91 minimum credits
The Associate in Biology degree is a direct transfer agreement for students planning to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in the area of biology. Students who complete an Associate in Biology DTA degree will have satisfied the lower division general education (or core) requirements and lower division science requirements at the baccalaureate institutions, subject to the provisos listed in the Intercollege Relations Commission Handbook.
University admission requirements vary—consult with an advisor for specific information. Admission to Washington public baccalaureate institutions is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended that students contact the baccalaureate-granting institution early in their program to be advised about additional requirements (e.g., GPA) and procedures for admission. Students are encouraged to meet with an advisor about appropriate course options for each of the distribution areas below to meet the requirements of their intended transfer institution. Please note that admission for many schools is competitive, and high grade- point averages and course grades are often required. Please check with your destination school and college. Consult with an academic advisor to develop an educational plan.
Completion Requirements
The Associate in Biology DTA/MRP is a direct transfer degree that requires at least 90 credit hours in college level courses (numbered 100 or above), a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade point average, a minimum of 25 credits in residence at Cascadia, and completion of all of the requirements for this degree. Students must meet with an advisor to complete and submit an application for graduation.
Health and Wellness
Students in a Health and Wellness pathway who successfully complete this degree will be able to:
- Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities using systems thinking
- Cultivate effective interpersonal communication and teamwork skills, collaborative problem solving and
- Evaluate lived experiences and inequities present in healthcare
- Understand information needs and the value of information
- Practice essential skills, e.g., mimetic thinking, lab skills, metacognitive skills, communication
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Students in a STEM pathway who successfully complete this degree will be able to:
- Demonstrate proficiency with tools such as software or equipment appropriate to the STEM field
- Engage in the analytical process, by making observations, designing, implementing, and evaluating the approach
- Demonstrate proficiency with interpreting data and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
- Communicate complex ideas using written, verbal, and visual methods appropriate for a given audience
- Recognize the responsibility to positively impact both local and global societies through sustainable and ethical practices.
General Education Core Courses
Foundations for College Success
Must be completed within the first 30 credits.
Communication
Quantitative or Symbolic Reasoning
Equity, Diversity, and Power Requirement
Students must complete a 150-series EDP course and at least one more additional EDP-designated course-- totaling ten (10) credits-- to meet the Equity, Diversity, and Power completion requirement. EDP courses in the 150-series ground students in the needed cognitive tools and background to critically analyze their position in our increasingly interconnected, complex, and diverse world so they can pursue further study and seek out their careers more intentionally. EDP designated courses may also apply toward Humanities, Social Science, Natural Science, or General Elective distribution requirements as indicated. See the Cascadia catalog for the complete list of EDP-designated courses.
Humanities Distribution Requirement
Students must complete courses from at least two different disciplines. No more than five credits may be included from those courses designated HP as performance/skills, applied theory, or lecture/studio courses. Only one course of a world language or ASL at the 100 level may be included. CMST 150, GS 150, HIST 150, or HUMAN 150 may be used to fulfill 5 credits of the Humanities Distribution requirement.
Social Sciences Distribution Requirement
Students must complete courses from at least two different disciplines. GS 150, HIST 150, or SOC 150 may be used to fulfill 5 credits of the Social Sciences Distribution requirement.
Natural Sciences Distribution Requirement
Required Elective Credits
Remaining elective credits should be chosen with the help of an advisor based on the requirements of the specific major at the baccalaureate institution the student plans to attend. COLL 101 is a required elective for all students. Examples of other elective choices include a full year sequence of organic chemistry for majors; a full year sequence of physics for science majors; or further math at the pre-calculus level or above or statistics. Consult an advisor for more information.