Program Overview
The Environmental Studies program at Olympic College offers two areas of focus: Environmental Science, emphasizing scientific exploration of natural systems, and Environmental Policy, focusing on policy development and economic aspects of natural resources. The program prepares students for transfer to Western Washington University's Huxley College, where they can pursue a BS in Environmental Science or a BA in Environmental Policy. Students complete coursework in written communication, quantitative skills, natural sciences, and social sciences, preparing them for careers in environmental protection, natural resource management, and related fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Environmental Studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines the earth's natural systems within the context of human social and economic frameworks. It is a broad subject encompassing basic principles of ecology and environmental science and related topics such as ethics, policy and planning, law, economics, philosophy, environmental justice, pollution control, and natural resource management. The program offers two areas of focus:
- Environmental Science: Emphasizes the application of the scientific method to explore chemical, biological, and quantitative aspects of natural systems.
- Environmental Policy: Focuses on environmental policy development and the economic dimensions of natural resource issues. The Environmental Studies program at Olympic College is specifically designed to prepare students for transfer to Western Washington University's (WWU's) Huxley College on the Peninsulas, where they can pursue a BS in Environmental Science or a BA in Environmental Policy. The coursework may also be applicable to other transfer programs. Students should aim to complete an AA/DTA and include the recommended courses listed below. It is crucial for students to collaborate closely with an academic advisor to determine the most suitable course of study for their specific career aspirations.
Outline:
Recommended Courses for Environmental Science (AA/DTA):
Written Communication Skills
- ENGL& 101 - English Composition I (5 credits)
- ENGL& 102 - Composition II (5 credits)
- or ENGL& 235 - Technical Writing (5 credits)
Symbolic/Quantitative Skills
- MATH& 151 - Calculus I (5 credits)
Natural Sciences
- BIOL 140 - Environmental Issues (5 credits)
- BIOL& 211 - Majors Cellular (5 credits)
- BIOL& 212 - Majors Animal (5 credits)
- BIOL& 213 - Majors Plant (5 credits)
- CHEM& 141 - General Chemistry I (5 credits)
- CHEM& 151 - General Chemistry Lab I (1.5 credits)
- CHEM& 142 - General Chemistry II (5 credits)
- CHEM& 152 - General Chemistry Lab II (1.5 credits)
- CHEM& 143 - General Chemistry III (3 credits)
- CHEM& 153 - General Chemistry Lab III (3 credits) Students must also complete one of the following courses:
- GEOG 150 - Physical Geography with Lab (5 credits)
- GEOL& 100 - Survey of Earth Science (5 credits)
- GEOL& 110 - Environmental Geology (5 credits)
Social Sciences
- POLS Any Political Science course
- ECON& 201 - Micro Economics (5 credits)
Recommended Courses for Environmental Policy (AA/DTA):
Written Communication Skills
- ENGL& 101 - English Composition I (5 credits)
- ENGL& 102 - Composition II (5 credits)
- or ENGL& 235 - Technical Writing (5 credits)
Symbolic/Quantitative Skills
- MATH& 141 - Precalculus I: Algebra (5 credits)
- MATH& 146 - Introduction to Statistics (5 credits)
Natural Sciences
- BIOL 140 - Environmental Issues (5 credits)
- BIOL& 160 - General Biology with Lab (5 credits)
- or BIOL& 211 - Majors Cellular (5 credits)
- CHEM& 121 - Intro to Chemistry (6 credits)
- or CHEM& 141 - General Chemistry I (5 credits)
- CHEM& 151 - General Chemistry Lab I (1.5 credits)
- GEOG 150 - Physical Geography with Lab (5 credits)
Social Sciences
- POLS& 202 - American Government (5 credits)
Careers:
- Students completing the Environmental Studies program will be prepared for careers in environmental protection, natural resource management, environmental consulting, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Olympic College
Overview:
Olympic College is an open-door community college located in Washington state. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and bachelor's degrees. The college is known for its welcoming and supportive environment, with faculty and staff invested in student success.
Services Offered:
Olympic College provides a comprehensive set of services to support students, including:
Academic Support Services:
Assessment & Testing, Bookstore, Computer Labs, Libraries, Math, Engineering & Science Achievement (MESA), Resource Center, Tutoring, and Academic Divisions.Enrollment Services:
Welcome Center, Advising, Registration & Records, Military & Veteran Programs, Running Start, International Students, Transfer Students, and Graduation.Student Life & Support:
Athletics, Activities Board, Blended Literary Arts Magazine, Fitness Center, Food Services, Multicultural Services, Recreation, Residence Hall, Student Clubs, Student Government, Campus Safety & Security, Career Center, Child Care, Counseling Services, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Food Pantry, IT Help Desk, Resource Center, Student Disability Services, Student Online Support, and Student Password Reset.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Olympic College offers a vibrant campus experience with a variety of activities and resources to enhance student life. Students can participate in athletics, join student clubs, attend events organized by the Activities Board, utilize the fitness center, and access support services like counseling and childcare. The college also has a food pantry and a resource center to assist students in need.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Welcoming and Supportive Environment:
Faculty and staff are dedicated to student success and provide personalized support.Diverse Academic Programs:
A wide range of programs cater to various interests and career goals.Affordable Education:
Olympic College offers competitive tuition rates and various financial aid options.Strong Community Connections:
The college is deeply connected to the local community and provides opportunities for engagement.Academic Programs:
Olympic College offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Academic Pathways:
Programs clustered by area of study, providing a roadmap for students.Bachelor's Degrees:
OC offers bachelor's degree programs in various fields.Continuing Education:
Non-credit certification and personal enrichment classes.High School Completion Programs:
Programs for students seeking to complete their high school education.University Partners:
Programs offered by partner universities.Other:
Olympic College has three campuses located in Bremerton, Poulsbo, and Shelton. The college also has a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a dedicated office for these initiatives.
