Environmental Science (Biophysical Track)

Associate in Science (A.S.)

Become an environmental scientist and help manage our natural resources responsibly. Through a combination of classroom study, field work, and outdoor pursuits, you'll prepare to take an active role in protecting our fish, wildlife, plant species, and bodies of water.

Career Outlook: Wildlife and Forest Services

With the growing focus on sustainability worldwide, the need for forward-thinking environmental scientists has never been stronger. Careers in wildlife management, forestry, and environmental education involve spending time outdoors studying plants and animals in their natural habitats. Environmental scientists often work for federal, state, and local governments managing public land. Jobs are also available in the private sector and with social advocacy organizations.

A.S. Program Overview

The A.S. Environmental Science program provides fundamental math and science preparation, knowledge of current environmental issues, and hands-on training in natural resource management. Through coursework and field experiences, the program prepares you to finish a bachelor's degree in a related field at a four-year institution.

Coursework covers a broad range of environmental conservation, terrestrial and aquatic ecology, field botany, limnology, wildlife management, and other science and natural resource subjects. General Education requirements and electives ensure a well-rounded education, while giving you the ability to personalize your course of study.

Outdoor Education and Research Facilities

FLCC has facilities specially designed for environmental and wildlife education. Our main campus in Canandaigua has an on-site arboretum and greenhouse, as well as multiple wildlife observation blinds. The 250-acre campus is home to second-growth woodlands, wetlands, nature trails, and fields in various states of natural succession.

We also have two field stations in the Finger Lakes region that provide exceptional outdoor learning experiences:

• The Muller Field Station, located on the southern end of Honeoye Lake, where you can participate in lab work, help in the fish hatchery, and engage in community outreach and local research projects.
• The East Hill Campus, located near the High Tor Wildlife Management area in Naples, where you can take part in camping, hiking, wildlife, and nature classes.

Field Work and Ecology Expeditions

Experience a hands-on approach to education that introduces you to the tools and technologies used in the industry. Our curriculum includes:

• Field Work: Take field trips to local fish hatcheries and wildlife refuges, collaborate with conservation agencies, and bond with your classmates during wilderness camping trips.
• Expeditions: Explore unique wilderness areas through our three-credit expedition courses. Students have traveled to the Florida Everglades, the Rocky Mountains, South Africa, Alaska, and East Coast maritime communities. You will have a rare opportunity to observe and study the animals, birds, plants, and geology of these natural areas. FLCC professors develop itineraries for these expeditions, and the trips often involve camping, backpacking, kayaking, and hiking.
• Technology: Practice using industry-standard research technology, including: trail cams, electro-fishing equipment, water quality probes, GIS computer software, and wildlife tracking radio-telemetry devices.
• Research: Participate in research conferences by collecting data from environmental field studies, analyzing the results, preparing reports, and presenting your findings.

A.S. Program Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

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

• Demonstrate standard best practices in field and laboratory research techniques (e.g. scientific literature reviews, research design, equipment use, data collection and analysis, and technical writing).
• Identify predominant regional species (e.g. plants, insects, fish, mammals, and birds) and their natural histories.
• Apply principles of natural and physical sciences (including mathematics) to interpret natural phenomena.
• Communicate ecological concepts and ideas via multiple modalities (e.g. technical writing and oral presentation).

Seamless Transfer Opportunities

FLCC has a cooperative admissions agreement with SUNY Geneseo, which allows you to transfer to Geneseo without an additional application. Previous Environmental Sciences graduates have also transferred into programs at the following colleges and universities:

Four-Year Career Pathways

Environmental Science graduates who complete a related four-year degree work in a variety of fields, including:

Graduates often begin their careers with one of the many government agencies dedicated to preserving our natural resources, including:

Exciting and challenging career opportunities exist in the private sector at environmental consulting firms and environmental education centers. Non-profit agencies such as land conservancies, research institutions, and universities also need environmental scientists.

Low-Cost Tuition and Scholarship Opportunities

Earn a quality education at an affordable rate. With our low cost-per-credit and general scholarship opportunities, you can maximize your potential with minimal debt. 80% of students are awarded scholarships or financial aid that help with the cost of college.

Faculty

Our Environmental Science faculty have a wide range of expertise regarding their educational and professional backgrounds. Faculty earned graduate degrees from institutions such as Lehigh University, SUNY Brockport, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Complementing decades of experience teaching college, our faculty have lived all over the country working in the conservation field.

Field Stations

Our two field stations provide exceptional outdoor learning experiences for students.

The Muller Field Station (near Honeoye Lake) hosts laboratory experiences, community outreach, and local research projects.

The East Hill Campus (near Naples) is an outdoor facility for camping, hiking, wildlife, and nature classes.

Related Programs

In addition to the Environmental Science program, FLCC offers associate degrees in:

• Fish and Wildlife Technology
• Horticulture
• Natural Resources Conservation
• Viticulture and Wine Technology