Biology for Pre-Health Studies Concentration
Program Description
The Associate in Science (A.S.) in Science – Biology for Pre-Health Studies (Pre-Professional) Concentration is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a life science field while preparing for admission to professional health programs.
This concentration provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry (including organic chemistry), and mathematics, along with rigorous laboratory experience. Students develop critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and scientific problem-solving skills essential for success in upper-level coursework and competitive professional programs.
The curriculum is structured to support students interested in careers such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, physician assistant studies, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions.
Because mathematics preparation varies by student, multiple course sequences are available. Students should review the additional tabs and select the appropriate pathway based on their starting level in mathematics. Beginning in the appropriate math course is essential to maintaining steady progress toward graduation and transfer.
Transfer Information
The Biology for Pre-Health Studies concentration is structured to align with bachelor’s degree programs in biology, biochemistry, or related life science majors that meet prerequisites for professional schools.
Students intending to pursue a health profession should work closely with OCC faculty and Advising & Transfer Services to ensure that their coursework aligns with both bachelor’s degree requirements and professional school prerequisites. Many health professions have specific admission requirements beyond degree completion, including GPA thresholds, entrance exams, volunteer or clinical experience, and prerequisite coursework.
Students planning to transfer within New Jersey can explore the “Transfer Programs” feature on NJ Transfer (www.njtransfer.org) to review articulation agreements and institutional requirements.
Early and intentional academic planning is strongly recommended for students pursuing competitive health professions.
Career Information
The A.S. in Science – Biology for Pre-Health Studies Concentration is designed primarily for transfer. A bachelor’s degree and completion of a professional program are required for most clinical health careers.
After completing advanced study, graduates may pursue careers such as:
- Physician
- Dentist
- Pharmacist
- Physician Assistant
- Physical or Occupational Therapist
- Veterinarian
- Clinical laboratory professional
Students are strongly encouraged to consult with OCC faculty and Career Services early in their academic journey to map out prerequisites, experiential expectations, and long-term preparation for professional school admission. OCC students may also use Focus2 Career through Ocean Connect to explore health-related career pathways and academic planning resources.
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MATH 166 | Topics in Algebra | 4 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| MATH 196 | Precalculus | 4 |
| BIOL 162 & 162L | General Biology II Lecture and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 130 & 130L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| BIOL 131 & 131L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 181 & 181L | General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| HIST 171 | Western Civilization to 1650 | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CHEM 182 & 182L | General Chemistry II Lecture and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| PHYS 171 & 171L | Physics I Lecture and Physics I Lab | 4 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MATH 196 | Precalculus | 4 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| BIOL 130 & 130L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 162 & 162L | General Biology II Lecture and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| BIOL 131 & 131L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 4 |
| CHEM 181 & 181L | General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| HIST 171 | Western Civilization to 1650 | 3 |
| PHYS 171 & 171L | Physics I Lecture and Physics I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CHEM 182 & 182L | General Chemistry II Lecture and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 172 & 172L | Physics II Lecture and Physics II Lab | 4 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |
| Fall One | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| STSC 150 | Student Success Seminar | 2 |
| ENGL 151 | English I | 3 |
| MATH 265 | Calculus I | 4 |
| PSYC 172 | General Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL 161 & 161L | General Biology I Lecture and General Biology I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring One | ||
| ENGL 152 | English II | 3 |
| BIOL 162 & 162L | General Biology II Lecture and General Biology II Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 130 & 130L | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology I Lab | 4 |
| CSIT 123 | Integrated Office Software | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 14 | |
| Fall Two | ||
| BIOL 131 & 131L | Human Anatomy & Physiology II Lecture and Human Anatomy and Physiology II Lab | 4 |
| HIST 171 | Western Civilization to 1650 | 3 |
| CHEM 181 & 181L | General Chemistry I Lecture and General Chemistry I Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 171 & 171L | Physics I Lecture and Physics I Lab | 4 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring Two | ||
| CHEM 182 & 182L | General Chemistry II Lecture and General Chemistry II Lab | 4 |
| PHYS 172 & 172L | Physics II Lecture and Physics II Lab | 4 |
| BIOL 232 & 232L | Microbiology Lecture and Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| SOCI 181 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 60 | |