The Associate of Arts degree in Natural Sciences and Mathematics is intended to give students a broad background in a particular area of liberal studies. Students are required to take coursework in at least three disciplines within Natural Sciences and Mathematics (Biology, Chemistry, Computer Information Sciences, Physics, or Mathematics and Statistics) and to take a twelve-hour concentration in one of these discipline areas. The credits earned in this associate degree are all applicable toward a bachelor’s degree.

A student must complete 60 semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Twenty-four credit hours must be completed at Washburn University; of these, 12 of the last 24 must be Washburn University credits. Forty-two hours must be graded. A student may not take the A/Pass/Fail option in the area of concentration without obtaining written permission from the chairperson of the department offering the course and filing it with the University Registrar’s Office. The application for degree should be on file before enrolling for the last 15 hours.

Student Learning Outcomes

Washburn University students completing this degree, upon graduation, are expected to have:

• Acquired an introductory knowledge of the basic principles of science and mathematics. 
• Develop the ability to understand and utilize the scientific method.
• Acquired a foundation for continued academic study.

Degree Requirements

In addition to the requirements stated below, students must complete 34-35 hours of General Education, all requirements for an Associate of Arts degree, and any additional hours needed to reach the minimum 60 credit hours required for graduation. Some of the courses below may also fulfill general education or other degree requirements.  Please see your advisor for more information.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses 1
Natural Sciences and Mathematics 2		24
Total Hours		24

¹

A minimum of a C grade is required in all courses within the area of concentration, including the six hours of general education in the Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

²

The 24 hours of coursework will include at least six hours each from a minimum of three subject areas within the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. At least 12 hours from one discipline area.  These courses will be selected from a list developed by faculty in that discipline area and may include six hours of upper-division credit.