Geoscience Transfer Option, Environmental Science, A.S.

CONTACT

Laurel Carpenter, 413.552.2263, lcarpenter@hcc.edu

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Geoscience Transfer Option provides a strong foundation in the earth and environmental sciences, and equips the student for an efficient transfer to a four-year institution by fulfilling the MassTransfer policy requirements. Graduates of the program receive a solid background in both the geosciences (physical and historical geology, oceanography) and environmental sciences that interface the Earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. This degree places a strong emphasis on hands-on, undergraduate research experiences that integrate the earth and environmental sciences.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

apply fundamental knowledge from the physical and historical geosciences and environmental sciences
communicate effectively
comprehend new and emerging issues in the earth and environmental sciences, particularly climate and climate-change science
describe how Earth’s environmental systems and human systems interact
function on multidisciplinary teams
identify, formulate, and solve geoscientific/environmental problems
understand the impact of geoscience in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 26 CREDITS

ENG 101(A) - Composition I Credit(s): 3
ENG 102(A) - Composition II Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3
Social Science Elective (B) Credit(s): 3¹
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
Humanities Elective (C) Credit(s): 3
CHM 121(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students I Credit(s): 4
CHM 124(E) - Chemistry for Science and Engineering Students II Credit(s): 4

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: 37-39 CREDITS

ENV 115 - Environmental Seminar Credit(s): 1
ENV 125 - Mapping with Geographic Information Systems Credit(s): 3
ENV 138(E) - Soil and the Environment Credit(s): 4
ENV 140(E) - People and the Environment Credit(s): 4
ENV 214 - Climate Change Credit(s): 3
ESC 115(E) - Dinosaurs of New England: A Geologic History of the Pioneer Valley Credit(s): 4
ESC 120(E) - Introduction to Geology: Earth Processes Credit(s): 4
ESC 130(E) - Introduction to Oceanography Credit(s): 4
SUS 121(E) - Sustainable Watersheds Credit(s): 4
Mathematics Elective (D) Credit(s): 3-4²
Mathematics Elective (D) Credit(s): 3-4²

TOTAL: 63-65 CREDITS

NOTES

¹SOC 110 is strongly recommended in order to fulfill the HCC Knowledge of Diversity graduation requirement. If SOC 110 is not taken, students may elect to take an additional course beyond the program requirements to fulfill the Knowledge of Diversity requirement.

²Students planning to transfer to UMASS Amherst should take MTH 113 and MTH 114

Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all ENV and ESC prefix courses in order to graduate from this degree option. Courses may be repeated to obtain a grade of “C” or better.

This program qualifies for the MassTransfer STEM block, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer grants students automatic acceptance to certain Massachusetts state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree. Students who enroll in programs with the 28-credit MassTransfer STEM block will need to complete the associate’s degree in order to waive the general education requirements at a Massachusetts State University. In addition to the completion of the associate’s degree and the STEM block at HCC, students will need to complete an additional 12 credits in general education at the four-year college. If a student does not complete the associate’s degree prior to transferring, it is recommended that they complete the 34-credit MassTransfer block. Students should meet with Mark Broadbent, Coordinator of Transfer Affairs, to discuss their transfer plans.

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