The Natural Resources Management Associate Degree in Applied Science program is designed to prepare students for a career in the management and protection of natural resources. Success in this field requires the technician to have a broad background in the biological and agricultural sciences as well as manual skills. This is achieved through a balance between classroom time, distance learning, and outdoor learning activities. Successful graduates will know the proper use, development, conservation, and management of wildlife, wetlands, and woodlands and the ecosystems that support them.
Students can take the entire program online, but those looking for hands-on experiential learning can take the Technicians Skills courses. This series of classes require hands-on labs held at select locations throughout the semester. The student discuss these options with their academic advisor at the beginning of the program of study.
Career opportunities exist with landowners; local, state, and federal agencies; and private industry engaged in the development and wise stewardship of natural resources. Students in this program. have flexible education options for transfer to four-year degree programs and entry directly into the field as technicians.
This program is an online program.
*Students interested in the online program format may substitute the NRM Technician Skills I, II, III courses with an online Departmental Elective.
**PHI 110 Ethics recommended as the Humanities/Fine Arts elective.
***Students who are interested in law enforcement careers in the NRM field are encouraged to take CRJ 101 as their Social/Behavioral Science Elective.
This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Agriculture and Food & Natural Resources.
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The Water Operator Certificate program is designed to assist students who are pursuing a license in water treatment or distribution, which is a requirement to progress in the field. This Certificate has been approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation to count as 1-year of work experience toward an operator license after completion of the trainee year and successfully passing the State Certification Exam. Employment in the field of study or academic advisor approval is necessary for admittance into this program.
This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
This program is an online program.
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The Wastewater Operator Certificate program is designed to assist students in studying for a license in physical/chemical or biological wastewater treatment, which is a requirement to progress in the field. This Certificate has been approved by the South Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation to count as 1-year of work experience toward an operator license after completion of the trainee year and successfully passing the State Certification Exam. Employment in the field of study or academic advisor approval is necessary for admittance into this program.
This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
This program is an online program.
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The Environmental, Health, and Safety Certificate program will prepare graduates to evaluate and remediate workplace and environmental hazards in order to promote public health. Graduates of the Certificate will be prepared to enter the workforce as a technician or continue their education and obtain an Associate Degree in Applied Science with a Major in Environmental Engineering Technology. The program prepares students for a career in industrial hygiene, industrial safety and health, toxicology, risk management, public health, regulatory compliance, and occupational health.
The Certificate is designed to prepare graduates to recognize regulatory issues and maintain a safe workplace. The program content is applicable to industrial and construction personnel as well as individuals responsible for safety at public works departments, city and county governments, emergency response teams, and civil defense workers. Employment in the field of study or academic advisor approval is necessary for admittance into the program.
This program is an online program.
This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.
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Students in the Environmental Engineering Technology Associate Degree in Applied Science program explore the relationships between the human race and the dynamic environment in which they live. They examine the effects of pollution using applied math and science skills. Students also determine strategies to minimize or prevent waste in order to reduce the impact on the environment. They discuss innovative solutions to environmental issues and determine ways to improve processes and protect people from hazardous and toxic chemicals. Most importantly, students acquire skills and knowledge they can adapt to a variety of environmental, health, and safety career opportunities. Career opportunities include health and safety manager in industry, treatment facility operator in municipalities, engineering technician, laboratory technician in environmental monitoring laboratories, and environmental quality technician for state and federal regulatory agencies.
This is an online program. Select General Education courses may also be offered in a traditional format on campus.
This program is aligned with the following career cluster: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.