Liberal Arts and Science, A.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Program Design

The Liberal Arts and Science associate in science degree program provides students with a broad background preparing them for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at another college or university or to move directly into the workforce. Students planning to continue their education in a baccalaureate degree major such as agriculture, biology, chemistry, environmental science, geology, physics or psychology will be well served by the Liberal Arts curriculum. By following the curriculum guidelines detailed on this page and by working with an advisor to choose courses related to the student’s interests, a student can, in a sense, customize his or her own degree program.

Curriculum

Students may enroll in this program full-or part-time. For any student who is not prepared for the required mathematics and English courses, MCC offers a wide range of developmental classes.

Foreign Language Requirements

Although the associate in science degree does not require the study of a language, the college or university to which a student wishes to transfer may require two to four semesters of the same foreign language. These requirements may be met at MCC.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Liberal Arts and Science associate degree program requirements, graduates will

Read, write and communicate analytically in forms that involve and document outside sources.
Understand the major literary, artistic and philosophical features of western and non-western cultures.
Define the concept and function of culture.
Demonstrate knowledge of the major developments in western civilization.
Understand world events in terms of social scientific theories and paradigms.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct meaningful research.
Use mathematical tools and technology to create mathematical models.
Analyze and solve problems numerically, graphically and symbolically.
Use appropriate techniques to gather and analyze data.
Apply the scientific method to solving problems.
Understand and apply scientific principles.
Work with others, including culturally and intellectually diverse peoples; think critically; and gain an appreciation for life-long learning.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Students selecting the Liberal Arts and Science as a major who have completed 16 transferable credits or fewer may be eligible to enroll in the Guaranteed Admissions Program with the University of Connecticut (UConn). The Guaranteed Admissions Program is designed for students choosing to transfer to the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or the School of Business at UConn.

Liberal Arts and Science Program Required Courses

General Education Requirements

General Education Intellectual Skills Courses
ENG* 101:&nbsp;Composition 3 Credits
IDS* 201:&nbsp;Explore [Theme] 3 Credits *
Choose two courses from the following: (6-9 Credits)
MAT* 146:&nbsp;Math for Liberal Arts 3 Credits
MAT* 148:&nbsp;Geometry 3 Credits
MAT* 165:&nbsp;Elementary Statistics with Computer Applications 4 Credits
MAT* 172:&nbsp;College Algebra 3 Credits
MAT* 186:&nbsp;Precalculus 4 Credits
MAT* 222:&nbsp;Statistics II with Technology Applications 3 Credits
MAT* 254:&nbsp;Calculus I 4 Credits
MAT* 256:&nbsp;Calculus II 4 Credits
General Education Knowledge Area Courses
Knowledge of the Physical and Natural World

Choose one of the following sequences (8 Credits)
BIO* 121:&nbsp;General Biology I 4 Credits and
BIO* 122:&nbsp;General Biology II 4 Credits
or
CHE* 121:&nbsp;General Chemistry I 4 Credits and
CHE* 122:&nbsp;General Chemistry II 4 Credits
or
PHY* 121:&nbsp;General Physics I 4 Credits and
PHY* 122:&nbsp;General Physics II 4 Credits
or
PHY* 221:&nbsp;Calculus-Based Physics I 4 Credits and
PHY* 222:&nbsp;Calculus-Based Physics II 4 Credits
Knowledge of Human Experience and Behavior (3 credits)
ANT* 101:&nbsp;Introduction to Anthropology 3 Credits or
PSY* 111:&nbsp;General Psychology I 3 Credits or
SOC* 101:&nbsp;Principles of Sociology 3 Credits
Knowledge of Human Thought and Expression (3 credits)
PHL* 101:&nbsp;Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credits or
PHL* 111:&nbsp;Ethics 3 Credits
Subtotal: 29-32

Liberal Arts and Science Requirements

Choose one course from any General Education Knowledge Area 3 Credits

Knowledge of Human Experience and Behavior or

Knowledge of Human Thought and Expression or

Knowledge of the Physical and Natural World
ENG* 110:&nbsp;Introduction to Literature 3 Credits
ENG* 200:&nbsp;Advanced Composition 3 Credits
Choose one of the following:
ENG* 232:&nbsp;British Literature II 3 Credits
ENG* 263:&nbsp;Women in Poetry 3 Credits
ENG* 221:&nbsp;American Literature I 3 Credits
ENG* 222:&nbsp;American Literature II 3 Credits
ENG* 245:&nbsp;Early Western Literature 3 Credits
ENG* 246:&nbsp;Modern Western Literature 3 Credits
ENG* 262:&nbsp;Women in Literature 3 Credits
History:
Choose one of the following:
HIS* 101:&nbsp;Western Civilization I 3 Credits
HIS* 102:&nbsp;Western Civilization II 3 Credits
HIS* 121:&nbsp;World Civilization I 3 Credits
HIS* 122:&nbsp;World Civilization II 3 Credits
Choose one of the following:
HIS* 201:&nbsp;United States History I 3 Credits
HIS* 202:&nbsp;United States History II 3 Credits
HIS* 215:&nbsp;The History Of Women in the US 3 Credits
HIS* 224:&nbsp;The American Indian 3 Credits
HIS* 242:&nbsp;Modern Ireland 3 Credits
HIS* 280:&nbsp;Modern Africa 3 Credits
HIS* 272:&nbsp;Modern China 3 Credits
HIS* 284:&nbsp;South Africa 3 Credits
Choose one of the following:
ECN* 101:&nbsp;Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Credits
ECN* 102:&nbsp;Principles of Microeconomics 3 Credits
GEO* 101:&nbsp;Introduction to Geography 3 Credits
GEO* 111:&nbsp;World Regional Geography 3 Credits
POL* 101:&nbsp;Introduction to Political Science 3 Credits
POL* 111:&nbsp;American Government 3 Credits
POL* 112:&nbsp;State and Local Government 3 Credits
Subtotal: 18

Electives 15 Credits

Choose four liberal arts courses from the list below or one free elective:

ANT*, ART*, AST*, BIO* (with the exception of BIO* 112), CHE*, COM*, EAS*, ECN*, ENG* (with the exception of ENG* 043, ENG* 003 , ENG* 066 and ENG* 093 ), EVS*, FRE*, GEO*, GLG*, MET*, HIS*, HUM*, MAT* (with the exceptions of MAT* 075 , MAT* 095 and MAT* 096 ), MUS*, OCE*, PHL*, PHY*, POL*, PSY*, SOC*, SPA*, THR*

Total Credits Required: 62-65

Additional Courses

In addition to following the requirements for an A.S. degree, the courses listed below are suggestions of applicable courses to take if you are interested in transferring to a certain major. Be sure and meet with the academic chair of the particular department to confirm the selected courses.

BIOLOGY: For students who want to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in ecology, human biology, biotechnology and secondary education, as well as pre-medical, pre-dental and pre-veterinary studies.

BIO* 211 , BIO* 212 , ENG* 114 , MAT* 254 (formerly MAT* 250), MAT* 256 and MAT* 165 . It is also recommended that students take BIO* 121 , BIO* 122 , and CHE* 121 , CHE* 122 .

CHEMISTRY: For students who want to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program leading to job opportunities in such fields as industrial chemistry, chemical and pharmaceutical sales and service, education, dentistry and medicine.

MAT* 165 , MAT* 285 , MAT* 268 , CHE* 211 , CHE* 212 , CHE* 121 , CHE* 122 , PHY* 221 , PHY* 222

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: For students who want to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in agricultural resource management, environmental studies, earth sciences, or ecology and evolutionary biology.

EVS* 100 , GLG* 121 , BIO* 121 and BIO* 122 , PHY* 221 , PHY* 222 , CHE* 121 , CHE* 122 , MAT* 254 (formerly MAT* 250) are strongly recommended. Note that GEO* 246 and MAT* 165 are also suggested.

MATHEMATICS: For students who want to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in mathematics, computer science, information services or related fields. Mathematics graduates may find positions in statistics, actuarial science, operations research, computer programming, systems analysis and teaching.

MAT* 272 , MAT* 268 , MAT* 285 , MAT* 287 , CSC* 215 , PHY* 121 , PHY* 122

PSYCHOLOGY: For students who want to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs in psychology.

PSY* 111 , PSY* 112 and at least two of the following, PSY* 201 or PSY* 203 , PSY* 240 , PSY* 243 , PSY* 245 . It is also recommended that students take MAT* 165 , SOC* 101 or ANT* 101 , and BIO* 105 or BIO* 115 or BIO* 121 .

PHYSICS: For students who want to transfer into bachelor’s degree majors in physics, engineering physics, physical science or earth science. Physics graduates are prepared to pursue a wide variety of employment opportunities ranging from basic research and development to technical sales and services.

PHY* 221 , PHY* 222 , PHY* 223 , MAT* 268 , MAT* 285

PRE-MED/PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM (Medical, Dental, Veterinary, and Optometry): Students are advised to check with the transfer institution and confer with their advisor.

In addition to following the requirements for an A.S. degree, you may want to include the following suggested courses as electives in your program of study.

NUTRITION: For students interested in nutrition or dietetics.

CHE* 121 , CHE* 122 , BIO* 121 , BIO* 122 , CHE* 210 , BIO* 111 , BIO* 211 , BIO* 212 .

Notes:

* Transfer students and students changing their major to Liberal Arts or General Studies may not be required to take IDS* 201 . IDS*201 may not transfer to other schools as a General Education course. Students may want to consider taking a General Education Mode 1 course in its place. Please consult with an advisor.