Program Information
A Natural Science Associate of Science (AS) degree opens doors to rewarding careers. San Jacinto College offers programs in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics that place emphasis on making observations, evaluating evidence, and solving problems. Science pathways are designed to prepare you for four-year degree programs leading to careers in fields such as medicine, veterinary science, dentistry, energy, forensics, environmental science, pharmacy, research and development, consulting, teaching, hydrology, space science, meteorology, quality control, toxicology, genetics, and many other disciplines.
Earning Potential
Students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree pathway in Natural Science will be prepared for careers as:1
- Biochemist and Biophysicist: $65,052
- Chemist: $95,637
- Environmental Science Specialist: $83,933
- Epidemiologist: $82, 934
- Geoscientist: $172,789
- Hydrologist: $90,321
- Microbiologist: $64,425
- Physicist: $162,563
- Zoologist and Wildlife Biologist: $87,942
Students who earn a Natural Science AS degree can have positions such as:1
- Chemical Technician: $68,153
- Clinical Lab Technologist and Technician: $56,333
- Environmental Science Technician: $52,075
- Forensic Science Technician: $65,583
- 1
Source: texaswages.com, annual median salary after earning a bachelor's degree, Gulf Coast region, 2022
- 2
If you were pursuing a Life Sciences AS or Physical Sciences AS prior to fall 2021, go to the Previous Catalogs link to find the correct version.
Campuses
Central Campus
Generation Park Campus
North Campus
South Campus
San Jac Online
Information
The Associate of Science (AS) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year or upper-level college or university and major in mathematics, one of the sciences, engineering, or computer science. For more information, students may refer to the Core Curriculum section of the catalog. The AS degree differs from an Associate of Arts (AA) degree in the amount or level of mathematics and science required for degree completion. The College requires a minimum of 12 hours of mathematics, 12 hours of science, or 12 hours of computer sciences beyond the 42-hour core requirement for the degree.
The Natural Science AS degree is designed for students who either plan to transfer to a four-year or upper-level college or university and major in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, physics, or a related field or for students who plan to obtain an entry-level position in related fields. The Natural Science AS degree requires 42 hours of Core Curriculum and 18 transfer hours with at least 12 semester credit hours in any science courses with the exceptions of:
- CHEM 1305 Introductory Chemistry I (lecture)/CHEM 1105 Introductory Chemistry I (lab); and
- GEOL 1301 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lecture)/GEOL 1101 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lab).
The College recommends these courses for the AA degree. Other exceptions include BIOL 2404 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (lecture & lab) that the College recommends for certain Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees and BIOL 1322 Nutrition and Diet Therapy that the College recommends for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students must complete at least one of the following science courses for the Natural Science AS degree:
- BIOL 1307 Biology for Science Majors II (lecture)/BIOL 1107 Biology for Science Majors II (lab);
- CHEM 1311 General Chemistry I (lecture)/CHEM 1111 General Chemistry I (lab);
- CHEM 2325 Organic Chemistry II (lecture)/CHEM 2125 Organic Chemistry II (lab);
- GEOL 1304 Historical Geology (lecture)/GEOL 1104 Historical Geology (lab); or
- PHYS 2326 University Physics II (lecture)/PHYS 2126 University Physics II (lab).
If you were pursuing a Life Sciences AS or Physical Sciences AS prior to fall 2021, go to the Previous Catalogs link to find the correct version.
Plan of Study (Degree Plan)
2NATSCI
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer Path | ||
| 18 total semester credit hours (SCH) with at least 12 SCH in any combination of BIOL, CHEM, GEOL, or PHYS. except those restricted by the catalog 1 | 12 | |
| Choose at least one of the following: | ||
| Biology for Science Majors II (lecture) and Biology for Science Majors II (lab) | ||
| General Chemistry I (lecture) and General Chemistry I (lab) | ||
| Organic Chemistry II (lecture) and Organic Chemistry II (lab) | ||
| Historical Geology (lecture) and Historical Geology (lab) | ||
| University Physics II (lecture) and University Physics II (lab) | ||
| The remaining hours will be selected to meet the student's specific transfer institution requirements. | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
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Students pursuing a Natural Science AS may not include the following in the transfer path:
- BIOL 1308 Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lecture)/BIOL 1108 Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lab),
- BIOL 1309 Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lecture)/BIOL 1109 Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lab),
- BIOL 2404 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology (lecture & lab),
- BIOL 1322 Nutrition and Diet Therapy,
- CHEM 1305 Introductory Chemistry I (lecture)/CHEM 1105 Introductory Chemistry I (lab), and
- GEOL 1301 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lecture)/GEOL 1101 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lab).
Core Curriculum
Core Curriculum: 42 SCH of Core courses including EDUC 1100 Learning Framework/PSYC 1100 Learning Framework.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Communication (010) | ||
| Select two of the following courses for 6 SCH: | 6 | |
| Composition I | ||
| Composition II | ||
| Technical and Business Writing | ||
| Mathematics (020) | ||
| If you select a 4 SCH MATH course, the overflow hour may be accounted for in the Component Area Option of the Core or in the Transfer Path. | ||
| Select one of the following courses for 3 SCH: | 3 | |
| College Algebra | ||
| Plane Trigonometry | ||
| Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences 1 | ||
| Calculus for Business and Social Sciences 1 | ||
| Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) 1 | ||
| Elementary Statistical Methods (Statistics) | ||
| Linear Algebra | ||
| Differential Equations | ||
| Pre-Calculus Math | ||
| Calculus I | ||
| Calculus II | ||
| Life and Physical Science (030) | ||
| Labs for the sciences courses may be accounted for in the Component Area Option. | ||
| Select two of the following courses for 6 SCH: 2 | 6 | |
| Stars and Galaxies (lecture) | ||
| The Solar System (lecture) | ||
| Biology for Science Majors I (lecture) | ||
| Biology for Science Majors II (lecture) | ||
| Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lecture) 3 | ||
| Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lecture) 3 | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture) 4 | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture) 4 | ||
| Introductory Chemistry I (lecture) 3 | ||
| General Chemistry I (lecture) | ||
| General Chemistry II (lecture) | ||
| Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lecture) 3 | ||
| Physical Geology (lecture) | ||
| Historical Geology (lecture) | ||
| College Physics I (lecture) | ||
| College Physics II (lecture) | ||
| University Physics I (lecture) | ||
| University Physics II (lecture) | ||
| Language, Philosophy and Culture (Humanities) (040) | ||
| Select one of the following courses for 3 SCH: | 3 | |
| British Literature I | ||
| British Literature II | ||
| American Literature I | ||
| American Literature II | ||
| World Literature I | ||
| World Literature II | ||
| Forms of Literature: Literature and Film | ||
| Mexican American Literature | ||
| Human Geography | ||
| World Civilization I | ||
| World Civilization II | ||
| Introduction to the Humanities I | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Creative Arts (Fine Arts) (050) | ||
| Select one of the following courses for 3 SCH: | 3 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th century) | ||
| Art History II (14th century to the present) | ||
| World Dance | ||
| Dance Appreciation | ||
| Theater Appreciation | ||
| Film Appreciation | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Music Literature | ||
| American Music | ||
| American History (060) | ||
| Select two of the following courses for 6 SCH: | 6 | |
| United States History I | ||
| United States History II | ||
| Texas History | ||
| Mexican American History I | ||
| Mexican American History II | ||
| African American History I | ||
| African American History II | ||
| Government/Political Science (070) | ||
| Select two of the following courses for 6 SCH: | 6 | |
| Federal Government (Federal Constitution and Topics) 5 | ||
| Texas Government (Texas Constitution and Topics) 5 | ||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (080) | ||
| Select one of the following courses for 3 SCH: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Archaeology | ||
| General Anthropology | ||
| Cultural Anthropology | ||
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| World Regional Geography | ||
| Introduction to Political Science | ||
| Western Civilization I | ||
| Western Civilization II | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Minority Studies | ||
| Child Growth and Development | ||
| Component Area Option (090) | ||
| The following courses as well as courses not previously used from the other eight areas of the Core may be used to fulfill the Component Area Option requirement. | ||
| Select from the following courses for 6 SCH: | 6 | |
| Stars and Galaxies (lab) | ||
| The Solar System (lab) | ||
| Biology for Science Majors I (lab) | ||
| Biology for Science Majors II (lab) | ||
| Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lab) | ||
| Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lab) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology I (Lab) | ||
| Anatomy and Physiology II (Lab) | ||
| Introductory Chemistry I (lab) | ||
| General Chemistry I (lab) | ||
| General Chemistry II (lab) | ||
| Beginning Chinese I | ||
| Beginning Chinese II | ||
| Learning Framework | ||
or PSYC 1100 | Learning Framework | |
| Beginning French I | ||
| Beginning French II | ||
| Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lab) | ||
| Physical Geology (lab) | ||
| Historical Geology (lab) | ||
| Beginning German I | ||
| Beginning German II | ||
| Federal and Texas Constitutions | ||
| Introduction to Physical Fitness and Wellness | ||
| College Physics I (lab) | ||
| College Physics II (lab) | ||
| University Physics I (lab) | ||
| University Physics II (lab) | ||
| Beginning American Sign Language I | ||
| Beginning American Sign Language II | ||
| Beginning Spanish I | ||
| Beginning Spanish II | ||
| Introduction to Speech Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Business and Professional Speech | ||
| Total Credits | 42 | |
- 1
MATH 1324 Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences, MATH 1325 Calculus for Business and Social Sciences, and MATH 1332 Contemporary Mathematics (Quantitative Reasoning) do not meet the requirements for students pursuing mathematics or science.
- 2
Students must be simultaneously co-enrolled in the co-requisite science lab.
- 3
BIOL 1308 Biology for Non-Science Majors I (lecture), BIOL 1309 Biology for Non-Science Majors II (lecture) and CHEM 1305 Introductory Chemistry I (lecture), and GEOL 1301 Earth Sciences for Non-Science Majors I (lecture) do not meet the requirements for science majors.
- 4
BIOL 2301 Anatomy and Physiology I (Lecture) and BIOL 2302 Anatomy and Physiology II (Lecture) are designed for allied health majors and not for academic transfer as science majors.
- 5
Students who have taken GOVT 2301 or GOVT 2302, but not both, should check with an educational planner on how to complete the 6 SCH.
If a student successfully completes San Jacinto College’s 42-hour Core Curriculum, that block of courses must be substituted for the receiving institution’s Core Curriculum. The receiving institution may not require a student to take additional Core Curriculum courses to meet the requirements of the Core. Students who transfer without completing the Core Curriculum shall receive academic credit in the Core Curriculum of the receiving institution for each of the courses the student has successfully completed in the San Jacinto College Core Curriculum. Students should plan Core Curriculum courses that would meet baccalaureate degree requirements at the four-year institution.
If you do not see your transfer school, please follow the Plan of Study. For more information, contact an Admissions advisor. Please speak to an advisor at San Jacinto College and the transfer institution to ensure this Transfer Plan is accurate and complete. For a list of all MAPs, students may go to Transfer Plans A-Z. Students may filter for specific universities, disciplines, or degrees, and print individual MAPs.
Biology (see also Environmental Science, Biology Specialization)
Texas A&M, Biology, BA Full-time
Texas A&M, Biology, BA Part-time
Texas A&M, Biology, BS Full-time
Texas A&M, Biology, BS Part-time
Texas State, Biology, BS Full-time
Texas State, Biology, BS Part-time
UH Downtown, Biology, BA Full-time
UH Downtown, Biology, BA Part-time
UH Downtown, Biology, BS Full-time
UH Downtown, Biology, BS Part-time
UH Main, Biology, BA Full-time
UH Main, Biology, BA Part-time
UH Main, Biology, BS Full-time
UH Main, Biology, BS Part-time
UT - Arlington, Biology, BA Full-time
UT - Arlington, Biology, BA Part-time
UT - Arlington, Biology, BS Full-time
UT - Arlington, Biology, BS Part-time
Chemistry (see also Environmental Science, Chemistry Specialization)
Lamar, Chemistry, BA Full-time
Lamar, Chemistry, BA Part-time
Lamar, Chemistry, BS Full-time
Lamar, Chemistry, BS Part-time
SFASU, Chemistry, BS Full-time
SFASU, Chemistry, BS Part-time
Texas A&M, Chemistry, BA Full-time
Texas A&M, Chemistry, BA Part-time
Texas A&M, Chemistry, BS Full-time
Texas A&M, Chemistry, BS Part-time
Texas State, Chemistry, BS Full-time
Texas State, Chemistry, BS Part-time
Texas Southern University, Chemistry, BS Full-time
Texas Southern University, Chemistry, BS Part-time
UH Downtown, Chemistry, BS Full-time
UH Downtown, Chemistry, BS Part-time
UH Main, Chemistry, BA Full-time
UH Main, Chemistry, BA Part-time
UH Main, Chemistry, BS Full-time
UH Main, Chemistry, BS Part-time
Earth Science
UH Main, Earth Science, BA Full-time
UH Main, Earth Science, BA Part-time
Environmental Science
UH Main, Environmental Science, BS Full-time
UH Main, Environmental Science, BS Part-time
UHCL, Environmental Science, Environmental Geology Specialization, BS Full-time
UHCL, Environmental Science, Environmental Geology Specialization, BS Part-time
UHCL, Environmental Science, Environmental Biology Specialization, BS Full-time
UHCL, Environmental Science, Environmental Biology Specialization, BS Part-time
UHCL, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry Specialization, BS Full-time
UHCL, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry Specialization, BS Part-time
Geology (see also Environmental Science, Geology Specialization)
Texas A&M, Geology, BS Full-time
Texas A&M, Geology, BS Part-time
UH Downtown, Geology, BS Full-time
UH Downtown, Geology, BS Part-time
UH Main, Environmental Science, BS Part-time
UH Main, Geology, BS Full-time
UH Main, Geology, BS Part-time
UT - Austin, Environmental Science, BS Full-time
UT - Austin, Environmental Science, BS Part-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences, BA Full-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences, BA Part-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-General Geology, BS Full-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-General Geology, BS Part-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Geophysics, BS Full-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Hydrology, BS Full-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Hydrology, BS Part-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Teaching (Middle Grades), BS Full-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Teaching (Middle Grades), BS Part-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Teaching (Senior Grades), BS Full-time
UT - Austin, Geological Sciences-Teaching (Senior Grades), BS Part-time
Physics
Texas A&M, Physics, BS Full-time
Texas A&M, Physics, BS Part-time
UH Main, Physics, BS Full-time