Environmental Science Technology


Associate in Science Degree   |   Program Code: 223000   |   Catalog: 2026-2027


Dr. Warner Ithier-Guzman, Program Director, 386-506-3768, Warner.Ithier-Guzman@daytonastate.edu

Karen Koory, Chair, 386-506-4313, Karen.Koory@daytonastate.edu

Dr. Karen Braley, Assistant Chair, 386-246-4821, Karen.Braley@daytonastate.edu

Program Overview

Mission:

The Environmental Science Technology program provides students with the knowledge and technical skills necessary for entry-level employment in environmental compliance, environmental protection, and environmental technology fields.

Description:

The Environmental Science Technology program focuses on environmental compliance and the protection of land and water resources at the federal, state, and local levels. Students develop practical skills in physical, chemical, and biological sampling; organism identification; water and soil analysis; field equipment maintenance; data collection; and technical reporting in both laboratory and field environments.

The Water specialization is a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) state-certified program that prepares students for careers in water and wastewater operations. Graduates meet the academic requirements for the Level C State Examination in Water and/or Wastewater Treatment Operations.

Most courses include hands-on laboratory and field experiences and are delivered in person.

Outcomes:

Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Explain interactions between human activity and the environment.
  2. Evaluate interdisciplinary environmental issues.
  3. Monitor environmental conditions and communicate findings.

Completion Requirements:

  • Earn a grade of “C” or better in all program-specific and prerequisite courses.
  • Complete the Faculty Peer Mentoring Experience for Marine and Environmental Science Programs (SLS1127) within the first year of the program.

Financial Aid

This program is eligible for federal financial aid and state Bright Futures Scholarship Program.

Financing Options: All students are encouraged to apply for federal and state student financial assistance by completing the FAFSA at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information on grants, loans, and work programs available please see the Office of Financial Aid webpage at daytonastate.edu/financial-aid/. Students are also encouraged to apply for one of the many Daytona State College Foundation scholarships offered each semester. For more information see: daytonastate.edu/scholarships/.

Career and Labor Market Information

Graduates may pursue employment in environmental science, environmental protection, and water resource management, including roles such as Environmental Science Technician, Water Quality Technician, Environmental Compliance Technician, Field Sampling Technician, Wastewater Operator, and Environmental Specialist. In the Volusia–Flagler workforce region, approximately 1,012 environmental science technicians and water treatment operators are employed, with an average annual salary of $51,240 and approximately 83 annual job openings.

SOC Alignment 19-4042 – Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
51-8031 – Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Average Hourly Wage $24.63
Average Annual Salary $51,240
Annual Job Openings 83
Regional Employment Approximately 1,012 employed

Occupational Overview: Perform laboratory and field testing to monitor environmental conditions, collect environmental samples, support environmental compliance and resource protection efforts, and operate or maintain water and wastewater treatment systems that protect public health and natural resources.

Wage Distribution: 10th percentile: $36,880 | 50th percentile: $51,240 | 90th percentile: $71,390.

Data Sources: CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Regional Demand Occupations List; FloridaCommerce Employment Projections Region 27; BLS OEWS Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach MSA; SOC 19-4042 and 51-8031.

Note: It is never too early to prepare for your career. Log in to the Daytona State Career Services Student Job Board to create your account, submit your resume for review, search for employment opportunities, and practice your interviewing skills through Big Interview. For assistance, contact Career Services to connect with a Career Advisor.

General Education

15 Credits

Communications Core (3 credits)

    Required General Education course:
ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3.00

Mathematics Core (3 credits)

    Required Math Pathway:
MAC1105College Algebra

3.00

Natural Sciences Core (3 credits)

    Required course:
OCE1001Introduction to Oceanography

3.00

Humanities Core (3 credits)

    Recommended course:
HUM2020Introduction to Humanities

3.00

Social Science Core (3 credits)

    Recommended course:
POS2041American Federal Government

3.00

Program Specific Courses

30 Credits

CHM1025CIntroduction to Chemistry and Lab

4.00

PHY1032Energy and its Environmental Effects

3.00

STA2023Elementary Statistics

3.00

SLS1127Faculty Peer Mentoring Experience for Marine and Environmental Science Programs

0.00

EVR2001Introduction to Environmental Science

3.00

EVR2001LIntroduction to Environmental Science Lab

1.00

EVR2647Environmental Site Assessment

3.00

EVR2861Environmental Policy and Law

3.00

EVR2943Environmental Internship

3.00

GIS2040CGeographic Information Systems and Lab

3.00

SWS2000CIntroduction to Soil Science and Lab

4.00

EVR2943 is repeatable for credit one time. The course is scheduled in the Summer and Spring semesters.

Specializations

16 Credits

   Water

BSC1005Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors)

3.00

SWS2007The World of Water

3.00

EVS2005CTreatment of Water and Wastewater and Lab

3.00

EVS2026CChemistry and Biology of Natural Waters and Laboratory

4.00

EVR2630Hazardous Material Risk Analysis

3.00

   Wetlands/Bio-Ecological

BOT2150Native Plants of Central Florida

3.00

BSC1010CGeneral Biology I (For Science Majors) and Lab

4.00

BSC1011CGeneral Biology II (For Science Majors) and Lab

4.00

OCE1001LIntroduction to Oceanography Lab

1.00

PCB2033CIntroduction to Ecology and Lab

4.00

Students must complete all courses within the Water or Wetlands/Bio-Ecological track to earn the specialization.

Sample Program of Study - Water Specialization

Year 1

1st Semester

SLS1127Faculty Peer Mentoring Experience for Marine and Environmental Science Programs

0.00

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3.00

MAC1105College Algebra

3.00

BSC1005Survey of Biological Sciences (For Non-Science Majors)

3.00

EVR2001Introduction to Environmental Science

3.00

EVR2861Environmental Policy and Law

3.00

 

2nd Semester

GIS2040CGeographic Information Systems and Lab

3.00

STA2023Elementary Statistics

3.00

CHM1025CIntroduction to Chemistry and Lab

4.00

Humanities Core

3.00

EVR2001LIntroduction to Environmental Science Lab

1.00

 

Summer Semester

EVR2943Environmental Internship

3.00

EVR2647Environmental Site Assessment

3.00

EVR2943 is repeatable for credit one time. Students will take the course in the Summer semester of Year 1 and the Spring semester of Year 2.

 

Year 2

1st Semester

PHY1032Energy and its Environmental Effects

3.00

OCE1001Introduction to Oceanography

3.00

SWS2007The World of Water

3.00

SWS2000CIntroduction to Soil Science and Lab

4.00

 

2nd Semester

EVS2026CChemistry and Biology of Natural Waters and Laboratory

4.00

POS2041American Federal Government

3.00

EVR2630Hazardous Material Risk Analysis

3.00

EVR2943Environmental Internship

3.00

POS2041 satisfies the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement.

EVR2943 is repeatable for credit one time. Students will take the course in the Summer semester of Year 1 and the Spring semester of Year 2.

 

Summer Semester

EVS2005CTreatment of Water and Wastewater and Lab

3.00

Students must complete all Water courses to earn the particular specialization.

 

Total Credit Hours: 64

Sample Program of Study - Wetlands/Bio-Ecological Specialization

Year 1

1st Semester

SLS1127Faculty Peer Mentoring Experience for Marine and Environmental Science Programs

0.00

ENC1101Introduction to Composition

3.00

MAC1105College Algebra

3.00

BSC1010CGeneral Biology I (For Science Majors) and Lab

4.00

EVR2001Introduction to Environmental Science

3.00

EVR2861Environmental Policy and Law

3.00

 

2nd Semester

GIS2040CGeographic Information Systems and Lab

3.00

STA2023Elementary Statistics

3.00

CHM1025CIntroduction to Chemistry and Lab

4.00

EVR2001LIntroduction to Environmental Science Lab

1.00

 

Summer Semester

EVR2943Environmental Internship

3.00

BSC1011CGeneral Biology II (For Science Majors) and Lab

4.00

EVR2943 is repeatable for credit one time. Students will take the course in the Summer semesters of Year 1 and Year 2.

 

Year 2

1st Semester

EVR2647Environmental Site Assessment

3.00

OCE1001Introduction to Oceanography

3.00

PCB2033CIntroduction to Ecology and Lab

4.00

SWS2000CIntroduction to Soil Science and Lab

4.00

 

2nd Semester

BOT2150Native Plants of Central Florida

3.00

Humanities Core

3.00

OCE1001LIntroduction to Oceanography Lab

1.00

PHY1032Energy and its Environmental Effects

3.00

POS2041American Federal Government

3.00

POS2041: This course satisfies the Civic Literacy Competency graduation requirement.

 

Summer Semester

EVR2943Environmental Internship

3.00

EVR2943 is repeatable for credit one time.  Students will take the course in the Summer semesters of Year 1 and Year 2.
Students must complete all Wetlands/Bio-Ecological courses to earn the specialization.

Total Credit Hours: 64

Note: Sequence of courses may vary. Check catalog course descriptions for requisite requirements.