The Associate of Science in Biology, Liberal Arts degree prepares students for advanced study in biology and related fields. Students develop a solid foundation in key areas of biology, learn to apply their knowledge, and enhance their scientific data analysis and communication skills. This program emphasizes essential learning skills and offers flexibility in course selection, making it suitable for aspiring biologists and those seeking a foundation for further education.

Degree Overview:

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Biology, Liberal Arts is designed for students who plan to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree. It's suitable for students who will be taking upper-level coursework in mathematics, biological sciences, and physical sciences. This program fulfills the Colorado Statewide General Education Core and lower division general education requirements at most Colorado public institutions.

Objectives:

• Students will demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the key areas within biology, including plant and animal biology, evolution, ecology, cell biology, and genetics.
• Students will be able to apply their biological knowledge to address new questions.
• Students will develop proficiency in gathering, organizing, and analyzing scientific data, drawing logical conclusions.
• Students will demonstrate effective communication skills in both writing and oral presentations within the context of biology.

Careers:

Graduates with an A.S. degree in Biology, Liberal Arts can pursue careers in teaching, plant pathology, wildlife biology, cell biology, biotechnology, or other related fields. They can also use this degree as a foundation for other disciplines.

Other:

• The program emphasizes the development of essential learning skills like critical thinking, communication fluency, and information literacy.
• Students choose courses from four areas: cell, molecular, and developmental biology; anatomical and physiological biology; organismal biology; or ecology, evolution, and systematics.
• A suggested course plan is provided to guide students through the degree requirements.
• DegreeWorks, an online degree audit tool, is available to students to track their progress towards graduation.
• The program includes a capstone exit assessment/project requirement that may be identified under Program-Specific Degree Requirements.

Colorado Mesa University

Overview:

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is a public university located in Grand Junction, Colorado. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as online courses and programs. CMU is known for its affordable tuition, small class sizes, and strong emphasis on hands-on learning.

Services Offered:

CMU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Admissions & Costs:

Admissions counseling, application process, financial aid, scholarships, tuition and fee information, and resources for admitted students.

Academics:

Program search, course catalog, degree requirements, graduate studies, online courses, non-credit courses, semester calendars, and academic advising.

Study and Performance Resources:

Library access, study room reservations, textbook purchasing, tutoring services, and transcript requests.

Getting Help:

IRIS (student assistance), accessibility services, career services, IT help desk, university center information, student services, student wellness center, tutoring, faculty contact information, campus office contacts, directory search, and campus maps.

Campus Life:

Dining services, housing and residence life, student life activities, campus safety, parking services, MAVcard campus ID, and resources for current students.

Events:

Calendar of events, performing arts, commencement ceremony, welcome week, homecoming, parents' weekend, student showcase, and event space reservations.

Campus Activities:

Outdoor program, recreation center, NCAA athletics, clubs and organizations, club sports, and intramural sports.

Working Here:

Faculty and staff employment opportunities, student employment, human resources, and payroll.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

CMU offers a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide range of activities, including:

Outdoor Adventures:

The Outdoor Program provides opportunities for outdoor trips and equipment rentals.

Social Engagement:

Student life offers numerous on-campus activities, clubs, and yearly concerts.

Downtown Exploration:

Grand Junction's historic downtown provides dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordable Education:

CMU offers a quality education at a competitive price, with one of the lowest tuition rates in Colorado.

Small Class Sizes:

Students benefit from personalized attention and close relationships with professors.

Hands-on Learning:

CMU emphasizes practical experience and prepares students for successful careers.

Vibrant Campus Life:

Students can enjoy a diverse range of activities, clubs, and events.

Beautiful Location:

Grand Junction offers a sunny climate and access to outdoor recreation.

Academic Programs:

CMU offers over 120 academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Humanities:

Art, Communication, English, History, Music, Theatre, and more.

Business and Technology:

Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, Hospitality Management, and more.

Education:

Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Special Education, and more.

Health Sciences:

Nursing, Health Sciences, and more.

Social Sciences:

Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, and more.

Other:

CMU has additional locations, including:

CMU Tech:

A technical college offering associate degrees and certificates.

Montrose Campus:

A branch campus offering select undergraduate programs.

CMU also offers online programs through its Distance Education program.