Environmental Science: Transfer Associate

The Environmental Science: Transfer Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the natural sciences, environmental policies, sustainability practices, and ecological principles. This associate degree program is designed to prepare students for a smooth transition into a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related fields. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating coursework in biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental systems to give students a well-rounded understanding of natural processes and human impacts on the environment.

Students will engage in laboratory and field-based learning experiences to develop practical skills necessary for environmental analysis, data collection, and problem-solving. The program aims to equip students with critical thinking abilities and a solid scientific background, enabling them to analyze environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, and conservation efforts. Throughout the program, students will also explore environmental policy, ethics, and sustainable development strategies, fostering a sense of responsibility toward promoting environmental health and sustainability.

The associate degree prepares graduates for transfer to four-year institutions where they can further specialize in areas such as ecology, environmental management, or environmental policy. Graduates from the program can expect to pursue careers in environmental consulting, resource conservation, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or continue their education in a related field. The program supports students in developing both academic knowledge and professional competencies necessary for advancing in the environmental sciences sector. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and strong ties to local environmental initiatives, Harrisburg Area Community College offers an excellent starting point for students passionate about making a positive impact on the environment through scientific understanding and responsible stewardship.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II (or)  3 
  ENGL 104 Technical Writing  (3)
COMM 101 Effective Speaking  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective (ECON 201)  3 
Core B Elective (GIS 141)  3 
Core C Elective (BIOL 101)  4 
Core C Elective (CHEM 101)  4 
Core C Elective (MATH 202)  4 
General Education Transfer Elective  3 
Physical Education and Wellness   1 

Major Requirements   
BIOL 102 General Biology II  4 
CHEM 102 General Inorganic Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis  4 
ENVS 201 Introduction to Environmental Science  4 
GEOL 201 Environmental Geology  4 
*MATH 119 Pre-Calculus  (or)  4 
    MATH 121 Calculus I  (4) 
PHYS 201 General Physics I  4 
**Program Specific Electives  4 

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations