Biotechnology

School of Mathematics & Sciences

BIOTECHNOLOGY

Prepare for a career in biotech with hands-on training in lab techniques, biology, and chemistry. Our program equips you for entry-level jobs or transfer to a four-year degree.

Contact Information

Academic Advisor
Advising
advising@stchas.edu

Are you interested in biotechnology or biomanufacturing, but you're not sure where to start? Hoping to land a job with a major corporation in the agricultural or biological sciences industry? The Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) in Biotechnology might be the right pathway for you. The Biotechnology, AAS is a two-year program that prepares students for immediate employment in the biotech industry.

Office Information

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | SCC Main 2442

The suggested course sequence helps you to complete your program.

Degrees

Careers

Biotechnician
Biofuels Processing Technician
Bio-process Technician
Biomanufacturing Technician
Quality Assurance/Control Technician
Chemical Technician
Food Science Technician
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician/Assistant
Research Technician

Industry Salaries

Median Salaries: $49,000- $66,000

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biotechnicians can earn an annual mean wage of $47,360 in the state of Missouri. Exceptional performers can earn more than $80,000 nationally.

The A.A.S. Biotechnology program includes coursework in chemistry, biology, and biotechnology. Students will receive a strong foundation in core topics before moving on to practical work in lab. Students will gain hands-on experience with the instrumentation, methodologies, and techniques used in industry, including gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, cell manipulation and imaging, protein purification, aseptic technique, documentation and standard operating procedures (SOP), and Good Manufacturing Practices.

At several points in the degree program students will be eligible to earn industry-recognized credentials from the Bioscience Core Skills Instituteand Biotechnician Aptitude and Competency Exam. Students will complete 6 credit hours of internship experience coursework prior to completing their degree, furthering their preparation for an industry position after graduation.

The A.A.S. is awarded to students completing the requirements of a career/technical program. Although this degree is not intended to be a transfer degree, many of the courses will transfer to four-year institutions.

Contact Information

Mara Vorachek-Warren
Dean
636-922-8291
mvorachek-warren@stchas.edu

Katie Piacentini
Assistant Dean
636-922-8547
kpiacentini@stchas.edu

Monica Hall-Woods
Professor of Biology
636-922-8634
mhall-woods@stchas.edu

Charlene Jones
Administrative Assistant
636-922-8351
charlene_jones@stchas.edu