Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Agriculture: Natural Resources AS Degree
Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1495
This curriculum is designed to provide technician-level training for students interested in working in such areas as wildlife, forestry, range, and outdoor recreation. Typical employers include local, county, and U.S. Government agencies, as well as private companies. Particular attention should be paid to course prerequisites and to whether a class is taught during the fall or spring semester, or both.
This degree is approved through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office. Upon satisfactory completion of all degree requirements and filing an application for graduation with Admissions and Records, the student’s transcript will reflect completion of this degree.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
14 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.
This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 1
M
3
Introduction to Natural Resources
AGNR 1
Note: Required day field trips.
This course is an introduction to the integrated management of forests, soil, watershed, fish, and wildlife in the context of protection and restoration of watersheds and ecosystems. An emphasis will be placed on natural resources careers, policy and law, tools, techniques and practices, and management philosophies of public and private lands. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the integrated management of forests, soil, watershed, fish, and wildlife in the context of protection and restoration of watersheds and ecosystems. An emphasis will be placed on natural resources careers, policy and law, tools, techniques and practices, and management philosophies of public and private lands. Basic biological and ecological processes will be introduced along with discussion of the scientific method and preparing reports. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 50
M
4
Natural Resources Measurements
AGNR 50
Note: Several field trips to various locations will occur as feasible.
This course will help students develop an understanding of the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources on Private, State, and Federal lands. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other natural resources including water, range, and wildlife will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course will help students develop an understanding of the sampling methods and equipment used to inventory forest resources on Private, State, and Federal lands. Measurements of timber stand growth, quantity and quality, and other natural resources including water, range, and wildlife will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 52
M
3
Computers in Agri and Natural Resources
AGNR 52
This course introduces students to basic computer applications in agriculture, horticulture, natural resources, and related Career Technical Education majors. Students will gain basic computer literacy skills while learning to use examples of industry-specific software. Other topics will include file management, data manipulation, and use of software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will also be exposed to basic concepts and software related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year
15 Units TotalMATH 14
GE
4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
This course is an introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
GE
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating, and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 6
M
3
Native Plant Identification
AGNR 6
This course is the study of botanical characteristics, taxonomy morphology, and community relationships of the major tree and shrub associations in California and Western United States. Includes discussion of commercial uses and geographic ranges of these plants. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGMA 44
M
3
Intro to Construction Skills for Ag and Natural Resources
AGMA 44
This course covers the basic construction skills related to agriculture, natural resources, and environmental horticulture. Subjects covered will be mechanical drawing, design layout, arc welding, oxy/acetylene cutting and brazing, carpentry, electrification, small engine theory, concrete work structures, and project construction. Safety will be emphasized. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 12
M
2
Environmental Policy and Law
AGNR 12
This course will introduce students to various aspects of environmental laws, policy, and agencies responsible for management and regulation of our natural resources. Topics of the course will include origins and importance of environmental law; legal principals; property rights; international, federal, state, and local environmental legislation; and regulatory authorities. The course will include discussion of the Legislative and Regulatory history, and current implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Students will gain an understanding of the interactions between federal, state, and local environmental regulations, and how they pertain to environmental compliance and protection, and enforcement for illegal activities. Examples of legislation and regulations to be covered will include aspects of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), California Water Code, National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), California Irrigated Lands Program, Local Grading Ordinances, California Storm Water Program, California Streambed Alteration Agreements, and other pertinent federal, state, and local environmental laws. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Summer Semester, Second Year
3 Units TotalAGNR 94
M
3
Natural Resources Work Exper Education
AGNR 94
Limitation on Enrollment: FINANCIAL AID STUDENTS: Students must maintain concurrent enrollment in seven (7) units which include work experience education units. Students not receiving financial aid do not need to enroll in other courses in order to participate in Work Experience Education.
The Natural Resources Work Experience Education course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved natural resources job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student's major. A faculty member supervises the course to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 units may be earned in a single semester.
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The Natural Resources Work Experience Education course allows the student to gain on-the-job experience through employment/volunteerism at an approved natural resources job site that is acquired by the student and related to the student's major. A faculty member supervises the course to ensure that the work experience is of educational value. The course stresses good work habits and meeting of competencies through actual on-the-job performance. A student may repeat this course since course content varies and skills are enhanced by supervised repetition and practice. A maximum of 14 units may be earned in a single semester.
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 60
M
3
Environmental Science
AGNR 60
Advisory: Students who wish to add a lab component to this class should co-enroll in AGNR 61.
This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course is an introduction to the conservation or wise use of natural resources and incorporates discussions about the complex relationships of man to the environment. Students will learn about the diverse agencies that manage our resources along with their history and philosophies. The course will cover each of the major natural resources - such as water, air, energy, forests, wildlife, agriculture, and soils - as well as environmental policy and laws that govern the use of these resources. An emphasis is placed on the practical components of Environmental Science as it relates to social and economic aspects of conservation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 64
M
3
Watershed Management and Ecology
AGNR 64
Note: Field trips to various district facilities, federal, state, county, city and private agencies will occur as feasible.
This course addresses a variety of topics concerned with the quality and quantity of water resources and watershed management, ecology, and restoration. Emphasis will be on the State of California. Coverage will include the hydrologic cycle, water quality, water use and conservation, and watershed health and function. Sources, measurements, quality (pollution and treatment), usage, and conservation of water will be addressed. Environmental impacts of dam construction and hydroplant operation will be discussed. Laboratory work will involve measurements and interpretations of data collected or distributed and watershed restoration project planning and implementation. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course addresses a variety of topics concerned with the quality and quantity of water resources and watershed management, ecology, and restoration. Emphasis will be on the State of California. Coverage will include the hydrologic cycle, water quality, water use and conservation, and watershed health and function. Sources, measurements, quality (pollution and treatment), usage, and conservation of water will be addressed. Environmental impacts of dam construction and hydroplant operation will be discussed. Laboratory work will involve measurements and interpretations of data collected or distributed and watershed restoration project planning and implementation. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 65
M
3
Forest Ecology
AGNR 65
In this course the forest community is used as a model to discuss ecological principles as they apply to forest management. Students will gain a better understanding of biological organization and community classification, biotic and abiotic environmental factors, population and community ecology, and the role of disturbance in forested ecosystems. In addition, biogeochemical cycling, forest succession, and the role of natural selection will be discussed. Students will be expected to apply scientific principles and critical thinking skills to all lab activities and research papers. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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GEOG 9
M
3
Map and Geospatial Principles
GEOG 9
This course is an introduction to maps, imagery, and geospatial technologies. Students will learn geographic techniques for data collection, interpretation, and presentation. Map principles along with types of maps and their applications are covered. Methodologies include map reading, use of imagery, geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and map creation. Recent trends such as crowd-mapping, drone image capture and Lidar are also investigated. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year
13 Units TotalHUM 4
GE
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGAB 54
GE
3
Agriculture Economics
AGAB 54
This course includes an introduction to economic and business principles as they relate to resource management. The focus of the course will be to relate economic theories and basic economic concepts and principles to applied agri-business and resource management problem solving. Students will explore problems of agriculture, pricing and marketing, factors of production, and state and federal farm programs affecting farmer's economic position. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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AGNR 70
M
3
Wildlife Conservation and Management
AGNR 70
Note: Includes several all-day field trips.
This course covers the study of plant and animal ecology in relation to principles of wildlife management. An emphasis will be placed on identification of common western birds and mammals, sexing and aging criteria, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat management, and a review of trapping and marking techniques. Ecological concepts such as biotic communities, succession, limiting factors, and predator-prey relationships will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course covers the study of plant and animal ecology in relation to principles of wildlife management. An emphasis will be placed on identification of common western birds and mammals, sexing and aging criteria, wildlife population dynamics, wildlife habitat management, and a review of trapping and marking techniques. Ecological concepts such as biotic communities, succession, limiting factors, and predator-prey relationships will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGPS 24
M
3
Soils
AGPS 24
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher; and one year of high school chemistry or equivalent.
Note: This class includes two Saturday field trips on classification, judging, and conservation of soils. The class is required for all agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture majors.
This class is an introductory course on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as it relates to agriculture and natural resources. Ecosystem relationship of soil use and management is emphasized. The effects of drainage, tillage, and irrigation on land use are discussed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Note: This class includes two Saturday field trips on classification, judging, and conservation of soils. The class is required for all agriculture, natural resources, and horticulture majors.
This class is an introductory course on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil as it relates to agriculture and natural resources. Ecosystem relationship of soil use and management is emphasized. The effects of drainage, tillage, and irrigation on land use are discussed. A portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
AGNR 66
M
1
Watershed Restoration
AGNR 66
This course will use the hydrologic watershed unit as the focus, which will provide a hands-on approach to ecosystem management, erosion control, sediment control, and stream restoration. Students will determine best management practices for erosion and sediment control. Laws and requirements for the management of stormwater pollution will be discussed. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
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