The Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Studies area of emphasis helps students explore and critically examine the physical universe, its life forms, and its natural phenomena that affect many aspects of life. Through introductory or integrative courses such as Anatomy, Animal Science, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Computer Network Engineering Systems, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physiology, Physics, and other STEM-related courses, students will: learn the roles of hypothesis, measurements, and analysis in the development of scientific theories; be able to formulate an empirical hypothesis, carry out an experiment, critically analyze the data, and arrive at critical, well-thought solutions to a problem by employing proven scientific methodologies, both quantitative and empirical; learn to write scientific laboratory reports and provide an effective oral presentation of scientific research findings. 

Additionally, the degree can serve as a preparation for transfer into a major that does not align with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) or to a university that does not accept the ADT as equivalent to the student’s intended transfer major.

To obtain an AA in General Studies degree with an emphasis in STEM, students are required to:

1. Complete Moorpark College’s General Education requirements to include areas 1-7 or the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).   
2. Complete a minimum of 18 units in the STEM area of emphasis. Each course in the area of emphasis must be completed with a grade of "C" or better (or a "P").  Courses in the area of emphasis may also be used to fulfill general education requirements, but the units may count only once.

Note: Universities have limitations on the number of units that can be taken “Pass/No-Pass”; therefore, it is strongly recommended that students take all major coursework for a letter grade. 

3. Complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable units. Students intending to transfer will need to complete 60 CSU or UC transferable units. 

4. Complete requirements in scholarship (2.0 minimum cumulative degree-applicable GPA).

5. Complete a minimum of 12 semester units within the Ventura County Community College District.

​NOTE: Students planning to transfer to a four-year university are advised to choose courses that meet the lower division major preparation and general education requirements for their chosen university in consultation with a college counselor.  

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• utilize critical thinking skills in evaluating reports of scientific information regarding source, bias, and the scientific method.
• demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the scientific method
• apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to interpret and analyze pertinent data.
• express an understanding of the relationships between science and other human activities which may include recognizing components of scientific decision making and apply personal and social values within the process of decision making in scientific endeavors.