Biology is the basis of all life, which happens to make it a great foundation for a wide range of careers. This degree program was created so that you can study biology while also taking a variety of liberal arts courses, giving you the foundation you need to pursue a four year degree in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, elementary and middle school education. Students in this program include those interested in non-allied health STEM-related fields. Students can also enroll to build prerequisites for select programs in the Science and Technology academic pathways.
This program will teach students to apply the scientific method as a problem-solving method utilizing hypothesis, data collection and analysis and the effective presentation of results. They will also learn the biological and chemical processes essential to living organisms, and explain the hierarchy of organization in living things, from the chemical level to the biosphere. This program is open to all interested students
Biological Sciences
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
Soil and Plant Scientists - est. salary $73,368
Biostatistician - est. Salary $99,021
Bioinformatics Scientist - est. Salary $91,566
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Transfer Opportunities
Courses and Completion Sequence
The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Biological Sciences degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.
Semester 1
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 106 - General Biology I | 4 credits | Scientific Reasoning | |
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | Writing/Research/Info Lit 1 | |
| FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra | 3 credits | Quantitative Reasoning | |
| SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology* or ANTH 101 - Introduction to Anthropology or ECON 181 - Principles of Economics (Macroeconomics) or POLS 111 - American Government |
3 credits | Students who wish to transfer to the Associate of Science in Biology degree program should take SOC 101. Students should consult an advisor and the requirements of their chosen transfer institution before choosing their directed electives. |
Cultural Analysis & Interpretation |
| BIOL 100 - Introduction to Life Sciences | 4 credits |
- This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor's degree program after earning their associate's degree
- Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate's degree in two years
- Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.
Semester 2
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes |
Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 107 - General Biology II | 4 credits | Major Course | |
| CHEM 110 - Introductory Chemistry | 4 credits | ||
| CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts | 3 credits | Technological Competency | |
| ENGL 102 - The Research Paper | 3 credits | Writing/Research/Info Lit 2 | |
| FREN 101 - Elementary French or HUM 101 - Cultural Traditions Ancient to the 13th Century or SPAN 101 - Elementary Spanish |
3 credits |
- Don’t forget to meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Start planning for transfer:
- Did you know our dual admissions partnerships include scholarship opportunities?
- Learn more about our transfer agreements and use our interactive search tool for your program’s transfer options
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Now is a good time to start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship— You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 3
- Meet with an advisor and review this schedule when registering for your classes
- Make sure you are using Starfish Connect to track and improve your grades
- Stay on the path to success: take advantage of academic support services offered by Counseling the Learning Labs, Academic Advising and more
- Start financial planning for next semester:
- Manage your financial aid
- Take advantage of our payment plans and know the payment deadlines
- Apply for a scholarship—You only have to complete one application to be considered for all available scholarships
Semester 4
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes |
Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOL 104 - Forensic Biology or BIOL 123 - Principles of Biology I or BIOL 211 - Genetics or BIOL 225 - Ecology and Field Biology or BIOL 241 - Principles of Microbiology or STS 101 - Introduction to Science, Technology and Society |
4 credits | If students desire to transfer to Associate of Science in Biology degree program, BIOL 123 is recommended at this time. | Concentration Elective |
| CHEM 118 - Introduction to Biochemistry | 4 credits | If students desire to transfer to Associate of Science in Biology degree program, CHEM 121 is recommended at this time. | |
| MATH 162 - Precalculus II | 3 credits | ||
| ENGL 115 - Public Speaking | 3 credits | Oral Communication/Creative Expression |
- Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
- Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
- Finalize your transfer plans:
- Meet with a counselor at your selected dual admissions transfer college
- Meet with one of our College’s counselors or an advisor to review transfer requirements
- Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
- Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities
General Education Requirements:
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Median Salary
$89,248
For Year 2019
$89,248
For Year 2019
Number of Jobs
21,213
in the region
21,213
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+12.8%
+12.8%
Typical Tasks
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as molecular biology, marine biology, and botany.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Prepare materials for laboratory activities and course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
How well does it pay?
New workers start around $46,727. Normal pay is $89,248 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $184,725.
Program Information
Biological Sciences
Degree Type:
Associate in Arts (A.A.)Credits Needed to Graduate:
61