Earn an Associate Degree in Environmental Science

An associate degree in Environmental Science provides work-based training to learn about environmental ethics, analytical skills, and enforcing environmental regulations. The degree serves as a stepping stone for both new and transitioning workers.

Apply Now Blue Ridge
Associate Degree Banner
rectangle shape left rectangle shape right

Pursue an Environmental Science Associate Degree Program Designed for You

Our Environmental Science associate degree provides hands-on training and expert guidance by highly trained technicians and scientists. The degree lets prospects build a strong foundation for seeking employment in the Environment Science professions.

New Student Icon

Are You a New Student?

Build a solid foundation for a promising career with our Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Science Technician . Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.

Transfer Student Icon

Transferring Schools?

You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our Associate of Applied Science in Environmental Science Technician .

37,800

New Job Openings

Projected for in-demand environment technician occupations by 2030!

11%

Job Growth

Projected for environment science technician job roles and other similar occupations by 2030!

$47,370

Average Salary

Estimated for environmental science and protection technicians.

    • As per BLS, there will be 34,200 new vacancies in the environmental science technician occupations between 2020-30.
    • BLS also predicts an 11% growth in new jobs within the environmental science technician workforce by the next decade.
    • As per BLS, the average salary for environmental science technicians is $47,370 per year.

Why Pursue an Associate Degree in Environmental Science?

A two-year associate degree as an Environmental Science Technician provides students with a blend of academics and practical training on foundations of environmental science and occupational safety required in the real workplace. The degree lets students to:

    • Learn best practices about environmental science and occupational safety.
    • Learn how to work with specialists to test and measure potential environmental and occupational hazards.
    • Prepare for promising careers in the environmental science field.
    • Build a strong foundation for pathways to future programs.

Begin a Rewarding Career with an Environmental Science Technician Associate Degree

Our Environmental Science Technician program develops students’ workforce-ready skills through hands-on training, guided by trained faculty and a holistic learning environment.

The Environmental Science Technician program helps students learn the fundamental skills and duties of environmental sampling and monitoring technicians, water and wastewater technicians, and similar occupations.

Earn our degree from our School of Workforce Development and Engineering Technologies!

2-year

Degree Program

Formats

On-campus, Hybrid

60

Credit Hours

Ready to Enroll?

Apply Now

campusIconWhite3

What Will You Learn - Curriculum Overview

Our Environmental Science Technician associate degree allows students to learn theories and concepts with practical skills needed to become qualified environmental science technicians.

Throughout the program, students learn various concepts such as environmental science fundamentals, air, and water permits, geographic information systems, industrial hygiene, OSHA and EPA, industrial fire safety, and much more. The curriculum helps students to:

    • Monitor and evaluate the NPDES compliance and air permits in field applications.
    • Evaluate interaction between the condition of watersheds and human activities.
    • Use GIS to analyze environmental data and implement safe work practices.
    • Incorporate a safety management program, identify hazards, and others.

View Catalog

Build Your Future With Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC offers an industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.

  • Icon 1

    4000+

    Students Per Semester

  • Icon 2

    60+

    Degree and Certificate Programs

  • Icon 3

    14:1

    Student-Faculty Ratio

  • Icon 4

    Fully

    Accredited

Looking for Information Session?

Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Looking for Virtual Campus Tour for Admissions?

Schedule a Campus Tour

What You Experience at Blue Ridge CTC?

Blue Ridge CTC acts as a catalyst to career goals, gives students exposure to real-time career prospects, and provides a learning environment supporting personal and professional growth.

World-class Pedagogy That Shapes Future Leaders!

Effective faculty is the backbone of any school. Our faculty are committed teachers and scholars who:

Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.

Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.

Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.

Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.

Student Support Services and Spaces for Balanced Learning!

We provide comprehensive Student Support Services to promote student success.

Student Services provides a variety of support, including tutoring, accessibility accommodations, and more!

We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.

We recognize talent and celebrate their victorious performance with awards and acknowledgments.

We have supportive counselors to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.

Placement Assistance to Nurture Careers!

We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:

Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.

Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.

With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.

Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.

Promoting Equity to Develop an Intercultural College Environment!

As a community of students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, we strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campuses, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Campus diversity encourages open dialogue on campus.

Equity removes barriers and ensures equal opportunities are afforded to all.

Our campus offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where all are valued, celebrated, and included.

The campus community promotes diversity and inclusion through a variety of speakers and events.

Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities

We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating.

We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.

We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.

We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.

Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.

Our Learner’s Voice!

Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!

Rectangle-129 Icon Rectangle-130 Icon

Worried About Paying for College? Many Options Exist for Financial Aid

Blue Ridge CTC provides need-based financial aid to qualified applicants, ensuring all students have equal access to quality education.

Whether you are a student worrying about tuition fees or are a parent assisting a child paying for college, we have a wide variety of financial resources available.

    • State and Federal Grant Programs 
    • Student Work-Study Opportunities 
    • Student Loans 
    • Special Grant Funding Opportunities
    • Blue Ridge CTC Foundation Scholarship opportunities

Get Financial Aid

Have Questions? Talk With an Admissions Counselor Today!

Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College help students navigate career paths throughout their academic career.

fromImg
Rectangle-129 Icon Rectangle-130 Icon

Expand Your Choices

Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our associate degree in Environmental Science? We can help!

With an Environmental Science Technician associate degree program, students can target specific goals in a short amount of time to pursue a career as an environmental science technician. Students may seek direct workforce entry positions and become qualified for many lucrative career opportunities available in the local economy. The program incorporates real-world skills and content-specific knowledge needed to successfully land rewarding careers. 
Admission requirements to the Environmental Science Technology associate degree program include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts. There is also a $25 application fee that can be paid at any time once an application is submitted.
Students exploring the right career options with associate degree top colleges should consider the time to complete, cost of tuition, and quality of the instruction provided. Students who need additional insight into career options should consider getting a free career inventory assessment before exploring options about Environmental Science Technician that align with their personal and professional interests.
Our Environmental Science Technician associate degree does not require ACT or SAT scores to qualify for admission. Students may need ACT or SAT scores, or free placement testing to qualify for courses such as English, Math, or Chemistry. Placement testing can be scheduled at any time during the application process.
With an Environmental Science Technician associate degree, you will learn all the core concepts and theories linked to environmental science and occupational safety technician. You will develop skills to implement environmental and safety measures at the workplace, monitor & evaluate NPDES compliance, and much more.

Disclaimer

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.

Increase Font SizeDecrease Font Size