Recycling and Resource Management

Recycling and Resource Management is among the largest and most rapidly growing industries in America. As more cities and businesses develop sustainability and zero waste policies, the need increases for personnel who can properly manage resource use and recycling. The Recycling and Resource Management curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, exploring recycling and resource management from a variety of perspectives and in a variety of settings. Core curriculum will provide students with an in-depth study of waste diversion and resource management, emphasizing cultural, community, and business applications. Courses cover governmental and organizational policies, practices, and procedures in waste and resource management, including best management practices and successful community and educational zero waste programs.

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Degree and Certificate

Associate Degree
- Recycling and Resource Management
Certificate of Achievement
- Recycling and Resource Management
Department Certificate
- Recycling and Zero Waste

Associate Degree Requirements

An Associate degree is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) in degree applicable coursework and a minimum of 60 degree applicable semester units, including:

Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
Completion of one of the following general education patterns: SMC GE, CSU GE, or IGETC;
Completion of the SMC Global Citizenship graduation requirement.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

A Certificate of Achievement is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a minimum overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (C) and a designated minimum number of units, including:

Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.

Department Certificate Requirements

A Department Certificate is granted upon successful completion of a program of study with a designated minimum number of units, including:

Completion of the area of emphasis with a grade of C or higher in each course, or with a P if the course was taken on a Pass/No Pass basis, and the P is equal to a C or higher;
Completion of at least 50% of area of emphasis units at Santa Monica College. Department Chairs have the discretion to waive the 50% minimum units required at SMC to meet the major or area of emphasis. All major coursework must be completed with a “C” or better grade.

Note: Department Certificates are not noted on student transcripts. Students must submit a petition to the relevant academic department to be awarded a Department Certificate.

Catalog Rights

Recycling and Resource Management, Associate Degree or Certificate of Achievement

Program Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the program, students will demonstrate the ability to plan, implement, and oversee waste management programs aimed at implementing Zero Waste principles and sustainability practices for individuals, businesses, and the communities. Additionally, students will demonstrate the ability to write proposals and policy using correct terminology, principles, and California legislation and regulations regarding waste, recycling, sustainable resource management, and zero waste systems.

Area of Emphasis: (18 units)

Required Core Course: (12 units)

RRM 1,Introduction to Recycling Resource Management(3)

RRM 2,Culture and Zero Waste(3)

RRM 3,Resource Management and Zero Waste for Communities(3)

RRM 4,Resource Management and Zero Waste for Business(3)

Restricted Electives: Select 6 units from the following: (Please note that no more than 3 units of Counseling courses may be used to satisfy completion of this area).

BIOL 9,Environmental Biology(3)

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COUNS 16,Job Success Skills(1)

and

COUNS 90B,General Internship(2)

COUNS 90C,General Internship(3)

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ENVRN 7,Logic Introduction to Environmental Geography (same as GEOG 7) (3)

ENVRN 20,Environmental Ethics (same as PHILOS 20)(3)

ENVRN 22,Environmental Politics (same as POL SC 22)(3)

ENVRN 40,Environmental Psychology (same as PSYCH 40)(3)

GEOG 7,Introduction to Environmental Geography (same as ENVRN 7)(3)

PHILOS 20,Environmental Ethics (same as ENVRN 20)(3)

POL SC 22,Environmental Politics (same as ENVRN 22)(3)

PSYCH 40,Environmental Psychology (same as ENVRN 40)(3)

Recycling and Zero Waste, Department Certificate

Recycling and Resource Management is among the largest and most rapid growing industries in America. As more cities and businesses develop sustainability and zero waste policies, the need increases for personnel who can properly manage resource use and recycling. The Recycling and Resource Management curriculum emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, exploring recycling and resource management from a variety of perspectives and in a variety of settings. Core curriculum will provide students with an in-depth study of waste diversion and resource management, emphasizing cultural, community, and business applications. Courses cover governmental and organizational policies, practices, and procedures in waste and resource management, including best management practices and successful community and educational zero waste programs.

Area of Emphasis: (12 units)

Required Core Courses:

RRM 1,Introduction to Recycling Resource Management(3)

RRM 2,Culture and Zero Waste(3)

RRM 3,Resource Management and Zero Waste for Communities(3)

RRM 4,Resource Management and Zero Waste for Business(3)

NOTE: Golden West and Irvine Valley also offer a certificate in this area of study. The courses will be accepted at each institution in the manner shown on the chart below:

TITLE	SANTA MONICA COLLEGE	IRVINE VALLEY COLLEGE	GOLDEN WEST COLLEGE
Introduction to Recycling and Resource Management	RRM 1	ENV 180	ENVS-G 141
Culture and Zero Waste	RRM 2	ENV 185	ENVS-G 142
Resource Management and Zero Waste for Communities	RRM 3	ENV 190	ENVS-G 143
Resource Management and Zero Waste Business	RRM 4	ENV 195	ENVS-G 144