The Environmental Science Technology curriculum is designed to prepare individuals for employment in environmental testing, consulting, remediation, and related industries. Major emphasis is placed on biological and chemical evaluation of societal impact and sustainable management of the environment.

Students may choose one of the following program majors:

Environmental Science Technology (A20140)

The Environmental Science Technology curriculum addresses complex environment-related issues through a synthesis of scientific, social scientific, and humanistic perspectives. Students engage in a comprehensive course of study covering ecology, environmental biology, and natural resource management, alongside environmental law, policy, and economics. Students will also have training in the assessment, monitoring, and remediation of climate, air, soil and water, fish and wildlife, and all natural resources. A hallmark of this program is the development of a professional portfolio, a substantial body of work that allows graduates to demonstrate their technical proficiency to future employers. This curriculum integrates AI-driven data analytics, equipping students with high-tech skills for precision environmental monitoring and advanced problem-solving. By examining the interactions between human systems and the natural world, graduates are prepared to lead conservation and restoration efforts within a global society.

Graduates find diverse opportunities within private industry and government agencies. Career paths include: Environmental Laboratory Analysis (Chemical and Biological); Water and Wastewater Treatment; EPA and Regulatory Compliance; Hazardous Material and Waste Management; Contaminated Site Assessment and Remediation; Land Management; Private Conservation; Watershed Protection; and Sustainability Planning.

Graduates of this program will:

• Articulate the interconnected and interdisciplinary nature of environmental systems and studies.
• Synthesize quantitative reasoning and AI-enhanced technical skills for scientific problem-solving and data interpretation.
• Evaluate the global scale of environmental problems and implement effective local mitigation strategies.
• Characterize human impacts on the environment while demonstrating professional readiness through a comprehensive body of work.

Environmental Management Technology (A20230)

The Environmental Management Technology curriculum is a general program focused on the foundational studies and administrative activities required for the oversight of natural systems. Students fulfill basic requirements in resource management, centering on the functional and economic application of environmental assets. Instruction covers standard protocols for monitoring climate, air, soil, and water, as well as the routine utility of fish, wildlife, and plant resources. A primary emphasis of this curriculum is ensuring adherence to established conservation practices and the systematic management of renewable and nonrenewable resources. Graduates are equipped with the fundamental scientific knowledge necessary for the maintenance and improvement of the natural environment within standard regulatory frameworks.

Career opportunities include: EPA Compliance; Hazardous Material Handling; Contaminated Site Assessment and Remediation; Federal, State, and Local Land Management; Private Conservation; and Environmental Regulatory Compliance and Enforcement.

Graduates of this program will:

• Explain the scientific method and demonstrate the ability to apply it during standard scientific investigations.
• Demonstrate a functional understanding of basic biological concepts and environmental processes.
• Apply fundamental research skills, laboratory methods, and field techniques to general environmental studies.
• Maintain a working knowledge of established environmental health and safety protocols.

A PCC Environmental Science degree can lead to careers in:

• Environmental Laboratory Technician(Chemical, Biological, and Microbiological analysis)
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Technician
• Environmental Compliance & Enforcement Specialist(EPA and general regulatory compliance)
• Waste & Hazardous Materials Manager
• Contaminated Site Assessment & Remediation Specialist
• Land Resource Manager
• Environmental Consultant
• EHS Coordinator / Technician
• Industrial Hygiene Assistant
• Environmental Health Specialist (Sanitarian)(Public health, pathogens, and food safety)
• Air Quality Specialist
• Coastal Resource Specialist
• Watershed Protection Coordinator
• Natural Resource Technician(Ecology and wildlife)
• Sustainability & Planning Specialist(Sustainable development and environmental planning)
• Field Sampling Technician