Degrees
AS Earth and Environmental Science
The Associate of Science (AS) transfer program in Earth and Environmental Science focuses on using scientific inquiry to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to Earth and environmental systems. You will gain a solid foundation in Earth and environmental science and have a choice of four emphases: Atmospheric and Climate Science, Ecosystem Science, Geographic Information Science (GIS), and Geology. All emphases transfer to four-year universities and topics studied may include Earth materials and landforms; weather and climate systems; air, water, and soil pollution; ecosystem processes; natural hazards; data communication; human impacts; mapping (GIS); and remote sensing (e.g., satellite imagery and drones).
AS General Education Requirements
All students must complete General Education Requirements for SLCC. For all emphases, student's Life Science (LS) requirement will be completed as part of their core coursework. In some emphases students will also complete their Physical Science (PS) requirement as part of their required emphasis coursework.
AS Earth & Environmental Science Core Classes
The following two classes are required for all emphases:
- ENVS 1400 - Environmental Science (LS)
- GEOG 2500 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
Atmospheric and Climate Science uses science to explain and predict what happens in the earth's atmosphere and how it impacts our planet and all living things. Courses investigating extreme weather, climate changes, air quality, and mountain weather explore the atmosphere's role in shaping our environment and society. By conducting original research projects, you will study the atmosphere to understand its complexity and assess its impacts. You will prepare yourself for a career protecting lives and property and ensuring a healthy and thriving ecosystem for both humans and nature on Earth.
Required
- Severe Weather
- Climate Change
- Air Pollution & Atmospheric Chemistry
- Mountain Weather & Climate
- Chemistry 1 & Lab
Recommended Electives
- Calculus 1 and 2
- Cartography
- Physics 1 and 2
- Other classes in the EES department
Example Careers
- Weather Forecaster
- Climate Risk Analyst
- Broadcast or Digital Meteorologist
- Earth Systems Researcher
- Air Quality Scientist
In the Ecosystem Science emphasis, you will study the interactions between living organisms and the physical environment. Through courses in biology and earth sciences, you will explore processes such as energy and nutrient flow through ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impacts on the environment. On field experiences in areas such as dynamic alpine regions and the unique saline environments of the Great Salt Lake, you will actively participate in scientific exploration and investigation. Ecosystem science is used to study environmental issues such as pollution and resource management.
Required Courses
- ENVS 1405 - Environmental Science Lab
- BIOL 1610/1615 - College Biology I (LS) and Lab
- BIOL 1620/1625 - College Biology II and Lab
- CHEM 1210/1215 - General Chemistry I and Lab
Recommended Electives
- BIOL 2220/2225 – Ecology and Lab
- CHEM 1220/1225 - General Chemistry II and Lab
- MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL)
Example Careers
- Wildlife Researcher and Manager
- Fisheries Manager
- Forest Ecologist
- Conservation Specialist
- Park Naturalist
- Ecosystem Restoration Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) emphasis will give you expertise in GIS, remote sensing, GPS, geospatial programming, drone technology, and geographic science. You will develop strong GIS-related skills, including spatial analysis, data visualization, map design, and geodatabase management. The curriculum is flexible and allows you to tailor your learning to your specific career goals or field of study. GIS skills have a growing demand across government, non-profits, and industries, and this program equips you with the skills needed to succeed in geospatial and drone-related roles. Additionally, you are trained to manage drone flight operations and imagery analysis, applying your knowledge to areas such as agriculture, resource management, emergency response, and aerial videography.
Required Courses
- GEOG 1000 - Earth’s Environments (PS)
- GEOG 1300 - Regional Geography
- GEOG 1400 - Human Geography
- GEOG 1800 - Mapping Our Changing World (CM)
- GEOG 2100 - Cartographic Principles
- GEOG 2750 - Remote Sensing and GIS
Recommended Electives
- GEOG 2400 - Data Acquisition & Management
- GEOG 2550 - Fundamentals of Drones
- GEOG 2800 - Web GIS
- GEOG 2880 - Mapping with Drones
- GEOG 2920 - Spatial Analysis
Example Careers
- GIS Analyst
- Urban Planner
- Data Scientist
- Cartographer
- Emergency Manager
- Logistics Specialist
Geology is the study of Earth’s rocks, minerals, fossils, and water. Geology applies principles from chemistry, physics, math, and biology to understand the composition, structure, history of Earth’s materials and processes. As a geologist, you would tackle real-world issues like environmental clean-up; finding and managing resources like minerals, energy, and water; and assessing risks from earthquakes and landslides.
Required Courses
- GEO 1110/1115 - Physical Geology and Lab
- GEO 1220/1225 - Historical Geology and Lab
- GEO 2350 - Field Studies in Geology
- CHEM 1210/1215 - General Chemistry I and Lab
Recommended Electives
- CHEM 1220/1225 - General Chemistry II and Lab
- MATH 1210 - Calculus I (QL)
- MATH 1220 - Calculus II
- PHYS 2210 - Physics for Science & Engineering I
- PHYS 2220 - Physics for Science & Engineering II
Examples Careers
- Environmental Consultant
- Water Quality Analyst
- City, County, State, and Federal Geologist
- Mineral and Energy Exploration Geologist
- Land Manager
- Paleontologist
GIS & Drones Workforce and Certificates
The Earth and Environmental Sciences department offers one workforce degree, AAS Geographic Information System and Drones, as well as two Certificates of Proficiency in Small Unmanned Aerial Systems and Geographic Information Systems. Certificates may be completed alone or as part of the AAS or AS degree.
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in Geographic Information Systems and Drones develops expertise in GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and geospatial programming, aligning with the Department of Labor's Geospatial Technology Competency Model (GTCM). Students can apply spatial technology to various fields or pursue it independently, preparing for careers in government, non-profits, and industries seeking geospatial proficiency. The program also covers drone technology, including software, hardware, flight operations, and imagery data processing, equipping graduates with skills for applications like agriculture, resource management, emergency response, and aerial media.
Required Courses
- GEOG 1180 - Programming using Python
- GEOG 1800 - Mapping Our Changing World (CM)
- GEOG 2100 - Cartographic Principles
- GEOG 2400 - Data Acquisition & Management
- GEOG 2500 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
- GEOG 2550 - Fundamentals of Drones
- GEOG 2750 - Remote Sensing and GIS
- GEOG 2800 - Web GIS
- GEOG 2880 - Mapping with Drones
- GEOG 2920 - Spatial Analysis
Recommended Elective Courses
- ATMO 1010 - Severe and Hazardous Weather (PS)
- ATMO 1020 - Climate Change (PS)
- ATMO 2100 - Air Pollution & Atmospheric Chemistry
- ATMO 2200 - Mountain Weather & Climate
- ENVS 1400 - Environmental Science (LS)
- GEO 1010 - Introduction to Geology (PS)
- GEO 1110 - Physical Geology
- GEO 1220 - Historical Geology
- GEO 2350 - Field Studies in Geology
- GEOG 1000 - Earth's Environments (PS)
- GEOG 1300 - Regional Geography
- GEOG 1400 - Human Geography
- GEOG 1700 - Natural Disasters (PS)
Example Careers
- GIS Analyst
- Cartographer
- Logistics Specialist
Geographic Information Science (GIS) uses tools of mapping and GPS to identify and solve scientific problems. This certificate can be completed on its own or as part of completing the AAS or AS degree.
Required Courses
- GEOG 1180 - Programming using Python
- GEOG 1800 - Mapping Our Changing World (CM)
- GEOG 2100 - Cartographic Principles
- GEOG 2400 - Data Acquisition & Management
- GEOG 2500 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
- GEOG 2750 - Remote Sensing and GIS
- GEOG 2800 - Web GIS
- GEOG 2920 - Spatial Analysis
Example Careers
- GIS Analyst
- Cartographer
Drones are used in many fields for imagery and data collection. This certificate can be completed on its own or as part of completing the AAS or AS degree.
Required Courses
- GEOG 2500 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
- GEOG 2550 - Fundamentals of Drones
- GEOG 2750 - Remote Sensing and GIS
- GEOG 2880 - Mapping with Drones
- GEOG 2920 - Spatial Analysis
Example Careers
- Drone Photographer
- Drone Pilot