Biotechnology Programs

Prepare for a Rewarding Career in Biotechnology at STLCC

Ready to shape the future through science? Biotechnology drives breakthroughs in forensics, pharmaceuticals, genetic research and medical diagnostics. At STLCC, you'll master the techniques that power these industries. Our modern labs give you real experience with DNA sequencing, cell culture and analytical testing. Industry partners helped us build programs that match what employers need right now. Choose a certificate of proficiency (CP) or an associate of applied science (AAS) and start building your career in biotech.

What is Biotechnology at St. Louis Community College?

For over two decades, STLCC has trained biotechnology students who contribute to scientific research and innovation. Our biotechnology programs provide entry into growing scientific fields where you'll study biology, chemistry, physics and math to develop solutions that can improve people's lives. You'll explore topics like cloning, bioprocessing and forensics while building skills that help answer important scientific questions.

Small class sizes in our biotechnology programs give you opportunities to work closely with faculty who bring industry and academic experience to their teaching. Many maintain connections to local bioscience companies and research organizations. You'll complete much of your coursework at the Bio Research and Development Growth (BRDG) Park, which is outfitted with industry-leading equipment commonly used by industry and academic laboratories. BRDG Park is located on the campus of the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in Creve Coeur, MO.

What Can You Do with a Biotechnology Degree?

If you want to be on the front line of cutting-edge biotech research, there’s no better way to start your journey than earning an associate of applied science in biotechnology from STLCC. Our programs will prepare you for a broad range of specialties throughout the biotech field — including cloning, agriculture and forensics.

Each of our biotechnology students benefits from a workplace learning internship in the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center or at an industry partner’s location. Your internship will not only give you even more hands-on training but also will introduce you to professionals in your field so that you can start creating a strong professional network while you earn your AAS.

Some of the valuable laboratory skills you’ll gain here that can help you as you enter your career include:

Cloning
Protein purification
Proper documentation of experiments
Forensics
Plant transformation
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies
Bioprocessing

Because our program is focused on the skills that employers need, more than 90% of our graduates of the biotechnology program are employed in the biotech industry or related field.

Interested in learning more about how our associate of applied science degree in biotechnology can help you find your dream career? We invite you to visit and learn about the equipment, the type of training we do and where our biotechnology students might end up at the end of the program.

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 $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.