Majors
Our four Associate’s degree majors prepare you for specialized careers in education, business, health, and STEM fields. You will also be well positioned to further your studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Majors
Students completing the Applied Data Science Associate’s degree will gain skills in data processing, management, and visualization. Students will learn fundamentals of computer programming and will be introduced to concepts in algorithms and computer systems organization. Through real-world datasets and problems, students will learn how to analyze and think critically about data and algorithms arising in business, healthcare, criminal justice, social media, sports, and other applications.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain skills in data processing, management, and visualization.
- Learn the fundamentals of computer programming.
- Analyze data and perform statistical modeling, to quantify uncertainty in conclusions and predictions made with data.
Post-Graduation Pathways
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions such as business analysts, operations analysts, operations research analysts, data analysts, data architects, and database administrators. Students are also well positioned to transition into a Bachelor’s Degree program, either at Boston College or another peer university.
| Applied Data Science Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Programming in R for Data Science | 1 |
| Principles of Economics (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Principles of Computer Science | 3 |
| Data Science Principles | 3 |
| Database Systems and Applications OR Computer Science I | 3 |
| Data Visualization | 3 |
| Data Science Methods and Applications | 3 |
Students completing the Associate’s degree in Psychology and Human Development will gain a fundamental understanding of concepts, issues and theory related to children’s learning and development from birth through adolescence. They will develop the foundational skills needed for students interested in meaningful careers that support the lives of children and families.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the concepts, issues and theory related to both neurotypical and neurodivergent children’s learning and development.
- Analyze cultural/ethnic, contextual, and educational factors in human development.
- Critically interpret and evaluate research in order to make evidence-based decisions and advocate for children and families.
Post-Graduation Pathways
Graduates are prepared to work in a range of environments including early childhood education programs as child care professionals, lead educators, and learning and development coordinators; in schools as teaching assistants; in social services such as social service assistants; and in academic and non-profit settings as research assistants or support workers. Students can also use the Associate’s degree in Applied Psychology and Human Development as a stepping stone to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in more advanced psychology and education careers.
| Applied Psychology and Human Development Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| Family, School, and Society (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Research Methods for Applied Psychology | 3 |
| Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| Cognition and Learning | 3 |
| Education and Development for Students with Disabilities OR Learning & Curriculum in the Elementary School | 3 |
Students completing the Associate’s degree in General Business will gain an overview of the various functional areas of business while developing skills in finance, accounting, operations, marketing, and business law.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain an overview of the various functional areas of business
- Develop skills in data literacy
- Develop strong communication skills
- Develop ethical reasoning skills
Post-Graduation Pathways
Graduates are equipped for a wide variety of business-related careers in areas such as human resources, sales, and finance. They are prepared for entry level positions, including functional specialists (e.g., payroll specialist), customer service representatives, office managers, and administrative assistants. Students are also well positioned to transition smoothly into many of the bachelor’s degree programs at the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and other undergraduate schools.
| General Business Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Excel for Business Analytics | 1 |
| Principles of Economics (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Coding for Business | 3 |
| Marketing Principles OR Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| Financial Accounting | 3 |
| Fundamentals of Finance | 3 |
| Law I: Introduction to Law and Legal Process | 3 |
| Statistical Computing: Programming in R | 1 |
Students completing the Associate’s degree in Health Sciences will gain practical skills in patient care through both classroom and clinical placements. They will develop the foundational skills needed to pursue meaningful careers in the healthcare industry, including positions in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, laboratories, clinics, and home health agencies.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop the knowledge and skills of a well-rounded healthcare support professional.
- Learn practical skills in patient care and teamwork.
- Prepare for immediate employment in the healthcare field.
- Implement a philosophy congruent with values that support the intrinsic worth and dignity of each human being.
- Develop the communication skills necessary to contribute to quality healthcare delivery.
Post-Graduation Pathways
Graduates are prepared for immediate employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a Patient Care Assistant, a Medical Assistant or an Emergency Room Technician. At the completion of this 2-year degree students will be on a trajectory towards a career in healthcare such as nursing. They will also be well positioned to transition smoothly into a Bachelor’s Degree program in Nursing or other healthcare professions.
| Health Science Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Life Science Chemistry + Lab (Natural Science Core) | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology 1 + Lab (Natural Science Core) | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology 2 + Lab | 4 |
| Microbiology for Health Professionals + Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| Health Assessment Clinical | 3 |
| Nursing Assessment of Health Across the Lifespan (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Adult Health Nursing Theory 1 | 3 |
| Adult Health Nursing Clinical 1 | 3 |
| Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| Principles of Nutrition Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| Intro to Professional Nursing (optional for B.S. Nursing candidates) | 0 |