Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA)/Major Related Program (MRP)
(90 credits)
Program Description
Biology studies the vast and diverse world of living organisms. You’ll look at issues broadly related to animals, plants, or humans – including ecology, biological diversity, cellular structure and function, pathogens and disease processes, and human physiology. You will work with passionate instructors in small classes, well-equipped labs, and out in the field for independent research projects.
The Associate in Biology Degree is designed for persons interested in transferring to a four-year college or university. Students who successfully complete degree requirements and elective courses recommended for their specific area of study will transfer to most four-year degree programs with junior standing.
Career Opportunities
Biologist
Natural Science Manager
Biostatistician
Soil and Plant Scientist
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives.
General education introduces students to the content and methodology of the major areas of knowledge – communication, the humanities and fine arts, the natural sciences, mathematics and the social sciences – and helps them develop the intellectual skills that will make them more effective life-long learners. The College’s general education program is intended to meet the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities as outlined in the Intercollegiate Relations Commission Handbook.
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
Effective Communication
Information Literacy
Analytical Reasoning
Multicultural Awareness
Social Responsibility
In planning this degree students need to work closely with their advisor and the transfer institution so that the science credits within the degree create a seamless passage to the transfer institution. Although the Associate Degree transfers to four-year colleges and universities in Washington State, it may not meet specific department requirements. To earn an Associate in Biology degree all courses taken must be:
At college level (numbered 100 or above).
A minimum of 75 of the 90 credits required for the degree must be from the General Education Requirements for the Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement. Copies of the list are available on line at spscc.edu/programs/general-ed-requirements .
A class can only count once toward General Education requirements. For example, IIS 125 will satisfy either HUMANITIES or SOCIAL SCIENCE course requirements, but not both.
A maximum of 5 credits in performance/skills courses may be applied to the humanities distribution requirement.
A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above in all college-level courses required.
Although this degree is a general transfer degree, South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for recommended courses and course sequences.
BIOL& 211/212/213 sequence starts in Fall and Winter quarters.
3
CHEM& 161/162/163 sequence starts in Fall and Winter quarters.
South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for required and recommended courses.
