Exploring Math and Science Programs at Fullerton College

Fullerton College offers a variety of programs in mathematics and science designed to cater to diverse student goals, from those seeking to transfer to four-year universities to those aiming for immediate career entry or personal enrichment. These programs are housed within the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, which provides a comprehensive educational experience through student-centered, inquiry-based instruction in both classroom and laboratory settings. The curricula are meticulously designed to prepare students for careers in scientific, mathematical, and other technical fields, advanced graduate work, and professional schools in medicine and health-related disciplines. The faculty is actively involved in instruction, research, and student advisement, guiding students in planning their career and program goals.

Mathematics Associate in Science Degrees

Fullerton College offers two distinct Associate in Science degrees in Mathematics: the standard Mathematics Associate in Science (AS) Degree and the Mathematics Associate in Science Degree for Transfer (AS-T).

Mathematics Associate in Science (AS) Degree

This degree is designed to prepare students to transfer to colleges and universities that offer bachelor's degrees in mathematics. A degree in mathematics can open doors to a wide array of industries, including education, finance, insurance, information technology, engineering, operations, manufacturing, consulting, analysis, and research.

The Mathematics Associate in Science Degree requires a total of 18-22 units, in addition to other graduation requirements.

Mathematics Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) Degree

The Mathematics AS-T Degree is specifically designed to facilitate transfer to California State University (CSU) campuses offering bachelor's degrees in mathematics. According to Ed Code Section 66746-66749, students earning this degree are granted priority admission as a Mathematics major to a local CSU, as determined by the CSU campus to which they apply.

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Like the standard AS degree, the AS-T degree can lead to careers in education, finance, insurance, information technology, engineering and operations, manufacturing, consulting, analysis, and research. The Mathematics AS-T Degree requires a total of 18-20 units.

Requirements for all AA-T or AS-T Degrees

All Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and AS-T degrees share common requirements, with no additional graduation requirements beyond these:

Transferable Units: Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University. This includes:
- The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University General Education - Breadth Requirements.
- A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
Grade Point Average: Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
Course Grades: Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis.

Non-Credit Course: Math Lab

Fullerton College provides a Non-Credit Math Lab course that offers individual tutoring based on each student’s needs in mathematics and computer science. Students wishing to utilize the Math Lab must enroll in this course, which involves 36 hours of lecture per term.

Intensive Arithmetic Review Courses

Fullerton College offers a series of non-credit courses designed to provide an intensive review of fundamental arithmetic concepts. These courses cater to students with varying levels of prior knowledge and are graded on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Course 1 (6 hours lecture per term): Focuses on arithmetic operations with whole numbers and fractions, rounding and estimation, and applied problems. Calculator use is not permitted.
Course 2 (54 hours lecture per term): Covers arithmetic operations and applied problems with decimals, rounding, estimation, ratios, proportion problem-solving, percentages and applications, the arithmetic of denominate numbers, introduction to the metric system, and measurement geometry. Calculators are required for selected topics.
Course 3 (72 hours lecture per term): Provides an intensive review of arithmetic fundamentals, including operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percent, estimation, and solving applied problems.
Course 4 (72 hours lecture per term): Includes operations on integers, fractions, mixed numbers and decimals, ratio, proportion and percentages, working with variable expressions, interpretation of statistical graphs, measurement and geometry, and an introduction to polynomials and graphing. Calculators are required for selected topics.
Course 5 (72 hours lecture per term): Covers the properties of real numbers, factoring, exponents and radicals, solving and graphing linear equations, polynomials and rational algebraic expressions, and linear systems of equations. Calculators are required for selected topics.
Course 6 (108 hours lecture per term): This course is an intensive review of the fundamentals of arithmetic. The course includes: operations of arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, decimals; percent; estimation; equations and applied problems; introduction to the metric system; and the arithmetic of denominate numbers. Calculators will be required for selected topics.

Accelerated Pathway to Transfer-Level Statistics

This course offers an accelerated pathway to prepare students for transfer-level statistics, covering core concepts from elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, and descriptive statistics. Topics include ratios, rates and proportional reasoning; arithmetic reasoning using fractions, decimals and percents; evaluating expressions, solving equations, analyzing algebraic forms to understand statistical measures; use of linear, quadratic, absolute value, exponential, and logarithmic functions to model bivariate data; graphical and numerical descriptive statistics for quantitative and categorical data.

Interdisciplinary Studies with an Emphasis in Science and Mathematics

This program prepares students with the development of mathematical and quantitative reasoning skills beyond the level of intermediate algebra. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the methodologies of science as investigative tools. Students will also examine the influence that the acquisition of scientific knowledge has on human experience. This emphasis includes lower-division coursework that prepares students for majors in science, math, and health-related fields. Transfer pathways may have additional requirements outside of this degree, and students are encouraged to consult with a counselor to explore their options.

Hornet Pathways

Fullerton College utilizes Hornet Pathways to group programs with similar goals, allowing students to explore a variety of options based on their passions and academic interests. Each program of study belongs to a Hornet Pathway and an academic division, each housing a variety of departments. This structure helps students navigate the college's offerings and find the programs that best align with their aspirations.

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