Successful completion of the Environmental Studies curriculum will prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities in areas including sustainability, environmental policy, regulations and law, land use planning, environmental education, environmental justice, and others, or entry level positions in related fields. While there is a required foundation of environmental science, ecology and conservation, the environmental studies degree includes more emphasis on the political, economic, and social aspects related to the environment and sustainability rather than the biological, chemical geological and mathematical aspects. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and describe the essential components of earth's natural environment, the physical, chemical, and biological components of the earth’s systems, and show how they function.

✔ Describe and analyze core environmental problems, their causes, consequences, and practical solutions.

✔ Appreciate the ethical, cross-cultural, and historical context of environmental issues and the links between human and natural systems.

✔ Investigate the role of governmental policy, citizen involvement, and/or ethics/values/morals in influencing human interaction with the environment.

✔ Demonstrate an integrative, interconnective and interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, with a focus on sustainability.

Successful completion of the Environmental Sciences curriculum will prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities in areas including environmental studies and sciences, wildlife conservation biology, ecology, forestry, toxicology, waste management, and others. Environmental Sciences is the combination of biological, chemical, geological, and mathematical principles as they apply to the environment and environmental problems. Commonly, environmental science is thought of as the study of solving these problems, such as degradation and pollution of the environment, that may have been caused by humans. Environmental science also focuses on preserving and managing natural resources. The major has been designed to meet lower-division requirements for Environmental Sciences majors at transfer institutions.  In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and describe the essential components of earth's natural environment, the physical, chemical, and biological components of the earth’s systems, and show how they function.

✔ Describe and analyze core environmental problems, their causes, consequences, and practical solutions.

✔ Appreciate the ethical, cross-cultural, and historical context of environmental issues and the links between human and natural systems.

✔ Investigate the role of governmental policy, citizen involvement, and/or ethics/values/morals in influencing human interaction with the environment.

✔ Demonstrate an integrative, interconnective and interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, with a focus on sustainability.

This program provides students with a strong foundation in environmental sciences.  Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to identify and describe the essential components of earth's natural environment - its physical, biological, energy-related, and ecological elements; describe and analyze core environmental problems, their causes and consequences, and practical solutions; evaluate and apply principles of sustainability to human activity on earth; apply the scientific method to design, conduct experiments, and test hypotheses; critically evaluate and interpret environmental information; and, as informed and responsible individuals, evaluate contemporary environmental issues that have social and/or ethical implications.

The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer degree (AS-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus.  Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing within the CSU system. Students are also given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Successful completion of the Environmental Science for Transfer curriculum will prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities. The major has been designed to meet lower-division requirements for certain majors at transfer institutions. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

To earn the Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

✔ completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and
✔ completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (IGETC for STEM) pattern.1 (Students transferring to a CSU campus must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)

NOTE: The California State University General Education Breadth pattern (CSU GE) is NOT an option for this degree.

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and describe the essential components of earth's natural environment, the physical, chemical, and biological components of the earth’s systems, and show how they function.

✔ Describe and analyze core environmental problems, their causes, consequences, and practical solutions.

✔ Appreciate the ethical, cross-cultural, and historical context of environmental issues and the links between human and natural systems.

✔ Investigate the role of governmental policy, citizen involvement, and/or ethics/values/morals in influencing human interaction with the environment.

✔ Demonstrate an integrative, interconnective and interdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, with a focus on sustainability.

This program is designed to award the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer degree (AA-T) to those students who have completed a specialization in English. The major provides students with a comprehensive study of composition, literary analysis and rhetorical strategies. Students will be able to identify the major themes, works, authors and movements in literature, particularly British and American literature. Students are trained in composition and given a solid background to explore literature as an intellectual discipline and an art. The required courses help students hone critical thinking, research, rhetoric and writing skills.

The Associate in Arts in English for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in English or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in English for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

✔ completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and

✔ completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)

The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Use standard rules of grammar, punctuation, diction and syntax.

✔ Write well organized, developed, edited, logically sound analyses and arguments.

✔ Apply MLA documentation style in researched writing.

✔ Apply reading strategies in order to critically analyze texts.

✔ Interpret and analyze literary works.

✔ Compose, evaluate, and revise original creative works and practice conventions of various genres.

The Engineering major recognizes a concentration in the field of Engineering. Successful completion of the curriculum in Engineering prepares engineering students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and differentiate between the attributes of the various engineering disciplines as related to education and the workforce.

✔ Read, analyze, and compose industry standard technical engineering drawings.

✔ Model physical systems correctly through the use of engineering concepts and then apply advanced mathematical techniques to solve the system.

✔ Create technical reports that identify, analyze, and assess results taken from experiments that are performed within the engineering lab.

✔ Construct actual physical models from instructions and diagrams given to them by an instructor.

The Engineering major recognizes a concentration in the field of Engineering. Successful completion of the curriculum in Engineering prepares engineering students for transfer to four-year colleges or universities. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify and differentiate between the attributes of the various engineering disciplines as related to education and the workforce.

✔ Read, analyze, and compose industry standard technical engineering drawings.

✔ Model physical systems correctly through the use of engineering concepts and then apply advanced mathematical techniques to solve the system.

✔ Create technical reports that identify, analyze, and assess results taken from experiments that are performed within the engineering lab.

✔ Construct actual physical models from instructions and diagrams given to them by an instructor.

This program, designed for students interested in teaching in public and private elementary schools, prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. It provides exposure to the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, composition and critical thinking. Students transferring to CSUS as Liberal Studies majors must take all courses listed below. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify principles that underlie effective relationships with others, basic observation tools, and basic lesson plans.

✔ Identify academic requirements and experiences needed to obtain a teaching credential.

✔ Define the role and function of the teacher in the public elementary school setting.

✔ Explain the ways in which a student's social environment, motivation, and behavior impact student learning.

This program is designed for prospective California State University transfer students who intend to become elementary school teachers.  Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to identify principles that underlie effective relationships with others, basic observation tools, and basic lesson plans; identify academic requirements and experiences needed to obtain a teaching credential; define the role and function of the teacher in the public elementary school setting; and explain the ways in which a student's social environment, motivation, and behavior impact student learning.

The Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus.  Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing within the CSU system. Students are also given priority admission consideration to their local CSU campus but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Elementary Teacher Education for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

✔ completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and

✔ completion of the California State University-General Education-Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)
The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Identify principles that underlie effective relationships with others, basic observation tools, and basic lesson plans.

✔ Identify academic requirements and experiences needed to obtain a teaching credential.

✔ Define the role and function of the teacher in the public elementary school setting.

✔ Explain the ways in which a student's social environment, motivation, and behavior impact student learning.

The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree (AA-T) program provides students with a strong foundation in Economics. Upon completion of the program, students will use critical thinking to demonstrate an understanding of major Economics concepts, including solving quantitative problems with such issues as opportunity costs, markets and profit maximization; analyze the basic principles underlying the economic way of thinking; list and distinguish basic economic terms; and analyze the supply and demand model.

The Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree (AA-T) prepares students to transfer into the CSU system to complete a bachelor’s degree in Economics or a major deemed similar by a CSU campus. Students earning an associate degree for transfer and meeting the CSU minimum transfer admission requirements are guaranteed admission with junior standing to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Upon transfer, students will be required to complete no more than 60 additional prescribed units to earn a bachelor’s degree.

To earn the Associate in Arts in Economics for Transfer degree, students must complete 60 CSU-transferable semester units with a minimum grade point average of 2.0, including both of the following:

✔ completion of all courses required for the major with grades of “C” or better; and

✔ completion of the California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE) pattern or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern. (Students transferring to a CSU campus using IGETC must complete Area 1C Oral Communication to be eligible for admission.)
The exact wording of the law pertaining to associate degrees for transfer may be found in Education Code Section 66746.

It is highly recommended that, prior to transferring, students complete courses that satisfy the CSU United States History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirement. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements.

RESTRICTION: International coursework from non-United States regionally accredited institutions cannot be applied to associate degrees for transfer.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of economic theories, concepts, and research.

✔ List and distinguish basic economic terms.

✔ Analyze the basic principles underlying the economic way of thinking.

✔ Analyze the supply and demand model.

A two-year associate degree in Geology prepares students to work in entry-level technical positions in the geological profession, including such fields as environmental assessment and mitigation, hydrology, mining, agronomy, conservation and interpretation. Additional professional opportunities are available for students with advanced degrees. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. Students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0 and complete one of the following three general education patterns:

✔ Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern;

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Apply the fundamental principles of Earth Science to natural phenomena.

✔ Solve Earth Science problems using field data.

✔ Critique, properly manipulate, and present laboratory data needed to solve Earth Science problems.

✔ Assemble and critique literature relevant to Earth Science investigations.

✔ Relate Earth Science concepts to real events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or sever weather events.