This site is best viewed in Firefox, Chrome, Safari, or EdgeX

Associate Degree in Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science

By completing NECC’s Associate Degree in Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science you gain a strong foundation in liberal arts including critical reading, critical thinking, research, and communications, in addition to taking general science and mathematics courses required by many colleges and universities if you are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in physical science or a related field. With this program, you can:

  • Choose from three concentrations: Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Science
  • Learn critical thinking skills to solve challenging problems
  • Develop your communication skills
  • Participate in experiential learning programs, such as travel abroad or internships
  • Use NECC resources to help you succeed, including computer labs, tutoring centers, and a career and academic advising center.

How to get started in Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science

Get more details about how to apply for this program.

Program Costs

Program Costs

View tuition and fee information for this program.
Program Info

Program Info

View the semester-by-semester pathways for this program.
Faculty

Department Chair

Maria Carles

Email: mcarles@necc.mass.edu

Additional Program Information

Upon completion of this program, you will be prepared to transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree and pursue many career paths. Employers increasingly seek workers who possess critical thinking, problem solving, and effective communication skills you will learn. You can:

  • Take advantage of MassTransfer Pathways and other transfer agreements to earn your bachelor’s degree, while saving thousands of dollars on the cost of your degree
  • Prepare for a career in fields such as research and development, meteorology, education, the environmental sector, and more.
Student Learning Outcomes - Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science

Student Learning Outcomes – Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science

  • Study Design: Evaluate the existing knowledge base, formulate questions, interpret and analyze data, and draw conclusions.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Use basic mathematics, graphing, statistics, and data science tools to analyze your data.
  • Modeling: Recognize scientific models, use models to make inferences and solve problems, and build and evaluate your own models.
  • Interdisciplinary Thinking: Integrate concepts from across various science disciplines and from other, non-science, ways of knowing.
  • Science in Society: Understand science as a social activity consisting of both objective and subjective elements. Analyze the ethical implications of the process and the outcomes of scientific inquiry.
  • Communication: Share ideas clearly and accurately in a way that is appropriate and effective for your intended audience.

Credit for Prior Learning or Work Experience

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace and graduate sooner! These credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Free Community College

MassEducate & MassReconnect

No tuition. No fees. And both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for eligible students.

Learn More

Print View