Program Details

Associate of Science Degree in Science

Associate of Science

Virginia Western Community College

The Science Program prepares students to transfer to a four year college. Students will be prepared to study a subject in the science field such as biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

Program Credit Requirements

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Transfer Degree

Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	Is your favorite question “why”? Are you curious about the natural and physical world around you and discovering how things work? Do you want to use what you learn about science to make meaningful changes in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the A.S. in Science at VWCC prepares you for your educational journey. The A.S. in Science is the first step toward achieving rewarding careers in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. Learn how these subjects are used by biochemists, pharmacists, environmental scientists, medical professionals, paleontologists, engineers, agriculturalists and even volcanologists.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Western Community College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights	https://www.virginiawestern.edu/ie/research/student-goals/

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	To discuss how your previous degree can be incorporated into your new long term goals, please meet with an advisor.
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School
Credit for Prior Learning	Yes
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Western Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

519

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Virginia Western Community College's service region includes the cities of Roanoke and Salem, along with Roanoke County, Craig County, Franklin County, and southern Botetourt County. Virginia Western was the first college established in the VCCS, in 1966, and has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,352 to its current annual enrollment of more than 9,000 students in credit courses and more than 1,400 enrollments in fast-track career training and continuing education courses.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major.
First Year Student Catalog Year	A student's catalog year is determined by their first semester of attendance in the major.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://www.virginiawestern.edu/transfer/transfer-agreements/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Science - Science Specialization	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts & Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Eastern Shore Community College	Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Science, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Germanna Community College	Science - Chemistry Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science Specialization in Computer Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences in Science	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Science - Biology Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences Degree in Science - Specialization in Engineering	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Science - Geology Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Science - Physics Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Science - Mathematics Specialization	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Science: Mathematics Specialization	Associate	Associate of Arts & Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Germanna Community College	Science - Applied Math Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Science: Mathematics Specialization, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
11-9121.01	Clinical Research Coordinators	Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.	Management Occupations
11-9121.00	Natural Sciences Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.	Management Occupations
11-9121.02	Water Resource Specialists	Design or implement programs and strategies related to water resource issues such as supply, quality, and regulatory compliance issues.	Management Occupations
25-1052.00	Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses pertaining to the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. Work may include providing instruction in the methods of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-2031.00	Chemists	Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1042.00	Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in biological sciences. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-1029.01	Bioinformatics Scientists	Conduct research using bioinformatics theory and methods in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. May design databases and develop algorithms for processing and analyzing genomic information, or other biological information.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1029.00	Biological Scientists, All Other	All biological scientists not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1029.04	Biologists	Research or study basic principles of plant and animal life, such as origin, relationship, development, anatomy, and functions.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1029.03	Geneticists	Research and study the inheritance of traits at the molecular, organism or population level. May evaluate or treat patients with genetic disorders.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1029.02	Molecular and Cellular Biologists	Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4031.00	Chemical Technicians	Conduct chemical and physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative and quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, and gaseous materials for research and development of new products or processes, quality control, maintenance of environmental standards, and other work involving experimental, theoretical, or practical application of chemistry and related sciences.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-2031.00	Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education	Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-1071.00	Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-1099.00	Life Scientists, All Other	All life scientists not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4021.00	Biological Technicians	Assist biological and medical scientists. Set up, operate, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment, monitor experiments, collect data and samples, make observations, and calculate and record results. May analyze organic substances, such as blood, food, and drugs.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1023.00	Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists	Study the origins, behavior, diseases, genetics, and life processes of animals and wildlife. May specialize in wildlife research and management. May collect and analyze biological data to determine the environmental effects of present and potential use of land and water habitats.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2042.00	Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers	Study the composition, structure, and other physical aspects of the Earth. May use geological, physics, and mathematics knowledge in exploration for oil, gas, minerals, or underground water; or in waste disposal, land reclamation, or other environmental problems. May study the Earth's internal composition, atmospheres, and oceans, and its magnetic, electrical, and gravitational forces. Includes mineralogists, paleontologists, stratigraphers, geodesists, and seismologists.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2099.00	Physical Scientists, All Other	All physical scientists not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1199.00	Postsecondary Teachers, All Other	All postsecondary teachers not listed separately.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-2099.01	Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists	Apply remote sensing principles and methods to analyze data and solve problems in areas such as natural resource management, urban planning, or homeland security. May develop new sensor systems, analytical techniques, or new applications for existing systems.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4013.00	Food Science Technicians	Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4092.00	Forensic Science Technicians	Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
15-2099.01	Bioinformatics Technicians	Apply principles and methods of bioinformatics to assist scientists in areas such as pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology, computational biology, proteomics, computer information science, biology and medical informatics. Apply bioinformatics tools to visualize, analyze, manipulate or interpret molecular data. May build and maintain databases for processing and analyzing genomic or other biological information.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.01	Business Intelligence Analysts	Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.02	Clinical Data Managers	Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2051.00	Data Scientists	Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-2099.00	Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other	All mathematical scientists not listed separately.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
25-1022.00	Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses pertaining to mathematical concepts, statistics, and actuarial science and to the application of original and standardized mathematical techniques in solving specific problems and situations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
15-2021.00	Mathematicians	Conduct research in fundamental mathematics or in application of mathematical techniques to science, management, and other fields. Solve problems in various fields using mathematical methods.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
29-1021.00	Dentists, General	Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
11-9111.00	Medical and Health Services Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.	Management Occupations
29-1051.00	Pharmacists	Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
19-2012.00	Physicists	Conduct research into physical phenomena, develop theories on the basis of observation and experiments, and devise methods to apply physical laws and theories.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1054.00	Physics Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses pertaining to the laws of matter and energy. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-1051.00	Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in the physical sciences, except chemistry and physics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching, and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4043.00	Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians	Assist scientists or engineers in the use of electronic, sonic, or nuclear measuring instruments in laboratory, exploration, and production activities to obtain data indicating resources such as metallic ore, minerals, gas, coal, or petroleum. Analyze mud and drill cuttings. Chart pressure, temperature, and other characteristics of wells or bore holes.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2043.00	Hydrologists	Research the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of underground and surface waters; and study the form and intensity of precipitation and its rate of infiltration into the soil, movement through the earth, and return to the ocean and atmosphere.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-1013.00	Soil and Plant Scientists	Conduct research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees, shrubs, and nursery stock, their growth in soils, and control of pests; or study the chemical, physical, biological, and mineralogical composition of soils as they relate to plant or crop growth. May classify and map soils and investigate effects of alternative practices on soil and crop productivity.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3091.00	Anthropologists and Archeologists	Study the origin, development, and behavior of human beings. May study the way of life, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. May engage in systematic recovery and examination of material evidence, such as tools or pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
15-2041.01	Biostatisticians	Develop and apply biostatistical theory and methods to the study of life sciences.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
25-1069.00	Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other	All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-3099.00	Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other	All social scientists and related workers not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
15-2041.00	Statisticians	Develop or apply mathematical or statistical theory and methods to collect, organize, interpret, and summarize numerical data to provide usable information. May specialize in fields such as biostatistics, agricultural statistics, business statistics, or economic statistics. Includes mathematical and survey statisticians.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
19-3099.01	Transportation Planners	Prepare studies for proposed transportation projects. Gather, compile, and analyze data. Study the use and operation of transportation systems. Develop transportation models or simulations.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
29-2051.00	Dietetic Technicians	Assist in the provision of food service and nutritional programs, under the supervision of a dietitian. May plan and produce meals based on established guidelines, teach principles of food and nutrition, or counsel individuals.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
29-1031.00	Dietitians and Nutritionists	Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.	Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
25-1192.00	Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in childcare, family relations, finance, nutrition, and related subjects pertaining to home management. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
25-9021.00	Farm and Home Management Educators	Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4012.00	Agricultural Technicians	Work with agricultural scientists in plant, fiber, and animal research, or assist with animal breeding and nutrition. Set up or maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from crops or animals. Prepare specimens or record data to assist scientists in biology or related life science experiments. Conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4012.01	Precision Agriculture Technicians	Apply geospatial technologies, including geographic information systems (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS), to agricultural production or management activities, such as pest scouting, site-specific pesticide application, yield mapping, or variable-rate irrigation. May use computers to develop or analyze maps or remote sensing images to compare physical topography with data on soils, fertilizer, pests, or weather.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.01	Climate Change Policy Analysts	Research and analyze policy developments related to climate change. Make climate-related recommendations for actions such as legislation, awareness campaigns, or fundraising approaches.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.02	Environmental Restoration Planners	Collaborate with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. Process and synthesize complex scientific data into practical strategies for restoration, monitoring or management.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.00	Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health	Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2041.03	Industrial Ecologists	Apply principles and processes of natural ecosystems to develop models for efficient industrial systems. Use knowledge from the physical and social sciences to maximize effective use of natural resources in the production and use of goods and services. Examine societal issues and their relationship with both technical systems and the environment.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
15-1299.07	Blockchain Engineers	Maintain and support distributed and decentralized blockchain-based networks or block-chain applications such as cryptocurrency exchange, payment processing, document sharing, and digital voting. Design and deploy secure block-chain design patterns and solutions over geographically distributed networks using advanced technologies. May assist with infrastructure setup and testing for application transparency and security.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.00	Computer Occupations, All Other	All computer occupations not listed separately.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
25-1021.00	Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
15-1299.08	Computer Systems Engineers/Architects	Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
11-3021.00	Computer and Information Systems Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.	Management Occupations
15-1299.06	Digital Forensics Analysts	Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.03	Document Management Specialists	Implement and administer enterprise-wide document management systems and related procedures that allow organizations to capture, store, retrieve, share, and destroy electronic records and documents.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.02	Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians	Assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases. May also perform some custom application development or provide user support.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.05	Information Security Engineers	Develop and oversee the implementation of information security procedures and policies. Build, maintain and upgrade security technology, such as firewalls, for the safe use of computer networks and the transmission and retrieval of information. Design and implement appropriate security controls to identify vulnerabilities and protect digital files and electronic infrastructures. Monitor and respond to computer security breaches, viruses, and intrusions, and perform forensic investigation. May oversee the assessment of information security systems.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.09	Information Technology Project Managers	Plan, initiate, and manage information technology (IT) projects. Lead and guide the work of technical staff. Serve as liaison between business and technical aspects of projects. Plan project stages and assess business implications for each stage. Monitor progress to assure deadlines, standards, and cost targets are met.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.04	Penetration Testers	Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1252.00	Software Developers	Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations
15-1299.01	Web Administrators	Manage web environment design, deployment, development and maintenance activities. Perform testing and quality assurance of web sites and web applications.	Computer and Mathematical Occupations