Associate of Science in Environmental Science

PROGRAM MISSION

 

The AS Environmental Science program is designed to prepare students to understand the multidisciplinary nature of environmental concerns, to be able to analyze problems using multiple perspectives, to employ appropriate actions to promote environmental Stewardship, and to promote k’e.
The AS Environmental Science program supports the college’s goals of studying Dine’ culture, preparing for further studies and employment in a multi-cultural and
technological world, and fostering social responsibility, community service and scholarly research that contribute to the social, economic and cultural well-being of the Navajo Nation. We do this by studying Navajo understanding of nature, providing excellent education that prepares our students for their future goals and inspires them to be active in creating hozhoon in their communities.

PROGRAM GOALS

 

1. To connect traditional and scientific ecological knowledge.

2. To understand and employ appropriate methods of environmental stewardship.

3. To promote lifelong learning.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVE

 

Nitsáhákees – Increase understanding of scientific concepts

PSLO #1 Demonstrate an understanding of the theory of evolution.

PSLO #2 Demonstrate an understanding of population and ecosystem dynamics.

Nahát’á – Use scientific methodology

PSLO #3 Be able to use models to explain and predict natural phenomenon.

PSLO #4 Use standard test for soil, air, water, plant, and biodiversity studies,

Iiná – Apply knowledge in everyday life

PSLO #5 Use traditional ecological knowledge to understand different worldviews

about human relationships to the environment.

Siihásin – Self-assessment

PSLO #6 Students will demonstrate confidence and desire for lifelong learning.

ANNUAL ASSESSMENT PLAN

 

Artifacts for all outcomes will be collected during the spring semester. Once per term, each spring semester.

 Artifacts for each class will be collected once per term and analyzed by the instructor for that class. Raw data (digital format) will be stored by the instructor and reported to the division chair and the SLAC representative, where they also will be held. Agroecology/Env Sci faculty will participate in division-wide assessment meetings and also meet as a smaller group as needed.

2025 – 2026 Checklist

Associate of Science Degree
Environmental Science (60–61 credits)

General Education RequirementsCreditsProgram RequirementCredits
Communications
ENG 101 College Composition I
ENG 102 College Composition II
6ENV 101 Intro to Environmental Science4
Humanities / Fine Arts
Choose two courses with different prefixes from:
ARH 110; ARH 211; CW 208; ENG 231; ENG 233; FA 106; FA 115; FA 178; HUM 152; LIB 110
Course 1: __________ (3.0)
Course 2: __________ (3.0)
6

Upper Division Elective Courses

  • AGR 303 Beekeeping (3.0)
  • AGR 323 Mushroom and Molds (3.0)
  • BIO 326 Ecology (4.0)
  • BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4.0)
  • BIO 385 Comparative Invertebrate Zoology (4.0)
  • ENV 310 Pedology: Introduction to Soils (4.0)
Mathematics
(or another MTH class as identified by degree program & placement)
MTH 110 College Algebra
4

Lower Division Elective Courses

  • AGR 103 Conservation Planning (4.0)
  • AGR 215 Intro to Veterinary Science / One Health (3.0)
  • BIO 182 General Biology II (4.0)
  • BIO 284 Plant Biology (4.0)
  • CHM 152 General Chemistry II (4.0)
  • EGR 111 Introduction to Engineering (3.0)
  • ENV 123 Introduction to Physical Hydrology (3.0)
  • ENV 160 Introduction to Geographic Information Sys (3.0)
  • GLG 101 Physical Geology (4.0)
  • GLG 102 Historical Geology (4.0)
  • MTH 213 / PSY 213 Statistics (4.0)
Minimum Elective Total: 16–17 hrs
16–17
Navajo Studies
One NAV course (placement): NAV 101/102/201/202/211 (3.0/4.0)
NIS 111 Foundation of Navajo Culture (3.0)
NIS 221 Navajo History to Present (3.0)
9–10Program Credits Total20–21
Laboratory Science
Must take BIO 181 and CHM 151
BIO 181 General Biology I (4.0)
CHM 151 General Chemistry I (5.0)
9Social & Behavioral Sciences
1 HST and ANT 160
HST (Choice: 101, 102, 135, 136) (3.0)
ANT 160 Nav Ag Hist Precontact to Present (3.0)
6
Gen Ed Credits Total40–41 

IMPORTANT: To fulfill the General Education Science Core, students are required to take BIO 181 and CHM 151 courses.

Note: Must pass all courses with a grade of “C” or higher.

 

DEAN'S OFFICE

Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Ph.D., SCCM (MLS) CCM 
Acting Dean, School of STEM
Tuba City Campus

Phone: (928) 283-5113 ext. 07520
Research Labs: 7538, 7539
Email: stabassum@dinecollege.edu
Selina Yazzie
Administrative Assistant
Tsaile Campus

Phone: 928-724-6731
Email: syazzie@dinecollege.edu