Majors
Our four associate鈥檚 degree majors, consisting of six courses each, prepare you for specialized careers in education, business, health, and STEM fields. Each associate鈥檚 degree major at Messina College aligns with degree requirements in Boston College鈥檚 undergraduate divisions. This is to ensure that eligible students have a straightforward path to transfer from the associate鈥檚 degree to a 91滴滴 bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Majors
Interested in learning programming and using data to solve real-world problems?
听
Applied Data Science prepares you to join one of the world鈥檚 fastest-growing fields. You鈥檒l gain skills in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), statistics, and software engineering, which data scientists use in a variety of industries to process and analyze data, identify patterns, create powerful visualizations, build machine learning (ML) models, and make predictions and inferences. The Applied Data Science major is supported by faculty in the Computer Science Department of the Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain skills in data processing, management, and visualization.
- Learn the fundamentals of computer programming.
- Use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze data and perform statistical modeling, to quantify uncertainty in conclusions and predictions made with data.
听
Computer Science Concentration
Computer science is the study of computers, from computation theory to the design and implementation of hardware and software. In this optional focused area of study within the Applied Data Science major, you鈥檒l gain skills in computer programming, computational problem solving, and software development and prepare for careers in computing-focused fields like software engineering and computer security.听
- Concentration courses begin during your second fall semester, replacing certain Applied Data Science major courses听
- Same number of credits as the Applied Data Science major
听
Post-Graduation Pathways
Workforce鈥擮rganizations across industries rely on data to guide their strategies and decisions, and graduates are prepared for a range of roles in this rapidly growing field. They can pursue entry-level positions such as business analysts, operations analysts, operations research analysts, data analysts, data architects, and database administrators.
Education鈥擲tudents are well-positioned to transition into a wide range of bachelor鈥檚 programs, including computer science, either at Boston College or other universities. Additionally, students may be able to transition directly into the Applied Data Science B.S. at 91滴滴鈥檚 Woods College of Advancing Studies.
听
| Applied Data Science Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Programming in R for Data Science | 1 |
| Principles of Economics (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Principles of Computer Science | 3 |
| Data Science Principles | 3 |
| Database Systems and Applications OR Computer Science I | 3 |
| Data Visualization | 3 |
| Data Science Methods and Applications | 3 |
Interested in child development, teaching, and social services for schools and families?
听
Applied Psychology and Human Development provides a foundation in concepts, issues, and theories related to children鈥檚 learning and development. You鈥檒l gain the skills needed for meaningful careers that support the lives of children and families. The Applied Psychology and Human Development major is supported by faculty in the Carolyn A. and Peter S. Lynch School of Education and Human Development.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the concepts, issues and theory related to both neurotypical and neurodivergent children鈥檚 learning and development.
- Analyze cultural/ethnic, contextual, and educational factors in human development.
- Critically interpret and evaluate research in order to make evidence-based decisions and advocate for children and families.
听
Teaching Concentration
Develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to be an effective elementary, middle, or high school teacher.
In this optional focused area of study within the Applied Psychology and Human Development major, you鈥檒l learn how to teach children and adolescents reading, math, science, and social studies, and prepare for roles such as teacher鈥檚 aide, special education assistant, and preschool teacher. There is a strong focus on working with students with disabilities, bilingual education, and teaching for equity and social justice. In your second year, in place of the second-year internship, you will be placed in a Greater Boston area classroom for one day a week where you will be able to practice the skills you鈥檙e building in your classes.
- Concentration courses begin during your second fall semester, replacing certain Applied Psychology and Human Development major courses听
- Same number of credits as the Applied Psychology and Human Development major
听
Post-Graduation Pathways听
Workforce鈥擥raduates are prepared for professional support roles in early childhood education programs such as child care professionals; in schools or social services; and in academic and non-profit settings as research assistants or support workers.
Education鈥擲tudents can use the associate鈥檚 degree in Applied Psychology and Human Development as a stepping stone to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 degree for more advanced psychology and education careers. Students are well-prepared to transition into a wide range of bachelor鈥檚 programs either at Boston College or at other universities.
| Applied Psychology and Human Development Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| Family, School, and Society (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Research Methods for Applied Psychology | 3 |
| Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| Cognition and Learning | 3 |
| Education and Development for Students with Disabilities OR Learning & Curriculum in the Elementary School | 3 |
Interested in what makes an organization, company, or brand successful?
听
General Business is all about the different functional areas of business, including finance, accounting, operations, marketing, and business law. You鈥檒l also gain foundational skills in data literacy, communication, and ethical reasoning. The General Business major is supported by faculty in the Carroll School of Management.
Learning Outcomes
- 听Gain an overview of the various functional areas of business
- Develop skills in data literacy
- Develop strong communication skills
- Develop ethical reasoning skills
听
Post-Graduation Pathways
Workforce鈥擥raduates are equipped for a wide variety of business-related careers in areas such as human resources, sales, and finance. They are prepared for entry-level positions, including functional specialists (e.g., payroll specialist), customer service representatives, office managers, and administrative assistants.
Education鈥擲tudents are well-prepared to transition into a wide range of bachelor鈥檚 programs, such as in finance, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, information systems, and others, either at Boston College or at other universities.
听
| General Business Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Excel for Business Analytics | 1 |
| Principles of Economics (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Coding for Business | 3 |
| Marketing Principles OR Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| Financial Accounting | 3 |
| Fundamentals of Finance | 3 |
| Law I: Introduction to Law and Legal Process | 3 |
| Statistical Computing: Programming in R | 1 |
Interested in patient-centered healthcare or becoming a nurse?
听
Designed as a pre-nursing curriculum, Health Sciences opens the door to many meaningful roles in healthcare. You鈥檒l gain practical skills in patient care through both classroom and clinical placements, as well as foundational skills relevant to a variety of careers in the healthcare industry, including positions in hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, laboratories, clinics, and home health agencies. The Health Sciences major is supported by faculty in the William F. Connell School of Nursing.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop the knowledge and skills of a well-rounded healthcare support professional.
- Learn practical skills in patient care and teamwork.
- Prepare for immediate employment in the healthcare field.
- Implement a philosophy congruent with values that support the intrinsic worth and dignity of each human being.
- Develop the communication skills necessary to contribute to quality healthcare delivery.
听
Public Health Concentration
Public health protects the health of populations by preventing disease, safeguarding the environment, and reducing health disparities.
In this optional focused area of study within the Health Sciences major, you鈥檒l gain an understanding of how structural, economic, cultural, and social factors influence health. You鈥檒l also develop practical skills in health literacy and communication while learning about public health鈥檚 ethical and legal foundations, and prepare for entry-level roles in state and local health agencies, hospitals, community health centers, and social service organizations.
- Concentration courses begin during your second fall semester, replacing certain Health Sciences major courses听
- Same number of credits as the Health Sciences major
听
Post-Graduation Pathways
Workforce鈥擥raduates are prepared for immediate employment in professional support roles, such as certified nursing assistants, patient care assistants, medical assistants, or emergency room technicians.
Education鈥擲tudents are well-positioned to continue bachelor鈥檚 degree studies in nursing, either at Boston College or other universities. While designed as a pre-nursing curriculum, the Health Sciences major can also position students for further studies in other health fields such as physical and occupational therapy or public health, and as physician鈥檚 assistants.
| Health Science Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| Life Science Chemistry + Lab (Natural Science Core) | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology 1 + Lab (Natural Science Core) | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology 2 + Lab | 4 |
| Microbiology for Health Professionals + Microbiology Lab | 4 |
| Health Assessment Clinical | 3 |
| Nursing Assessment of Health Across the Lifespan (Social Science Core) | 3 |
| Pathophysiology | 3 |
| Adult Health Nursing Theory 1 | 3 |
| Adult Health Nursing Clinical 1 | 3 |
| Clinical Pharmacology | 3 |
| Principles of Nutrition Across the Lifespan | 3 |
| Intro to Professional Nursing (optional for B.S. Nursing candidates) | 0 |