Final answer:
Mike should pursue an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree at the community college as it aligns with his goal to major in biology at a four-year institution, offering him a suitable foundation and transferable credits for his future university studies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around which degree Mike should complete at the community college if he plans to major in biology at a four-year institution. Considering the options provided and the nature of his intended major, the best choice for Mike would be to complete an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree. The A.S. degree is traditionally geared towards science and mathematics-based pathways and will likely offer Mike a solid foundation in biology as well as other necessary science and general education courses that will be transferable to his future university studies.
Unlike the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), which is more suited for students looking to enter the workforce directly after completion, the A.S. degree aligns well with Mike's goal of transferring to a four-year biology program. It is a more academic-focused program compared to the more vocationally-aligned A.A.S. Furthermore, an Associate in Arts (A.A.) might offer too broad of an education scope for a field as specialized as biology, and an Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) is unrelated to his major since it's intended for those pursuing creative arts careers.
When students like Mike have broader educational goals that require further study at a four-year institution, an A.S. degree can provide a structured pathway that facilitates transfer to baccalaureate programs, ensuring that their time and credits at community college contribute effectively towards their ultimate academic and career objectives in the sciences.