Biology Major

The Associate of Science Degree

Contact Information
Claude Bailey
731-424-3520 ext. 204
cbailey@jscc.edu

Program and Career Description

The Associate of Science in Biology is designed for students wanting to complete the first two years of the bachelor’s degree in a community college setting. Our students have the opportunity to work closely with biology faculty and have ample access to science labs. Careers in the field of biology typically require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Careers include aquatic biologists, marine biologists, biochemists, botanists, microbiologists, physiologists, zoologists, ecologists and wildlife management.

Career Beginning Salary Range with a Bachelor’s Degree Experienced Salary Range Projected % Job Growth Through 2012
Biologist $25,485 to $42,350 $53,230 to $73,350 10%
Physiologist $28,100 to $32,300 $37,300 to $57,700 10%
Veterinarian n/a $102,800 9%

Statistics are based on state averages from the Tennessee Career Information Delivery System. Salaries are not guaranteed.

Transfer Options

At Jackson State, we work hard to make sure you graduate with your associate’s degree and arrive at a university prepared to start junior-level courses. That’s why we have special articulation agreements with Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools that allow students completing the Associate of Science in Biology degree to transfer as juniors. TBR universities with biology degrees include:

  • Austin Peay State University
  • East Tennessee State University
  • Middle Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Tennessee Tech University
  • The University of Memphis
  • Other schools in West Tennessee offering biology degrees include the University of Tennessee at Martin, Lambuth University, , Lane College, Freed Hardeman University, and Union University. Students may be required to take additional courses at these colleges before becoming a junior.

    Accreditation Information

    Jackson State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

    Program Requirements

    (Students may require additional Basic and Developmental courses.)

    Communication Requirement (All required)
    ENGL 1010 English Composition I
    ENGL 1020 English Composition II
    SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech

    Choose THREE Humanities Courses (One must be a literature Course)
    ART 1010 Art History I
    ART 1020 Art History II
    ART 1030 Art Appreciation
    COM 1030 Intro to Film
    ENGL 2111 American Lit: Pre-Colonial - 1865
    ENGL 2121 American Lit: 1865 - Present
    ENGL 2210 British Lit: Beginnings - 1785
    ENGL 2220 British Lit: 1785 - Present
    ENGL 2310 World Lit: Beginnings - 1650
    ENGL 2320 World Lit: 1650 - Present
    HUM 1010 Introduction to the Humanities I
    HUM 1020 Introduction to the Humanities II
    MUS 1030 Music Appreciation
    PHIL 1030 Introduction to Philosophy
    PHIL 2110 Introduction to Ethics
    THEA 1030 Introduction to Theatre

    Choose TWO Social and Behavioral Science Courses
    ECO 211 Principles of Macroeconomics
    ECO 212 Principles of Microeconomics
    GEO 201 Survey of World Regions
    PHED 2050 Health and Wellness
    POLS 1100 U.S. Government and Politics I
    POLS 1200 U.S. Government and Politics II
    PSY 101 General Psychology I
    PSY 102 General Psychology II
    SOC 201 Introduction to Sociology
    SOC 202 Social Problems

    Choose TWO History Courses (American History is required for TBR Schools.)
    HIST 1110 Survey of World Civilizations I
    HIST 1120 Survey of World Civilizations II
    HIST 2010 Survey of American History I
    HIST 2020 Survey of American History II

    Choose TWO Natural Science Courses
    BIOL 1110 General Biology I
    BIOL 1120 General Biology II

    Choose ONE Mathematics Course
    MATH 1710 Precalculus Algebra or higher

    Choose THREE of the Following Major Required Courses
    BIOL 2250 Environmental Biology or
    BIOL 2299 Special Problems in Biology or
    BIOL 2230 Microbiology
    CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I
    CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II

    Choose TWO of the Following
    CHEM 2010 Organic Chemistry I and
    CHEM 2020 Organic Chemistry II or
    PHYS 2010 Non-Calculus Based Physics I and
    PHYS 2020 Non-Calculus Based Physics II

    The Associate of Science Biology Major requires 60-62 college level credits. This is a transfer program which was granted an exception to the 60 hour limit requirement reached through Tennessee Board of Regents consensus. The exception was granted due to additional hours needed to adequately cover the necessary learning outcomes in the program. Some courses have prerequisites and co-requisites. See JSCC Academic Catalog and Student Handbook for further information.

    Sample Schedule

    First Year Fall Semester Credits
    BIOL 1110 General Biology I 4
    ENGL 1010 English Composition I 3
    HIST History Course 3
    MATH Precalculus Algebra or Higher 3-4
    Total Credits 13-14

    First Year Spring Semester Credits
    BIOL 1120 General Biology II 4
    ENGL 1020 English Composition II 3
    HIST History Course 3
    Humanities Course 3
    Major Elective 3-4
    Total Credits 16-17

    Second Year Fall Semester Credits
    CHEM 1110 General Chemistry I 4
    ENGL Literature Course 3
    SPE 211 Fundamentals of Speech 3
    Major Elective 4
    Social and Behavioral Science Course 3
    Total Credits 17

    Second Year Spring Semester Credits
    CHEM 1120 General Chemistry II 4
    Humanities Course 3
    Major Elective 4
    Social and Behavioral Science Course 3
    Total Credits 14