Environmental Studies

Effective: Fall 2024
Associate in Arts Program Map
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This program map from the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway to complete this program. Your pathway may vary depending on your transfer plans and also previous college credit, including AP Test scores, concurrent enrollment courses and high school articulated courses.

I'm ready to get started. What do I do next?

  1. Review this program map to get an overview of the required courses
  2. Meet with a counselor to develop your customized student education plan www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling
  3. Use DegreeWorks, an online student education planning tool, to track your progress toward graduation www.chabotcollege.edu / admissions / degreeworks
Program Description

The Associates of Arts in Environmental Studies provides students with a multidisciplinary overview of the relationship between humans and the physical world. Contemporary environmental issues are examined from a holistic perspective, including foundational knowledge in systems in the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere, but emphasizing also the political, social, economic, and cultural context in which environmental issues arise.  The curriculum emphasizes sustainability, environmental justice, and the wisdom of all global citizens to combat environmental demise and work towards a better future for all. 

Students can select from a variety of elective classes based on their interest in this interdisciplinary field.  Selection of electives may also be steered by what would best match the school a student plans to transfer to.


What can I do with this major?

This degree is a launching pad to pursue higher degrees where students can specialize in interest areas for a variety of careers.  

Practitioners focused on environmental advocacy and justice work to develop more equitable systems in response to environmental demise within social structures and provide advisory services and education. This may include business and industry areas not traditionally associated with the environment as sustainability becomes a necessary component of public and private sectors of the economy. 

Examples of these career opportunities include

  • Environmental Planner
  • Sustainability Specialist
  • City Planning
  • Greenhouse Gas Permitting Consultants
  • Environmental Health and Safety Officer
  • Environmental Educator
  • Environmental Compliance Inspectors
  • Waste Management Specialists
  • Public Relations Specialist 
  • Federal Executive Branch
  • Recycling Officer
  • Environmental Consultants
  • Sustainable Urban Planners
  • Transportation Analyst
  • Administrator
  • Citizen Activist
  • Consumer Affairs Specialist
  • Energy Impact Assessor
  • Environmental Auditor
  • Historic Preservationist
  • Journalist
  • Land Acquisition Analyst
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Open Space and Recreation Planner
  • Water Control Inspector

Students that complete graduate work and specialize in weather and climate studies, ecology, environmental engineering, physical geography and geology can find jobs focused on research and monitoring, such as

  • Agriculture and Natural Resource Engineers 
  • Animal and Plant Scientists 
  • Geoscientists 
  • Marine Scientists 
  • Environmental Health Specialists 
  • Environmental Technicians 
  • Wildlife Managers 
  • Forestry Management Specialists 
  • Horticulturalists  
  • Water Quality Scientist 
  • Air Pollution analyst 
  • Natural Resource Conservation 
  • Environmental Analyst 
  • Environmental Educator
  • Environmental Scientist 
  • Wildlife Biologist
  • Environmental Remediation
  • Watershed Manager

Learning and Career Pathway
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Environment

Icon Key

= Critical Course = Prerequisite for Other Courses = Prerequisite Required = Required for Major GE = General Education

Semester 1

14 units

ENST 1
Introduction to Environmental Studies

3 units
An interdisciplinary survey of contemporary environmental issues, including the natural and human-induced causes of environmental change and degradation. Major issues related to preservation and use of natural resources, conservation, energy, and climate change are investigated from multiple perspectives in the social sciences.
Course Details:

English 1- Critical Reading and Composition

4 units
GE

Math Course for General Education: see a counselor to choose the appropriate course.

4 units
GE

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

3 units
GE

Semester 2

16-17 units

Humans and the Environment (Choose ENSC 11 or ENSC 10)

3-4 units

ENSC 11
Humans and the Environment with Laboratory

4 units
Identification of problems created by humans’ modification of their environment by focusing on ecological interactions involving the human species; investigating the life processes of organisms as they relate to specific environments. Includes basic ecological concepts, evolution, biodiversity, human population growth, environmental policy, water, land and energy resources. Environmental Science 10, 11, and 12 may be combined for a maximum of 4 units. (Formerly Ecology 11)
Course Details:
or

ENSC 10
Humans and the Environment

3 units
Identification of problems created by humans’ modification of their environment by focusing on ecological interactions involving the human species; investigating the life processes of organisms as they relate to specific environments. Environmental Science 10, 11, and 12 may be combined for a maximum of 4 units.
Course Details:

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

4 units
GE

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

3 units
GE

General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

3 units

Elective- see a counselor to choose a course that counts for elective units (can be any credit course).

3 units

Semester 3

15 units

GEOS 11 or GEO 1 (Choose one)

3 units

GEOS 11
Physical Geology

3 units
The Earth, its materials, its internal and external processes, and its development through time. Emphasis is placed on a thorough global understanding of Plate Tectonics as a framework and foundation for subsequent geologic topics and concepts. Topics include volcanoes, earthquakes and seismology, the Geologic Time Scale and the formation of the earth, rocks and minerals, hydrology, erosion, beach systems, environmental geology, glaciation, groundwater, etc. Course content includes the historical development of key geologic concepts. The course is a foundation course for both the non-science major and majors in the Earth sciences and environmental sciences.
Course Details:
or

GEO 1
Introduction to Physical Geography

3 units
Earth's natural environments, with emphasis on spatial characteristics, change over time, interactions between environmental components, and human-environment interactions. Physical processes, techniques, and tools by which Earth's climates, soils, vegetation, water resources, and land forms are linked into integrated global patterns. Effect of natural environments on human activities and how humans modify environments. Field trips may be included.
Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • List A Course #1

    3 units
    Select one course from List A below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    Semester 4

    15-17 units

    List A Course #2

    3-5 units
    Select one course from List A below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    List A Course #3

    3 units
    Select one course from List A below
    See the full list: (Click here)

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    General Education Course- see a counselor to choose the appropriate general education pattern and general ed course option for this term.

    3 units
    GE

    List A

    Choose three courses from the list below:

    GEO 8
    Introduction to Weather and Climate

    3 units
    Introduction to weather and climate and their impact on and modification by human activities. Emphasis on weather elements, events, and processes; climate controls; and the techniques, tools, and instruments of atmospheric science. Includes atmospheric optics, weather prediction, severe storms, air pollution, global/regional warming/cooling, ozone depletion, acid rain, El Niño, deforestation, desertification, and other topics related to everyday experience and global climate change. Field trips and observational activities may be included.
    Course Details:
  • Transfers to CSU

    • GEO 10
    Global Environmental Solutions

    3 units
    Exploration of sustainable solutions to major global environmental issues with emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. Essential concepts include an introduction to the causes of environmental change, including ecosystem processes, the history of human population growth and demand for natural resources, fossil fuel consumption, land use change, and pollution sources, followed by an exploration of the current and future solutions to these problems. Economic and public policy issues pertaining to the sustainability of the environment and discussion of the dynamics of participation and leadership in promoting improved stewardship of the environment will also be included.
    Course Details:

    GEO 12
    Geography of California

    3 units
    California’s physical, cultural, and regional elements. The physical geographic base includes: location, geologic history, geomorphic provinces, natural hazards and resources, climate, water resources, vegetation, and soils. Historically developed cultural themes include: Native American and Hispanic origins, migration patterns, settlements, population growth, ethnic diversity, land use, economic activities, and Pacific Rim connections. Human-environment interactions and issues are considered throughout the course. Field trips may be included.
    Course Details:
    1. Transfers to CSU

      2. GEO 13
      Climate Studies

      3 units
      Climate Science is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field focused on the principles that govern climate, climate variability, and climate change with their implications for society. Elements of the climate system, atmospheric events and processes; factors controlling Earth’s climate types, climate classification, and contemporary technological tools and instrumentation used in atmospheric science. Examination of the climate record, paleoclimates, and climate modeling and forecasting. Real-world investigations of climate change issues through observation, prediction, data analysis, and critical thinking. Emphasis on the influence of human activities on climate change, trends in global and regional climate change, and both the scientific basis and policy implications of air pollution, global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, deforestation, and urbanization. The economic, social, and political environment that interacts with the everyday experience and potential threats of global climate change. Field trips and observational activities may be included.
      Course Details:
      1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A

      GEO 20
      Introduction to Geographic Information Systems

      3 units
      Computer-based information technology tools and techniques that analyze spatial relationships between locations and attributes of physical, cultural, and economic features. Visualization of geographic relationships to support decision-making through interactive linkages of maps, databases, images, and charts. Introduction to GIS theory, principles, concepts, applications, and operations. Field trips may be required.
      Course Details:
      1. Transfers to CSU

        2. ENSC 15
        Agroecology

        3 units
        Principles of the ecology of sustainable food systems. The environmental impact of agriculture, types of agriculture, soil science, plant structure, reproduction, development and growth and plants' interactions with other organisms. The interactions of culture, human population growth, and major environmental challenges in the transition to sustainable agriculture and food systems Designed for non-majors in environmental science.
        Course Details:

        BIOS 21A
        Principles of Plant Biology and Ecology

        4 units
        Principles of the diversity, structure and function of autotrophs including plants, protists, and bacteria. Emphasis on cell reproduction, alternation of generations, plant morphology and anatomy, homeostasis, development, phylogeny, taxonomy, and systematics. Principles of ecology including conservation biology. This course is intended for students majoring in biological sciences OR for students who will apply to professional schools, including schools of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy. May not receive credit if BIOL 6 has been completed successfully.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: MTH 55
        2. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1

        GEO 5
        World Regional Geography

        3 units
        Regions of the world and the way humans live within those regions. Includes physical and cultural characteristics of world regions, how they are similar and how they are different, economic patterns, agriculture, industrial development and population dynamics. Emphasis on contemporary major issues and their geographic impact.
        Course Details:
      2. Transfers to CSU

        3. PHIL 60
        Ethics

        3 units
        This is an introductory course in ethics. To study ethics is to think critically about morality, and address questions like: What is justice? Are there universal, absolute, or objective moral rules? Is human nature inherently good or evil? What’s the relationship between moral responsibility and free will? This course examines several competing, historically important, and still prominent theoretical approaches to ethics, including Kant’s deontology, Mill’s utilitarianism, and Aristotle’s virtue ethics. These theories will be applied to contemporary moral problems, including those stemming from wealth inequality, artificial intelligence, the treatment of animals, and the limits of free speech.
        Course Details:
        1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
      3. Transfers to CSU

        4. SOCI 1
        Principles of Sociology

        3 units
        Designed to illuminate the way students see their social world. Uses a sociological perspective: scientific study of human interaction and society, with emphasis on impact of groups on social behavior. Includes the systematic examination of culture, socialization, social organization, social class, race, gender, deviance, social change and empirical methodology. These content areas are woven throughout the fabric of the course, particularly as they affect the lives of at least three of the following groups: African Americans, Latinx Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, Arab Americans and/or women.
        Course Details:
      4. Transfers to CSU

        5. GEO 3
        Economic Geography

        3 units
        An introduction to the world’s major economic systems; their spatial distribution and characteristics; their relative contributions to regional development and global change; and related movements of people, goods, and ideas. Techniques and tools of spatial analysis applied to human-environment interactions, with emphasis on ecological problems associated with specific economic activities. Field trips may be included.
        Course Details:

        ANTH 3 or GEO 2 (Choose one)

        3 units

        ANTH 3
        Social and Cultural Anthropology

        3 units
        How human beings in different cultures meet basic biological, social and cultural needs, including kinship and marriage practices, political and social organization, economic institutions, religious and childrearing practices, social change, as well as other aspects of cultural behavior. Emphasis on understanding other cultures on their own terms. Includes the many subcultures making up North American populations.
        Course Details:
        1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
          2. or
        2. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
        or

        GEO 2
        Cultural Geography

        3 units
        Spatial analysis of human populations, their cultural traits, and activities. Emphasis on how diverse peoples, through their interactions and through their perceptions and use of the physical environment, create distinctive cultural landscapes. Social, political, and economic elements of geography which contribute to the evolution of these global and regional cultural patterns. Field trips may be included.
        Course Details:
      5. Transfers to CSU

        6. POSC 20 or POSC 30 (Choose one)

        3 units

        POSC 20
        Comparative Politics

        3 units
        Introduces the diverse domestic politics of countries around the world. The politics and problems in democratic, semi-democratic, and authoritarian states will be covered through an investigation of institutions, identity (race, gender, class, nationalism, religion, culture), social movements, political economy, political violence, and globalization. Students will be introduced to the diverse decision-making regimes that exist throughout the globe, such as parliamentary, semi-presidential, presidential, unitary, federal, and confederal systems.
        Course Details:
        1. Strongly Recommended: POSC 1
          2. and
        2. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
        or

        POSC 30
        International Relations

        3 units
        Introduction to the basic concepts, theories, and principles of international relations. Course will examine contemporary world affairs including the importance of nationalism, imperialism, ideology, alliance systems, development, and the nature of international organizations.
        Course Details:
      6. Transfers to UC

        7. BIOS 1 or BIOS 41 (Choose one)

        4 units

        BIOS 1
        Introduction to the Science of Biology

        4 units
        This course covers basic principles of biology using a thematic approach including: cell biology and genetics, impacts of climate change on ecosystems, energy use in plants and animals, and the cellular basis for various diseases and disorders. The lab portion allows students to conduct scientific investigations and get hands-on experiences with microscopy and other biological procedures. In addition, the lab delves into bioethical issues and connects lecture topics to real world scenarios. This course is intended to fulfill the natural sciences general education requirement for students majoring outside of the biological or health sciences. May not receive credit if BIOL 10 has been completed successfully.
        Course Details:
        or

        BIOS 41
        Fundamentals of Biology for Health Sciences

        4 units
        A course that explores basic principles of biology. Emphasis is placed on cell structure and function, cell division, cell metabolism, reproduction, genetics, taxonomy, the origin of life, evolution, animal tissues and development. The laboratory emphasizes the development of important laboratory skills, such as using the metric system, collecting data, graphing, interpreting data, preparing for and taking laboratory exams. Designed to prepare the necessary concepts and laboratory skills and experience that are needed to succeed in more advanced courses in biology. This course is intended for students who will study in health sciences fields including students intending to apply to schools of nursing , dental hygiene, and medical technologies. May not receive credit if BIOL 31 has been completed successfully.
        Course Details:
        1. Strongly Recommended: MTH 53
        2. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1

        CHEM 31 or CHEM 1A (Choose one)

        4-5 units

        CHEM 31
        Introduction to College Chemistry

        4 units
        Elementary concepts of chemistry with emphasis on mathematical calculations; includes nomenclature, stoichiometry, atomic structure, gas laws, and acids and bases. Designed for majors in science and engineering.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: MTH 55
          2. or
        2. Prerequisite: MTH 55B
        or

        CHEM 1A
        General College Chemistry I

        5 units
        Introduction to atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, gases, matter and energy, oxidation-reduction, chemical equations, liquids and solids, solutions, chemical energetics and equilibrium. Laboratory includes both quantitative and qualitative experiments.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: MTH 55
          2. or
        2. Prerequisite: MTH 55B
        3. Prerequisite: CHEM 31
          4. or

        PHYS 3A or PHYS 4A (Choose one)

        4-5 units

        PHYS 3A
        College Physics A

        4 units
        Introduction to the major principles of classical mechanics using calculus for students studying life sciences and architecture. Includes: the scientific method and social responsibility of the scientist, Newtonian mechanics, energy, gravitation, fluids, thermodynamics, and vibration waves.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: MTH 1
        2. Prerequisite: MTH 22
        3. Prerequisite: MTH 15
      7. Transfers to CSU
        8. or

        PHYS 4A
        General Physics I

        5 units
        Introduction to the principles of Newtonian mechanics using calculus as needed for STEM Majors. Physics 4A is the first course in the three- or four-semester sequence required for transfer in Engineering and Sciences. The course includes units, dimensional analysis, vectors, kinematics, velocity, acceleration, force, dynamics, energy, momentum, rotation, statics, and gravitation. May not receive credit if PHYS 7A has been completed successfully.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: MTH 1
        2. Prerequisite: MTH 2
        3. Strongly Recommended: PHYS 18

        PSY 5 or MTH 43 (Choose one)

        4 units

        PSY 5
        Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

        4 units
        Statistics as applied to the behavioral and social sciences. Applications using data from disciplines including psychology, social sciences, business, life science, health science, and education. The use of probability techniques, hypothesis testing, and predictive techniques to facilitate decision-making. Topics include: descriptive and inferential statistics; probability and sampling distributions; correlation and linear regression; analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square and t-tests; and application of technology for statistical analysis including the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings.
        Course Details:
        1. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1A
        2. Prerequisite: MTH 53
          3. or
        3. Prerequisite: MTH 53B
          4. or
        4. Prerequisite: MTH 54
          5. or
        5. Prerequisite: MTH 54L
          6. or
        6. Prerequisite: MTH 55
          7. or
        7. Prerequisite: MTH 55B
          8. or
        8. Prerequisite: MTH 55L
      8. Transfers to CSU
        9. or

        MTH 43
        Introduction to Probability and Statistics

        4 units
        Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion; elements of probability; tests of statistical hypotheses (one and two populations); correlation and regression; ANOVA; applications in various fields. Introduction to the use of computer software package to complete both descriptive and inferential statistics problems. May not receive credit if Mathematics 35 has been completed.
        Course Details:
        1. Prerequisite: MTH 53
          2. or
        2. Prerequisite: MTH 55
          3. or
        3. Strongly Recommended: ENGL 1
      9. Transfers to CSU
        10. Total Units: 60-63 units
        This program map is not a guarantee of course availability or financial aid applicability.