The Associate in Science in Environmental Science degree provides students with a foundation in scientific principles and the diversity of life. Environmental Science students study life at various levels of organization ranging from the molecular level to the entire biosphere. Greatest emphasis is on population, community, ecosystem and biome levels. Students answer scientific questions by critically evaluating scientific information, developing and testing hypotheses using the tools and techniques of the ecological, biological and physical sciences, analyzing data, and interpreting results. The Associate in Science in Environmental Science degree prepares students for careers in research, environmental protection and health, environmental law and policy, conservation management, agriculture, food, natural resource management and forestry. Preparation for some entry level jobs in careers such as environmental protection and health technician may require an associate’s degree while most careers require at least a bachelor’s degree and scientists or specialists will need to obtain a master’s or doctorate degree.