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STEM at Taft College

STEM is the Acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Graduates with a degree in a STEM discipline are coveted by organizations. The skills needed for each of these disciplines overlap and complement one another; and graduates develop a multidisciplinary skill set. This overlap is clearly illustrated by the Engineering Course Flowchart on this page. Individual degree program links are provided in the information section, below.

STEM Degrees at Taft College

Science

The Taft College Life Science Program offers an Associate in Science in Life Science. The program examines evolutionary principles for a comprehensive model for understanding the origins of organisms and the changes they undergo. Science technicians use the principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, and to help invent and improve products and processes. Students also learn operating procedures in the use and treatment of common lab equipment and materials.

The Taft College Physical Science Program offers an Associate in Science in Physical Science. The program provides a broad background in the sciences. The major consists of a combination of courses selected from astronomy, chemistry, physical geography, geology, and physics.

The Taft College Biology Program offers an Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer. The program is designed to prepare students to transfer to a California State University (CSU) as a junior with a degree in Biology. This degree provides students with the foundation classes to support ongoing interest in the field of biology, and they acquire a conceptual understanding of cellular and molecular processes, plant and animal diversity, and evolutionary concepts.

Additionally, if you are interested in science but prefer a broader liberal arts program rather than a STEM major, Taft College offers an Associate in Arts degree for Liberal Arts Area of Emphasis: Natural & Physical Science, and an Associate in Arts degree for Liberal Arts Area of Emphasis: Natural and Life Science. These programs are not designed for students seeking to transfer to a four-year school.

Technology

The Taft College Energy Technology Program offers an Associate in Science in Energy Technology. The program is designed to provide training and education in technical and professional skills to enable individuals to work in the energy industry. Skills attained also will be transferable to other related fields, such as manufacturing, food processing, renewable/alternative energy fields, and others.

Engineering

The Taft College Engineering Program offers an Associate in Science in Engineering. It is designed to provide the foundational courses for a student to successfully complete upper division course work to achieve a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in the CSU system in one of the following:

  • B.S. Engineering Science
  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering
  • B.S. Aerospace Engineering
  • B.S. Civil Engineering
  • B.S. Manufacturing Engineering 
  • B.S. Electrical Engineering
  • B.S. Computer Engineering

To help ensure engineering students are supported and excel in their programs, Taft College offers the unique  Hutchison Engineering Promise Program (HEPP) . Support may be both financial and academic. Learn more and link to the HEPP Application on the Engineering page. Students need to apply separately to this program, and applications are due by the end of June. 

Development of an educational plan with counseling and engineering faculty, and meeting with a counselor each semester is strongly encouraged. See the Engineering Course Flowchart, below.

Engineering Course Flowchart

Engineering Course Flowchart

Download the Engineering Course Flowchart (PDF)

Mathematics

The Taft College Mathematics Program offers an Associate in Arts in Mathematics; and the Taft College Mathematics for Transfer Program offers an Associate in Science in Mathematics for Transfer, which is designed to prepare students to transfer to a California State University as a junior with a degree in Mathematics. The program for both degrees provides students with the foundation classes to support ongoing interest in the field of mathematics. The core consists of the calculus sequence required for transfer.

Additionally, Taft College offers an Associate in Arts degree for Liberal Arts Area of Emphasis: Math and Science. This is for those interested in math and science but seeking a broader liberal arts degree. This Program is not designed for students seeking to transfer to a four-year school.

Science and Technology Beyond STEM

Taft College offers other science and technology-related degrees and certificates that are not core STEM programs. Some of these areas include allied health, health and physical education, dental hygiene, and energy technology, among others.

There are career-forward options within the Career Technical Education (CTE) Programs that provide hands-on occupational training for energy, safety, and welding, among others.

Learn more by linking to Degrees and Certificates.

Liberal Arts Degrees with an Emphasis in Math or Science

Taft College offers three associate in arts (A.A.) degrees in liberal arts with an area of emphasis in math and/or science,  These offer a broader liberal arts program and are not designed as transfer degrees.

For More Information