This degree program is intended for individuals who wish to pursue a career in science or a related field. Such fields include, but are not limited to, astronomy, biochemistry, biology, biophysics, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental geology, environmental science, forensics, forestry, geochemistry, geology, geophysics, home economics, marine biology, meteorology, mortuary science, nutrition (or dietetics), oceanography, optometry, pharmacy, physical education, physics or plant science. This program also is intended for those who wish to pursue medical, dental or veterinary degrees.

Note: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is usually required of individuals planning to work in science or a related area. Therefore, students should take the CCRI Associate in Science degree program with the expectation of transferring to a four-year college or university. The choice of which elective credits to select should be made in consultation with an advisor from one of the science departments in accordance with the transfer requirements of the four-year school. Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

Students should consult the transfer requirements of their intended school of transfer. 

Requirements

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to this program, applicants must have a minimum level of math preparation in order to take and successfully complete College Algebra (MATH 1200) or (MATH 1200C) in the first semester.

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MATH - Placement test required. If placement test indicates enrollment in Early Foundations of College Mathematics (MATH 0099) or Foundations of College Mathematics (MATH 0100) or Foundations of College Algebra (MATH 0101) is necessary, these courses, although required, are not accepted as degree credit. Students should take a placement test prior to enrolling. Note: It is recommended that students wishing to transfer for a bachelor’s degree in the physical sciences take the complete calculus sequence (Calculus I (MATH 2141), Calculus II (MATH 2142) and Calculus III (MATH 2243)).

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Select two pairs of sequential courses from the top three in the Major Requirements list above (BIOL, CHEM or PHYS) for a total of 16 to 18 credits. If you select General Chemistry I (CHEM 1030), contact the Chemistry Department for information regarding a chemistry placement exam (to be taken prior to enrolling).

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Biotechnology Transition Option - Biotechnology credits can be used toward the completion of the Science track leading to an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. The four-credit Cell Biology for Technology (BIOL 1000) is one of the suggested science courses. Eight of the Biotechnology certificate program credits (Orientation to Biotechnology (BIOL 1300),  Introduction to Biotechnology Laboratory Skills (BIOL 1310) and General Microbiology (BIOL 2480)) would count as science credits and the remaining six credits could be used as elective credits. See the Biotechnology certificate program for more information.

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Select 8 to 10 credits from astronomy (ASTR), biology (BIOL), chemistry (CHEM), geology (GEOL), oceanography (OCEN) or physics (PHYS).

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Take 9 to 14 credits. All students are encouraged to consult the requirements of the intended transfer school to find out which electives will best suit their transfer needs.

Recommended Course Sequence

Transfer

If you are interested in earning a bachelor's degree, please meet with an Academic Advisor who can help you select the courses that best prepare you for transfer to a four-year college or university.

If you are interested in transferring to Rhode Island College or the University of Rhode Island, check out the Joint Admissions Agreement. Transfer information, events and articulations can be found on the Transfer Center website.