Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Agriculture – Forest Science and Technology AS Degree
Associate in Science | SC Program: AS.1494
The job market in forestry is strong with respect to both permanent and seasonal employment. On average, 70-80% of seasonal Natural Resources job openings in northern California are for forestry technicians. Duties will vary, but generally include timber inventory and marking, harvest plan layout, ecosystem restoration work, and wildlife surveys. Today, this new forestry must focus on the ecosystem as a whole while realizing we still need to provide a myriad of values from our forests. Such values include biodiversity, clean air and water, and recreation in addition to wood products. By properly applying ecological principles to manage our forests, we can enhance biodiversity and lessen the impact of our consumption on forests around the world.
On average, seasonal forestry technicians are paid anywhere from $10-$15 per hour. Permanent jobs for qualified technicians start around $30,000 - $45,000 per year with benefits. Students who complete the A.S. degree in Forest Science and Technology, with the addition of CSU General Education courses, will be well prepared to transfer to a four-year degree at Humboldt State, Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo, or other out-of-state institutions such as the University of Idaho.
Students planning to transfer to a college or university should consult a counselor to select appropriate general education and elective courses that will meet the requirements of the chosen university program.
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.
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, 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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HUM 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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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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AGNR 51
M
2
Silviculture & Fire Ecology
AGNR 51
Note: May include one optional overnight weekend field trip and required day trips.
This course examines forestry practices and systems used to grow trees and manage forests for the sustained production of timber products. Course will also cover a survey of fire ecology, elements of wildland fire behavior, fire management and suppression, and fuels management. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course examines forestry practices and systems used to grow trees and manage forests for the sustained production of timber products. Course will also cover a survey of fire ecology, elements of wildland fire behavior, fire management and suppression, and fuels management. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
GEOG 10
M
3
Intro to Geographic Information Systems
GEOG 10
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in CIS 1 or demonstrated computer literacy.
This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course focuses on the ArcGIS software platform, employing both desktop and online products. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course covers the theory and practice of geographic information systems (GIS). Students learn essential GIS procedures for data viewing, acquisition, manipulation, geographic referencing, and map creation. GIS data types, properties, database operations and applications are covered. Basic methods of GIS analysis are also included. This course focuses on the ArcGIS software platform, employing both desktop and online products. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Summer Semester, Second Year
1 Units TotalAGNR 94
M
1
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
14 Units TotalCMST 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 53
M
3
Forest Protection and Health
AGNR 53
Note: Several field trips to various locations will occur as feasible.
This course will discuss the biotic and abiotic stress factors that influence forest resource values. Direct and indirect management practices, in addition to silvicultural principles that maintain and enhance biotic balance, biological diversity, and ecosystem health and productivity, will be covered. Issues related to fuels management and prescribed fire 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 discuss the biotic and abiotic stress factors that influence forest resource values. Direct and indirect management practices, in addition to silvicultural principles that maintain and enhance biotic balance, biological diversity, and ecosystem health and productivity, will be covered. Issues related to fuels management and prescribed fire will also be covered. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
CHEM 2A
M
5
Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM 2A
Note: Students must provide those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.
This course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations, and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning format.
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This course is a survey of inorganic chemistry and some organic chemistry suitable for agriculture and nursing students. The basic fundamentals of the metric system, chemical nomenclature, atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, energy changes, states of matter, solutions, chemical equilibria and kinetics, and organic functional groups are presented. The quantitative nature of chemistry is developed by introduction of the Avogadro's number and the mole and continuing with stoichiometry, gas law, solution concentrations, and pH calculations. The lecture/discussion portion of this course may be offered in a distance learning 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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Spring Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalAGAB 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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ETHS 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 55
M
3
Introduction to Forest Operations
AGNR 55
Note: Several field trips to various locations will occur as feasible.
This course introduces information and skills needed to recognize the capabilities and limitations of timber harvesting equipment and systems operating in a broad range of forest resource management situations. After completing the course, students will be able to identify harvest systems that are best matched with the characteristics of the physical, environmental, economic, and social operating environments. Harvest process evaluations and decisions are aided with various forest engineering analysis and tools. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
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This course introduces information and skills needed to recognize the capabilities and limitations of timber harvesting equipment and systems operating in a broad range of forest resource management situations. After completing the course, students will be able to identify harvest systems that are best matched with the characteristics of the physical, environmental, economic, and social operating environments. Harvest process evaluations and decisions are aided with various forest engineering analysis and tools. 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.
BOT 1
M
4
General Botany
BOT 1
Advisory: BIOL 1 or BIOL 10 with a grade of C or higher
Note: This course includes required field trips that may extend past normal class times.
This Botany course is intended for science majors and covers comparative diversity, structure, and function of major plant and plant-like groups. Topics include plant development, morphology and physiology, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, and ethnobotany. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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Note: This course includes required field trips that may extend past normal class times.
This Botany course is intended for science majors and covers comparative diversity, structure, and function of major plant and plant-like groups. Topics include plant development, morphology and physiology, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, and ethnobotany. This course may be taught in a distance education format.
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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