Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science (A.S.)
HEGIS: 5619
SUNY CODE: 0220
The mission of the science program is to develop the knowledge, skills and values needed to prepare students for successful transfer to four-year bachelor's degree programs, and to become scientifically literate citizens.
The goals of this program are to:
- provide students with the educational experiences to explore the methods scientists use to investigate natural phenomena and to employ appropriate experimental design, critical thinking and methodology to solve problems in the natural sciences;
- provide students with a comprehensive knowledge base of the natural sciences; and
- provide students with opportunities to discuss and evaluate current issues in the natural sciences.
Successful graduates from this program will be able to:
- demonstrate appropriate experimental design and methodology, and utilize critical thinking skills to analyze scientific data through laboratory work;
- exhibit basic mastery of content in the natural sciences through written and/or oral communication; and
- effectively research and communicate scientific principles, utilizing appropriate information literacy skills, as they apply to current issues within the natural sciences.
Career Opportunities/Transfer Information
The science program is designed to prepare students for successful transfer to four-year degree programs in a wide variety of science disciplines including: agriculture, biology, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental studies, forest technology, geology, landscape architecture, medical technology, microbiology, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, physics, plant science, radiologic technology, and science education among others. This program will also provide the necessary pathway for transfer into Pre-Medicine programs leading to careers as a medical physician, dentist, chiropractor, veterinarian, or pharmacist (https://www.herkimer.edu/academics/transfer-services/transfer-agreements/). Graduates have guaranteed transfer opportunities at a variety of institutions including among others: SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Upstate Medical University and Cornell. Graduates of this program may also find employment with their two-year degree in careers such as: laboratory technician, research assistant, science journalist, water quality testing technician and more (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder.htm).
Program of Study
Students who have completed at least three years of high school math, along with biology, chemistry, and physics, will be best prepared for the rigor of this program. Students lacking this preparation may find that more time is needed beyond the 4-semester plan to fully complete the degree requirements. The number of courses taken as well as the total number of credits completed will vary based upon student selections within the plan below. Faculty advisors are available to assist students during their time here at Herkimer College. They will be able to help students navigate the program of study, ensuring that the student is adhering to the plan and meeting transfer requirements, while also identifying potential career options within the field of science.
1st Year
1st Semester
| EN 111 | College Writing | 3 |
| FS 105 | First Yr Student Sem-Science | 1 |
| SC 153 | General Chemistry I | 4 |
| SC 155 | Biological Science I | 4 |
| | Mathematics Elective | 3-4 |
| | Social Science Selective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18-19 |
Mathematics Elective: MA 127 or higher.
Social Science Selective: Consult the College Catalog for a list of approved courses that meet SUNY General Education requirements for this area SUNY General Education.
The following science courses cannot be taken within this program:
SC 108, Laboratory Protocols
SC 120, Introductory Chemistry
SC 125, Fund of Gen, Organic and Biochem
SC 126, Fund Chemistry II
SC 130, Physical Science
SC 141, Fund of Biology I
SC 142, Fund of Biology II
SC 147, The Science of Cooking
SC 150, Forensic Science I
SC 162, General Science
The following science courses can be taken ONLY with prior approval:
SC 105, Microbes in Society
SC 113, Biology of Aging
SC 114, Topics Human Biology
SC 115, Human Reproductive Biology
SC 116, Conserv and Environment
SC 118, Fund of Human Anatomy and Phys
SC 151, Fundamentals of Genetics
2nd Semester
| EN 112 | College Literature | 3 |
| SC 154 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| SC 156 | Biological Science II | 4 |
| | Mathematics Elective | 3-4 |
| | Humanities Selective | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | US History and Civic Engagement Selective | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | World History and Global Awareness Selective | 3 |
| | OR | |
| | World Languages Selective | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17-18 |
Mathematics Elective: MA 127 or higher.
HU Selective/US History Selective/World History Selective/World Language Selective: Consult the College catalog for a list of approved courses that meet SUNY General Education requirements for these areas SUNY General Education.
2nd Year
3rd Semester
| | Laboratory Science Elective | 4 |
| | Arts Selective | 3 |
| | Mathematics Elective | 3-4 |
| | OR | |
| | Science Elective | 3-4 |
| | Elective | 3-4 |
| | Physical Education Activity | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14-16 |
Laboratory Science Elective must be a 200 level course.
Mathematics Elective: MA 127 or higher.
Elective: HU 151 or HU 158 recommended.
Arts Selective: Consult the College catalog for a list of approved courses that meet SUNY General Education requirements for this area SUNY General Education.
4th Semester
| | Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Selective | 3 |
| | Elective | 3-4 |
| | Laboratory Science Elective | 4 |
| | Mathematics Elective | 3-4 |
| | OR | |
| | Science Elective | 3-4 |
| | Physical Education Activity | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14-16 |
DEISJ Selective: Consult the College catalog for a list of approved courses that meet SUNY General Education requirements for this area SUNY General Education.
Elective: must meet SUNY General Education requirement for Information Literacy if not met in previous semesters.
Laboratory Science Elective 100 or 200 level course.
Mathematics Elective: MA 127 or higher.
Total Credit Hours: 63-69
SUNY has created Transfer Paths that summarize the common lower division requirements shared by all SUNY campuses for similar majors within most disciplines. If students want to prepare for as many SUNY campuses as possible, the SUNY Transfer Paths will help to identify core coursework that will prepare them for multiple SUNY campuses. At Herkimer College, a structured SUNY Pathway has been established for Biology and Chemistry. Students in the LAS: Science program should consult their advisor and follow the transfer pathway guidelines at https://www.suny.edu/get-started/transfer-students/suny-transfer-paths/.