Environmental Sciences - Applied Geology Emphasis
A.S. - Transfer Degree
Intended for students pursuing a career in fields such as environmental consulting, natural resource management, science education, or graduate school in the sciences. Two emphases are available: Applied Geology and Biology. Students may complete the BS degree with a Biology Emphasis entirely at NAU in Yuma. The Applied Geology Emphasis requires transfer to NAU in Flagstaff or elsewhere for the BS degree.
Program Purpose
Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in environmental sciences that will prepare them for transfer to the university and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.
Learning Outcomes
- Prepare and interpret graphs, maps, and diagrams of geologic data.
- Identify and explain the origins of minerals and rocks.
- Describe the inter-relationships between geology and the other areas of science.
- Become informed of the one-world concept of geological processes affecting humanity.
- Be familiar with the various technical tools used by environmental scientists including GIS, GPS, remote sensing and other mapping tools and describe how these various tools work together to assist environmental biologists.
- Describe the nature of scientific inquiry and be able to identify when research, monitoring, or taxonomy is appropriate to apply to environmental issues.
- Describe pollution and the processes of earth's atmosphere.
Program Map
Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements
This program map has been updated for new students starting in Fall 2025 (or after) to reflect the new Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) requirements. Students following previous catalogs can find corresponding program maps in Self-Service/Student Planning. For official requirements, refer to the AWC Catalog.
The recommended plan below meets all program requirements. If the classes listed as recommended don’t align with your schedule or interests, alternative options are available. Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan or schedule an appointment with your Faculty Advisor or the Advisement Services Office.
Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation (AGEC certificate also included)
First Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG 101 | Introduction to Geology 1 (Physical) | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 187 or MAT 150 & 183 or MAT 151 & 183 |
Precalculus or College Algebra w/ Review & Plane Trigonometry or College Algebra: Standard & Plane Trigonometry |
5 or 5+2 or 4+2 |
*see note below |
| ENG 101 or ENG 107 |
Freshman Composition I/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| *This requirement can be waived for students with appropriate ACT/SAT/GPA scores or by completing the Next Generation Advanced Algebra & Functions Placement Test. Visit AWC Testing Services for more information (please note that additional elective credits may be required for those students waived from this requirement) | 13-20 |
Milestones:
- Meet professors one-on-one
- Research University Degree Program options
- Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend AWC Majors Fair & Career Expos
- Register with Jobs 4 Matadors
Second Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLG 102 | Introduction to Geology 2 (Historical) | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 220 | Calculus I with Analytic Geometry | 5 | GE-Quantitative Reasoning |
| ENG 102 or ENG 108 |
Freshman Composition II/GE | 3 | GE-Written Communication |
| CHM 151 | General Chemistry I/GE | 4 | GE-Natural Sciences |
| ART/HUM | Choose one course from Arts & Humanities | 3 | GE-Arts & Humanities |
| 19 |
Milestones:
- Join a club
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Transfer Services Events
- Apply for Scholarships
Third Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 230 | Foundations of Environmental Science | 4 | Major Requirement |
| CHM 152 | General Chemistry II | 4 | Prerequisite for ENV 280 |
| PHY 111 | College Physics I | 4 | Departmental Requirement |
| SOC/BEH | Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences |
| ORAL COMM | Choose one course from Oral Communication | 3-4 | GE-Oral Communication |
| 18-19 |
Milestones:
- If transferring, apply to universities
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Visit universities campus
- Apply for internship or volunteer opportunities
Fourth Semester
| Course | Course Title | Credits | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENV 280 | Physical and Chemical Processes in the Environment | 4 | Major Requirement |
| MAT 230 | Calculus II with Analytic Geometry | 5 | Departmental Requirement |
| MAT 270 | Applied Statistics | 4 | Co-Requisite for ENV 280 |
| GLG 240 | Introduction to Field Method and Report Writing | 2 | Departmental Requirement |
| INST/AME | Choose one course from Institutions in the Americas | 3 | GE-Institutions in the Americas |
| 18 |
Milestones:
- Apply for Graduation
Co-Curricular Requirements:
- Attend Etiquette Lunch
- Meet with Career Services
- Apply for university scholarship opportunities
Transfer Information
| UNIVERSITY | DEGREE | MAJOR | LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | BS | Biology (Environmental Science) | None |
| Northern Arizona University | BS | Biological & Natural Resource Sciences | None |
| University of Arizona | BS | Environmental Science: The Biosphere Emphasis: | 2nd Semester Proficiency |
Transfer Tools
AZTransfer will provide you with more information and tools on how to transfer to ASU, NAU, and UofA.
Need help with transferring? The AWC Transfer Services office can provide you with individualized help to explore degree pathways and specific university requirements. Visit their website or schedule an appointment with a transfer specialist.