Your Launch Pad to a Future in Science & Technology
Ready to launch your dreams? The Associate in Science (AS) degree at Iowa Lakes Community College is designed for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science, technical fields, or pre-professional studies. This program provides a strong foundation in analytical reasoning, scientific principles, and problem-solving—setting the stage for academic success at top colleges and universities.
By completing the Associate in Science transfer degree, you’ll satisfy general education requirements at multiple institutions, with many credits also applying toward major-specific coursework. Whether preparing for a career in engineering, biology, healthcare, or computer science, this degree ensures you have the essential knowledge to thrive in a competitive field.
To earn your AS degree, you’ll need to follow the AS degree requirements, including:
- Complete a minimum of 64 semester credits, including at least three credits dedicated to diversity studies.
- Based on the Iowa Lakes grading system, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Satisfy core general education requirements totaling 40 or more credits, with an emphasis on math and science.
Each transfer degree may have unique prerequisites in math, science, social sciences, or humanities, so working with an advisor is key to ensuring your coursework aligns with your intended four-year institution.
Explore career pathways and salary expectations for science and technology through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to take the next step? Connect with an enrollment coach today to start your journey!
Find Your It!
A Smart Start for STEM and Pre-Professional Studies
A Foundation for High-Demand Careers
An Associate in Science degree from Iowa Lakes is your first step toward a future in high-demand STEM fields. Whether your interests lie in engineering, data science, environmental studies, or healthcare, this program gives you a competitive edge by focusing on the critical thinking and technical skills needed for success.
Seamless Transfer for Advanced Study
Iowa Lakes has many transfer agreements with leading universities to ensure your credits apply to your four-year degree. Our advisors will help you map out your coursework to align with your chosen institution’s program, maximizing your academic potential.
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Science (64 credits)
Campus
All Campuses
Additional Information
Term 1
SDV 103 – Successful Learning
Students master the academic and personal skills needed to succeed in higher education and in life. Content will cover academic, communication and life management skills. Goal setting, time management, note taking, test taking and how to be a lifelong learner will also be covered.
Term 2
Term 3
- Communications Course
- Math or Science Course (with lab)
- Social Science
- Elective Course
- Elective Course
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
By obtaining an Associate in Science (AS) degree from Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
Communications:
- Students are able to communicate clearly, both written and oral using the correct medium.
- Students are able to support ideas with appropriate and adequate information.
Science:
- Demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
- Apply scientific inquiry/scientific method to answer questions about the natural world.
Mathematics:
- Apply mathematical methods to solve real world problems.
- Evaluate the validity of mathematical solutions.
Social Science:
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
- Students will critique the diversity of human experience, individually and collectively.
Humanities:
- Respond critically using established aesthetic principles or criteria, or an ethical judgement of specific examples as it relates to the discipline.
- Express the principles of the discipline within the global community by using the language, syntax, and cultural context of the discipline appropriately.
Computers:
- Integrate the technology necessary in the workplace environment.
- Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing software application tools.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Associate in Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Transfer data to Iowa Regent Universities
First Year University GPA
Note: This is the average of transfer with associates and transfer, no associates
2.94
Average Retention One Year After Transferring to a Regent University
86%
Average University Graduation Rates Three Years After Entry to a Regent University
58%
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Molly Struve Dean of Arts & Sciences and Academic Success 712-362-7935 | mstruve@iowalakes.edu |