Biology

Pathway Overview

Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer. Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway. Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.

Pathways


Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

About the Biology Pathway 

This pathway is designed to meet the Associate in Science (AS) Track 1 degree requirements with an emphasis in biology.  If you enjoy science and are curious about how living things work, consider entering this pathway.     

Biology is an increasingly complex and exciting field, one that overlays other critical subdisciplines from anatomy, pathology and ecology to chemistry, genetics and botany. Each of these intersects with the study of life and living organisms. And of course, medical and scientific innovation continue to drive biology into new and thrilling directions. This means that your biology education will touch on issues impacting human, animal and plant life far and wide, including subjects like genetic engineering, transhumanism, GMO farming, and global climate change.

In this pathway, you’ll learn about life on Earth and how it forms, functions, evolves and interacts. Courses explore topics like evolution, genetics and the cellular process in microorganisms, plants and animals. You’ll also learn about the scientific method and gain hands-on experiences in the lab. Most of our biology students continue their education by transferring to a four-year college or university at a junior standing.

Whether you want a career in science education, zoology, botany, wildlife, ecology, microbiology or biotechnology—or you plan to apply your biology degree toward a future in medicine, nursing or other allied health profession—this pathway is an excellent start.

Transfer Programs Information Sessions

Come check out our Transfer Programs Information Sessions to learn more and ask questions about our programs. Learn more and sign-up! 

Information Sessions will cover the following information:

  • Overview of our campus community 
  • Benefits of attending South Seattle College 
  • How transfer degrees work 
  • Areas of Study and Program Pathways 
  • Student resources and funding opportunities 
  • Faculty Spotlights
  • How to get started

Associate Transfer Degrees

Associate Transfer Degrees: Two-year transfer degrees let you take your freshman and sophomore classes at Seattle Colleges for a fraction of the cost, and then transfer to a four-year university with the skills and confidence to succeed. Be sure to work with a transfer advisor at Seattle Colleges and the four-year institution you plan to attend.

Depending on your program pathway, you can earn either an Associate of Arts (AA-DTA), Associate in Business (AB-DTA), or Associate of Science (AS), Track 1 or Track 2. Learn more.

Program Pathway Map 

Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer.  Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway.  Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.  

View Program Pathway Map 

Career Opportunities

  • Biologist
  • Biological Technician
  • Environmental Conservationist
  • Biochemist
  • Physician
  • Dentist
  • Veterinarian
  • Physical Therapist
  • Health Educator
  • Phlebotomist
  • Registered Nurse
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Genetic Counselor
  • Health Communications Specialist
  • Respiratory Therapist
  • Microbiologist
  • Agricultural & Food Scientist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

A bachelor’s degree or higher degree may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:

  • A bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, pre-med or a related field at a four-year college or university.
  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges. 

South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.

Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.

Length of Program

90 credits = 6 quarters if you take 15 credits* each term.

*Students who take 15 credits each quarter earn their degree faster, saving them time and money. Additionally, full-time students often qualify for more financial aid and earn more money over their lifetime because they complete their schooling faster. Meet with an advisor to build your education plan!  

Which Quarter Can I Begin?

Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer.

Class Times/Delivery Modes?

Most courses are offered M-TH, M/W, or T/TH during the daytime (between 8-1:30 p.m.) on-campus, online, or in hybrid (part on-campus, part online) format. We also offer some evening courses twice-a-week and science courses may include afternoon labs (between 1-4 p.m.). For the most recent class times, visit the online class schedule.

Approximate Costs Each Quarter

Tuition………………………………………………………….........………….............…………....$1550

Books, supplies, and miscellaneous fees………………………….......…………....$200

Tuition based on WA resident rates. Rates for international students and non-residents may vary.

Did you know that the average student at South spends three hours applying for financial aid and gets more than $4000 per year? 

To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit South’s Financial Aid Department for details.