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UNIVERSITY COLLEGECAYMAN ISLANDS
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Associate of Science in Environmental/Marine Science

The Associate of Science in Environmental/Marine Science at the University College of the Cayman Islands equips students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in biology, chemistry, and environmental systems, with a particular emphasis on marine ecosystems. Designed for students passionate about conservation, ecology, or sustainable development, this programme blends classroom instruction with field and lab experiences. Graduates are prepared for further studies or entry-level roles in environmental science, marine biology, and related fields.

Key Facts about the Programme

Programme Duration

2 years (full-time)

Semesters Offered

Fall and Spring starts

Total Credits Required

61–62 credits

Career Information

Average Starting Salary

Approximately $42,000–$55,000 USD for entry-level positions in environmental monitoring, marine conservation, and lab technician roles

Key Jobs After Graduation

  • Environmental Technician: Monitors air, water, and soil quality for compliance and conservation purposes
  • Marine Research Assistant: Supports marine data collection and ecological fieldwork
  • Biological Field Technician: Assists with wildlife surveys, environmental assessments, and data analysis
  • Science Communicator: Works in public education and outreach for environmental programmes
  • Laboratory Assistant: Supports biological or chemical research in lab settings

Potential Employers in the Cayman Islands:

  • Department of Environment (DoE)
  • Cayman Islands National Trust
  • Health Services Authority (Environmental Health Division)
  • Private environmental consulting firms
  • UCCI – Tutoring and research support roles

Programme Requirements

Prerequisites:

  • Mathematics IGCSE/CXC at grades A*–C / 1–3
  • Students without the required science or math background must take foundational or introductory courses
  • MAT 106 is a prerequisite for MAT 233
  • For overseas transfer, students are encouraged to take MAT 121 – Pre-Calculus as their Science/Math elective in Year 2
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Ready to start?

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Core Courses

COL 101

College and Employability Skills (3 credits)

ENG 101

College Composition I (3 credits)

ENG 102

College Composition II (3 credits)

COM 110

Computer Applications in Business (3 credits)

CHE 111

General Chemistry I with Lab (4 credits)

CHE 112

General Chemistry II with Lab (4 credits)

BIO 101

College Biology I with Lab (4 credits)

BIO 102

College Biology II with Lab (4 credits)

BIO 206

Cell Biology with Lab (4 credits)

BIO 207

Genetics with Lab (4 credits)

ENV 101

Environmental Science I (3 credits)

ENV 102

Environmental Science II (3 credits)

ENV 203

Introduction to Marine Science I (3 credits)

ENV 204

Introduction to Marine Science II (3 credits)

MAT 233

Probability and Statistics (3 credits)

SPA 101

Introduction to Spanish I with Lab (4 credits) or COM 200 – Programming I

Additional Requirements

Social Science Requirement

3 credits from an approved list

Science/Math Elective

3-4 credits​ from an approved list

Language Requirement

3-4 credits from an approved list

Degree Plan

Year 1 - Fall:

  • COL 101 - College and Employability Skills
  • CHE 111 - General Chemistry I
  • ENV 101 - Environmental Science I
  • BIO 101 - General Biology I

Year 1 - Spring:

  • ENG 101 - College Composition I
  • CHE 112 - General Chemistry II
  • ENV 102 - Environmental Science II
  • BIO 102 - General Biology II

Summer

  • COM 110 - Computer Applications in Business
  • ENG 102 - College Composition II

Year 2 - Fall:

  • Social Science Course
  • SPA 101 – Intro to Spanish I with Lab or COM 200 – Programming I
  • ENV 203 - Introduction to Marine Science I
  • BIO 206 – Cell Biology

Year 2 - Spring:

  • MAT 233 - Probability and Statistics
  • Science/Math Elective
  • ENV 204 - Introduction to Marine Science II
  • BIO 207 – Genetics

Electives & Future Study Options

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Electives

Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor when selecting electives to align with their career goals or transfer institution requirements. Recommended electives may include:

  • MAT 121 – Pre-Calculus (highly recommended for students intending to transfer overseas)
  • Environmental Policy
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Marine Ecology
  • Field Research Methods
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Future Study Options

Upon completion, students are well-positioned to transfer into a bachelor’s programme in:

  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Biology
  • Ecology and Conservation
  • Oceanography
  • Environmental Health
  • Environmental Policy or Sustainability Studies

Future Jobs & Salary Scales

Upon completion, students are well-positioned to transfer into a bachelor’s programme in: * Environmental Science * Marine Biology * Ecology and Conservation * Oceanography * Environmental Health * Environmental Policy or Sustainability Studies

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With a focus on real-world environmental and marine issues, UCCI’s Associate of Science in Environmental/Marine Science provides students with foundational scientific training and critical thinking skills to address today’s ecological challenges. The programme enables graduates to advance into specialized degree programmes or begin making an impact in environmental and marine sectors right away.

  • Role: Studies marine organisms and ecosystems
  • Salary Range:
    • Entry-level: $50,000 USD
    • Mid-career: $75,000 USD
    • Advanced: $100,000+ USD
  • Role: Conducts studies to assess and manage environmental risks
  • Salary Range:
    • Entry-level: $48,000 USD
    • Mid-career: $70,000 USD
    • Advanced: $95,000+ USD
  • Role: Works to preserve natural habitats and biodiversity
  • Salary Range:
    • Entry-level: $45,000 USD
    • Mid-career: $65,000 USD
    • Advanced: $90,000+ USD
  • Role: Provides expert advice on environmental compliance and impact
  • Salary Range:
    • Entry-level: $55,000 USD
    • Mid-career: $80,000 USD
    • Advanced: $110,000+ USD
  • Role: Studies physical and biological aspects of the ocean
  • Salary Range:
    • Entry-level: $60,000 USD
    • Mid-career: USD 90,000
    • Advanced: $120,000+ USD
  • Role: Enforces regulations to protect public and environmental health
  • Salary Range:
    • Entry-level: $50,000 USD
    • Mid-career: $75,000 USD
    • Advanced: $95,000+ USD
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With a focus on real-world environmental and marine issues, UCCI’s Associate of Science in Environmental/Marine Science provides students with foundational scientific training and critical thinking skills to address today’s ecological challenges. The programme enables graduates to advance into specialized degree programmes or begin making an impact in environmental and marine sectors right away.