Science Certificate

Bananas are radioactive. The human body has enough DNA to extend from our sun to Pluto and back – 17 times! And rats laugh when tickled. If these kinds of discoveries spark your curiosity and inspire you to want to make discoveries of your own, College of the Rockies’ Science certificate is a great place to start.

Take a year to explore the sciences and find out what interests you most from fields like Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Math, Physics, and Statistics.

Your one-year Science certificate prepares you to further your studies in the College’s Associate of Science degree and/or a bachelor’s degree at one of our partner institutions. Domestic students can start this program in September, January, or May, whichever is a better fit for you!

Program Overview

This one-year certificate program starts in September, January, or May each year and is available online, face to face, or a mix of both. You choose what works for you and if it stops working, you can change your choice of delivery method(s) in the second semester.

Part-time students applying in the winter or spring semester should select University General Studies as their program when applying.

Whether your interest is in Human Anatomy and Physiology, Cell Biology, Physical or Quantitative Geography, Environmental Science, Chemical Analysis, Environmental Chemistry, or any other STEM-related subject, you’re sure to find courses of interest, including:

Astronomy
Biology of the Environment
Environmental Chemistry
Chemistry for Engineering
Programming in C++
Software Analysis and Design
Engineering Statics and Dynamics
Physical Geography
Physical and Historical Geology
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics
Introduction to Environmental Science – and more!

Why Choose to Study Sciences?

Gain a better understanding of the world around you.
Opens many opportunities for employment in a STEM-focused world.
Fast-paced discovery and development can be very exciting.
Improves your analytical and problem-solving skills.

View Science Certificate Planning Guide

View official program outline

Course Selections

Science Certificate Requirements

Refer to our A-Z Course listings and check course availability in AccessCOTR from the following subjects:

3 Credits of 100 level English or Communications
6 Credits of Math, excluding MATH 105, MATH 107 and MATH 111
6 Credits of Lab Science
3 Credits in Arts or Humanities or Social Science
12 Credits of Math and Science

Choose 12 credits from the following for Math and Science subjects:

Astronomy	Biology	Chemistry
Computer Science	Engineering	Environmental Science
Environmental Studies	Geography	Geology
Mathematics*	Physics	Statistics

_{*excluding MATH 105, MATH 107 and MATH 111}

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
Minimum 65% in either English Studies 12, English First Peoples 12, ENGL 090, or equivalent.
Either Pre-Calculus 11, Pre-Calculus 12, MATH 080 or MATH-090 with a minimum grade of 65%; both Foundations of Math 11 and Foundations of Math 12 with a minimum grade of 65%; or Calculus 12; or equivalent

Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students:

For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)

Tuition Year 1:	$1,826.40
Tuition Year 2:	$1,826.40
Lab Fee:	$669.84
Application Fee:	$30.00
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Total	$4,750.44

_{*These prices are for domestic students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Tuition and Fees for International Students:

For the 2024/25 academic year (2024/SU, 2024/FA, 2025/WI, 2025/SP)

Tuition Year 1:	$7,932.45
Tuition Year 2:	$7,932.45
Lab Fee:	$669.84
Application Fee:	$100.00
International Fee:	$100.00
Student Association Fee:	$69.00
Bus Pass Fee:	$88.80
Health and Dental Fee:	$240.00
Guard.me Insurance:	$270.00
Total	$17,402.54

_{*These prices are for international students and may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

Career Info and Pathways

Scientists work in almost every field, including business, teaching, technology and more. The world of science is so vast, whatever your niche there is likely to be opportunities. It’s also a great option for those interested in lifelong learning.

With additional education, some career opportunities could include: