Associate Degree in Biology (DTA/MRP)

Program Description

 This is a direct transfer agreement. 

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

Degree Planning

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 https://catalog.spscc.edu/distribution-requirements/aa-as-dt-degrees/
  • A class can only count once toward General Education requirements. For example, CMST& 220 Public Speaking will satisfy either Humanities or Communications 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.

Core Requirements

  • Must satisfy the diversity requirement.
  • CCS 101 Pathways to Success (3 credits)
  • Communication Requirement (10 credits total)
  • Quantitative Requirement (5 credits total)
  • Humanities Requirement (15 credits total)
    • 15 credits from 2 discipline. No more than 5 credits in performance/skill courses. No more than 5 credits of foreign language at the first year level.
  • Social Science Requirement (15 credits total)
    • 15 credits from 2 disciplines
  • Chemistry Requirement (15 credits total)
    • CHEM& 161 General Chemistry w/Lab I (5 credits)
    • CHEM& 162 General Chemistry W/Lab II (5 credits)
    • CHEM& 163 General Chemistry W/Lab III (5 credits)
  • Biology Requirement (15 credits total)
  • Electives (to get to 90 credits total)
    • These should include prerequisites for major courses (e.g. pre-calculus or statistics), additional major coursework, e.g. physics or botany