Start Your Career: By the Numbers
Apply To This ProgramFlexible
Options
Complete your courses in a seated, hybrid or online format.
Research Opportunities
Participate in a field research course to complete a personal project and present findings to your peers.
Smooth
Transfer
Complete foundational courses needed for a variety of four-year degrees.
Explore the Building Blocks of Life
Discover how life connects and thrives in the world around you. Biology is the starting point to many important careers. Start your education at Ozarks Tech and prepare to transfer into bachelor’s biology programs. Use your degree to pursue a variety of careers, including:
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Medical doctor
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Physician’s assistant
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Research lab technician
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Ecology and wildlife management
Gain hands-on experience in lab courses that help you understand the principles and laboratory procedures used in biological sciences. You also have a chance to take part in research and community projects.
Start your journey in biology at Ozarks Tech and see where your curiosity can take you.
Program Information
View our accreditation information and learn more about how to apply to Ozarks Tech.
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Accreditation
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Get Involved
Find your community and get involved on campus. Student clubs are a great place to build friendships and professional connections in your field.
Thinking about earning your bachelor’s degree?
After your A.S., you may continue your education at a four-year institution. Bear in mind:
- Admission requirements vary
- Credits may transfer on a course-by-course basis, depending on the transfer institution
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Biology (A.S.)
A.S. Degree: 62 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
This Associate of Science degree program prepares students to transfer to a four-year college or university to major in biology. Because requirements vary at each four-year college or university, students should check with their faculty advisor or the school to which they intend to transfer to ensure they are taking the appropriate courses.
More Tools for Finding Your Path
Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.