Top Associate Degrees in Natural Sciences

The Associate of Science in Physical Sciences and Pre- Engineering program provides students with a solid foundation in the scientific method and knowledge of the principles that govern the workings of the physical world. Students in this program can choose one of two tracks based on their interest: research in Physics, Bio-Physics, Geophysics, Industrial Tech, or Pre-Engineering.

The pre-engineering track is structured for those students planning to transfer into an engineering program and requires students to take specific courses in calculus and engineering statics.

Our military tradition benefits all students: those who go on to officer training and those who choose to pursue other paths. A study by Korn/Ferry International shows that the leadership skills learned in military training enhance success in corporate life – which may be why many of our graduates go on to captain their own businesses. Whatever your goal, VFMC has academic programs that will help you get there.... [-]

The SCCC biology program prepares students to pursue a variety of options within the bioscience profession by providing a broad knowledge base in science, math, and communications. Students at SCCC have access to exclusive science and math computer labs, a biology lab that supports scientific investigations and computer-based simulations, a 12-acre outdoor classroom and prairie restoration lab, and access to greenhouse facilities for specific coursework.

The rigor and challenge of a science career are evident in the types of courses, course load, and time management skills required in the associate's degree program. If you enjoy science, mathematics, and discovering your world, the biology program at SCCC may be a good option for you to explore.... [-]

Biotechnology technologists specialize in laboratory work in the various fields of chemistry and biology.

Their laboratory training allows them to acquire handling techniques with specialized devices found in workplaces related to biotechnology. Technologists are trained to work in a variety of fields. What interests them the most is the living organisms . They handle microorganisms , grow bacteria , clone cells and sequenced DNA . They can participate in the development of products and technologies in agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and the environment.

Are you ready for a fast-paced, hands-on career that will maximize your analytical skills and challenge you every day? The Laboratory Science Technology Associate of Applied Sciences Degree program blends key theoretical concepts with practical laboratory skills needed for success in a broad range of science careers, including biological, chemical, and environmental industries as well as academic research laboratories. This program has been designed not only to prepare you for immediate employment, but also to transfer smoothly to local universities, allowing you to start your science education at NWTC and continue toward a bachelor’s degree, pre-medical studies and beyond. Courses will focus on experimental design, application of scientific principles in analysis of results, accurate documentation processes, fundamentals of quality measurement, and use of industry-standard instrumentation and protocols. ... [-]

The study of physics is extensive. It includes such fields as astronomy, optics, nuclear and high-energy physics, acoustics, solid state physics, biophysics, and geophysics. The career physicist may stand on a missile-launching pad, go beneath the sea or ascend into the upper atmosphere. Today, however, nuclear physicists represent the largest single group of full-time employed physicists.

Acoustic Physicist, Air Pollution Specialist, Astronomer, Astrophysicist, Atomic Physicist, Biophysicist, Chemical Engineer, Civil Engineer, Consumer Safety Officer, Electrical Engineer, Electronic and Molecular Physicist, Electro-Optical Engineer, Environmental Studies Specialist, Food and Drug Inspector, Geophysicist, Industrial Research and Development Specialist, Instrument Designer, Inventor, Laboratory Assistant, Material Researcher, Mechanical Engineer, Metallurgist, Nuclear Physicist, Operations Researcher, Patent Examiner, Pharmacologist, Physical Chemist, Physics Research Technician, Quality Control Specialist, Solid State Physicist, Statistician, Systems Analyst, Teacher, Technical Writer, Theoretical Physicist, Thermodynamics Physicist... [-]

The School of Physical Sciences and Technologies offers courses and programs in various branches of the physical sciences, including astronomy, chemistry, geology, oceanography, physics, and the modern technologies including electronics and laser-optics.

The curriculum in physical science includes courses in astronomy and physics. The curriculum is designed to attract and cultivate the student's imagination as to the origin, composition, and mechanics of the solar system; the movement of objects in relation with gravitational, magnetic, and electrical forces; the interaction between matter and energy; the behavior of light; and the physical characteristics of substances. Courses offered through the curriculum meet general education requirements in natural sciences. They also may be taken as electives toward a major in liberal arts and sciences, or they may be taken to meet the requirements for an Associate in Arts degree with a major in physical science.... [-]

The Biology Program provides students with the opportunity to earn an associate degree in the student’s area of specialization and prepares the student for transfer to a four-year institution. Students completing the baccalaureate program or graduate school may be hired in the major or in a related field such as biochemistry, bioengineering, botany, clinical lab technology, environmental biology, forestry, oceanography, range management, wildlife/ fisheries biology, or zoology.

Program student learning outcomes

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*Appropriate math level needed before enrolling in any math class. See NIACC catalog for list of courses. Note: Please check with transfer institution for their specific requirements or check with a NIACC counselor/advisor for further transfer planning.... [-]

Accounting Clerk, Billing Collections, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, Income Tax Preparation, Payroll Clerk, Financial Advisor, Compliance Officer, Market Research Analyst, Business Manager, Insurance Agent, Executive Assistant, Loan Officer, Event Planner, Sales Manager, Human Resource Specialist, Real Estate Agent, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant, Webmaster-Web Design, Tech Support- Help Desk Technician, Information Technology Support

- Academic Foundations: The student will achieve academic knowledge and skills required to pursue a position within the business career field. - Communications: The student will use oral and written communication skills in creating, expressing, and interpreting information/ideas including technical terminology and information. - Problem-Solving & Critical-Thinking: The student will solve problems using critical thinking skills (analyze, synthesize and evaluate) independently or in teams by using creativity and innovation. - Information Technology Applications: The student will use information technology tools specific to business and accounting to access, manage, integrate, and create information. - Systems: The student will understand roles within teams, work units, departments, and organizations, and the larger environment. They will understand how key organizational systems affect organizational performance. - Safety, Health & Environment: The student will understand the importance of health, safety, and environment in the workplace, and follow these policies and procedures. - Leadership & Teamwork: The student will use leadership and teamwork skills in collaborating with others to accomplish a goal/objective. - Ethics & Legal Responsibility: The student will know and understand the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities. - Employability & Career Development: The student will... [-]

Chemistry is the study of the composition, properties, and interactions of matter. Much of chemistry can be described as taking substances apart and putting the parts together again in different ways. Using this approach, the chemical industry produces materials that are vital to the industrialized world.

The Associate in Science Transfer degree Option 1 encompasses some general education courses required of first‐and second‐year students and is intended to prepare students planning to transfer to a university in the science‐related fields. It will give students the broad background needed before beginning more specialized, upper‐division courses. The curriculum is not intended to fulfill General Education/University (GER/GUR) requirements, but to prepare prospective transfer science students to enter the state universities with junior standing, not only in credits but also with major/program preparation. To earn this degree, students must complete 90‐quarter credits in courses numbered 100 or above (from approved distribution list below) and meet specific distribution requirements.... [-]

The Associate of Science degree, with an emphasis in Forestry, provides students with an introduction to the technical and scientific knowledge related to the field of forestry and forest management. This set of classes satisfies the requirements for an Associate of Science degree and also meets the lower division requirements at Oregon State University (OSU) for a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry. There is a signed articulation agreement with the Forestry Department at Oregon State University that allows students that complete this AS degree and two additional courses to enter OSU as a junior in the Forestry program. Beyond the AS degree requirements, students will need to take the Forest Biology course (FOR 240) from OSU which can be done online. In addition, students will need to take a Physics course which is not calculus based. Currently, SWOCC does not offer that course. The forestry field is projected to have many career opportunities coming up in the next decade as many forestry and natural resources professionals retire in the next few years. If you enjoy working outdoors and want to have a career that focuses on managing our valuable forest lands to conserve and protect resources as well as produce valuable products for society, this is an excellent time to consider this degree. ... [-]

This is a two-year program for students planning to complete a bachelors degree in biology or a related discipline. If you are interested in a career in biological research, science, education and wildlife management this degree is for you. You will have a unique opportunity to work in a variety of research labs to obtain real world experience.

This program is an interdisciplinary science that seeks to study and understand the physical processes of Earth and other planets. This includes plate tectonics, rocks, minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, the fossil record and Earth’s history and past climate, and natural geological resources.

Welcome to the Biology program at College of DuPage. Majors in the sciences include biology, botany, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-veterinary sciences, wildlife biology and zoology. College of DuPage offers a broad selection of courses in the Biological Sciences to science majors and interested students. Consult the College Catalog for descriptions of these courses. Be aware that baccalaureate-granting institutions may require a laboratory component to biology coursework, and they may not recognize particular special topics courses (designated as 1800/2800 courses) as meeting science requirements or even as satisfying elective credit. Please feel free to consult any of the professors on the faculty page for advice on course selection. For the ultimate recommendation concerning course selection, seek advice from the four-year school where you plan to eventually transfer. Consult the Illinois Articulation Initiative Majors for information on how College of DuPage courses transfer. Students intending to major in the biological sciences are strongly recommended to complete the Biology 1151-1152 sequence and take an additional 4 to 8-semester credits in the biological sciences. Professional programs at four-year schools typically expect applicants to go beyond minimum requirements to show stamina in science courses. Second-year course selection according to major is suggested below. Majors are recommended to take Math 2231 and 2232, and Chemistry 1551 and 1552. Other courses that should be considered are Physics 1201 and 1202, Chemistry 2251 and 2252, Earth Science 1101 and/or other Earth Science courses. One or two years of foreign language at the college level may... [-]

The Liberal Arts and Science associate in art degree program provides students with a broad background preparing them to move directly into the workforce or for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at another college or university. Students planning to continue their education in a baccalaureate degree major such as English, history, pre-law, French or psychology will be well served by the Liberal Arts curriculum. By following the curriculum guidelines detailed on this page and by working with an advisor to choose courses related to the student’s interests, a student can, in a sense, customize his or her own degree program.