The Associate of Science degree is designed for students who intend to transfer with junior status to a four-year college or university for a bachelor of science degree.
This degree allows early choices for those planning a professional career in mathematics, science, engineering, technology, medicine, agriculture or related field.
The mission of the Associate of Science Degree Program is to provide the academic knowledge and skills for successful transfer to meet higher education goals.
The successful student will:
- Meet the institutional student learning outcomes (1-6).
- Demonstrate the ability to identify the fundamental tenets of scientific inquiry.
- Present accurate calculations and symbolic operations, and explain how such calculations and operations are used in the sciences, mathematics or engineering.
- Use critical thinking and creativity to select and apply recognized experimental or observational techniques suitable for examining contemporary or enduring problems in the sciences.
- Be prepared to succeed at transfer institution.
Bachelor Degree Pathways
WNC has 2+2 partnerships with UNR and many other institutions to make completing your degree at WNC and transferring later as smooth as possible. The Associate of Science degree is designed so students may tailor it to meet degree requirements for a variety of majors at transfer institutions.
Biology
A strong foundation in biology can lead to many career paths in health and environmental science, education, research and more.
Chemistry
A solid background in science and mathematics can lead to careers in education, industry, government, medicine and more. Students will have hands-on experience in a lab environment throughout college studies.
Community Health Science/Nutrition/Kinesiology
Explore health from many perspectives: emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and physical. Students will be prepared to work in a variety of public and private positions, such as hospital administration, community health educator and fitness trainer.
Computer Science
Enter a field that is growing at a rapid pace, learning to solve societal problems with computers. Because students are provided a well-rounded education in computer science and computer engineering, they will have the versatility employers are seeking.
Engineering
There are many fields in engineering to consider: Civil, mining, mechanical, environmental, chemical and biomedical, computer, metallurgical and geological. These fields are well-compensated and offer promising futures.
Environmental Science
Make a difference by preparing to solve a wide variety of environmental problems and focus on areas such as policy, environmental pollution and more. Students will become knowledgeable in animal science, wildlife science, soils, botany and ecology.
Geology
Learn about the major earth systems and the geologic processes that create and shape them. Find work in energy companies, engineering firms, research institutions, government agencies, colleges and universities.
Math
Individuals with a skill for math and calculations can balance their abilities with arts, humanities, and other general studies for careers in education, finance, computing, science and more.
Program Requirements
A minimum of 18 units chosen from the following:
Science
12 units
Choose a minimum of 8 units from Group A.
GROUP A:
Anthropology: 102 & 110L
Biology: 190, 191, 251
Chemistry: 121, 122
Geology: 101, 102, 103
Geography: 103 & 104, or 121
Physics: 151, 152, 180 & 180L, 181 & 181L, 182 & 182L
Mathematics
6 units
Math 181 or higher required.
Mathematics: 126, 127, 128, 176, 181,
182, 283, 285, 330
Statistics: 152
GROUP B:
Astronomy: 109, 110, 120
Atmospheric Sciences: 117
Biology: 200, 223, 224
Chemistry: 220
Computer Engineering: 201
Computer Science: 135, 202
Engineering Science: 100
Environmental Studies: 100, 101
Geology: 105, 201
Mechanical Engineering: 241, 242
Note: Completion of the Associate of Science program requirements fulfills the respective mathematics and science general education requirements.
Transfer Requirement & Electives – 19-24 units
Students should utilize this area to take courses that meet requirements for their major at their intended transfer school. Those who have not yet selected a major
may choose from among any university transferable courses to explore their options. Students planning to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno should obtain a transfer handout from WNC Counseling Services or the UNR Transfer Center.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | 18-23 Units | |
| English/Communications | 6-8 Units | |
| English: 100, 101, or 102 | ||
| Fine Arts | 3 Units | |
| Art: 100, 101*, 135, 124, 141, 160, 211, 214, 231, 260, 261 | ||
| Humanities: 101 | ||
| Music: 121, 124, 125, 176 | ||
| Music: Ensemble: 101*, 131, 135 | ||
| Theatre: 100, 105*, 180 | ||
| * Course may not meet the fine arts requirement at all universities. Please see a counselor. | ||
| Humanities | 3 Units | |
| Core Humanities: 201, 202 | ||
| English: 200, 223 | ||
| History: 105, 106, 207, 208, 209, 247 | ||
| Philosophy: 101, 135, 200, 203, 204, 207, 210, 224 | ||
| UNR transfer students, choose at least one of the following courses: | ||
| Core Humanities: 201, 202 | ||
| History: 105, 106 | ||
| Philosophy: 200, 207 | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| See Program Requirements | ||
| Science | ||
| See Program Requirements | ||
| Social Sciences | 3 Units | |
| Choose from the following list: | ||
| Anthropology: 101, 201, 202, 212, 215 | ||
| Core Humanities: 203 | ||
| Criminal Justice: 101, 102 | ||
| Economics: 100, 102, 103 | ||
| Geography: 106, 200 | ||
| History: 101, 102, 111, 217 | ||
| Political Science: 103, 208, 231 | ||
| Psychology: 101, 102, 233, 234, 240, 257, 261 | ||
| Sociology: 101 | ||
| U.S. & Nevada Constitution | 3-6 Units | |
| Must meet both requirements. Choose from: | ||
| Core Humanities: 203 | ||
| History: 111 | ||
| History: 101 and one of the following: HIST 102, HIST 217, PSC 100, PSC 208 | ||
| Political Science: 101, 103 | ||
| History & Political Science Combination (History 101 and Political Science 208) | ||
Suggested Course Sequence
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Year One | ||
| First Semester | ||
| ENG 100 or 101 | 3 | |
| HIST 101 | U.S. History to 1877 | 3 |
| EPY 150 | Strategies for Academic Success | 3 |
| MATH 181 | Calculus I | 4 |
| Fine Arts Course | 3 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENG 102 | Composition II | 3 |
| U.S./Nevada Constitution | 3 | |
| MATH 182 or STAT 152 | 3-4 | |
| Science (Group A) | 4-6 | |
| Year Two: Third & Fourth Semester | ||
| Take courses that meet requirements for the major at intended transfer school. | ||