Make Colorado Your Classroom with the Associate of Arts Environmental Studies Emphasis

Start smart with an associate degree from Colorado Mountain College

Colorado Mountain College’s Environmental Studies (AA) and Environmental Science (AS) degrees can open up worlds of career opportunities, whether your interest is research, the arts or advocacy. The program is grounded in the theoretical framework of environmental studies and the three pillars of sustainability: equity, environmental, and economic.

Colorado Mountain College’s eleven campuses in the Rocky Mountains are situated in some of the most ecologically diverse environments in the country. The region is also a political hotbed of environmental issues surrounding water, energy, conservation and pollution. You’ll gain front row seats to highly charged issues, and an understanding of the effects of national and regional policies on local communities.

Mountain living contributes to a transferable degree designed to give you a broad experience on-campus and in the field. Our Associate in Arts degree prepares you for transfer into four-year environmental studies programs.

Depending on the electives you select, the degree also provides an excellent foundation for four-year degrees in environmental policy, resource economics or sustainability studies. Work closely with an advisor to choose courses that best meet your four-year degree goals.

Moving forward at CMC

The Environmental Studies emphasis includes many courses that serve as prerequisites for the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies. You'll be well-prepared and encouraged to pursue the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainability Studies. If your interests lean more toward science, explore the Bachelor of Science in Ecosystem Science & Stewardship.

The certificate program in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) goes hand-in-hand with Environmental Studies. We highly recommend acquiring GIS skills early on. GIS technology is fundamental to research and will be a long-term career asset.