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    Environmental Management & Technology

    Environmental Management & Technology

    The Merritt College Environmental Management and Technology (ENVMT) Department and Environmental Center (Self-Reliant House) are located in the Oakland Hills between two wild land watershed open spaces. The department is one of the first in the nation and is well-known for both its introductory courses and hands-on field courses in diverse subjects taught by working professionals. 

    Department Overview

    ENVMT courses are part of the new Natural History & Sustainability Program, which is in the process of developing two new Certificates of Achievement in Conservation & Resource Management and Urban Agroecology. Most NHS courses fall in the Biology (BIOL), Environmental Management and Technology (ENMVT), and Landscape Horticulture departments.

    Taking ENVMT classes will help you:

    • Gain skills in ecological restoration.
    • Understand sustainable systems and current management applications.
    • Learn environmental stewardship best practices.
    • Expand your outdoor education techniques and communication artistry of natural and cultural history.
    • Gain fundamentals in local and regional planning.
    • Delve into urban food production in home gardens or expand to school and community gardens or even farms.

    For a tentative list of courses to be offered from Spring 2022 – Fall 2025, click here. For questions about any of our programs, contact Program Chair Laura Forlin at lforlin@peralta.edu or Natural History & Sustainability Program Director Brad Balukjian at bbalukjian@peralta.edu.

    Organisms. Ecosystems. People. Your career in the environment starts here.

    Who are we? What do we do? Check out our new video, produced by student Ronnique Currie. The Natural History & Sustainability (NHS) Program emphasizes the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to tackle the major environmental challenges of the 21st century. The interdepartmental program offers career- and transfer-driven coursework in three tracks: (1) Natural History and Resources; (2) Conservation and Resource Management; and (3) Urban Agroecology. It is ideal for students interested in the basic science of the natural world and its effect on human society, and provides training for the following jobs: Park ranger, naturalist, field technician, urban farmer, food production analyst, water quality technician, environmental consultant, interpretive aide, and environmental educator. How do you get started? It’s easy–Merritt is a community college, so all you have to do is fill out an application and then sign up for a class. If you decide you want to pursue one of our Certificates of Achievement, there is more detail on these programs above.

    Interested in a career in the environmental field? Read our new FAQ to see if you’re a good fit for our program. Or you can reach out and schedule a meeting with our program director Ben Nelson here: bnelson@peralta.edu. 

    Degrees & Certificates

    Conservation and Resource Management – Certificate of Achievement

    Conservation and Resource Management – Certificate of Achievement

    The Conservation and Resource Management Certificate of Achievement offers students a practical approach to ecological management practices.

    More Info

    Urban Agroecology – Certificate of Achievement

    The Urban Agroecology Certificate of Achievement program trains students in the skills and practices of urban agriculture, focusing on ecologically restorative food production, project planning, and small-scale enterprise development.

    More Info
    Urban Agroecology – Certificate of Achievement

    Contact Information

    Laura-Forlin

    Department Co-Chair
    Laura Forlin
    lforlin@peralta.edu
    (510) 436-2418

    Brad Balukjian
    Department Co-Chair
    Chris Grampp
    cgrampp@peralta.edu
    (510) 436-2593

    Staff Assistant
    Vacant

    Merritt-College-Campus-2

    Apply Today!

    Completing your application takes less than 30 minutes! We’ve created an application guide to help you quickly and easily complete the steps to apply and enroll.

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