Natural Sciences (STEM) Program

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Program Overview

The Associate in Science degree in Natural Science at Kapi‘olani Community College prepares students to transfer to four-year institutions. This 60 credit program provides clear, explicit, coherent pathways for students intending to transfer into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors at baccalaureate institutions. The program provides curricula that focus on basic science and mathematics as well as more advanced research and mentoring experiences. The degree provides students with undergraduate research opportunities as they move through STEM curricular pathways. Targeted advising and appropriate course sequencing enable the efficient transfer of STEM students.

Contact Information

Degree & Certificates

Associate in Science – Natural Science with a concentration in Biological Sciences (60 credits)

The Associate in Science degree in Natural Science prepares students to transfer to four-year universities and colleges. This 60-credit program provides clear, explicit, and coherent biological sciences pathways for students intending to transfer into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors at baccalaureate institutions. The program provides curricula that focus on basic science and mathematics, as well as more advanced laboratory and field training, and mentoring experiences. Students are provided with enriched undergraduate research opportunities as they matriculate through the biological sciences curriculum. Targeted advising and appropriate course sequencing support the efficient transfer of STEM students

Associate in Science – Natural Science with a concentration in Engineering (60 credits)

The Associate in Science degree in Natural Science prepares students to transfer to four-year universities and colleges. This 60-credit program provides clear, explicit, and coherent engineering pathways for students intending to transfer into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors at baccalaureate institutions. The program provides curricula that focus on basic science and mathematics as well as more advanced research and mentoring experiences. Students are provided with enriched undergraduate research opportunities as they matriculate through the engineering curriculum. Targeted advising and appropriate course sequencing support the efficient transfer of STEM students

Associate in Science – Natural Science with a concentration in Information and Computer Science (60 credits)

The Associate in Science degree in Natural Science with a concentration in Information and Computer Science provides a pathway for students intending to transfer into Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related programs at four-year universities and colleges. The major focuses on problem-solving, algorithm development, implementation, and testing using programming languages such as Java, C++, and C in addition to general science and mathematics coursework. Students are provided with enriched undergraduate research opportunities as they matriculate through the curriculum. Targeted advising and appropriate course sequencing enable efficient transfer of STEM students

Associate in Science – Natural Science with a concentration in Physical Sciences (60 credits)

The Associate in Science degree in Natural Science prepares students to transfer to four-year universities and colleges. This 60-credit program provides clear, explicit, and coherent physical sciences pathways for students intending to transfer into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors at baccalaureate institutions. The program provides curricula that focus on basic science and mathematics as well as more advanced research and mentoring experiences. Students are provided with enriched undergraduate research opportunities as they matriculate through the physical sciences curriculum. Targeted advising and appropriate course sequencing support the efficient transfer of STEM students

Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology (43 credits)

Biotechnology is a commercial, medical or research endeavor that uses living cells or their components to create useful products. The applications of biotechnology are widely employed in pharmaceuticals, fermentation technologies agriculture, the diagnosis and prevention of disease, vaccine development, and production, forensics and bioremediation. The Certificate of Achievement in Biotechnology prepares students for entry-level employment in the biotechnology industry and research labs. Students learn basic laboratory skills, equipment operation and maintenance, quality control, safety, and good manufacturing practices.

Certificate of Achievement in STEM Education (37-39 credits)

The Certificate of Achievement in STEM Education provides curricula that focus on basic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as well as a solid knowledge and skills in Education. This Certificate provides a clear pathway for students planning to be secondary school educators in STEM.

Certificate of Competence in Biotechnology (12 credits)

The Certificate of Competence in Biotechnology prepares students for entry-level work in laboratories specializing in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology. The curriculum offers a strong theoretical foundation in biotechnology and extensive opportunities for honing the laboratory skills needed to work in biotech laboratories. This certificate is particularly suited as a supplemental credential for students in the Medical Laboratory Technician program.

Program Information

Potential Career & Employers

  • Careers: Botanist, Ecologist, Geneticist, Microbiologist, Marine Biologist, Veterinarian, Astronomer, Chemist, Data Scientist, Geologist, Physicist, Environmental Management Specialist, Aerospace Engineer, Civil Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Materials Engineer, Computer Forensic Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Cloud Architect, Web Developer.
  • Employers: Hawaiian Electric Company, Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), Hawaiian Air Lines, MITRE Corporation, Booze Allen Hamilton, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), The Boeing Company, National Security Agency (NSA), Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation, Integration Technologies, Inc., KAI Hawai‘i, Inc., Engineering/Remediation Resources Group, Inc., CMD Smith, GSI Group Inc.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science degree in Natural Science, the student should be able to:

  • Apply scientific knowledge, skills, and methods to problem solving, with a special emphasis on Hawai‘i, where appropriate.
  • Utilize analytical reasoning or mathematical techniques to describe physical or biological phenomena.
  • Conduct inquiry-based investigations using computer algorithms, engineering design reviews, and/or the scientific process.
  • Critically review discipline-specific literature and effectively communicate unbiased research orally and in writing.

“After switching majors and campuses, I was so apprehensive because I knew I was falling behind in school. The Kapi‘olani Community College STEM program helped me set my priorities straight and made me comfortable in the career path I am in.”

Edileo Valdez Alcalde, Former Kapiʻolani CC STEM student, ASNS degree Physical Science graduate, currently majoring in Civil & Environmental Engineering at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Male student in library

STEM Forms & Documents