Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Biological Sciences

The Associate Degree for Transfer (AS-T) program is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a California State University (CSU) campus.  Students earning a AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system but not necessarily to a particular campus or major.  Graduation requirements include completion of a major and either the IGETC or the California State University General Education-Breadth pattern.

Specific Degree Requirements for the Biology AS-T can be found here.  

It is strongly recommended that students work closely with a counselor to develop an education plan for transferring to a four-year institution.

 Associate in Arts in Biological Sciences (Transfer Preparation Degree)

Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Use the scientific method to investigate phenomena in the natural world and use concepts, experiments, and/or theory to explain them.

Complete Major, CSU General Education or IGETC Pattern, Competency Requirements, and 60 transferable units (see pages 51-54 of the catalog of courses).

Associate in Arts in General Studies: Natural Science Emphasis

This degree provides an opportunity for students to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in a comprehensive area of study and is intended for the student who is not currently preparing to transfer to a university. A minimum of 60 semester units must be completed with an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better in all degree-applicable units. Only courses numbered 1-299 may be applied toward this associate degree.

Natural Sciences increase students’ awareness of the world of natural phenomena and the ability humans have to understand how the world functions by using the scientific methods to investigate and judge phenomena and humankind’s various roles in nature.

Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

• Use the scientific method to investigate phenomena in the natural world and use concepts, experiments, and/or theory to explain them.

Complete Major, MPC General Education Pattern, Competency Requirements, and 60 degree-applicable units (see pages 51, 55-56 of the catalog of courses).

Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Environmental Science

Environmental Science integrates topics from biological sciences, physical sciences, geosciences, and public policy to understand the working of the earth’s ecosystems and the impact of humans within those systems. Environmental scientists apply scientific knowledge to understand complex environmental problems that impact the quality of life and develop solutions to protect, preserve, and sustain the natural environment.  .

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Use the Scientific Method and apply it to the development of scientific thought.
• Critically evaluate scientific information in the media and from scientific sources to assess both its credibility and significance and impact on society and the environment.
• Interpret the interdisciplinary nature of environmental science and the physical, biological, ecological, and social sciences required to effectively address current environmental issues.

Please refer to the graduation requirements section of the Catalog for information about degree and certificate requirements including Reading and Writing, Mathematics, Information Competency, and General Education requirements.