Academic Programs and Services

Science

The Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program is for students who wish to pursue baccalaureate studies in biological or physical sciences or who plan to continue with professional studies, such as prepharmacy, premedical or predental programs. This curriculum parallels the first two years of study offered in the science programs of other colleges and universities.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Successfully transfer into a science-based program at a four-year institution.
• Demonstrate an understanding of scientific principles and concepts and be able to apply this knowledge to the solution of problems and performance of experiments in one or more of the natural science disciplines.
• Competently perform laboratory tasks related to their scientific discipline.
• Communicate information in a manner appropriate to their scientific discipline using verbal, written and graphical means.

Program Entry Requirements:
Students who enter the program should have completed one year of high school biology, chemistry and physics. In addition, students should have completed one year of geometry and two years of algebra. Additional science and mathematics courses are desirable. Students without proper high school preparation can take appropriate basic college courses. Students who seek entrance into this select program must demonstrate competence at the ENGL 101 and MATH 161 level.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements:
To qualify for the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree, students must successfully complete a minimum of 60 credit hours as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average). All program core courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better.

To ensure appropriate course selections, students must consult academic advisors resident in the various departments concerned.

Students wishing to transfer the A.S. degree to a particular college or university should, with the help of an advisor, review that institution’s requirements and/or existing articulation agreements with the College so that program courses may be chosen appropriately.

Download a printable degree description (PDF File) that includes a recommended course sequence grid.