Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Associate in Science (A.S.)
Immerse yourself in rigorous content that is both academically challenging and technologically satisfying with the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at Valencia College. This A.S degree program prepares you to transfer into a baccalaureate program at the University of Central Florida as a junior through DirectConnect to UCF® and/or immediately begin a STEM career.
This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with the challenging academic standards needed to prepare for future education and careers in Engineering, Computer Science and Biological/Chemical Sciences. With this STEM degree, you will understand different aspects of industry and be prepared for advanced STEM programs on the path to your new career.
Specializations Available:
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Program Details
Program Overview and Degree Requirements
Review course descriptions, important dates and deadlines and other programs details in the official college catalog.
This AS degree program requires 40 credit hours of core courses (including the required 36 hours of General education) and 24 credit hours of courses specific to one of the specializations.
Students declaring a major in an Engineering, Computer Science, or Biological/Chemical Science discipline must have a “C” (2.0) or better in each of the following prefix courses or their equivalents: BSC, COP, CHM, EGS, EGN, MAC, MAP and PHY.
Alternative Ways To Earn Credit
Did you know that you may already be eligible to receive college credit toward this program? Check out these opportunities:
- Career Pathways - Receive college credit for Career Pathways credits earned in high school.
- Industry Certifications – Receive college credit for approved Industry Certifications
- Technical College Programs – Receive college credit toward this program for completing an approved Orange Technical College or Osceola Technical College program.
PROGRAM LENGTH
64 credits
Can be completed in as little as two years.
Career Path to Bachelor’s degree
This AS degree is designed for the student who plans to transfer to the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando, Florida as a junior to complete a four-year Bachelor's degree, based upon the Direct Connect articulation agreement between Valencia College and UCF. Additional education at the bachelor's level can enhance your skills and create further career opportunities. Students who plan to transfer are responsible for completing the admission requirements for UCF.
This AS degree includes all the general education requirements (Gen. Ed.) and the Common Program Prerequisites (CPPs) which are required for transfer to the Engineering, Computer Science, and Biological/Chemical Sciences majors at the University of Central Florida and/or any Florida public institution.
Career Outlook
Program Outcomes by Specialization
Biological/Chemical Sciences
You’ll be prepared to work in laboratories, where they conduct experiments, or in manufacturing facilities, such as chemical or pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, where they monitor production processes.
Career Outlook
- Use the scientific method as an effective problem-solving approach.
- Apply the scientific method in the laboratory setting.
- Practice safe laboratory behaviors.
Computer Science
You’ll be prepared to work in an industry that innovates the software technology of tomorrow. Areas of interest include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, Computer Forensics and Robotics. Computer Scientists develop, write, maintain and use software to identify, analyze and find solutions to complex computing problems.
Career Outlook
- Analyze technical problems to be solved with computer programs.
- Design and Implement software solutions using procedural and object-oriented programming languages.
- Test and debug software solutions.
Engineering
You’ll be prepared to work in support positions related to the engineering enterprise, within a broad range of engineering disciplines, depending on the specific specialization courses taken. Areas of interest include aerospace applications, electronic applications, embedded control systems, mechanical systems, civil and structural analysis, petrochemical applications, as well as many others.
Career Outlook
- Use hardware and software tools in the science and engineering professions.
- Solve open-ended engineering problems using concepts from engineering, physics and mathematics.
Potential Careers
- Chemical Specialist
- Biological Technician
- Computer Scientist
- Programming and Systems Analyst
- Software Tester
- Engineering Support Specialist
- Engineering Assistant
- Engineering Technician
AVERAGE SALARY RANGE
$45,880
Placement Rate
The average placement rate for Valencia College A.S. degree and certificate programs ranges between 90 – 95%, according to the latest FETPIP data.
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Need Help?
For general enrollment questions,, assistance is available through our Answer Center or by contacting Enrollment Services.
407-582-1507