In the Fall of 1996, Lexington Community College initiated a two-year degree program in Environmental Science Technology. This program provides specialized instruction in environmental science in addition to general education course work. The program is broad-based, offering the student opportunities to master sampling and analysis of soil, water, and air in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Course work emphasizes the application of scientific principles to environmental protection.
Graduates employed as technicians may be responsible for such duties as air pollution monitoring, analysis of water and wastewater samples, ground and surface water assessment, field sampling, data interpretation and other support services. Graduates may work for federal, state or local governments, utilities, private industry, or consulting firms. Admission to LCC and declaration of Environmental Science Technology as a major constitute admission to the program. Some EST students are beginning freshmen with no previous college experience, some transferred into the program from other majors, and others are working in the field, but require a degree for advancement. Most courses in the curriculum are offered before 5 PM, but each semester a few classes are offered at night.