Study Biotechnology and Gain Real-World Lab Skills

Biotechnology is transforming medicine, agriculture, manufacturing and diagnostics, creating new career opportunities across the St. Louis region. St. Louis Community College’s biotechnology programs help you build the scientific and technical skills employers are looking for through training developed with input from local industry partners.

Choose the certificate of proficiency (CP) to quickly build specialized skills or the associate in applied science (AAS) for broader technical training. You’ll study topics such as bioinformatics, biomanufacturing and advanced laboratory techniques while preparing for careers in one of the region’s fastest-growing industries.

What is Biotechnology at St. Louis Community College?

Biotechnology combines science and technology to solve real-world challenges in medicine, agriculture, food production and environmental research. At STLCC, you’ll explore the science behind these innovations while developing the laboratory and technical skills needed for careers in today’s biotechnology industry.

For more than 20 years, STLCC has prepared students for careers in biotechnology and life sciences. The program blends biology, chemistry, physics and math with hands-on training in areas such as gene editing, bioprocessing, bioinformatics and forensics. Small class sizes mean you’ll work closely with faculty who bring both industry and research experience into the classroom.

You’ll build practical skills in cloning and plant transformation, protein purification, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies, experiment documentation, data management and other laboratory techniques used by biotechnology employers.

Much of your coursework takes place at the Bio Research and Development Growth (BRDG) Park on the campus of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur. There, you'll train in research-grade laboratories and greenhouses using the same equipment and technologies found in professional biotechnology facilities, including tools for DNA sequencing, cell culture and bioinformatics.

What Can You Do with a Biotechnology Degree?

A biotechnology degree from STLCC prepares you for careers in one of the fastest-growing industries in the St. Louis region. You’ll develop the scientific knowledge and laboratory skills needed to support research, product development, manufacturing, quality testing and other work in biotechnology, life sciences and related fields.

Every biotechnology student completes a workplace learning internship at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center or another industry partner location. These experiences allow you to apply classroom knowledge in a professional setting, gain valuable laboratory experience and build connections with employers before graduation.

Graduates may find opportunities with biotechnology companies, research laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturers, agricultural science organizations and other life science employers. The program also provides a strong foundation for continued education in biotechnology, biology and related scientific fields.

More than 90% of STLCC biotechnology graduates are employed in biotechnology or a related field, reflecting the program’s strong connection to workforce needs and employer demand.

Biotechnology Programs

Degrees offered: Associate in applied science (AAS), certificate of proficiency (CP)
Locations: BRDG Park
AAS Hours to complete: 60
CP Hours to complete: 32
Program contact: James Rauschendorfer
Program contact email: jrauschendorfer@stlcc.edu

Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.

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