Environmental Science (Biophysical Track)

Career Outlook

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.

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

• Ecological Monitoring and Restoration
• Environmental Education
• Fish and Wildlife Management
• Forestry
• Invasive Species Management
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Threatened/Endangered Species Protection
• Wetland Protection and Restoration

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Where Our Graduates Work

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

• Bureau of Land Management
• Department of Health
• Department of Environmental Conservation
• Natural Resources Conservation Service
• National Park Service
• US Fish and Wildlife Service

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Many students in our Environmental Science program go on to complete a four-year degree at colleges such as:

• Colorado State University
• Cornell University
• Paul Smith's College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY Cobleskill
• SUNY Stony Brook University
• Unity College

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.

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• BIO 103 - Environmental Science
• BIO 221 - Terrestrial/Aquatic Ecology
• BIO 221L - Prin of Terrestrial/Aquatic Ecology Lab
• CON 100 - First Year Experience in Conservation
• CON 102 - Introduction to Fish and Wildlife
• CON 190 - Conservation Field Camp
• CON 224 - Dendrology and Field Botany
• HRT 280 - Field Entomology W/ Integrated Pest Mgmt