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A female science student in protective clothing and gloves peering through a microscope.
Studying biology can lead to a wide variety of rewarding careers in biotechnology, health care, environmental science, research, education, and more. While most biology-related careers require a bachelor’s degree, starting at NECC will provide the solid foundation you need while saving you thousands of dollars on the cost of your education.

Why Choose NECC?

NECC’s Associate in Science Biology Degree is an intensive science program that combines classroom study with laboratory experiences in biology, chemistry and other natural sciences. The program also includes liberal arts and mathematics courses ensuring streamlined transfer of your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. In this program you will:

  • Study biology, ecology, chemistry, and cell biology
  • Gain hands-on experience with laboratory processes and procedures
  • Choose from a wide variety of electives in social sciences and humanities
  • Benefit from the chance to participate in extracurricular activities including a science club and meet guest speakers working in science careers

Because of NECC

Mass Transfer - links goes to the Mass Department of Ed Mass Transfer website

You will be prepared to transfer to bachelor’s in biology programs at public and private four-year schools, and can:

  • Take advantage of MassTransfer Pathways and other transfer agreements to earn your bachelor’s degree in biology or a related field, while saving thousands of dollars on the cost of your degree
  • Pursue a career in biotechnology, health care, environmental science, research, education, and more

 

Hear What Ken Thomas, Natural Sciences Faculty, Has to Say

View video on the NECC YouTube Channel.

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Program Pathway

A pathway is the most efficient sequence of courses semester-to-semester recommended for students to complete their degree. View the suggested pathway for the Associate in Science Biology Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes - Associate in Science Biology Degree

Student Learning Outcomes – Associate in Science Biology Degree

  • Study Design: Evaluate the existing knowledge base, formulate questions, interpret and analyze data, and draw conclusions.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Use basic mathematics, graphing, statistics, and data science tools to analyze your data.
  • Modeling: Recognize scientific models, use models to make inferences and solve problems, and build and evaluate your own models.
  • Interdisciplinary Thinking: Integrate concepts from across various science disciplines and from other, non-science, ways of knowing.
  • Science in Society: Understand science as a social activity consisting of both objective and subjective elements. Analyze the ethical implications of the process and the outcomes of scientific inquiry.
  • Communication: Share ideas clearly and accurately in a way that is appropriate and effective for your intended audience.

Courses and Requirements

 

Contact

Program Coordinator

Program Coordinator

Ken Thomas Email: kthomas@necc.mass.edu

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