ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)
Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)

When you choose the Environmental Science Program, you will take the first step toward a career in resource management.   Through basic scientific concepts and traditional knowledge, SKC’s program emphasizes the relationship between natural resources and tribal sovereignty and cultural preservation.  This approach will make you uniquely qualified to work in tribal, federal or state resource positions.  A “two-plus-two” program, the Environmental Science Program offers a two-year Associate of Science degree that gives you technician skills.  Upon completing the AS, you can continue your studies toward a Bachelor of Science that readies you for a professional career and/or graduate school.

You will be able to tailor your studies to match your interests by selecting from these emphasis areas.
            Environmental Quality prepares you to monitor and protect water, soil, and air quality.  Most tribes, large cities, and state and federal agencies hire professionals in environmental quality to measure conditions, make recommendations for improvement and implement clean-up projects.
            Fisheries and Wildlife trains you in natural history, ecology and management of native animals.  This is a rigorous program with a competitive job market, but the reward is the chance to work outside directly managing habitat for wildlife species.
            Environmental Restoration develops your interest in native plants and wildlife habitats into an ability to plan and carry out activities to repair damaged environments.  In this program you may have the chance to work on an actual restoration project as part of your academic program.  There are increasing numbers of tribal, state, federal and private jobs in restoring degraded streams, forests and rangeland.

The Environmental Science degree plans are exciting and challenging.  You will study basic ideas such as biology, ecology, chemistry, physics and math as well as Native American Studies courses in government and economics.  In almost every class, instructors provide many opportunities for you to polish your writing and speaking skills, read cutting-edge literature, use your cultural and tribal knowledge, and apply theory to real-world issues.  You may also have the opportunity to attend meetings of the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and participate in student competitions for oral presentations, poster presentations, and knowledge bowl competitions.

As part of your Bachelor’s degree program, you will sharpen your abilities in an internship with the college, a tribe or federal agency.  This internship will lead to your senior thesis, which is your own original research project on a subject that intrigues you.  The internship and thesis contribute to your resume so that you will take high quality experience to your first job.

Department Contact

Bill Swaney
Department Head/Instructor

Email: william_swaney@skc.edu
Phone: 275-4800 ext. 4896