Environmental Science (A.S.)

Environmental Science Program

Berkshire Community College's (BCC) Environmental Science degree program emphasizes biodiversity studies coupled with natural resource management for sustainable ecosystems. Multidisciplinary courses are offered mainly in the Ralph Hoffmann Environmental Science and Sustainable Energy Center while students develop hands-on field skills in forests, fields, lakes, streams and marshes both on campus and at nearby locations.

The program fosters community connections with conservation agencies, local schools and resource-related industries through service-learning, directed and independent studies, and frequent field trips.

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Browse the College Catalog

Contact

Bruce Winn, Associate Professor Environmental and Life Sciences
bwinn@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4688

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Educational Requirements, Wages and Job Growth

Environmental scientists and specialists need at least a bachelor's degree in a natural science or science-related field for most entry-level jobs.
The median annual wage for environmental scientists and specialists was $76,530 in May 2021.
Employment of environmental scientists and specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Job Titles

Environmental scientist/geologist
Environmental technician
Marine biologist
Wildlife biologist
Environmental science teacher
Microbiologist
Geographer
Ecologist
Environmental lawyer
Meteorologist
Water quality scientist
Environmental health and safety officer

Local Employers

Mass Audobon
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Crane and Co
Mass Dept. of Transportation
MassMutual
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets
Local boards of health across the Berkshires
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission
City of Pittsfield
Tri-Town Health
Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)
Center for EcoTechnology (CET)

Testimonial

I became interested in returning to college when my son graduated from high school and was trying to figure out his plans. BCC was the obvious choice for me and I fell in love with the catalog description of the Environmental Science major. But science? I had never done well in science and was nervous about trying again at 44 years old! From day one I felt comfortable and capable thanks to the support of the amazing faculty. I was even selected to be the valedictorian at my graduation ceremony in 2008! My BCC academic experience remains one of the most valuable and memorable experiences in my life.
Laura Saldarini '08, Environmental Science