Biology Department

Environmental Science Degree

Environmental Internships Environmental Careers

Environmental Job Openings

Associate in Science Degree

This degree program prepares students for entry into a career in environmental science. The two-year associate in science degree program provides the first two years of a bachelor’s degree related to environmental science. Students will take 5-6 courses in Biology, 2 semesters of Chemistry, Introductory Statistics and electives such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), as well as General Education courses. See the Guidesheet for more details.

The degree currently transfers in entirety to the Environmental Science programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Cloud State University. Articulation agreements are in discussion with the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. Transfer to other postsecondary institutions is also possible. Links to the following Environmental Science programs are provided for:

Minnesota State University - Mankato
St. Cloud State University
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
University of Wisconsin-Stout

Program Goals Labs Sp 2004
By completing this program, students will achieve the following goals:
  • demonstrate comprehension of ecosystem structure and function,
  • explain the nature of biological communities,
  • demonstrate application of critical thinking in classroom and field studies,
  • describe economically and ecologically important resources,
  • evaluate and describe significant environmental dilemmas, and,
  • explain community and habitat dynamics.

How the Program Transfers

The associate degree transfers in its entirety to the environmental science programs at Minnesota State University, Mankato and St. Cloud State University. Many of the courses within the degree transfer to multiple public and private institutions including the University of Minnesota. See individual transfer guides available in the Career Center for additional course information.

Admission Information

To be accepted in the program, program applicants need to complete:

  • Application for Admission to Anoka-Ramsey Community College (new students only)

  • Indicate Environmental Science as your major

  • Assessment testing

Consultation with counselors is recommended if you are interested in transfer to specific four-year colleges.

Photo credits: all photos taken by Melanie Waite-Altringer


© 2013 Anoka-Ramsey Community College - Biology Department.

The contents of this page have not been reviewed by ARCC.

Last Updated -July 28, 2016

Comments or Problems contact:

Melanie Waite-Altringer or Joan McKearnan or Terry Teppen