Apr 18, 2024  
2015-2016 Course Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Environmental Science, AA


The Environmental Science program is designed to prepare students for a career within the field of environmental science. Students graduating from our two-year program will be immediately qualified for some related employment opportunities, including entry-level positions with local parks and recreation departments, local utilities and field technician/monitoring positions.

Other careers in environmental science include positions as ecologists, environmental chemists, soil scientists, hydrologists, climatologists, environmental microbiologists, data collection/sampling/monitoring/field technician positions, wildlife biologists, public health officials and many others. Most of these positions require a four-year degree. Our program is designed to transfer smoothly to area institutions offering four-year degrees in environmental science and other closely related fields.

For more information about the Environmental Science program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/environmental.

Location: Ankeny, Boone, Urban

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.
  4. Complete one year of high school chemistry, or CHM 122 , with a grade of “C” or better.
  5. Complete one year of high school biology, or BIO 156  or BIO 104 , with a grade of “C” or better.
  6. Complete two years of high school algebra, or MAT 073 , with a grade of “C” or better.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Environmental Science AA degree, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Required Courses


Total Credits Required to Complete this AA Degree - 64


Note:


* Students are encouraged to take some of the courses marked with an * during the Summer terms, to lighten their load in the Fall and Spring semesters. But, students are cautioned not to take too many credits in the Summer, causing them to fall below the minimum credits needed in Fall and Spring semesters for financial aid purposes.

One of the Social & Behavioral Sciences or Humanities courses must meet the Diversity Requirement. See the AA  catalog for a list of appropriate course options.

Each Social & Behavioral Science course must be from a distinct discipline (different acronyms).

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
Books (approximate) 450 350 550 350

Approximate total for the program: $10,852*

* Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


• Students graduating from our two-year program will be immediately qualified for some related employment
   opportunities, Including entry-level positions with local parks and recreation departments, local utilities and field
   technician/monitoring positions.
• Other careers in environmental science include positions as ecologists, environmental chemists, soil scientists, hydrologists,
   climatologists, environmental microbiologists, data collection/sampling/monitoring/field technician positions, wildlife biologists,
   public health officials and many others. Most of these positions require a four-year degree.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


• A basic knowledge of the traditional sciences, including biology and chemistry.
• Insight, knowledge and practical experiences in environmental science, ecology and conservation biology. These subjects are
presented in the classroom, through laboratory experiences, and in the field.
• Extensive coursework in the humanities, communications and social and behavioral sciences.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


• Environmental science is a high-growth industry with a wide variety of career opportunities and specialties.
• Field work and other hands-on experience is very important in this field. You may want to make sure you have time in your
   schedule to complete a summer internship, job shadowing or related volunteer work.
• If you are a person who is passionate about the environment, able to work with minimal supervision and reliable and accurate
   in your work ethic, environmental science may be the field for you.
• Average starting salary $28,000-$42,000 (depending on area of interest and level of education).

Nondiscrimination Policy


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.