Why Study Environmental Science?
The AS Environmental Science degree is designed for students who want to study current environmental problems using multidisciplinary, solutions-based approaches within the greater context of sustainability, environmental justice, and management. Students earning this degree will graduate with an understanding and appreciation for the interconnection within and between ecosystems, including human-environment interactions. Fieldwork constitutes a large part of RCC’s Environmental Science program; students will gain field experience using hands-on approaches to labs and community-based projects.
School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Degree Tracks & Course Sequence
Real World Ready
Listening to workforce needs
Graduates of Rockland Community College are provided with a clear path to meaningful careers that meet the needs of businesses and industry in the communities we serve. Our students are trained in specific skills that are needed by employers, and guided through a career path that leads directly to workforce opportunities. With affordable tuition, students who begin their college careers at RCC are ready to meet the demands of the real world.
Free Career Exploration Assessment [ACCESS CODE: pathways]
Student Success
At Rockland Community College, you are provided with a Student Success Team that will help you with your academic journey, career exploration, transfer planning, support service referrals, and more! Your Team includes your Dean, Program Director, Faculty Advisor, Student Success Advisor, Connection Center Counselor, Financial Aid Advisor, Peer Mentors, and if you’re involved in any of these special programs, your Athletics, Honors, TRiO, and Veterans Advisors. During your first semester, you will take an ‘Introduction to the School’ course that will outline the various College offices and departments that can help you on your path.
Career Outlook
An AS in Environmental Science will provide a skillset for entry level positions, such as field and lab technicians. The degree also provides a foundation for students who wish to transfer and earn a four-year degree. Environmental Science positions are solution-oriented and seek to mitigate environmental problems associated with pollution, climate change, resource sustainability, conservation, and management. There are environmental jobs in government, non-government and nonprofit organizations, public and private academic institutions, and industry.
Internships
There are various volunteer opportunities in and around Rockland County. Students can also apply for paid summer internships with Rockland Conservation and Service Corps.
Job Roles
Job positions for those with an AS Environmental Science degree include entry level positions in various sectors, and employment as a field or laboratory technician. Those who choose to transfer and earn a BS or graduate degrees may find employment as an environmental educator, environmental scientist, hydrologist, environmental engineer, meteorologist, environmental policy maker, environmental lawyer, natural resources manager, conservation biologist, environmental planner, wildlife manager, park ranger, environmental consultant, EPA inspector, community outreach coordinator, alternative energy developer, geoscientist, atmospheric scientist, agriculture and food scientist, climate scientist.
Industries
Green Energy and Government
Careers
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Environmental Engineer
Hydrologists
Employment and wage data by occupation are based on the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey, which collects information from approximately 51,000 businesses. bls.gov
Get Started Today
Rockland Community College, State University of New York, offers a safe, supportive learning environment for thousands of students from diverse backgrounds. RCC has become the “first choice” for parents and students. Thanks to our affordable tuition, students can save $100,000 on a college education by starting at RCC and transferring to outstanding four-year colleges.