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Life Sciences (Meta-Major)

Scientist looking into a microscope in a lab.

An associate degree in Life Science offers a broad foundation in the study of biology, natural resources, and health sciences. It fosters critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and problem-solving skills, preparing students for diverse careers or further study in fields like pre-med, pre-vet, or environmental science. This degree nurtures a curiosity about living systems and a deeper understanding of the natural world, making it an excellent choice for students exploring options in life sciences but who are not yet ready to commit to a more specific discipline.

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Degrees/Certificates Other Degrees & Opportunities Career & Transfer Options More Info
Course Title Credits
General Education Courses 34-36 credits
Elective Credits 14-18 credits
Meta-major Requirements 6-10 credits
Choose 6 credits from this list:
BIOL 1610/5 Biology I and Lab 5
AGBS 2200/5 Anatomy of Physiology of Domestic Animals I and Lab 4
NR 1010 Introduction to Natural Resources 2
CHEM 1210/5 Principles of Chemistry and Lab 5
BIOL 1420/5 Environmental Biology and Lab 4
Total 60 credits

While we recommend that Life Sciences students earn the Associate of Science (AS), an AA is also available. The Associate of Arts has the same requirements as the AS but has foreign language requirement of a 1020-level language class. Please see your academic advisor for full details.

The associate degree in Life Sciences transfers into a variety of bachelor’s degrees at universities, but students will be even more prepared for transfer by choosing a non-meta-major when they are ready. The Life Sciences meta-major aligns with the following majors

  • Biology
  • Natural Resources
  • Pre-Medicine
  • Pre-Veterinary
Freshman (Semester 1)
Course Title Credits
Quantitative Literacy
ENGL 1010 Introduction to Writing 3
Fine Arts 3
Elective
Elective
Freshman (Semester 2)
Course Title Credits
GNST 1200 Foundations 3
Physical Science 3
ENGL 2010 Intermediate Writing 3
Elective
Elective
Sophomore (Semester 3)
Course Title Credits
Humanities
Life Science with a Lab 4
American Institutions
Foreign Language (1010 level)
Sophomore (Semester 4)
Course Title Credits
Integrated Explorations
Social Science
Foreign Language (1020 level)
Elective
Freshman (Semester 1)
Course Title Credits
Quantitative Literacy
ENGL 1010 Introduction to Writing 3
Fine Arts 3
Elective
Elective
Freshman (Semester 2)
Course Title Credits
GNST 1200 Foundations 3
Physical Science 3
ENGL 2010 Intermediate Writing 3
Elective
Elective
Sophomore (Semester 3)
Course Title Credits
Humanities
Life Science with a Lab 4
American Institutions
Foreign Language (1010 level)
Sophomore (Semester 4)
Course Title Credits
Integrated Explorations
Social Science
Elective
Elective

Discover ways you can transfer your credits to some of the following colleges:

For more information on transferring within public colleges and universities in Utah, see UtahTransferGuide.