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Environmental Science & Environmental Studies

Environmental Science

Degree Type: Associate of Arts Degree, AA, Associate of Science Degree, AS

Pathway: Science, Engineering and Math

More Options: Classroom Based, Online

Program Length: 4 Semesters

Location: Centennial, Rampart Range

Transferability: Transferable

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Why Choose Environmental Science at PPSC?

  • Do you enjoy the great outdoors?
  • Do you want to make a difference?
  • Are you excited to explore the environment in your own backyard?
  • Are you interested in entering a fast-growing job sector?
Environmental Science provides an interdisciplinary approach, and a fascinating connection between humans and the environment.

Are you eager to improve the world we live in? Environmental Science is a make-a-difference major! 

If you have a passion for the environment, a desire to work outside, a love of nature, and an interest in contributing to the health of your city, then Environmental Science might just be the path for you. 

What do PPSC Environmental Science students study?

Environmental Science students develop expertise pertinent to everyone and gain a better understanding of the world around them. Students who major in Environmental Science will integrate biology, chemistry, geography, geology, and mathematics with environmental law, policies, economics, and ethics for an interdisciplinary understanding of the Earth and sustainability.

Students who study Environmental Science will experience academically rigorous coursework while interacting with various forests, creeks, open spaces, and prairies surrounding our campuses. Students will perform field work as well as laboratory work to understand how various sciences interact with each other and affect the environment.
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Environmental Science Associate of Science - 1st Semester Plan

Environmental Sustainability Studies Associate of Arts - 1st Semester Plan

Environmental Science Associate of Science - 1st Semester Plan

Please Note: Your personalized schedule will be best determined by meeting with an Academic Advisor.

Student should place into or above MAT 2410.

Student should place into or above ENG 1021.

Introduces single variable calculus and analytic geometry. It includes limits, continuity, derivatives, and applications of derivatives as well as indefinite and definite integrals and some applications.

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing.

Analyzes theories of the value of the natural world. Topics may include the relation between scientific and moral principles; theories of the moral worth of persons, animals, plants, and other natural objects; historical, religious, and cultural influences on conceptions of nature; alternative accounts of human relationships and to nature; and the connection between moral and political values and economic policies.

Focuses on basic chemistry and measurement, matter, chemical formulas, reactions and equations, stoichiometry. This course covers the development of atomic theory culminating in the use of quantum numbers to determine electron configurations of atoms and the relationship of electron configuration to chemical bond theory. The course includes gases, liquids, and solids and problem-solving skills are emphasized through laboratory experiments.

Environmental Sustainability Studies Associate of Arts - 1st Semester Plan

Please Note: Your personalized schedule will be best determined by meeting with an Academic Advisor.

Student should meet College Quantitative Literacy Requirements.

Student should place into or above ENG 1021.

Recommend one of the following courses:

  • HIS 2000 - History of Science & Technology
  • HIS 2115 - American Indian History
  • HIS 2125 - American Environmental History
  • or HIS 2135 - Colorado History

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing.

Analyzes theories of the value of the natural world. Topics may include the relation between scientific and moral principles; theories of the moral worth of persons, animals, plants, and other natural objects; historical, religious, and cultural influences on conceptions of nature; alternative accounts of human relationships and to nature; and the connection between moral and political values and economic policies.

Choose one of the following courses:

  • MAT 1240 - Mathematics for the Liberal Arts
  • MAT 1260 - Introduction to Statistics
  • or MAT 1340 - College Algebra

Choose one of the following courses:

  • COM 1150 - Public Speaking
  • COM 1250 - Interpersonal Communication
  • or COM 2300 - Intercultural Communication

 

Voices of PPSC

Marques Dungey

Voices of PPSC

We go to the Military and Veterans Center because it’s a whole new world for us. We’re not only entering the civilian world again, we’re entering the world of students, which is a double transition. At the Vet Center they help out a whole lot. They’re pretty awesome over there.

Marques Dungey
Veteran | PPSC Student

Environmental Science AS Program Learning Outcomes

Environmental Sustainability Studies AA Program Learning Outcomes

Environmental Science AS Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Explain information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)
  2. Convert information into and between various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words)
  3. Select or develop elements of the methodology or theoretical framework to solve problems
  4. Examine evidence to identify patterns, differences, similarities, limitations, and/or implications related to the focus
  5. Utilize multiple representations to interpret the data
  6. State a conclusion based on findings
  7. Demonstrate proper laboratory techniques and safe practice

Environmental Sustainability Studies AA Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Evaluate the relevance of context when presenting a position and identify assumptions.
  2. Explain information presented in mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
  3. Convert information into and between various mathematical forms (e.g., equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
  4. Select or develop elements of the methodology or theoretical framework to solve problems in a given discipline.
  5. Examine evidence to identify patterns, differences, similarities, limitations, and/or implications related to the focus.
  6. Utilize multiple representations to interpret the data.
  7. State a conclusion based on findings.
  8. Demonstrate how their own attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs compare or relate to those of other individuals, groups, communities, or cultures.
  9. Examine diverse perspectives when investigating social and behavioral topics within natural or human systems.
  10. Make connections between the world-views, power structures, and experiences of individuals, groups, communities, or cultures, in historical or contemporary contexts.

Apply for Scholarships & Grants

Every year the PPSC Foundation offers hundreds of thousands of dollar's worth of scholarship money for eligible and in need students. To learn more about scholarship availability, please visit: pikespeak.edu/scholarships
Scholarship Information
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Contact Environmental Science & Environmental Sustainability Studies Department

Contact Info

Environmental Science & Environmental Sustainability Studies Faculty

Jennifer Swartz
719.502.3494
Jennifer.Swartz@pikespeak.edu

Connect with Admissions

We are here to help you get started and can answer your questions about going to college and becoming a student at Pikes Peak State College

Admissions@pikespeak.edu
719-502-2000