Lower division courses in the life sciences are offered as preparation for a student who will transfer to a four-year institution that offers a bachelor’s degree program in biology, pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, ecology, marine biology, physical therapy, or teaching. Since the requirements of senior institutions vary widely, it is essential to choose an intended transfer institution as soon as possible and carefully follow the program described in that college’s catalog. The complete program is available at the Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York campuses. Some of the required courses are available at the Gettysburg and Lebanon campuses, as well as through Virtual Learning.
General Education
ENGL 101 English Composition I 3
ENGL 102 English Composition II 3
COMM 101 Effective Speaking 3
Core A Elective 3
Core B Elective 3
Core B Elective 3
Core C (BIOL 101 General Biology I) 4
Core C (CHEM 101 Organic Inorganic I) 4
*Core C MATH 104 Trigonometry 3
*Core C MATH 119 Pre-Calculus 4
General Education Transfer Elective 3
Physical Education & Wellness 1
Major Requirements
BIOL 102 General Biology II 4
CHEM 102 General Inorganic Chemistry & Qualitative Analysis 4
CHEM 203 Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM 204 Organic Chemistry II 4
Biology Electives: 8-12
Select two but not more than three from the following courses:
BIOL 206 or 250, 212, 215, 221
**Transfer Elective 3
Program requirements for the Biology: Transfer Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College typically include completing a minimum of 60 credit hours, with a combination of general education courses, core biology courses, and electives aligned with the transfer pathway. Students must successfully complete foundational courses such as Biology I and II with laboratory components, which cover principles of biology, genetics, ecology, and cell biology. Mathematics coursework, usually college algebra or higher, is required to develop analytical skills essential for scientific study. English composition courses are mandatory to ensure effective scientific communication. Additionally, students should fulfill general education requirements in areas such as humanities, social sciences, and mathematics, including courses like college writing, public speaking, and critical thinking.
Participation in laboratory work is a key component, providing practical experience in scientific methods, data collection, and analysis. Students are encouraged to maintain a strong GPA, typically a minimum of 2.0 to 2.5, to facilitate transfer to a four-year institution. Advising sessions are recommended to ensure that coursework aligns with the prerequisites of the intended transfer university. The program emphasizes the importance of developing both technical laboratory skills and a broad understanding of biological concepts to prepare students for further study or entry-level positions in science-related fields.
Elective courses may include topics such as ecology, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, or environmental biology, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest. Transfer opportunities are optimized when students participate in internships, research projects, or join biology-related student organizations. Students must also complete any college-specific application or acceptance procedures for transfer pathways. Notably, students should verify transfer agreements and articulation agreements between Harrisburg Area Community College and their target four-year institutions to ensure the courses completed meet the transfer requirements. Overall, the program aims to provide a comprehensive foundation in biological sciences, develop laboratory and research skills, and facilitate a smooth transition to a bachelor's degree program in biology or related disciplines.
Want to improve your English level for admission?
Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.
- ✔️ Flexible study schedule
- ✔️ Experienced teachers
- ✔️ Certificate upon completion
📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.
Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship
Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC?
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.
Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program.
Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.
What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?
The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year.
The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.
Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible, you must:
Apply to HACC
Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)
Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county
Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0
Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC
Participate in at least two HACC student organizations
The Transfer Associate Degree in Biology offered by Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in biological sciences while preparing them for a seamless transition to a four-year university. The program emphasizes core biological principles, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking skills necessary for advanced study or entry-level positions in biological fields. Students enrolled in this program typically engage in coursework that covers topics such as general biology, microbiology, ecology, genetics, and cellular biology, complemented by laboratory experiences that develop practical skills and scientific inquiry abilities.
The curriculum aims to ensure that credits earned can be transferred to partner universities and four-year colleges, allowing students to continue their education without redundancy and at a reduced cost. This degree serves as an excellent stepping stone for students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, research, environmental science, education, or bioinformatics. The program also integrates general education courses including mathematics, communication, and social sciences, fostering well-rounded graduates capable of contributing to multiple sectors within the biological sciences.
Harrisburg Area Community College maintains strong articulation agreements with several universities, such as Penn State University and other regional institutions, facilitating the transfer process and ensuring that students meet the prerequisites for Bachelor’s degree programs in biological sciences. The college also provides academic advising, transfer counseling, and support services to help students plan their academic paths effectively.
Students interested in the transfer associate degree are encouraged to consult with academic advisors early in their studies to tailor their coursework towards their future educational goals. The faculty involved are experienced in both teaching and research, guiding students through coursework and fostering skills pertinent to scientific research and analysis.
Graduates of the program may find employment in entry-level positions in laboratories, environmental agencies, or healthcare settings while pursuing their bachelor’s degrees. The transfer associate degree in biology at Harrisburg Area Community College is therefore a strategic choice for anyone aiming to build a solid foundation in biological sciences coupled with a clear plan for transferring to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. The program underscores the college’s commitment to student success, affordability, and educational excellence, making it an attractive option for prospective students interested in the biological sciences.
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