources, clubs and activities available to you through Student Life and TRIO, RST, and more.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
ENVS& 100
Survey of Environmental Science
5
ENVS& 100: Survey of Environmental Science
Covers natural principles governing operation of the environment, including interaction between humans and the environment, emphasizing approaches and actions to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
5
Units
ENGL& 101
English Composition I
5
ENGL& 101: English Composition I
English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers.
5
Units
MATH& 146
Introduction to Statistics
5
MATH& 146: Introduction to Statistics
Covers descriptive methods, probability and probability distributions, samples, decisions, hypothesis testing and statistical inferences.
Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
Attend transfer workshops and/or a transfer fair. Find more information on our transfer resources page.
Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options.
Visit South’s transfer page for transfer information.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
MATH& 141
Precalculus I
5
MATH& 141: Precalculus I
The sequence Math& 141 and Math& 142 covers polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; related functional and algebraic topics; topics in analytic geometry; systems of equations; trig and inverse trig functions; right triangle and oblique triangle trig; polar coordinates; vectors; and related trig applications. Fulfills the QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
5
Units
CMST 205
Multicultural Communication
5
CMST 205: Multicultural Communication
Study concepts of culture and the opportunities and challenges of multicultural communication in domestic settings. Focuses on the importance of culture in all human interaction; the variables which affect intercultural communication, including ethnicity, gender and multicultural identities; and the influences of American culture around the world.
5
Units
ENVS 170
Energy and Resources - Now and Future
5
ENVS 170: Energy and Resources - Now and Future
Study of energy and material resources, both personal and worldwide production and consumption. Investigates the impact on the natural environment from production of coal, wind, solar and hydropower; gasoline, electricity and hydrogen fuel transportation; and natural gas and biomass heating options. Focus on sustainable alternatives to meet energy and material needs.
Lecture. Includes chemical mathematics, basic atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical equation balancing, mole concept and chemical stoichiometry. Prereq: MATH 098.
5
Units
MATH& 142
Precalculus II
5
MATH& 142: Precalculus II
The sequence Math& 141 and Math& 142 covers polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions; related functional and algebraic topics; topics in analytic geometry; systems of equations; trig and inverse trig functions; right triangle and oblique triangle trig; polar coordinates; vectors; and related trig applications.
5
Units
GEOL& 110
Environmental Geology: Geology and The Human Env
5
GEOL& 110: Environmental Geology: Geology and The Human Env
Covers the effects of geologic processes and materials on human activity, and the effects of human activity on the Earth. Emphasizes awareness of geologic aspects of our everyday environment including the identification of problems, and the formulation and evaluation of solutions. Lab included. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
Build relationships with faculty and staff at South to learn more about your pathway and future opportunities.
Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
BIOL& 211
Majors Cellular Biology
5
BIOL& 211: Majors Cellular Biology
BIOL&211 is the first of a three-quarter introduction to biology sequence in preparation for advanced study in areas such as medicine, dentistry, cell biology, microbiology, or veterinary medicine. BIOL& 211 focuses on cellular biology, BIOL& 212 on the biological diversity in animals and BIOL& 213 on evolution, ecology and biological principles of prokaryotes, fungi, protists and plants. Lab included. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
5
Units
CHEM& 161
General Chemistry With Lab I
6
CHEM& 161: General Chemistry With Lab I
For science majors. A three-quarter sequence introducing basic concepts of chemistry: structure and bonding, chemical reactivity, physical measurement, stoichiometry, structure of matter, gas laws, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base, thermodynamics, redox and electrochemistry. Satisfies the general chemistry requirement for science and engineering majors, pre-Med, pre-Pharmacy, pre-Veterinary, etc. Lab included. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
6
Units
or MATH& 151
Calculus I
5
MATH& 151: Calculus I
The sequence MATH&151, &152 and &163 covers limits, differential calculus and its applications, integral calculus and its applications, intro to differential equations, series including Taylor series, vector geometry in three dimensions, multivariable calculus, partial differentiation, double integrals in Cartesian and polar coordinates and applications. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
5
Units
Quarter 5,
16 Units
Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options.
Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
Continuation of the three-quarter college biology sequence. Emphasis is placed on the biological diversity of animals, general principles of animal physiology, growth and development, and organ system relationships, with an underlying theme of evolution. This course is intended for students planning to major in the biological sciences, allied health, or veterinary medicine. Includes lab. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
5
Units
CHEM& 162
General Chemistry With Lab II
6
CHEM& 162: General Chemistry With Lab II
For science majors. Second of three-quarter sequence introducing basic chemistry concepts: structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, physical measurement, stoichiometry, structure of matter, gas laws, intermolecular forces, solutions, chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acid/base, thermodynamics, redox and electrochemistry. Satisfies the general chemistry requirement for science and engineering majors, pre-Med, pre-Pharmacy, pre-Veterinary, etc. Lab included. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
6
Units
MATH& 152
Calculus II
5
MATH& 152: Calculus II
The sequence MATH&151, &152 and &163 covers limits, differential calculus and its applications, integral calculus and its applications, intro to differential equations, series including Taylor series, vector geometry in three dimensions, multivariable calculus, partial differentiation, double integrals in Cartesian and polar coordinates and applications. Fulfills QSR requirement for A.A. degree.
5
Units
Quarter 6,
16 Units
Check in with your university for transfer planning.
Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
Attend commencement ceremony.
Click course row to read description.
Course
Course Title
Units
BIOL& 213
Majors Plant
5
BIOL& 213: Majors Plant
BIOL& 213 is the third course in the major's biology series. Emphasis is placed on the diversity, ecology and evolution of bacteria, fungi, protists, and plants. This course also explores details of the life cycle, reproduction, and physiology of non-vascular and vascular plants. The ecology of populations, communities and ecosystems is explored unifying concepts of cellular, molecular, evolutionary and organismal diversity covered in BIOL&211, 212, and 213. Lab is included. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
5
Units
CHEM& 163
General Chemistry With Lab III
6
CHEM& 163: General Chemistry With Lab III
For science majors. Covers chemistry principles, structure of matter, atomic and molecular theory, the elements, quantitative relationships, nuclear chemistry, aqueous solutions, kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, oxidation and reduction, electro-chemistry, periodicity, equilibrium systems, qualitative analysis and organic chemistry. Fulfills the QSR requirement for A.A. degree. This class has an additional Science Lab Course Fee.
6
Units
ENVS 160
Principles of Environmental Sustainability
5
ENVS 160: Principles of Environmental Sustainability
Explores past and present contributions from major events and leaders to the sustainability movement. Principles of sustainability are used to analyze action on challenges such as urbanization, climate change, food systems and pollution.