Natural Science, Associate of Science

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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:

  • 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);
  • 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:

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

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 112
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 Credits18
1

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.

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: 26
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
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 Credits42
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)

SHSU, Biology, BA Full-time

SHSU, Biology, BA Part-time

SHSU, Biology, BS Full-time

SHSU, Biology, BS Part-time

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

UHCL, Biology, BA Full-time

UHCL, Biology, BA Part-time

UHCL, Biology, BS Full-time

UHCL, 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

SHSU, Chemistry, BS Full-time

SHSU, 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

UHCL, Chemistry, BA Full-time

UHCL, Chemistry, BA Part-time

UHCL, Chemistry, BS Full-time

UHCL, 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)

SHSU, Geology, BS, Full-time

SHSU, Geology, BS Part-time

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

SHSU, Physics, BS Full-time

SHSU, Physics, BS Part-time

Texas A&M, Physics, BS Full-time

Texas A&M, Physics, BS Part-time

UH Main, Physics, BS Full-time

UH Main, Physics, BS Part-time

UHCL, Physics, BS Full-time

UHCL, Physics, BS Part-time