STEM Pathway
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. If you are interested in these topics, the STEM Pathway is for you.
The STEM Pathway offers degrees and certificates for students who want to be doctors or dentists, pharmacists or physical therapists, students who want to design and build complex structures such as computer systems, machines, buildings, or who plan on managing farms, starting wineries, or pursuing research in any field of science or mathematics. Students interested in teaching high school sciences should also consider this pathway. While some degrees and certificates end at YVC, many of them transfer to four year colleges and universities.
As with all the pathways, you may choose to move to a different pathway at any time. If you so choose, an advisor can help you.
Areas of Interest
The Agriculture program provides students with the attitudes, abilities, and problem-solving capabilities to meet career responsibilities and lead agriculture into the future. As the number one employer in central Washington, the agriculture industry offers exciting and challenging career opportunities. YVC offers a variety of certificates and associate/transfer degrees. After earning an associate/transfer degree students can transfer to a university or earn a bachelor of applied science degree at YVC. Areas of study include:
- Agribusiness
- Production/Pest Management
- Tree Fruit Production
- Vineyard Technology
- Winery Technology
Astronomy is the scientific study of the universe and Earth’s place within it. Astronomers study the planets and other bodies of our solar system (planetary science), stars and galaxies (astrophysics), and the origin and evolution of the universe itself (cosmology) using the principles of mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, and biology.
YVC’s Astronomy 100 course (A Survey of Astronomy) is a beginning level course exploring the workings of our solar system and its various components, the structure of the universe as we see it, and the theories behind the origins of the universe’s many components. Students interested in a career in astronomy or a related field should follow a program leading to the Associate in Arts degree (AA-DTA) or Associate in Science – Track 2 degree (AS-T T2) and then transfer to a college or university that offers astronomy or physics as a major. A lab course in planetary science (ASTR&110) is also offered that is tailored toward students planning to major in the field.
This program focuses on cellular biology, microbiology, anatomy, physiology, botany, ecology, and evolution. The Biology program promotes scientific literacy and analytical reasoning and prepares students for successful completion of YVC’s dental hygiene, nursing, radiologic science, or veterinary technology programs; completion of a bachelor’s degree at transfer institutions; and for participating in personal, cultural, social, and environmental decision making as an educated citizen.
The Biology program at YVC has a variety of courses that students can choose to complete their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science Transfer degree.
Yakima Valley College has an articulation agreement with the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences for many biology courses that meet the prerequisite requirements for admission to the university.
Chemical substances are the very building blocks of matter, and as such, the study of chemistry provides insight into most areas of scientific study. Courses at YVC support study in allied health fields, pre-medical, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, pre-veterinary, and pre-physical therapy, as well as provide a foundation for further study in chemistry. The Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university.
The Chemistry program at YVC has a variety of courses that students can choose to complete their Associate in Arts or Associate in Science Transfer degree.
Computer Science focuses on designing and building computers and computer programs whereas Information Technology focuses on operations, networks and running computers. Computer Science courses at YVC serve students with varying academic backgrounds and goals and prepare them to transfer into STEM majors or a health science-focused degree.
YVC’s Associate in Computer Science DTA/MRP is for students choosing to earn a pre-computer science degree in preparation for transfer. At YVC students can start Computer Science core courses while completing their general education requirements.
Engineering is the practical application of math and science to solve problems. Technologies developed by engineers improve the ways that we live, communicate, work, travel, stay healthy, and entertain ourselves. From computer chips to cellphones and buildings to automobiles, engineering makes every aspect of our modern life possible. YVC’s Engineering department offers two Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degrees in civil engineering technology and construction design technology, as well as certificates in computer aided technology (CAD), engineering technology, and land survey. Students learn specialized, in-demand skills: blueprint-reading, surveying, CAD, materials testing, and more.
The Engineering department also offers an Associate in Science DTA, Track 2 (AS-T T2) degree for student who intend to pursue bachelor’s degree engineering programs at Washington State University, University of Washington, or similar universities.
Geography unites the physical and social sciences in the study of people, places, and the environment. Major themes geographers explore are the interaction of human and natural environments, movement, and regions. Geography studies the where-and-why factors that shape our world and our lives in spatial terms. Geographers also study the links between human activity and natural systems. YVC’s courses provide introductory-level study for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.
Geology courses at YVC help students gain an understanding of the Earth’s surfaces and interior as well as the processes that have changed the Earth through time. Students who take geology courses at YVC learn through classroom activities, lab work, field trips, and assigned readings. They acquire the ability to examine the natural world analytically, use skills developed in department courses, and draw conclusions from their observations. Courses enable students to explore the field for further study, to satisfy natural science requirements, or to learn for personal enrichment. YVC’s courses provide introductory-level study for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university.
YVC’s Mathematics department serves the diverse student population of the Yakima Valley by providing a positive learning atmosphere with the highest quality of instruction. Courses range from basic arithmetic and algebra to advanced courses in trigonometry and calculus. YVC’s courses enable students to pursue further studies in the fields of mathematics, engineering, and science, as well as general and vocational education.
The Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) degree is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university. Before enrolling in their first math course, all students complete a placement process.
Nutrition is an essential part of any profession supporting human health from birth to old age, or students who want to learn more about how their bodies work or how nutrition relates to health and disease.
YVC’s Nutrition program focuses on human nutrition and its applications. The program supports students who plan to major or minor in nutrition, family and consumer sciences, or other related health fields such as nursing, dental hygiene, sports medicine, health education, and more.
Students choosing to pursue a degree in Nutrition should follow a program leading to the Associate in Arts degree (AA-DTA) and then transfer to a college or university that offers Nutrition as a major.
Physics is a fundamental science. All other sciences (and most technologies) find their roots in physics. Courses are offered in introduction, general, and engineering physics. Introduction to Physics is a survey course designed to introduce and enhance understanding of elementary physics. This course emphasizes a more conceptual and less mathematical approach to physics. YVC also offers a general physics series for non-science majors and an engineering physics series for transfer students majoring in physics, mathematics, chemistry, or engineering. These courses can be used to satisfy an engineering or calculus-based physics requirement at a university.
Students choosing to pursue a degree in Physics should follow a program leading to the Associate in Arts degree (AA-DTA) or Associate in Science – Track 2 degree (AS-T T2) and then transfer to a college or university that offers Physics as a major.
YVC’s Pre-Dental courses provide students with prerequisite coursework required to prepare them for admission to an accredited dentistry program at a 4-year college or university. Dentistry programs prepare students to be competent oral health-care professionals. Programs contribute to the fundamental understanding of biologic processes and to the behavioral, biomedical, and clinical aspects of oral health. Talk with your advisor to develop an educational plan for YVC and beyond.
Yakima Valley College has an articulation agreement with the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences for many courses that meet the prerequisite requirements for admission to the university.
YVC’s Pre-Medical courses provide students with prerequisite coursework required to prepare them for admission to an accredited medical school program in a variety of disciplines and specialties. Talk with your advisor to develop an educational plan for YVC and beyond.
Yakima Valley College has an articulation agreement with the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences for many courses that meet the prerequisite requirements for admissions to the university.
YVC’s Pre-Pharmacy courses provide students with prerequisite coursework required to prepare them for admission to an accredited pharmacy school program. A pharmacist is a highly-skilled and trusted medication expert who dispenses prescriptions to patients, conducts health screenings, give immunizations, and advises on the safe use of medicine. Talk with your advisor to develop an educational plan for YVC and beyond.
Yakima Valley College has an articulation agreement with the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences for many courses that meet the prerequisite requirements for admissions to the university.
YVC’s Pre-Physical Therapy courses provide students with prerequisite coursework required to prepare them for admission to an accredited physical therapy school program. Physical therapists diagnose and treat patients who have medical problems or injuries that limit their ability to move or function in their daily lives. Talk with your advisor to develop an educational plan for YVC and beyond.
Yakima Valley College has an articulation agreement with the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences for many courses that meet the prerequisite requirements for admission to the university.
YVC’s Pre-Veterinary courses provide students with prerequisite coursework required to prepare them for admission to an accredited veterinary school program. A veterinarian diagnoses and manages a wide range of health conditions and injuries in animals while also playing a role in animal reproduction, health management, conservation, husbandry and breeding, and preventive medicine like nutrition, vaccination and parasitic control, and zoonotic disease surveillance and prevention. Talk with your advisor to develop an educational plan for YVC and beyond.