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Biology

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Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.S.-T. in Biology

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University (CSU). Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Biology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU, and the degree does not guarantee admission to a specific CSU campus.



This program has the following completion requirements:



(1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

(A) CSU IGETC for STEM Breadth Requirements.

(B) The required number of units in the major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology 5
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
MATH 400 Calculus I 5
[ PHYS 350 General Physics (4) 8
and PHYS 360 ] General Physics (4)
or [ PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
and PHYS 421 ] Electricity and Magnetism (4)
Total Units: 37 - 38

The Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (IGETC for STEM).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the language, facts, and concepts that serve as the foundation for working independently on more complex problems.
  • employ appropriate information-gathering tools to investigate scientific matters.
  • clearly communicate scientific information, both orally and in written form, to diverse audiences.
  • demonstrate laboratory and field habits consistent with accepted practices for safety, documentation, and core techniques.
  • analyze data sets, recognize the implications of disturbances to biological systems, and synthesize information to draw conclusions.
  • differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge, myth, and conjecture in professional or everyday encounters with information.
  • recognize and discuss ethical implications of biological research when encountered in personal, community, and scientific issues.
  • engage in free exchange of ideas to support creative problem solving.
  • evaluate former and proposed human activities, and, if necessary, recommend alternative actions that are environmentally sustainable.

A.S.-T. in Environmental Science

The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University (CSU). Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Environmental Science at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU, and the degree does not guarantee admission to a specific CSU campus.



This program has the following completion requirements:



(1) Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:

    (A) IGETC for STEM Breadth Requirements.

    (B) The required number of units in the major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Associate Degrees for Transfer also require that students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology 3
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 51
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics 3
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics 4
MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4) 4 - 5
   or MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
Take either Geography plus lab or Geology plus lab.
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
and GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
and GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
Take PHYS 350 and 360 OR PHYS 411 and 421.
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
and PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
and PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
Total Units: 41 - 42

1Students may also complete BIOL 410 and 420 instead of CHEM 401 to earn this degree.

The Associate in Science in Environmental Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (IGETC for STEM).

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the language, facts, and concepts that serve as the foundation for working independently on more complex problems.
  • employ appropriate information-gathering tools to investigate scientific matters.
  • clearly communicate scientific information, both orally and in written form, to diverse audiences.
  • demonstrate laboratory and field habits consistent with accepted practices for safety, documentation, and core techniques.
  • analyze data sets, recognize the implications of disturbances to biological systems, and synthesize information to draw conclusions.
  • differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge, myth, and conjecture in professional or everyday encounters with information.
  • recognize and discuss ethical implications of environmental science research when encountered in personal, community, and scientific issues.
  • engage in free exchange of ideas to support creative problem solving.
  • evaluate former and proposed human activities, and, if necessary, recommend alternative actions that are environmentally sustainable.

Associate Degrees

A.S. in Biological Sciences

Biology programs at FLC seek to prepare lower division students for transfer to higher education institutions, entry into vocational programs, or science-related employment. All programs seek to develop critical thinking skills while fostering a lasting appreciation of biology.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology 5
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
BIOL 323 Plants and People (4)
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 380 Natural History Field Studies: Coastal Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 382 Natural History Field Studies: Desert Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 384 Natural History Field Study of Forest Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 386 Natural History Field Studies: Marine Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 388 Natural History Field Studies: River Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 389 Natural History Field Studies: Wetland Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 390 Natural History Field Study (0.5 - 4)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
MATH 401 Calculus II (5)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Total Units: 32 - 33

The Biological Sciences Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the language, facts, and concepts that serve as the foundation for working independently on more complex problems.
  • employ appropriate information-gathering tools to investigate scientific matters.
  • clearly communicate scientific information, both orally and in written form, to diverse audiences.
  • demonstrate laboratory and field habits consistent with accepted practices for safety, documentation, and core techniques.
  • analyze data sets, recognize the implications of disturbances to biological systems, and synthesize information to draw conclusions.
  • differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge, myth, and conjecture in professional or everyday encounters with information.
  • recognize and discuss ethical implications of biological research when encountered in personal, community, and scientific issues.
  • engage in free exchange of ideas to support creative problem solving.
  • evaluate former and proposed human activities, and, if necessary, recommend alternative actions that are environmentally sustainable.

A.S. in Environmental Science

Environmental Science prepares students to address the effects of climate change on our planet and on human interactions with our environment and each other. Students completing the Associate in Science degree will be prepared to transfer to a four-year college to major in Environmental Science, Environmental Policy, or related fields. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to determine the appropriate course work necessary to meet transfer admission requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology 5
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
A minimum of 30 units from the following: 30
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
MATH 355 Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
MATH 356 Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
MATH 370 Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
MATH 401 Calculus II (5)
MATH 402 Calculus III (5)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Total Units: 54 - 55

The Environmental Science Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the language, facts, and concepts that serve as the foundation for working independently on more complex problems.
  • employ appropriate information-gathering tools to investigate scientific matters.
  • clearly communicate scientific information, both orally and in written form, to diverse audiences.
  • demonstrate laboratory and field habits consistent with accepted practices for safety, documentation, and core techniques.
  • analyze data sets, recognize the implications of disturbances to biological systems, and synthesize information to draw conclusions.
  • differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge, myth, and conjecture in professional or everyday encounters with information.
  • recognize and discuss ethical implications of environmental science research when encountered in personal, community, and scientific issues.
  • engage in free exchange of ideas to support creative problem solving.
  • evaluate former and proposed human activities, and, if necessary, recommend alternative actions that are environmentally sustainable.

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish to obtain a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable course work that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Math and Science. These courses emphasize the natural sciences which examine the physical universe, its life forms and its natural phenomena. Courses in math emphasize the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on the development of the world's civilizations. Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: mathematics, biology, chemistry, and physical science.





It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following: 18
You must select courses from at least three different disciplines and complete courses from both math and science. If a course is cross-listed with another on the list, only one may apply to the degree.
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3)
ANTH 301 Biological Anthropology Laboratory (1)
ANTH 303 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3)
ASTR 300 Introduction to Astronomy (3)
ASTR 400 Astronomy Laboratory (1)
BIOL 300 The Foundations of Biology (3)
BIOL 307 Biology of Organisms (4)
BIOL 310 General Biology (4)
BIOL 323 Plants and People (4)
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology (5)
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology (5)
BIOL 430 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 431 Anatomy and Physiology (5)
BIOL 440 General Microbiology (4)
BIOL 442 General Microbiology and Public Health (5)
CHEM 305 Introduction to Chemistry (5)
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II (5)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOG 306 Weather and Climate (3)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 305 Earth Science (3)
GEOL 306 Earth Science Laboratory (1)
GEOL 310 Historical Geology (3)
GEOL 311 Historical Geology Laboratory (1)
GEOL 330 Introduction to Oceanography (3)
GEOL 345 Geology of California (3)
MATH 300 Introduction to Mathematical Ideas (3)
MATH 310 Mathematical Discovery (3)
MATH 333 Introduction to College Algebra (3)
MATH 335 Trigonometry with College Algebra (5)
MATH 341 Calculus for Business and Economics (4)
MATH 343 Modern Business Mathematics (4)
MATH 355 Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
MATH 356 Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
MATH 370 Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
MATH 401 Calculus II (5)
MATH 402 Calculus III (5)
MATH 410 Introduction to Linear Algebra (3)
MATH 420 Differential Equations (4)
NUTRI 300 Nutrition (3)
NUTRI 340 Nutrition and Metabolism (3)
PHYS 310 Conceptual Physics (3)
PHYS 311 Basic Physics (3)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PS 302 Introduction to Physical Science (4)
PSYC 312 Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Total Units: 18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • reason quantitatively and empirically (Math and Science).

Certificate of Achievement

Heritage Interpretation Certificate

Heritage Interpretation involves conveying meaningful information about historical, cultural, and natural events or sites to a broad audience. One may have encountered interpretive prose in historical site markers, displays at parks or museums, and written park visitor guides. Park rangers, docents, and tour guides use oral and written interpretation skills. More recently, interpretive skills have been expanding into social media. Students completing this proposed certificate of recognition will be prepared to take an exam to be a Certified Interpretive Guide (C.I.G) from the National Association for Interpretation. Courses in this certificate may also be applied towards associate degree and/or transfer requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
ANTH 300 Biological Anthropology (3) 3
   or ANTH 310 Cultural Anthropology (3)
   or ANTH 323 Introduction to Archaeology (3)
BIOL 307 Biology of Organisms (4) 3 - 4
   or BIOL 323 Plants and People (4)
   or BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
HIST 319 American Environmental History (3) 3
   or HIST 344 Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
ANTH 392 Principles of Heritage Interpretation (3) 3
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
ANTH 498 Work Experience in Anthropology (0.5 - 4)
BIOL 380 Natural History Field Studies: Coastal Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 382 Natural History Field Studies: Desert Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 384 Natural History Field Study of Forest Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 386 Natural History Field Studies: Marine Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 388 Natural History Field Studies: River Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 389 Natural History Field Studies: Wetland Ecosystems (1)
BIOL 390 Natural History Field Study (0.5 - 4)
HIST 498 Work Experience in History (0.5 - 4)
WEXP 498 Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 - 4)
Total Units: 14 - 15

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • pass the Certified Interpretive Guide exam offered by the National Association for Interpretation.
  • interpret information about a historical, cultural, or natural event or site to a diverse audience.
  • justify the importance of preserving historical, cultural, and natural resources.

Career Information

Students completing this certificate along with additional coursework may be prepared to seek jobs as an interpretive guide or Interpretive Specialist at parks, museums, historical sites, and cultural centers; K-12 educator; river guide; or in the hospitality industry. This certificate may also fulfill some of the transfer requirements for a bachelor's degree in Public History, Cultural Resources Management, or Natural Resources Management.

Certificates

Biology UC Preparation Certificate

This certificate aligns with the UC Transfer Pathway in Biology, which provides students with roadmaps to Biology (or related) majors at any University of California (UC) campus. This certificate will be especially helpful to students who know (or have a general idea) that they are interested in majoring in Biology (or a related discipline), but have not decided which UC campuses they would like to apply to.



This certificate outlines the set of courses students should take to be competitive for admission to a Biology major in the UC system. Campuses may have grade requirements for particular courses. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to determine other campus-specific requirements such as determining which Math and Biology sequence to complete.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology 5
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I 5
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II 5
[ MATH 355 Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4) 8 - 10
and MATH 356 ] Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
or [ MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
and MATH 401 ] Calculus II (5)
Total Units: 42 - 45

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the language, facts, and concepts that serve as the foundation for working independently on more complex problems.
  • employ appropriate information-gathering tools to investigate scientific matters.
  • clearly communicate scientific information, both orally and in written form, to diverse audiences.
  • demonstrate laboratory and field habits consistent with accepted practices for safety, documentation, and core techniques.
  • analyze data sets, recognize the implications of disturbances to biological systems, and synthesize information to draw conclusions.
  • differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge, myth, and conjecture in professional or everyday encounters with information.
  • recognize and discuss ethical implications of biological research when encountered in personal, community, and scientific issues.
  • engage in free exchange of ideas to support creative problem solving.
  • evaluate former and proposed human activities, and, if necessary, recommend alternative actions that are environmentally sustainable.

Environmental Science Certificate

Environmental Science prepares students to address the effects of climate change on our planet and on human interactions with our environment and each other. Students completing the Certificate of Achievement in Environmental Science will be prepared to transfer to a four-year college where completing general education prior to admission to a major in Environmental Science or similar field is neither required nor expected. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor to determine the appropriate course work necessary to meet transfer admission requirements.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
BIOL 400 Principles of Biology 5
BIOL 410 Principles of Botany (5) 4 - 5
   or BIOL 411 Plant Science (4)
BIOL 420 Principles of Zoology 5
CHEM 400 General Chemistry I 5
CHEM 401 General Chemistry II 5
A minimum of 30 units from the following: 30
BIOL 350 Environmental Biology (3)
CHEM 420 Organic Chemistry I (5)
CHEM 421 Organic Chemistry II (5)
ECON 302 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
GEOG 300 Physical Geography: Exploring Earth's Environmental Systems (3)
GEOG 301 Physical Geography Laboratory (1)
GEOL 300 Physical Geology (3)
GEOL 301 Physical Geology Laboratory (1)
MATH 355 Calculus for Biology and Medicine I (4)
MATH 356 Calculus for Biology and Medicine II (4)
MATH 370 Pre-Calculus Mathematics (5)
MATH 400 Calculus I (5)
MATH 401 Calculus II (5)
MATH 402 Calculus III (5)
PHYS 350 General Physics (4)
PHYS 360 General Physics (4)
PHYS 411 Mechanics of Solids and Fluids (4)
PHYS 421 Electricity and Magnetism (4)
PHYS 431 Heat, Waves, Light and Modern Physics (4)
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)
STAT 300 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (4)
Total Units: 54 - 55

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities toward successful completion of coursework at transfer institutions.
  • demonstrate knowledge of the language, facts, and concepts that serve as the foundation for working independently on more complex problems.
  • employ appropriate information-gathering tools to investigate scientific matters.
  • clearly communicate scientific information, both orally and in written form, to diverse audiences.
  • demonstrate laboratory and field habits consistent with accepted practices for safety, documentation, and core techniques.
  • analyze data sets, recognize the implications of disturbances to biological systems, and synthesize information to draw conclusions.
  • differentiate between scientifically-derived knowledge, myth, and conjecture in professional or everyday encounters with information.
  • recognize and discuss ethical implications of environmental science research when encountered in personal, community, and scientific issues.
  • engage in free exchange of ideas to support creative problem solving.
  • evaluate former and proposed human activities, and, if necessary, recommend alternative actions that are environmentally sustainable.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics icon

This program is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics meta-major.

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Public Service, Health, and Education

Public Service, Health, and Education icon

This program is part of the Public Service, Health, and Education meta-major.

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Check Out Degree Planner

If you're interested in a transfer degree (AA-T or AS-T), then check out Degree Planner, a tool that helps you complete your degree efficiently by mapping out what courses to take and when to take them.

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