Liberal Arts - Environmental Science Option

Students in the environmental science major at QCC are prepared to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in the environmental field. This program will allow students to evaluate human impact on the environment. As Greta Thurnberg states "We aren’t destroying the biosphere because we are selfish. We are doing it simply because we are unaware." Be a part of the solution and join The Liberal Arts - Environmental Science Option!

Program Overview

What Will You Learn?

Associate in Arts

The QCC environmental science program can give you the tools to help solve important environmental issues. This degree program provides students with a strong academic foundation in the environmental, natural, and physical sciences required for transfer.

Cost

In-State Tuition: $223/credit

Out-of-State / International Tuition: $429/credit

Some programs have additional program fees

Timeline

5 Semesters

62 credits

Learn Online

This program may be completed 50% or more online.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

Locations

This program may be completed at QCC Worcester (Main Campus).
This program may be completed face-to-face.

A foundation for success

Semester 1

This semester will introduce biology, chemistry, English, and mathematics.

Become an Expert

Semester 2

This semester will explore more advanced topics in biology, chemistry, English, and mathematics.

Speech and sociology

Semester 3

This semester will focus on communication skills and sociology

Sciences

Semester 4

This semester will cover mathematics, physics, weather, space, and earth sciences.

Ethics in science

Semester 5

This semester will explore more mathematics, philosophy, and earth sciences.

See the full curriculum

Have more questions?

We're here to help! Reach out to the following for support.

508.853.2300

envscience@qcc.mass.edu

More Info

Curriculum

Course Title	Course #	Semester Offered	Credits	Prerequisites
Semester 1 Apply and get accepted to this program (Program Code: LAES). Register for and successfully complete all courses to graduate in five semesters. Meet with Academic Advisor to choose courses consistent with academic plan. Attend Transfer Services events. For information see www.QCC.edu/transfer. Complete ENG 101 and MAT 123.
Biology I: Introduction to Organismal Diversity	BIO 106	F/S	4	Coreq: ENG 101
General Chemistry I	CHM 105	F/S/SU	4	MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place score
Composition I	ENG 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
College Mathematics I: Pre-Calculus	MAT 123	F/S/SU	3	MAT 100 or approp place score
		Total	14
Semester 2 Meet with a Transfer Services Advisor. See www.QCC.edu/transfer. Attend Transfer Services events.
Biology II: Introduction to Cells and Molecules	BIO 107	F/S/SU	4	CHM 105 or CHM 123, ENG 101
General Chemistry II	CHM 106	F/S/SU	4	CHM 105
Composition II	ENG 102	F/S/SU	3	ENG 101
College Mathematics II: Trigonometry	MAT 124	F/S/SU	3	MAT 123 or approp place score
		Total	14
Semester 3 (Summer)
Introductory Sociology (Principles)	SOC 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Speech Communication Skills	SPH 101	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
		Total	6
Semester 4 Meet with representatives of four-year schools to discuss/begin the transfer application process. Complete MassTransfer block audit to determine eligibility for transfer to public colleges. Complete Liberal Arts - Environmental Science Option degree audit.
Calculus I	MAT 233	F/S/SU	4	MAT 124 or approp place score
Physics I	PHY 101	F/SU	4	MAT 148 or Coreq: MAT 124
Climate and Weather: Causes and Effects	SCI 104	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place
Integrated Science: Earth and Space	SCI 105	F/S/SU	4	Placement into college level English, MAT 095 with a grade of “C” or higher or approp place
		Total	15
Semester 5 Continue with/complete the transfer application process. Complete MAT 122. Submit an Intent to Graduate Form, located on The Q.
Statistics	MAT 122	F/S/SU	3	College level math course or QMAT placement score > 21 or Coreq: MAT 052
Introduction to Ethics	PHI 131	F/S/SU	3	Placement into college level English
Sustaining Earth’s Environment	SCI 110	F/S/SU	4	Placement into college level English
Economics Elective (200-level)	---	F/S/SU	3
		Total	13
Total Credits Required:			62

Catalog Information

Program Goals:

The Liberal Arts - Environmental Science Option provides students with a strong academic foundation in the environmental, natural, and physical sciences. Graduates are prepared to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in the environmental field.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

Evaluate human impact on the environment and be able to identify and explain local and global environmental issues to a diverse audience.
Employ the scientific method to investigate scientific principles, analyze and interpret data, and solve complex problems.
Demonstrate proper use of basic laboratory equipment, adhering to laboratory safety protocols, and use of computer technology for data analysis.
Apply mathematical reasoning to explore environmental phenomenon, including data analysis using statistics, and the correct composition and interpretation of graphs.
Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills, including verbal, written, graphic, and numerical, with emphasis on the presentation of experimental results.
Identify reliable sources of information for use in the formation and support of evidence-based arguments.
Utilize the broad-based liberal arts curriculum to recognize the value of multiple perspectives needed to participate in a global society.

Admissions Process:

Admissions inquiries should be directed to admissions@qcc.mass.edu. Prospective students may apply to the program of their choice by following the enrollment steps at www.QCC.edu/enrollment-steps.

Program Admissions Requirements:

Students should note that some first semester courses carry minimum prerequisites. Refer to the program grid.

High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.

CORI, SORI, Finger Printing & Drug Testing:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) checks are not required. Fingerprinting and drug testing are not required.

Additional Cost:

See the Program Fees page.

Technical Performance Standards:

See the Technical Performance Standards page. (Note: Not all programs have technical performance standards).

Credit for Prior Learning:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to use skills they already have towards a college degree or certificate. Work, life, volunteer and military experience may be translated into credit, allowing students to take fewer classes and earn their degree faster. CPL eliminates redundancies for students who have already earned credentials or mastered skills required for their program of study. Email experience@qcc.mass.edu for more information and eligibility.

Career Outlook:

Please consult the Massachusetts Career Information System at https://masscis.intocareers.org/ or the Occupational Outlook Handbook at www.bls.gov/ooh/ for specific occupational information. The CIP code for this program is 03.0104.

Transfer Articulations & Opportunities:

Prospective students may learn more about transfer articulation agreements at www.QCC.edu/agreements. More information regarding transfer opportunities is available at www.QCC.edu/transfer.

For the purpose of the articulation agreement with UMass Lowell, students must receive a minimum grade of “C-” in all courses within the program for transferability to UMass Lowell.