Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Associate of Science Degree
Environmental Technology

Environmental Technology refers to the skills and knowledge that allows a person to work in the environmental field in compliance with governmental regulations and at the same time protect human health and the environment.

The Environmental Technology Associate of Science Degree Program is a two-year program designed to prepare students to either enter the work force at the technician level or transfer into a bachelors’ degree program.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!

Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
Select sample path/map:
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ET 130 - Health Effects of Environmental Hazardous MaterialsM3.0
ET 130 - Health Effects of Environmental Hazardous Materials (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to educate students working in or seeking employment in areas that include health and safety responsibilities. The course provides an overview of how to identify and evaluate the hazards of chemical, physical, and biological agents that can be encountered in industrial operations, as well as waste disposal and remediation sites.

BIOL 120 - Environmental Biology (RHC GE 5)M3.0
BIOL 120 - Environmental Biology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

In this course, students utilize basic biological concepts and an interdisciplinary approach to determine how to address environmental challenges. Topics may include ecosystem characteristics and functions, population dynamics, energy and material resource use, pollution, and alternative energy sources. Because the course takes up the social, political, and economic implications of environmental decisions, it is intended for students from many disciplines, including non-STEM disciplines. This course fulfills the general education requirement for life sciences majors.

BIOL 120L - Environmental Biology LaboratoryM1.0
BIOL 120L - Environmental Biology Laboratory (1.0 units)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: BIOL 120
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This laboratory course complements the Environmental Biology lecture course and is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of the environmental sciences. The scientific method is employed to investigate ecosystems and their functions, natural selection, population interactions, environmental toxicology, radiation exposure effects, soil and groundwater systems, water pollution, alternative energy systems, and environmental resistance. This is a required course for Environmental Science majors.

RHC GE 7a - Fine ArtsGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:11.0 
2nd Semester
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (RHC GE 8b)M3.0
CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory: CIT 051; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an examination of information technologies and information systems used in business, with a focus on information systems, database management systems, networking, ethics and security, computer hardware, and software applications and development. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects are used to develop computer-based solutions to business problems.

ET 230 - Safety and Emergency ResponseM4.0
ET 230 - Safety and Emergency Response (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students working or seeking employment in the environmental technology field with hands-on instruction in safety and emergency response to chemical and physical exposures at hazardous waste sites. Topics include hazard identification, emergency response planning, proper use and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE), site control and evaluation, handling drums and containers, field sampling and air monitoring, proper use of instruments, confined spaces, and emergency response including field exercises in the use of air-purifying respirators (APR) and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). This course satisfies the requirements for 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1910.120 and confined space entry training under OSHA Standard 1910.146.

ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (RHC GE 1b and 8a)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Previously ENGL-101

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

RHC GE 4 - American InstitutionsGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:11.5 
Summer 1
Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
3rd Semester
ET 260 - Environmental Sampling and AnalysisM4.0
ET 260 - Environmental Sampling and Analysis (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the techniques of sampling protocols for obtaining soil, air, surface water, and groundwater samples based on sampling protocols approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the lecture, emphasis is placed on aspects of the procurement of samples through the EPA-approved standard operating procedures and practices. In the laboratory, students gain practical knowledge and skills for the appropriate collection and handling of environmental samples.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

RHC GE 6 - Social and Behavioral SciencesGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

RHC GE 7b - HumanitiesGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
4th Semester
Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Select one: MATH 150 / MATH 175 (RHC GE 2)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  FIN 101, MATH 060, MATH 073, MATH 130/H, MATH 140, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 175, MATH 180, MATH 190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

MATH 175 - Plane Trigonometry (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a geometry and an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is for students majoring in mathematics, science, and engineering. The course equips students with the skills necessary for success in precalculus, presenting the concepts of plane trigonometry using a functions approach. The course also includes a study of trigonometric functions including their inverses and graphs, identities and proofs related to trigonometric expressions, trigonometric equations, solving right triangles, solving triangles using the law of cosines and the law of sines, polar coordinates, and an introduction to vectors.

Total Semester Units:12.0 
Summer 2
RHC GE 3 - Physical EducationGE1.0

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

ElectiveEL1.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

ElectiveEL3.0

Select any course that is numbered 40 or above. Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Total Semester Units:5.0 
Total Units for Environmental Technology AS program 52.5 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
ET 130 - Health Effects of Environmental Hazardous MaterialsM3.0
ET 130 - Health Effects of Environmental Hazardous Materials (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to educate students working in or seeking employment in areas that include health and safety responsibilities. The course provides an overview of how to identify and evaluate the hazards of chemical, physical, and biological agents that can be encountered in industrial operations, as well as waste disposal and remediation sites.

BIOL 120 - Environmental Biology (IGETC 5B)M3.0
BIOL 120 - Environmental Biology (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

In this course, students utilize basic biological concepts and an interdisciplinary approach to determine how to address environmental challenges. Topics may include ecosystem characteristics and functions, population dynamics, energy and material resource use, pollution, and alternative energy sources. Because the course takes up the social, political, and economic implications of environmental decisions, it is intended for students from many disciplines, including non-STEM disciplines. This course fulfills the general education requirement for life sciences majors.

BIOL 120L - Environmental Biology Laboratory (IGETC 5C)M1.0
BIOL 120L - Environmental Biology Laboratory (1.0 units)

Prerequisite/Corequisite: BIOL 120
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This laboratory course complements the Environmental Biology lecture course and is designed for students interested in furthering their understanding of the environmental sciences. The scientific method is employed to investigate ecosystems and their functions, natural selection, population interactions, environmental toxicology, radiation exposure effects, soil and groundwater systems, water pollution, alternative energy systems, and environmental resistance. This is a required course for Environmental Science majors.

Cal-GETC 3a - ArtsGE1.0
Cal-GETC 3a - Arts (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
2nd Semester
Select one: GIS 120 / CIT 101 M3.0†
GIS 120 - Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis (4.0 units)

Advisory:CIT 101
Prerequisite: Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: GIS 120 or GIS 220)

This course introduces fundamental concepts of geographic information and spatial analysis. Using industry standard geospatial application tools including geographic information systems (GIS), global positioning systems (GPS), and small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAVs), students perform spatial analysis in various disciplines including but not limited to business, public safety, health, politics, civil engineering, and environmental, social, biological and geological sciences. Students learn how to organize geospatial data; visualize spatial patterns by aggregating numbers by areas, analyzing ratios and proportions, generating scatterplots, qualifying volumes and areas, and performing map algebra; and interpret correlations or suitable locations based on provided or researched criteria.

CIT 101 - Introduction to Computer Information Technology (3.0 units)

Advisory: CIT 051; It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is an examination of information technologies and information systems used in business, with a focus on information systems, database management systems, networking, ethics and security, computer hardware, and software applications and development. Application of these concepts and methods through hands-on projects are used to develop computer-based solutions to business problems.

ET 230 - Safety and Emergency ResponseM4.0
ET 230 - Safety and Emergency Response (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students working or seeking employment in the environmental technology field with hands-on instruction in safety and emergency response to chemical and physical exposures at hazardous waste sites. Topics include hazard identification, emergency response planning, proper use and selection of personal protective equipment (PPE), site control and evaluation, handling drums and containers, field sampling and air monitoring, proper use of instruments, confined spaces, and emergency response including field exercises in the use of air-purifying respirators (APR) and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA). This course satisfies the requirements for 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) training under Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standard 1910.120 and confined space entry training under OSHA Standard 1910.146.

ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (IGETC 1A)GE3.5
ENGL C1000 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Previously ENGL-101

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

Select one: POLS 110 / POLS 110H (IGETC 4)GE3.0
POLS 110 - Government of the United States (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments.

POLS 110H - Government of the United States Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: POLS 110 or POLS 110H)

This course surveys and analyzes the origins, principles, institutions, policies, and politics of U.S. National and California State Governments, including their constitutions. Emphasis is placed on the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and an understanding of the political processes and issues involved in the workings of government. This course fulfills the American Institutions requirement for the Associate Degree. It also is suitable for students wishing to expand their knowledge of local, state and national governments. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program.

Total Semester Units:13.5† 
3rd Semester
ET 260 - Environmental Sampling and AnalysisM4.0
ET 260 - Environmental Sampling and Analysis (4.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level, read college-level texts, and have knowledge of elementary algebra concepts.
Transfers to: CSU

This course provides an overview of the techniques of sampling protocols for obtaining soil, air, surface water, and groundwater samples based on sampling protocols approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In the lecture, emphasis is placed on aspects of the procurement of samples through the EPA-approved standard operating procedures and practices. In the laboratory, students gain practical knowledge and skills for the appropriate collection and handling of environmental samples.

Cal-GETC 3b - HumanitiesGE1.0
Cal-GETC 3b - Humanities (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 3a or 3b - Arts or HumanitiesGE3.0†
Cal-GETC 3a or 3b - Arts or Humanities (3.0† units)

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
† some classes may have higher units.

Arts
Select one:
ARCH 103
ARTS: ART 104, 105, 105H, 106, 106H, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 115, 117
DANC 179, 179H, 199, 199H
GDSN 110
MUS 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 136
MUST 151, 152
THTR 101, 105, 105H

Humanities
Select one:
ANTH 104
ASL 124, 201
CHIN 102
CHST 101, 146, 148, 148H
ENGL126
FR 102, 201, 202
HIST 101, 102, 122, 131, 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 167, 170
HUM 110, 111, 125, 125H, 130, 140, 145
JAPN 102
LIT 102, 102H, 112A, 112AH, 112B, 112BH, 114, 114H, 117, 117H, 130, 130H, 140, 140H, 141, 141H, 142, 142H, 144A, 144AH, 144B, 144BH, 145, 145H, 146A,146AH, 146B, 146BH, 147, 147H, 148, 148H, 149, 149H
PHIL 101, 101H, 102, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 128H, 135, 140
POLS 128, 128H;
SPAN 102, 201, 201H, 202

US HISTORY (IGETC 4)GE3.0

Note: All honors courses have a prerequisite.

All CSU campuses have a graduation requirement in American Institutions. Students may choose one of the following US History courses to partially fulfill this requirement: HIST 143, 143H, 144, 144H, 156, 157, 158, 159, 159H, 170.

Total Semester Units:11.0† 
4th Semester
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and CompositionM1.0
Cal-GETC 1b - Critical Thinking and Composition (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

Major ElectiveM3.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Please see a counselor to discuss course options.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (IGETC 2A)GE3.0
Notes:
While the above course(s) are recommended, students may take any of the following courses to fulfill this requirement:  MATH 130/H, MATH 150, MATH 160, MATH 170, MATH 180, MATH190/H, PSY 190.

MATH 150 - Survey of Mathematics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

In this course students will learn to read and understand quantitative information, solve practical problems, and make sound decisions using numbers. Topics include consumer applications, logic, probability, statistics, algebra, and geometry. This course is for students who need a quantitative reasoning course for graduation or transfer.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
5th Semester
Cal-GETC 5b - Biological ScienceGE1.0
Notes:
See major sheet for major elective options. The following areas of specialization are available: Waste Management, Land Use Planning & Environmental Restoration, Water Resources, Alternative & Efficient Energy Systems, and Environmental Health &Safety.

Cal-GETC 5b - Biological Science (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 1c - Oral CommunicationGE1.0
Cal-GETC 1c - Oral Communication (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Cal-GETC 00 - EmptyGE1.0
Cal-GETC 00 - Empty (1.0 units)

Notes:
All honors courses have a prerequisite.
Courses in this area that also appear in IGETC 3B Humanities may be counted toward both areas.

Proficiency equivalent to two years of high school study in the same language or select one:
ASL 101, 102, 201;
CHIN 101, 102;
FR 101, 102, 201, 202;
JAPN 101, 102;
SPAN 101, 101S, 102, 102S, 201, 201H, 202
There are additional ways to satisfy the Language Other than English Requirement. Please see a counselor for advisement.

Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic StudiesGE1.0
Cal-GETC 6 - Ethnic Studies (1.0 units)

This is just a placeholder. The real content will be updated later.

Total Semester Units:4.0 
Total Units for Environmental Technology AS program (Transfer to Cal-GETC)46.5† 
Notes:
  • AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
Some classes may have higher units
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
GEGeneral Education course
ELElective Course
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Students will identify the types of environmental, health, and safety hazards that may be encountered in the environmental field.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
Comments? Questions?
Contact Us

searchth-largeclosearrow-circle-o-downchevron-upchevron-downbarsmap-o linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram