Associate in Science

The Associate in Science (AS) provides a framework for equipping students who want to transfer and who wish to earn an associate degree from Black Hawk College. The AS is suitable for students who need to complete additional math and science courses before transferring.  The AS degree accommodates sequenced coursework in these subjects, for example Calculus I, II, and III; or Chemistry I and II. The first two years of a baccalaureate degree at a four-year college or university are devoted primarily to a general education core curriculum and a small number of introductory courses for a specific transfer major. Transfer students can complete these types of courses at BHC within the AS degree with the goal of arriving at the transfer school well prepared for their major.

Transferring to a 4-Year School

Transfer schools differ in their acceptance of AS degrees, including possibly the need for additional general education courses after transfer.  If the transfer school does not accept the AS, and the student wishes to complete an associate degree before transferring, courses can be taken through the Associate in Arts degree instead. Academic advisors work closely with students and the four-year colleges and universities to choose suitable courses. Students may begin their transfer planning by reviewing Transfer Guides & Agreements. Students interested in other colleges or universities should contact the transfer institution or a BHC advisor.

Students completing the Associate in Science degree will be able to:

• Apply scientific thinking skills through the study of physical and life sciences
• Apply quantitative skills through the study of mathematics
• Apply communication skills through the study of speech and writing
• Evaluate human experiences through the study of the humanities and fine arts
• Develop an appreciation of human continuity, diversity and change through the study of social and behavioral sciences

AS Degree Framework – current academic year

AS Degree Planning Worksheets (by catalog year)

Before 2020, please refer to the respective BHC catalog. In the event of conflicting information between a worksheet and respective catalog, the catalog prevails.

• AS Program Planning Worksheet 2023-24 (PDF)
• AS Program Planning Worksheet 2022-23 (PDF)
• AS Program Planning Worksheet 2021-22 (PDF)
• AS Program Planning Worksheet 2020-21 (PDF)