Environmental Specialist: Career Associate

Environmental Specialist: Career Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in environmental management, conservation, and sustainable practices. This program provides students with a solid foundation in environmental science, policy, and technology, equipping them with the practical skills needed to address current environmental challenges. Throughout the coursework, students explore topics such as environmental monitoring, waste management, water quality, and pollution control, gaining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience through laboratories and fieldwork. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of environmental regulations and ethical considerations in environmental decision-making. Students are also introduced to emerging technologies used in environmental assessment and remediation. The program aims to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication, preparing graduates to work in a variety of settings including government agencies, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, and private industries. Upon completion, graduates are qualified for various technical roles, supporting environmental protection initiatives, conducting environmental audits, or furthering their education. The Career Associate degree provides a pathway for those interested in pursuing higher education in environmental science or related fields. Harrisburg Area Community College commits to delivering quality education with experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring students are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability and public health. This program is ideal for individuals passionate about protecting the environment and seeking a practical, career-oriented education that opens doors to diverse opportunities in environmental careers.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 104 Technical Writing  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3) 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education and Wellness  1 
Major Requirements   
CHEM 100 Principles of Chemistry  3 
CIS 105 Introduction to Software for Business  3 
ENSP 160 Professional Issues  1 
ENSP 205 Environmental Laboratory Methods  4 
ENSP 215 Hazardous Substances and Safety  3 
ENSP 220 Environmental Laws, Regs & Compliance  3 
ENSP 260A Environmental Internship  3 
ENVS 201 Introduction to Environmental Science  4 
MATH 103 College Algebra  3 

Environmental Assessment Concentration   
BIOL 130 Field Biology  4 
ENSP 200 Quantitative Field Methods  4 
ENSP 210 Site Assessment and Planning  3 
ENSP 225 Aquatic Resource Management  3 
GEOL 201 Environmental Geology  4 
GIS 141 Introduction to GIS  3 
*Concentration Specific Elective  3 

Sustainable Resources Concentration***   
ENSP 230 Pollution Prevention & Waste Management  3 
ENSP 235 Environmental Systems & Sustainability  3 
GREN 102 Alternative Energy Economics  3 
GREN 218 Sustainable Materials Management  3 
GREN 221 Project Management and Design  3 
GREN 228 Environmental Marketing  3 
MGMT 230 Principles of Supply Chain Management  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Environmental Assessment Concentration

Demonstrate knowledge of environmental principles, applied field sampling laboratory methods, and regulatory compliance

Apply mathematical concepts to environmental problem solving

Perform technician work while following appropriate field, lab, and safety methods

Demonstrate computer literacy in data manipulation and analysis

Develop analytical skills, including inductive and deductive reasoning

Communicate results both orally and through written reports

Receive certifications associated with selected environmental skills and coursework

Exhibit practical expertise learned in workplace internships or work projects

Recognize environmental work practices and procedures, and professional conduct and expectations

Sustainable Resource Management Concentration:

Demonstrate knowledge of sustainable resource management with implementation of waste reduction, re-use, recycling, and pollution prevention strategies

Implement environmental system management and sustainable business practices that are in compliance with applicable environmental regulations

Ascertain market trends and assist in management of waste materials for facilities

Comprehend fundamental concepts of business applications and decision-making related to sustainable resource management

Use  computer applications and demonstrate effective oral and written skills

Recognize  environmental work practices and procedures and professional conduct and expectations

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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

The Environmental Specialist: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for careers in environmental management and sustainability. This program prepares graduates to work in various sectors, including government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations, focusing on environmental protection, compliance, and conservation efforts. The curriculum typically covers key topics such as environmental science, regulations and policies, waste management, water quality, air pollution control, and environmental monitoring techniques. Students may also gain proficiency in the use of modern tools and technologies relevant to environmental assessment and data collection, such as GIS (Geographic Information Systems), sampling methods, and laboratory procedures.

The program emphasizes hands-on training and real-world applications, often including laboratory work, field visits, and collaborative projects. These experiences aim to enhance problem-solving abilities and foster an understanding of how environmental principles are applied in practical settings. The Associate of Career Studies degree often serves as a stepping stone for students seeking further education in environmental sciences or related fields, as well as immediate employment opportunities. Graduates of this program may find roles such as environmental technician, compliance specialist, sustainability coordinator, pollution control technician, or site inspector. The program also aims to develop critical skills such as analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork, which are essential in addressing complex environmental issues.

Harrisburg Area Community College's program aligns with industry standards and regulatory requirements, preparing students to meet the demands of a growing field focused on sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The college may offer support services including career counseling, internship placements, and job placement assistance to help graduates transition into the workforce. Overall, this program is an excellent choice for individuals passionate about environmental protection and seeking a career that contributes positively to community health and ecological preservation.