MCC Offers New Degree Program in Environmental Science

Manchester, Conn., – (January 15, 2009)… This spring, Manchester Community College (MCC) will offer an associate of science degree in Environmental Science. The Board of Governors for Higher Education recently approved the licensure and accreditation for this new degree program at MCC.

This Environmental Science degree is an expansion of MCC’s curricular work on sustainability and the environment, and has been designed through discussions with faculty from Eastern Connecticut State University and their Institute for Sustainable Energy, and the University of Connecticut. The Environmental Science associate degree program consists of 64 credits.

“Environmental issues are among the most urgent facing society today and Manchester Community College is proud to provide leadership in environmental science education with the addition of this new degree program.” commented Marcia Jehnings, director of the Mathematics, Science & Health Careers division at MCC.

The Environmental Science degree program will provide students with the knowledge and skills required for transfer to a baccalaureate program in environmental science or related areas. The program will introduce students to the emerging and expanding field of sustainable energy studies, and provide opportunities for students in other disciplines to further develop their knowledge of environmental issues.

Two new courses will be offered as part of the degree program including EVS* 130: Sustainable Energy and the Environment and EVS* 131: Sustainable Energy for Residences & Businesses. Both courses will study sustainable and non-sustainable energy sources; the relationship between population and consequences of increased energy demand, reliance on fossil fuels, global warming and other impacts; and energy options including hydroelectric, wind power, biofuels, passive solar, solar thermal, photovoltaics, and hydrogen fuel cells.

According to the Department of Labor, employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase by 25 percent between 2006 and 2016. Growth in employment of environmental scientists and hydrologists will be spurred largely by the increasing demands placed on the environment and water resources by population growth. Further demand should result from the need to comply with complex environmental laws and regulations, particularly those regarding ground-water decontamination, clean air, and flood control.

The Environmental Science degree program at MCC will increase the range of educational opportunities available to students and foster and encourage collaborative efforts among campus and local community groups to address issues of sustainability in the local community.

For more information on the Environmental Science associate degree program, contact environmental science professors Ann Hadley 860 512-2706 or Jeremiah Sawma 860-512-2730.

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Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.