The development of the Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer Degree (AS-T in Environmental Science) helps transfer students focus on the core prerequisite courses and supports them as they move toward their goal in transferring to a four-year institution.  Students who complete this degree will satisfy lower-division general education and major requirements for transfer to a CSU in Environmental Science program. Further, students who complete the degree will be guaranteed admission to the CSU system.

The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer Degree (AS-T) is intended for students who plan to transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, or a major deemed similar at a CSU campus. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AS-T in Environmental Science within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designed as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to the CSU's Associate Degree for Transfer Major and Campus Search webpage and seek guidance from a Ventura College counselor. Students completing this AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system but not necessarily to a particular campus or a major of choice.

To earn an AS-T in Environmental Science, students must:

1. Complete 60 semester or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
   1. The California Intersegmental General Education Transfer (Cal-GETC) pattern, and
   2. The required coursework for the AS-T in Environmental Science as listed in the Ventura College catalog.

2. Obtain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of at least in all CSU-transferable coursework. While a minimum of is required for admission, some transfer institutions and majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information. 

3. Obtain a grade of “C” or better or “P” in all courses required in the major. Even though a “pass-no-pass” is allowed (Title 5 §55062), it is highly recommended that students complete their major courses with a letter grade (A, B, or C).

4. Complete requirements in residency. For students in the Ventura County Community College District, a minimum of 12 units must be completed in residence within the college district.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the AS-T in Environmental Science will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree (unless the major is a designated “high-unit” major at a particular campus). This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system.  Students should consult with a counselor to obtain more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

See a counselor or consult assist.org, if you plan to transfer to a UC campus or a college or university other than a CSU. 

This Plan of Study applies to the Cal-GETC General Education Pattern and illustrates one sequence of courses to meet the degree requirements in two years. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to design a plan of study which will best meet their specific educational needs.

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

• analyze the impacts of modern technologies on living and nonliving systems, including the health of human and non-human animals.
• analyze the history and current use of fossil fuels, including the challenges such as global warming, associated with their use and the relevance of alternative forms of energy in the modern energy landscape.
• evaluate the properties, conservation, and role of soil and water in agriculture, including how water is consumed and managed throughout other parts of the anthroposphere.
• apply the concept of sustainability, from local through global scales including various environmental policies enacted or proposed.
  
• create a diagram to illustrate how water and other materials (e.g., carbon, etc.) cycle throughout the earth system.
• evaluate sources of air, land, and water pollution, including management and legislation that helps to mitigate their impacts on the ecosphere.
• analyze the relationship between population growth and environmental issues and the resulting impacts on human well-being.
• analyze how photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and thermodynamics underpin the chemistry and physics of living systems.
• compare various strategies to manage various types of waste and the role of recycling strategies to mitigate excessive waste
• critique current conservation management practices employed by government, NGO, and private organization for marine and terrestrial resources.