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Explore the environmental issues that affect us locally and globally and learn how a scientific perspective can improve our understanding of them with the Environmental Science associate degree.
As the issues involved in environmental science are often complex and multi-faceted, environmental science requires an interdisciplinary approach. You'll take courses in a variety of science disciplines such as biology, geology and chemistry, as well as courses in the arts, social sciences and business.
You may also explore environmental science courses as diverse as environmental geology, urban ecology, environmental ethics and marine biology. As a part of your education, you’ll go on a variety of field trips, attend field schools and use industry tools such as geological mapping software.
What is an associate degree?
Associate degrees take two years to complete and concentrate on one area of study. If you plan your courses carefully with a university program in mind, you’ll be able to transfer all 60 credits to university. In most cases, an associate degree will allow you to enter the third year of a four-year bachelor's degree program. To ensure your courses transfer, see the BC Transfer Guide.
Get paid, full-time work experience during your studies
Put your skills to work by joining the optional Co-operative Education Program, which alternates semesters of study with paid, full-time work in your field. You’ll earn money while gaining experience, building your resume and getting an employer reference, all before you graduate. To participate in Co-op you need to plan two semesters in advance, so we strongly recommend contacting the Co-op Office at the start of your program.
Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:
Calculate your tuition and see the approximate cost of taking your program at Douglas College with the tuition & fee estimator. See costs broken down into categories including tuition fees, textbooks, student activity fees, U-Pass and more.
For more information, refer to the tuition fee charts.
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:
Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:
The Associate of Science Degree - Environmental Science is awarded after completion of the requirements specified below. No course may be used to satisfy more than one requirement.
Mathematics courses (6 credits):
English courses (6 credits):
First-year Science courses (at least 24 credits):
Second-year Science courses (at least 18 credits, in at least two different subject areas):
Arts courses (6 credits):
Select any two Arts or Humanities courses, excluding Mathematics, English and all lab-based science courses. Recommended Arts and Humanities courses can be found in the Douglas College catalogue under Associate of Arts Degree (thematic focus on Environmental Studies).
Co-operative Education Option
Students enrolled in this program may be eligible for a Co-operative Education designation. Co-operative Education involves alternating full-time academic and work terms. For information contact Co-operative Education at the Career Centre at Douglas College.
Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.
Career opportunities include: