The Associate of Science in Sustainability offers lower-division coursework that provides an introduction to issues, policies, and practices of sustainability, with an emphasis on a scientific perspective. Students will build a foundation appropriate for entry into advanced study in sustainability including public policy, environmental justice, scientific research, and interdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental issues.

This degree is designed to facilitate students transferring to the University of California, Riverside with an Associate of Science Degree in Sustainability. With this degree, the student will be prepared to enter into the Environment and Sustainability Studies B.S. program. Such a degree will typically lead to careers in agriculture and food systems, ecological conservation and restoration, environmental research and consulting, environmental engineering, urban planning, and natural resource management.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to: • Define sustainability and identify major sustainability challenges. • Apply critical thinking skills, appropriate methodological and analytical tools, and diverse concepts of sustainable development to address sustainability challenges in a global context. • Demonstrate an understanding of complex relationships among ecological issues, economic growth, and social justice. • Demonstrate the ability to understand environmental changes, challenges, and solutions from a scientific perspective.