Program Overview
The AS Earth and Environmental Science program emphasizes collecting, analyzing, and interpreting Earth and environmental system data using scientific inquiry. Students will learn foundational Earth and environmental science principles in these four emphasis areas – Atmospheric and Climate Science, Geology, Geographic Information Science (GIS), and Ecosystem Science. These principles may include identifying Earth materials and landforms; weather and climate systems; air and water pollution; the water, carbon, and rock cycles; ecosystem processes; natural hazards; data communication; human-natural system interactions; geographic information systems, and remote sensing. These skills will be applied to help solve real-world problems.
Career Opportunities
Understanding and practice of Earth and Environmental Science is applicable to numerous 4-year degree programs and careers. This employment sector exhibits remarkable diversity and interdisciplinary applications, finding relevance in multiple industries such as local, state, and federal agencies; nonprofit organizations; private sector roles; business and marketing; geography; geographic information systems; drones; urban planning and transportation; geospatial intelligence; forestry and agriculture; environmental science and wildlife conservation; geology; renewable energy; energy management; natural resource management; military operations; disaster response and mitigation; surveying; computer science and information systems; environmental reporting; and more.
What You Will Learn
- Describe how the Earth and environmental systems and their physical and biological components function and interact.
- Analyze and interpret Earth and environmental data.
- Create and communicate data via tables, graphs, and maps.
- Predict the location, timing, severity, and potential impacts of natural hazards and anthropogenic environmental changes.
- Find, assess, cite, and utilize credible scientific sources professionally and ethically.
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.