Liberal Arts and Sciences/Mathematics and Science A.S. - Honors Concentration

School: Mathematics, Science and Engineering
Academic Dept: Biology
HEGIS: 5649

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Program Description

Students enrolled in this program complete a sequence of honors biology courses while exploring elective coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Intended as transfer program, the curriculum aligns with the first two years of most baccalaureate programs in math and science allowing graduates to complete a bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of full-time study.

The program provides an exceptional starting point for students aspiring to careers in teaching math or science, pursuing degrees in medical fields, or venturing into academic or industry research.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate proficiency in mathematics that indicates readiness for calculus.
Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific process and how it is applied in the natural sciences.
Demonstrate knowledge of foundational concepts in math and/or science necessary for transfer into four-year programs in one of the Natural Sciences or Mathematics.

Program Note

PRIOR ADMISSION TO THE HONORS COLLEGE IS REQUIRED FOR THE MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE HONORS CONCENTRATION. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION GUIDELINES, VISIT THE HONORS COLLEGE WEB PAGE.

Program Requirements

60 credits are required for the degree:

General Education - 30 credits
Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

General Education Requirements - 30 Credits

Communication - Written and Oral (3 credits): ENG 101H - Writing and Research - Honors
Humanities (3 credits): ENG 102H - Writing and Literature - Honors
Mathematics (and Quantitative Reasoning) (4 credits): Mathematics Option, Part 1: Select from MATH 131 - College Algebra , MATH 161 - Precalculus (Functions and Coordinate Geometry) , MATH 181 - Calculus 1 , MATH 191 - Calculus 2 , OR MATH 230 - Calculus 3
Natural Sciences (and Scientific Reasoning) (8 credits): BIOL 115 - General Biology 1 (and Lab) and BIOL 117 - General Biology 2 (and Lab)
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (3 credits): SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology - Honors
Social Sciences (3 credits): PSYCH 101H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors
The Arts OR World Languages (3 credits): choose from either category, The Arts or World Languages
World History and Global Awareness (3 credits): POLSC 111H - Introduction to World Politics - Honors

Where specific courses are not listed within the categories above, courses must be selected from the list of all general education courses .

Required Degree Courses - 30 credits

BIOL 236 - Human Genetics
Mathematics Option, Part 2: Select from MATH 131 - College Algebra , MATH 161 - Precalculus (Functions and Coordinate Geometry) , MATH 181 - Calculus 1 , MATH 191 - Calculus 2 , OR MATH 230 - Calculus 3
Free Electives (6 credits): select any college courses

STEM Electives (17 credits)

Program Map

The program map is a recommended semester-by-semester schedule of courses based on degree requirements and serve as a general guideline to help students complete their program in two years. Although designed for full-time enrollment, these are easily adaptable for part-time study. For additional, individualized guidance, students should review Degree Works and consult an Academic Counselor or Faculty Advisor to ensure they are on track to complete their program.

Semester 1

Course	Credits
BIOL 115 - General Biology 1 (and Lab)	4
ENG 101H - Writing and Research - Honors	3
Mathematics Option, Part 1: Select from MATH 131 - College Algebra , MATH 161 - Precalculus (Functions and Coordinate Geometry) , MATH 181 - Calculus 1 , MATH 191 - Calculus 2 , MATH 230 - Calculus 3	4
The Arts OR World Languages Gen. Ed. Course	3
Semester Total Credits	14

Semester 2

Course	Credits
BIOL 117 - General Biology 2 (and Lab)	4
ENG 102H - Writing and Literature - Honors	3
Mathematics Option, Part 2: select from MATH 131 - College Algebra , MATH 161 - Precalculus (Functions and Coordinate Geometry) , MATH 181 - Calculus 1 , MATH 191 - Calculus 2 , MATH 230 - Calculus 3	4
STEM Elective	4
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 3

Course	Credits
POLSC 111H - Introduction to World Politics - Honors	3
PSYCH 101H - Introduction to Psychology - Honors	3
STEM Electives	9
Semester Total Credits	15

Semester 4

Course	Credits
BIOL 236 - Human Genetics	3
Free Electives	6
SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology - Honors	3
STEM Elective	4
Semester Total Credits	16

Minimum Total Credits: 60

Transfer Opportunities

Westchester Community College is committed to facilitating a smooth transfer process to ensure that graduates of the college are prepared to transfer with junior status, and are able to complete a bachelor’s degree within two years of full-time study upon transfer. View 4-year institutions’ transfer agreement information by program here.

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