To transfer to a four-year program in atmospheric science and meteorology, students must take science and math courses as well as introductory courses in meteorology. Job opportunities may include weather forecasting in aviation, marine or shipping companies, government agencies, broadcasting, or transportation industries. Additionally, meteorologists may work with other scientists researching phenomena such as volcanoes, hurricanes and global warming.

Biology, or life science, is the study of all aspects of living organisms, emphasizing the relationship of animals and plants to their environment. This program provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students planning to major in biology, botany, zoology, marine biology, ecological studies or microbiology. Biology majors may also enter professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, optometry or podiatry.

Chemistry is the science that investigates the composition, properties and change of properties of elementary forms of matter. In addition to coursework in chemistry, the A.A. is a science and math intensive program that includes courses in botany, biology, physics, geometry and calculus. Chemists may work as researchers, analysts, or quality control specialists in companies that manufacture anything from pharmaceuticals to food products. Additionally, students may pursue careers in medicine, environmental science, chemical engineering or many other fields.

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Environmental Studies examines environmental issues from both ecological and sociological standpoints. Thus, it is an interdisciplinary major which combines life sciences, social sciences and the humanities. Students at MDC take mostly science and mathematics courses to prepare for transfer into a baccalaureate program. This field is projected to grow in the 21st century, as the need for environmental researchers, analysts, engineers and journalists will grow.

Geologists study the structure, composition and history of the Earth. This program provides basic coursework in geology, calculus, biology and chemistry. Some examples of employers of geologists include agencies targeting pollution or urban waste, corporations searching for new sources of petroleum or natural gas, and research organizations studying volcanoes or earthquakes.

Physics is the study of the motion and force of energy and matter. This science is applied to different kinds of energy and matter, as in thermodynamics, astrophysics, nuclear physics and wave motion analysis. The A.A. coursework provides a fundamental education in mathematics and science topics so that students may transfer to pursue their area of interest. Careers in research are available both in government agencies and private industries, as well as in educational institutions, though in most cases graduate degrees are required.