2024-2025 College Catalog
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Science, A.S.
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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).
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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
Concentration courses must start in the 1st semester. Subtotal: 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:
The following science courses can be taken ONLY with prior approval:
Subtotal: 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. 3rd Semester
- Laboratory Science Elective Credit Hour(s): 4
- Arts Selective Credit Hour(s): 3
- Mathematics Elective Credit Hour(s): 3-4
OR - Science Elective Credit Hour(s): 3-4
- Elective Credit Hour(s): 3-4
- Physical Education Activity Credit Hour(s): 1
Subtotal: 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 Credit Hour(s): 3
- Elective Credit Hour(s): 3-4
- Laboratory Science Elective Credit Hour(s): 4
- Mathematics Elective Credit Hour(s): 3-4
OR - Science Elective Credit Hour(s): 3-4
- Physical Education Activity Credit Hour(s): 1
Subtotal: 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
Science Transfer Opportunities
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 with their advisor and follow the transfer pathway guidelines. Biology:
This sequence is designed for transfer study in the biological sciences. Completion of a B.S. degree can lead to a career in industry, research, government or teaching in the fields of agriculture, biochemistry, ecology, environmental sciences, forestry, marine science, medicine and others. Biology serves as the major discipline for many specialized areas. Students enrolled in this program transfer to Cornell University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, other SUNY four-year units and private colleges such as Utica University. Students who desire to transfer to a four-year college to prepare for a career in Biology are advised to take the following courses: Chemistry:
The Chemistry emphasis is suggested for students interested in transferring to four-year institutions in the field of chemistry or closely allied fields. The baccalaureate degree in chemistry can lead to careers in such areas as chemical research, chemical engineering or chemical education. Students who desire to transfer to a four-year college to prepare for a career in Chemistry are advised to take the following sequence: Note:
Other Laboratory Science electives as required. Chiropractic:
Successful completion of designated coursework at Herkimer College will meet degree requirements for the A.S. degree and will satisfy some prerequisite coursework for the Doctor of Chiropractic degree. All applicants for Doctor of Chiropractic programs must complete a minimum of 90 semester hours and in some colleges a baccalaureate degree is needed to enter the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Note:
Additional electives in Biology and Social Sciences will be determined after consultation with the student’s advisor. Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation:
Students who desire to transfer to the one-plus-one Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation Program at the Ranger School in Wanakena, NY are advised to take the following courses. Taking these courses does not guarantee acceptance to the Ranger School. Note:
EN 111 , EN 112 : with a focus on writing Additional lab electives in Biology, Chemistry or Physics will be determined after consultation with the student’s advisor. SC 141 Fundamentals of Biology I acceptable by the Ranger School. However, SC 155 is preferred if the student is considering transfer to a four-year school after graduation from the Ranger School. Environmental Science and Forestry:
This sequence is designed for transfer study in a variety of forestry occupations including: - Biochemistry, environmental chemistry and natural and synthetic polymer chemistry
- Ecology, entomology, environmental biology, fish and wildlife biology, forest pathology, plant sciences or zoology
- Pre-medicine
- Forest management, land planning or landscape architecture
Students enrolled in this sequence transfer to the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Cortland or other SUNY four-year institutions. Students should see their advisor to customize their courses to match their intended field. Students will typically take the courses below. Additional electives in Biology, Chemistry, and/or Physics will be determined after consultation with the student’s advisor. Forest Technology:
Students who desire to transfer to the Ranger School in Wanakena, N.Y. to prepare for a career in Forest Technology are advised to take the following courses. Taking these courses does not guarantee acceptance to the Ranger School. Pharmacy:
This emphasis is designed for transfer into a professional program at a four-year institution. Transfer is not guaranteed. Students must work closely with their advisors. Physical Therapy:
This emphasis is designed to assist students seeking entry into SUNY Upstate Medical University at Syracuse. Transfer to other institutions is possible. The program is highly competitive and transfer admission is limited (GPA 3.5 or above). Students must work closely with their academic advisors. Admission to SUNY Upstate Medical University at Syracuse is not guaranteed. Students who desire to transfer to a four-year college to prepare for a career in Physical Therapy are advised to take the following courses: Note:
Volunteer or work experience in a physical therapy department is required. Physics:
Students who desire to transfer to a four-year college to prepare for a career in Physics are advised to take the following electives: Pre-Nursing:
This emphasis is designed for transfer into a professional nursing program. Transfer is not guaranteed. Students must work closely with their advisors and the transfer institution. If Prerequisites are not needed:
If Prerequisites are needed, include:
Radiologic Technology:
This is designed to provide students who plan to enter or who have completed approved programs in Radiologic Technology an opportunity to earn the Associate in Science Degree. A year of transfer credit will be given to students who have successfully completed their professional training. SS Elective:
American History, Western Civilization, or Other World Civilizations categories HU Elective:
Humanities or The Arts category Some transfer institutions may also require: Science Education:
Students who desire to transfer to a four-year college to prepare for a career in teaching Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, General Science or Physics are advised to take the following electives: Note:
MA 141 , MA 245 : requirements may vary from institution to institution. Additional electives in Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Astronomy, and/or Climatology will be determined after consultation with the student’s advisor. |
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