The Associate of Science (AS) in Marine Biology is designed for students who intend to transfer to the University of Oregon (UO) and complete their degree at Oregon Institute of Marine Biology (OIMB), majoring in marine biology.  The background offered by this major, however, is entirely appropriate for preparation for upper division emphasis in other professional fields such as medical, dental or veterinary school.

The AS degree, as presented, also satisfies the requirements for an AA/OT for ease of transfer to any Oregon public university. By completing general education requirements for the AA/OT, as well as the recommended science courses, students will be able to transfer to UO and complete a BS in Marine Biology or a BS in Biology with a Marine Biology Emphasis.

Career options for marine biology graduates include jobs in state and federal government, advanced training for research and teaching in the marine sciences, and most other careers available to broadly trained biologists.

The following program outline is one of many possible course configurations that would satisfy the requirements for an AS Marine Biology and AA/OT transfer degree and also fulfill basic requirements for graduation from UO. Each student should meet with an advisor to determine appropriate sequence of courses to be taken, depending on placement scores, transfer credits, and other factors.

Upon completion of an AS Marine Biology (and AA/OT) and transfer to UO, additional courses need to be taken at the Eugene campus. These courses include organic chemistry CH331 and CH335, BI214, and physics (unless it was taken at SWOCC) and upper division Biology courses.  Additional Biology courses are then taken at OIMB (a minimum of three quarters are required at OIMB in Charleston).

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 91 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better.  Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded. 

Courses that are developmental in nature, (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses), are not applicable to this degree.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

• Fulfill the student learning outcomes for an AA/OT or an AS degree.
• Participate in recommended science courses that could include introductions to oceanography and marine biology in preparation for transfer into a marine biology program.
• Enhance science skills and technical modes of inquiry with recommended elective credits.

Pre-Program Courses

Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:

Program Guide