Environmental Conservation

  • Overview
  • Stackables
Provides a diverse background in biological and physical sciences with coursework emphasizing environmental and ecological applications.

  • Note that transfer to many four-year colleges and universities may require the completion of four semesters of World Languages. Four sequential semesters of World Languages classes from GCC will fulfill any UMass-Amherst language requirement.

    Curriculum documents

    To plan degree completion, see the course descriptions in the academic catalog which specify the planned semester(s) in which required classes are to be scheduled.

  • This is just one way you might complete the Environmental Conservation program in 4 semesters over 2 years of full-time study, or 8 semesters over 4 years of part-time study. (Sample course sequences assume that all pre-requisites have been satisfied and the student is prepared for college-level work.) For a detailed list of required courses, optional electives and program information, download the Environmental Conservation program description from our official academic catalog.

    Course descriptions are also available in the catalog. Find courses

    Sample 2 Year Sequence of Courses
    Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    EVS 101
    Biology elective
    College Algebra or Calculus
    ENG Comp. I

    PCS 101 or PCS 141
    BIO elective
    STEM elective
    ENG Comp. II
    Beh/Social Science elective

    ECO course
    BIO 220
    STEM elective
    Earth Science elective
    200-level English

    CHE 111
    Physical Science elective
    Humanities elective
    HIS course

    Sample 4 Year Sequence of Courses
    Fall 1Spring 1Fall 2Spring 2

    College Algebra or Calculus
    ENG Comp. I

    STEM elective
    ENG Comp. II

    EVS 101
    BIO elective

    PCS 101 or PCS 141
    BIO elective
    Beh/Social Science elective

    Fall 3Spring 3Fall 4Spring 4

    BIO 220
    Earth Science elective

    Physical Science elective
    Humanities elective

    ECO course
    STEM elective
    200-level ENG

    CHE 111
    HIS course

What’s next

Transfer to a Natural Resources Conservation or Environmental Studies Baccalaureate program.

Consider this program if

  • You want a broad as well as deep scientific understanding of the natural world.
  • You want to work in fields related to the environment, including conservation, wildlife biology, and environmental consulting.
  • You want to pursue higher academic study in environmental science or ecology.

By taking classes in a Liberal Arts option, students complete courses that help develop 100 and 200 course level knowledge and skills in a particular field. If you don’t satisfy the requirements of a specific Liberal Arts option, you may still be able to fulfill the requirements of another option, or fulfill the requirements of the Liberal Arts General degree. Students are advised to work closely with their GCC advisor to select the specific courses that will help meet their career or transfer goals. Note: Students who complete a Liberal Arts option will graduate with the degree “Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts.” Your area of concentration is reflected only in your transcript, not your diploma.

The Environmental Conservation program has associated certificates that can “stack” into the degree. Depending on course selection, if you’re enrolled in this program you can earn one of the following certificates halfway through completing your degree:

These programs are a great way to increase your earning power and job potential with a marketable career certificate while you’re still working toward your degree. Work closely with your advisor to make sure you choose the right classes!

Learn more about our degree and certificate and pathways »