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ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE WITH A MAJOR IN NATURAL SCIENCE

TRANSFER: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Physics, or related disciplines.

CAREER OPTIONS
Programs in the natural sciences prepare students for further study and employment as life and physical scientists, health diagnosing practitioners and some health treating professionals, engineers, and science technicians. Careers as biologists, biochemists, chemists, geologists, meteorologists, and physicists and astronomers usually require a graduate degree. A bachelor's degree is normally required for engineering positions while science technician jobs may require a bachelor's or associate's degree.

The natural science degree program provides students with an opportunity to meet the prerequisites to continue preparation for careers as chiropractors, dentists, optometrists, physicians, podiatrists, veterinarians, pharmacists, physical therapists, and nutritionists.

Science based career opportunities are widely distributed among business, industry, government, and education. With experience and additional training workers may advance to supervisory and management positions.

EDUCATIONAL PLANNING
The natural sciences are a gateway to a very large number of occupations, many of which require very specific coursework for transfer and/or admission to professional schools. In completing a natural science major and preparing for transfer, students must assume the responsibility to be certain that they complete all prerequisites for the transfer major they have selected. Natural science majors are advised to construct an education plan with a counselor and their instructors as early as possible and to use the services of the Transfer Opportunity and Career Center (TOCC) to assist them in preparing for transfer.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED
The education, skills, and abilities required for careers in the natural sciences vary significantly from profession to profession. Majors are encouraged to use the electronic and print resources of the TOCC to obtain information about necessary qualifications for the careers that interest them. In general, careers in the natural sciences require strong computational, communication, and analytical thinking skills. Scientists must be good problem-solvers and be able to work independently or as part of a team. Science, engineering, and medical personnel frequently must work long hours under pressure and must maintain a program of continuous study to keep up with intellectual advances and new technologies.